
WE ARE A CERTIFIED BERNINA, JANOME & HANDIQUILTER SERVICE CENTER
Whether your machine needs a repair or a yearly tune-up, you can trust our certified technicians to do the job right!
We service sewing and embroidery machines - Bernina, Bernette, Janome, Elna, Necchi, New Home, Kenmore, and Singer Featherweights. All service is done, on-site, in our O’Fallon, MO workshop. We offer free machine transport for our Collinsville, IL shop customers.
We also service Bernina, Janome, and HandiQuilter long-arm machines. Do you have a long arm machine at home that is giving you problems? We do house calls! We offer both in-shop and on-site long-arm machine service. Do you need full service or repair? Are you moving and need your long arm disassembled and re-assembled? We will happily restore your long arm quilter to its proper working condition!
Nothing is more frustrating than a machine that doesn’t work when you want to use it! Our service department recommends that you service your machine at least once a year or every two years. If you sew a lot, bring it in every year. If you sew occasionally, bring it in every two years. A full service includes an extensive inspection, cleaning, oil/lubricating, precision adjustments, firmware or program updates (if applicable), and a final stitch out with a new needle.
For most standard services, we will provide you with an estimate when you drop off your machine. If your machine requires a more in-depth analysis to determine the issue, our technicians will look at it and call you with an estimate. You may then decide if you want to fix your machine or not.
Walk-ins are welcome. No appointment is necessary. Drop off your machine at either location.
Sewing machines are serviced on a first come / first serve basis.
Currently, the average turnaround time is 1-2 weeks.
This does not include the time required to obtain a part your sewing machine may need.
Our experienced technicians are always happy to answer your machine service questions!
Call us at (636) 294-7922 or email us at osewpersonaltech@gmail.com
When you bring in your machine, please bring the following:
- Bobbin case with a bobbin
- Zig zag presser foot & general sewing (zig zag) stitch plate
- Power cord and foot control (only if having power issues)
- Embroidery unit (if having problems)
We do not need the free arm storage box, cover, extra feet, thread, or other accessories unless you have a problem with a particular thread or foot. Some machines are heavy. Please come in FIRST, and we will be more than happy to bring in your machine. We don’t want you to hurt yourself or drop the machine.
HELPFUL REMINDERS FROM OUR TECHNICIANS
- Use a good thread. Low-quality thread is linty and bad for machines. Any waxed or glazed thread should only be used for hand sewing. Even if it says "good for hand sewing and machine sewing" on the package, those coatings are bad news for your machine. We recommend and carry Aurifil, Mettler, Isacord, Superior, and Glide.
- Change your needle every 3-4 sewing hours. Do not use a dull or damaged needle. Use the right needle for the job. Ask us if you're not sure which needle to use. Use good quality needles. We recommend and carry Bernina, Schmetz, and Organ needles.
- Don't use canned air. It's essential to clean your sewing machine often. Get in there regularly and remove any thread bits, dust bunnies, or lint that could gum up the works. But don't clean with canned air. Cleaning your machine or bobbin case with canned air adds moisture, creating gunky lint and jamming it further into the machine. Instead of canned air, brush your machine with a nylon brush (one usually comes with your sewing machine). We also recommend brushing out your bobbin case every time you change the bobbin. It's a five-second habit that will pay off in the long run.
- Always thread your machine with the presser foot up. If the presser foot is down, the tension discs are closed, and the thread may not seat in the discs, causing looping underneath the fabric.
- Don't force or pull the fabric. The sewing machine will move fabric automatically with the feed dogs. You paid for the feed dogs; let them do the work :)
- Don't sew over pins. You risk breaking a needle, which could fly in your face or cause a burr on the hook. If you have a broken needle, find and remove all broken pieces.
- Oil your machine. If you're not sure where to oil, please ask us. Please don't oil your thread cutters. Good quality sewing machine oil is clear and fine. Do not use 3-in-1 oil, car oil, cooking oil, or WD-40. You only need one drop of oil. Be sure to clean your machine before you apply oil. There is no concrete answer on how often to oil your machine. Various factors play a role here. What do you sew? How often are you sewing? Do you embroider? Is your machine isn't purring as nicely any more? This means it is time for some maintenance or service.
- Needle jam? If your needle gets jammed in your fabric, loosen the needle clamp that holds the needle on the needle bar to remove the jammed needle. Do not use the hand wheel to pry the needle out, as it may cause your machine to go out of time or damage the hook of your machine.
- Loopy stitches? Is your bobbin wound tight and even? Is your bobbin in correctly? Is your upper thread seated in the tension discs? Is the needle all the way up in the needle clamp? Try rethreading the top with presser foot up and reinserting the bobbin. Replace the needle.
- Do not have your iron on the same outlet as your sewing machine. An iron constantly goes off and on. If you are sewing and the iron powers up, then your machine may have a power drop. If the iron powers downs, then your machine may have a power surge. Over time this may cause damage to your machine.
- Surge protectors are a must for all computerized sewing machines. Recommended protection is at least 1,000 joules. Not all power strips are surge protectors.
- Never use abrasives on the outer covers or touchscreen. Any mild cleaning agent, such as 409 or Simple Green, should be sprayed onto a cloth and applied to clean surfaces. Never use acetone, mineral spirits, or harsh chemicals.
- At O'Sewpersonal, we dedicate ourselves to making sewing easy. When you purchase a sewing machine or a long arm machine from us, we offer free in-person, one-on-one guide classes so that you can get the best out of your machine. If you purchased your machine elsewhere, no worries; we offer classes at a reasonable fee. Schedule a class if you're new to the machine, are having problems with a feature or want to learn a new one. Call or visit us at either shop location to schedule a class.
- When you bring your machine in for service, please list any problems you may be having with your machine or what you were sewing when the problem occurred. The more informed the techs are, the more time and money you save on repairs.
- If you bring your machine in for service, please sew on your machine as soon as possible after pickup. We likely don't sew the same way you do, so occasionally, we may miss something. Don't be afraid to come back and tell us. The machine service team is happy to help you!