Machine Service

We are a BERNINA sub-dealer underneath the shop Stitch in Durango. Their service tech, Mark, is our main service tech but we also have a BERNINA certified service tech here in Alamosa, Tony.

Mark services and repairs all makes and models sewing equipment. Tony is only servicing sewing machines right now, but will service any make/model of sewing machine.

A $100 deposit is required when dropping off any machine for servicing, except a Singer Featherweight 221/222 for which only a $50 deposit is required. Your deposit will be applied towards the balance owed when you pick up your machine.

Basic Clean, Oil, and Adjust cost per machine:

Featherweight: $95.00 labor + parts
Mechanical machine: $105.00 labor + parts
Standard size Electronic machine: $135.00 labor + parts
Add embroidery module: $50.00 labor + parts
Larger Bernina & non-Bernina machines: $145 - $175 labor + parts
Serger: $145.00 labor + parts (these are sent to Stitch in Durango for service)
For all general service, parts are additional (If needed)
Service calls, 1 hour minimum + general service charge
General Service, 1 hour minimum: $50.00
Minimum charge to check machine without service: $50.00
Hourly rate: $50
All labor warranted for 30 days.
All machines left over 30 days may be sold unless other arrangements have been made.

When You Bring Your Machine in for Servicing, Please Bring:

Sewing Machine
Embroidery Unit (If Applicable)
A hoop, if you bring the embroidery unit
BSR (Bernina Stitch Regulator–If Applicable)
Power Cord & Foot Control
#1 Presser Foot
#3A Presser Foot (Buttonhole)
#9 or #15 Presser Foot (Embroidery Units Only)
Bobbin Case
Bobbin
General Sewing Stitch Plate (Not Straight Stitch Plate)

Do not bring any other accessories. If you are bringing in your sewing machine and embroidery unit to be updated, please save your designs on a personal design card, CD, flash drive, or hard drive.

Tips from the Tech

Always use a surge protector, especially for your computer sewing machines. An unexpected jolt of electricity (like during a thunderstorm), or a serious under voltage can play havoc with your machine's electronic circuits.
Never sew over pins. Tiny pieces of broken metal can cause injury and damage to both you and your machine. Should you ever accidentally break a needle, make sure you find and remove all the pieces.
The most important component of a stitch is the quality of the needle. Never use dull or bent needles. Replace your needle often, Bernina suggests after every 4-6 hours of sewing. Needles cannot be resharpened.
Oil your sewing machine at least once a week if you are sewing a lot. Refer to your manual for directions on how to do this.
Keep your feed dogs, bobbin area, and throat plate clean and free from lint. Use the brush that came with your machine, but avoid canned air as it can force lint further into your machine.
Internal machine parts need to be oiled once a year, more often if you use your sewing machine a lot. Proper maintenance by a trained technician can avoid costly repairs in the future.
If your fabric gets stuck down the throat plate and your machine jams, turn off the machine and remove the needle from the bar. Don’t try to pry it out, as this could cause damage to your machine.
Never clean your computer screen with abrasives, acetone, or mineral oil. Use a gentle cleaning agent.
You can tell if your tension is adjusted correctly when there is some resistance on the bobbin thread and top thread when the presser foot is down.
Always thread your machine with the presser foot lever in the up position.
The needle should be in its highest position when you start to sew with the thread under and behind the foot.
Store your machine where it will not be affected by extreme temperatures, and always keep it covered and unplugged when not in use.