Common Questions
Here are the questions we hear most. If yours is not here, call (727) 321-9344 and ask.
Is my machine worth repairing?
Often, yes. Machines built years ago were made with metal parts and they last. Many of the ones we see just need a good cleaning, fresh oil and an adjustment. We look at it first and tell you what it needs and what it costs. If the repair costs more than the machine is worth, we say so and you decide.
Do you charge for an estimate?
No. Estimates are free. Bring the machine to the shop, we will look at it, and we will tell you the cost before any billed work is done.
Do I need an appointment?
No. Come by Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and drop the machine off. If you would rather call first, the number is (727) 321-9344.
What brands do you work on?
All of them. Home machines, industrial machines and embroidery machines of every make, including models that are no longer sold. We are an independent shop, so you do not need to have bought the machine from us.
Do you fix antique machines and treadles?
Yes. Hand crank machines, treadles and old cabinet machines are welcome here. These machines were built to be serviced, and most of them will sew again after cleaning, oil and the right adjustments.
Do you sharpen scissors?
Yes. We sharpen scissors, shears and rotary blades. You can bring them in with your machine or on their own during business hours.
Do you repair sergers and overlocks?
Yes. Sergers need cleaning, timing and knife work more often than people expect, because they cut and sew at the same time. Bring yours in and we will check it over.
Do you repair embroidery machines?
Yes, single head and multi-head. Thread breaks, needle bar problems, timing, tension, error codes and general service are all normal work for us.
Do you work on longarm and quilting machines?
Yes. Quilting machines and longarms are part of what we do. If the machine is on a frame at your home or your shop, call us and we will talk about the best way to handle it.
Do you come to my business?
Yes, for industrial and commercial machines. We go to shops, factories, upholstery businesses, dry cleaners and other places where a machine cannot be moved easily. Call (727) 321-9344 to set it up.
How far do you travel?
Up to 150 miles from Clearwater for on-site work on industrial and commercial machines. That covers Tampa, Sarasota, Lakeland, Orlando, Ocala and Fort Myers, among other places.
Do you sell parts?
Yes. We carry new, used and obsolete parts for home and industrial machines. Bring the old part or the machine so we can match it.
Do you sell used machines?
Yes. We sell used and new machines, home and industrial. What is on the floor changes, so call and tell us what you sew and we will tell you what we have.
Do I need the model number to call?
No. Just tell us what the machine looks like and what it is doing. The model number helps if you have it, but we can work without it.
My machine is very old and dirty. Is that a problem?
Not at all. Most machines that come in have lint, old oil and dust inside. That is usually part of the problem, not something to be embarrassed about. We clean machines every day.
How do I know if it is a timing problem or a tension problem?
You do not have to know. That is our job. As a rough guide, skipped stitches and a needle hitting the hook often point to timing, while loops on the underside of the fabric or thread that keeps breaking often point to tension or threading. We check both.
What should I bring with the machine?
Bring the foot control and the power cord, the bobbin case if it is loose, and a sample of the thread and fabric you were using. If you have the manual or an accessory box, bring those too.
Do you take trade-ins?
Yes. If you are looking at a different machine, we will look at what you have now and talk about a trade-in.
Can you convert a clutch motor to a servo motor?
Yes. A servo motor is quieter, uses less power and is easier to control at slow speed. We do these conversions, and we also set up tables and stands.
Do you work on machines I did not buy from you?
Yes, and most of our work is exactly that. Where you bought the machine makes no difference to us.
Is there parking at the shop?
Yes. We are in an industrial park at 13101 56th Ct Ste 801, Clearwater, and parking is free right at the door, so you do not have to carry a heavy machine far.
Do you speak Spanish?
Yes, we can help Spanish-speaking customers. Call (727) 321-9344 and ask.
What are your hours?
Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We are closed Saturday and Sunday.
Can I just call and describe the problem?
Yes, please do. A short description over the phone tells us a lot. Call (727) 321-9344 and we will let you know what we think and what to do next.
Is your machine giving you trouble?
Call and tell us what it is doing. The estimate is free and you do not need the model number.