Frequently Asked Questions

1.  How often does my machine need servicing?  

Sewing machines need to be serviced once a year for an average sewer .

2.  Does it need to be serviced if it hasn't been used? 

Yes.  When a machine sets dormant the oil  can get thick and working parts may freeze-up causing restriction of movement and may cause damage to the machine.  Secondly,  Bernina is continuously working to improve parts inside the machine and will replace parts free of charge within a certain time frame.  Often, there are updates to the firmware that will make the machine run more efficiently.  When you're ready to sew you want your machine in good working order.

3.  Do I need an appointment? 

No.  You may want to call and make sure Thurman or Debbie is in and doesn't have too many machines waiting for service.

4.  How long will I be without my machine? 

Providing your machine doesn't require an out-of-stock part, you should get your machine back in a matter of hours. 
Of course, that is not always possible.

5.  Which Brands can be serviced at Sew Many Ideas? 

BERNINA, Babylock, Brother, HandiQuilter, Happy Voyager and most other mechanical types.

6.  What exactly does the technician do when servicing a machine?

CLEAN INSIDE OF MACHINE
OIL ALL MOVING METAL TO METAL PARTS
CHECK MOTOR BRUSHES AND WEAR
CHECK CONNECTIONS FOR CABLE WEAR/PINCHED WIRES
CHECK BELT FOR WEAR AND TENSION
CHECK HANDWHEEL WEAR AND BINDING
CHECK BOBBINWINDER FOR PROPER RUNNING/WORN PARTS
CHECK SPOOL HOLDER
CHECK CAM STACK GEAR FOR BINDING AND NOISE
CHECK TENSION UNIT FOR WORN OR BROKEN PARTS
CHECK NEEDLE BAR FOR WEAR
CHECK PRESSER FOOT BAR FOR WEAR AND PROPER HEIGHT
CHECK HOOK DRIVER FOR WEAR AND BURRS
CHECK FEED DOG FOR WEAR AND PROPER HEIGHT
CHECK ZIG ZAG SWING FOR PROPER NEEDLE DISTRIBUTION
CHECK HOOK FOR WEAR AND BURRS
CHECK BACKRUN TIMING
CHECK NEEDLE HEIGHT
CHECK NEEDLE HOOK CLEARANCE
ADJUST BOBBINCASE TENSION
ADJUST TOP TENSION
ADJUST STRAIGHT STITCH
ADJUST ZIG ZAG
ADJUST THREAD REGULATOR CHECK SPRING FOR CORRECT TENSION
CLEAN OUTSIDE OF MACHINE
SEW OUT EMBROIDERY TEST PATTERN