April 20, 2023

Sewing machine repair guides

By Kim Hillegass

These step-by-step repair guides and videos can help you get your sewing machine back in action. And Sears PartsDirect has more DIY repair help for you, including troubleshooting tips and solutions for common symptoms in Kenmore, Singer and Brother sewing machines.

Use our error code charts to find the cause of failures in electronic sewing machines. Find a complete list of replacement parts by searching for your model number, then order the part you need.

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Repair guides common to all sewing machines

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your sewing machine.

April 1, 2015

How to replace a sewing machine on/off switch

By Lyle Weischwill
How to replace a sewing machine on/off switch

If the sewing machine is completely dead, replace the On/Off switch using these 6 steps.

Repair difficulty
Time required
30 minutes or less
April 1, 2015

How to replace a sewing machine drive belt

By Lyle Weischwill
How to replace a sewing machine drive belt

You can replace a broken sewing machine drive belt in about 15 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
April 1, 2015

How to replace a sewing machine drive motor

By Lyle Weischwill
How to replace a sewing machine drive motor

If the drive motor on your sewing machine runs roughly or doesn't run at all, you can replace it in about 30 minutes using these simple steps.

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
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Sewing machine returning an error code?
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Symptoms common to all sewing machines

Choose a symptom to see related sewing machine repairs.

April 19, 2023

Why is my sewing machine running sluggishly?

By Lyle Weischwill
Main causes: lack of lubrication, lint buildup, worn drive belt, faulty drive motor
Read more
April 19, 2023

Why won't my sewing machine needle move?

By Lyle Weischwill
Main causes: disengaged clutch, broken drive belt, internal drive gear failure
Read more
April 19, 2023

Why doesn't my sewing machine motor run?

By Lyle Weischwill
Main causes: faulty foot pedal, locked drive gears, wiring failure, bad drive motor
Read more
April 19, 2023

Why won't my sewing machine turn on?

By Kim Hillegass
Main causes: power supply failure, bad power cord, faulty On/Off switch
Read more
April 19, 2023

Why does the bobbin thread break in my sewing machine?

By Lyle Weischwill
Main causes: dirty shuttle race, improper thread routing, incorrect thread tension
Read more
April 19, 2023

Why won't fabric move through my sewing machine?

By Lyle Weischwill
Main causes: problems with the feed dogs, setting stitch length to 0
Read more
April 19, 2023

Why does my sewing machine make a knocking sound?

By Lyle Weischwill
Main causes: machine needs lubrication, internal gear failure
Read more
April 19, 2023

Why does my sewing machine lock up?

By Kim Hillegass
Main causes: thread bunched up in the shuttle race, bad needle timing, internal drive gear failures
Read more
April 19, 2023

Why is my sewing machine skipping stitches?

By Lyle Weischwill
Main causes: dirty shuttle race, wrong thread tension, bad needle timing, damaged needle, using the wrong type of needle
Read more

Articles and videos common to all sewing machines

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your sewing machine.

August 30, 2022

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

By Lyle Weischwill
How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.

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June 29, 2022

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

By Lyle Weischwill
Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.

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January 18, 2016

How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

By Lyle Weischwill
How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

Learn how to use a multimeter to check for wiring problems in an appliance that's not working

Read more

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