DIY sewing machine repair
Sewing machines can come in handy to hem that pair of pants you just bought or replace a zipper. If you're sewing machine isn't acting like you expect it to—maybe the thread keeps breaking in the bobbin, the machine skips stitches or it won't run at all—Sears PartsDirect has the troubleshooting guidance you need to get your machine humming again.
Click on your machine's symptom below to see what can cause the problem. Look up electronic sewing machine error codes on our error code charts and follow the troubleshooting steps to clear the code and get back to sewing. For help replacing parts, follow the step-by-step instructions in our sewing machine repair guides.
Tips on our sewing machine articles and videos page can help you avoid sewing problems or troubleshoot common failures. To find the owner’s manual or a complete list of replacement parts for your sewing machine, search for your model number.
Most common symptoms to help you fix your sewing machines
Choose a symptom to see related sewing machine repairs.
Main causes: dirty shuttle race, improper thread routing, incorrect thread tension…
Main causes: dirty shuttle race, wrong thread tension, bad needle timing, damaged needle, using the wrong type of needle…
Main causes: thread bunched up in the shuttle race, bad needle timing, internal drive gear failures…
Main causes: machine needs lubrication, internal gear failure…
Main causes: problems with the feed dogs, setting stitch length to 0…
Main causes: lack of lubrication, lint buildup, worn drive belt, faulty drive motor…
Main causes: disengaged clutch, broken drive belt, internal drive gear failure…
Main causes: faulty foot pedal, locked drive gears, wiring failure, bad drive motor…
Main causes: power supply failure, bad power cord, faulty On/Off switch…
Most common repair guides to help fix your sewing machines
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your sewing machine.
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.…
How to replace a sewing machine drive belt
You can replace a broken sewing machine drive belt in about 15 minutes. …
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 usi…
Effective articles & videos to help repair your sewing machines
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your sewing machine.
Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.…
Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…
Learn how to use a multimeter to check for wiring problems in an appliance that's not working…