SEWING MACHINE SURGERY MADE SIMPLE

Image Gallery

Anyone can learn how to remedy the malfunctions typical of this common household helper.

Since its invention more than 100 years ago, the sewing machine has become one of the most popular pieces of do-it-yourself equipment in North America. Unfortunately, this device has probably also generated more frustration than any other tool or appliance.

After all, the money to be saved by doing the family's sewing can be eaten into pretty quickly when a few $25 (on the average) "cleaning and adjusting" bills are allowed to add up. Worse yet, many folks—unable to afford professional repairs and unwilling to face the task of fussing with the innards of the machines themselves—end up abandoning projects when their stitchers malfunction ... and such people often abandon a considerable investment in materials and time, as well.

I've certainly never been trained as a repairman. In fact, I'm not even sure—in theory—how a sewing machine works, and I have two left hands, to boot. Despite all that, though, with the help of my trusty screwdriver and the patient instruction of Johnny Sweder, a local Viking service representative, I've been able to keep four machines running for the past six years ... and one of those units was used daily, often by novice seamsters and seamstresses! Better still, my repair bill for all four machines during those six years totaled $16 for parts. (That figure, of course, doesn't include the thread, bobbins, needles, and light bulbs used during the same period.)

Furthermore, I think that the knowledge Mr. Sweder passed along to me might be of help to other folks concerned with the care and feeding of automatic stitchers. And who knows, the following bits of advice just might reduce the number of four-letter words that fly around your sewing area!

DIAGNOSING SERIOUS ILLNESSES

It's been my observation that [1] most sewing machine maladies occur because the operator cuts corners (for example, neglecting regular cleanings ... trying to use unfamiliar "bargain" needles and such ... or simply not bothering to take a quick "refresher" read through the instruction book after spending a long period without sewing), and [2] nine times out of ten, the resulting malfunctions are nevertheless—miraculously—minor and can be fixed at home.

But still, some problems do occur that are quite severe and beyond the scope of the average do-it-yourselfer. It's a good idea, therefore, to learn how to spot the troubles that will likely require a trip to the repair shop. (These same problems are, of course, important ones to look for—and avoid—in any machine you might consider buying!)

BROKEN GEARS OR BELTS

Remove the bobbin case and hold the shuttle with your left hand. If you can turn the balance wheel while holding the shuttle in place—or if you hear a racheting sound while turning the wheel—then you have reason to suspect this serious problem. (See Photo 1.)