4 service points – bring it to the nearest one

Vilnius Kareivių g. 11A, Žirmūnai +370 679 74770
Kaunas Baltijos g. 58, Šilainiai +370 656 95553
Klaipėda Sausio 15-osios g. 13 +370 617 77731
Šiauliai Gegužių g. 30, PC „Arena“ +370 659 83704

No appointment needed
Diagnostics €10
Mon–Fri 9–18
All contacts

Sewing machine repair usually starts with a small but annoying symptom: the thread begins to break, a knot builds up under the fabric, the needle keeps breaking, or the machine no longer responds to the pedal. Some of these cases are caused by old lubricant and dust, others by a mechanism that has gone out of adjustment or a worn electrical part. It is hard to guess before an inspection, so we start with diagnostics.

We accept household and industrial machines, both mechanical and computerised. Diagnostics costs 10 €, and we tell you the repair price afterwards and agree on it before starting work. If the machine is worth repairing, we will say so, and if it is not, we will say that too.

How much does sewing machine repair cost? Diagnostics costs 10 €. Indicative rates: mechanical repair from 15 €, electrical part repair from 20 €. We give the exact amount after diagnostics.
Do I need to book in advance? No. You do not need to book or call before coming – simply bring the machine to any service point Mon–Fri from 9:00 to 18:00.
How long does the repair take? We give the timeframe after diagnostics, because it depends on the fault and the parts. Simple adjustment or cleaning usually takes less time than electronics repair.
Is it worth repairing an old machine? Most often yes: old metal mechanical machines are durable, and their faults are usually inexpensive. We make the decision together after diagnostics.

What sewing machine symptoms indicate

These are the symptoms that most often come into the service centre. For each one you will find the likely causes, what you can check yourself and what we do.

01from 15 €

The sewing machine skips stitches

WhyMost often the culprits are a bent or wrong-type needle, a hook that is out of adjustment, or an incorrectly set distance between the hook and the needle. Knitwear and stretch fabrics need a suitable needle, otherwise stitches get “dropped”.

Check it yourselfUnplug the machine and replace the needle with a new one of the right type and thickness. Make sure the needle is inserted all the way and facing the correct way.

What we doWe check the synchronisation of the needle and hook, adjust the gap between them, and clean and lubricate the mechanism.

02from 15 €

The upper thread keeps breaking

WhyThe cause may be excessive tension, incorrect threading, a scratched spot on the thread guide, or the quality of the thread itself. Old, dried-out thread breaks even more often.

Check it yourselfRe-thread the machine with the presser foot raised and try a different spool. If that does not help, see adjusting the seam tension.

What we doWe check the tension mechanism, the thread path and the needle plate, remove sharp spots and adjust the machine.

03from 15 €

A knot of thread builds up under the fabric

WhyThis is a classic sign that the upper thread did not get between the tension discs because it was threaded with the presser foot lowered. Another cause is a wrongly inserted spool or upper and lower threads of different thickness.

Check it yourselfCut the tangled thread without tearing the fabric. Remove the spool, clean lint from the hook area and re-thread everything following the instructions.

What we doWe take apart the hook area, remove jammed threads, check that the hook or needle plate is not damaged, and make adjustments.

04from 15 €

The needles keep breaking

WhyThe needle breaks when it is too thin for the fabric, when the fabric is pulled by hand, or when the needle touches the hook or presser foot. In the latter case the culprit is a shifted mechanism, not your sewing skills.

Check it yourselfUse the right needle: a thicker one for denim, a ballpoint one for knitwear. Do not push or pull the fabric; let the machine move it along.

What we doWe check the position of the needle bar, the hook gap and the alignment of the presser foot, and restore the geometry.

05from 15 €

The sewing machine does not feed the fabric

WhyMost often the feed dogs are clogged, the feed is set to the lowered mode, or the presser foot pressure is wrong. Sometimes the feed dogs are simply worn or set too low.

Check it yourselfWith the machine switched off, clean the feed dogs with a brush and check that the feed-drop setting is not on. Make sure the presser foot is lowered.

What we doWe clean and adjust the feed dog height and travel, and replace worn parts if necessary.

06from 20 €

The machine does not work or does not respond to the pedal

WhyThis may be a damaged pedal cord or plug, a worn pedal rheostat, or a faulty motor or electronic board. The mechanism may also be jammed, especially if the machine has been standing unused for a long time.

Check it yourselfCheck that the plug is firmly inserted into the socket and that the cord is not kinked or broken. Do not open the housing or repair the electrical part yourself.

What we doWe diagnose whether the problem is in the pedal, the motor or the board, and repair or replace the faulty assembly.

07from 15 €

The machine turns with difficulty, is noisy or rattles

WhyA common cause is hardened old lubricant and dust, worn bearings or a stretched belt. A machine that has not been used for too long often „seizes up” and moves with difficulty.

Check it yourselfBrush away visible dust and lint with a small brush. See how to lubricate a sewing machine mechanism, but do not use universal aerosols.

What we doWe remove the old lubricant, apply suitable lubricants, check the bearings and the belt, and replace worn ones.

08from 20 €

The sewing machine overheats or smells of burning

WhyThe smell may indicate an overworked motor, hardened lubricant or a loose electrical contact. This is not a problem to put off.

Check it yourselfSwitch the machine off immediately and unplug it. Do not turn it on again until it has been inspected.

What we doWe check the motor, wiring and pedal, determine the cause of the overheating and replace the damaged part.

09from 20 €

The computerised machine shows an error or does not respond to the buttons

WhyThe control board, the button membrane or a sensor may be faulty, or there may be a poor contact. Sometimes this is caused by voltage surges or liquid that has got into the housing.

Check it yourselfSwitch the machine off, wait a few minutes and switch it on again. If the error repeats, note down its code or text.

What we doWe diagnose the board and sensors, repair the contacts or replace the faulty part.

10from 15 €

The overlocker does not cut or does not sew neatly

WhyOverlockers have many threads and moving parts, so the most common culprits are incorrect threading, dull blades or a worn looper. Thread tension is adjusted separately for each thread.

Check it yourselfRethread all the threads exactly according to the diagram, and brush away the lint around the blades with the machine switched off.

What we doWe check the blades, loopers and needles, and adjust the mechanism and tension.

Sewing machine repair prices

First we identify the fault, and then we tell you the exact price.

Diagnostics

Service	Price	Warranty
Initial diagnostics	10 €	–

Repair

Service	Price	Warranty
Mechanical repairs	from 15 €	–
Electrical part repair	from 20 €	–

Mechanics

Service	Price	Warranty
Cleaning and lubrication	from 15 €	–
Hook and needle timing	from 15 €	–
Fabric feed (feed dog) adjustment	from 15 €	–

Electrics and electronics

Service	Price	Warranty
Motor or belt replacement	from 25 €	–
Control board repairs	from 35 €	–

Prices are approximate. We give the exact amount after diagnostics and agree it with you before starting the repair.

Is it worth repairing? Calculate in 10 seconds

How much a new one would cost now, € Age of the device, in years Repair cost, €

Enter the numbers and we will show whether the repair is worthwhile. We will tell you the exact repair price after diagnostics (10 €).

Myths about sewing machine repair

Myth. If the machine does not sew, only a new one will do. In fact. Most often the cause is adjustment, dirt or a worn part. Repair often costs less than a new machine.
Myth. You can lubricate a machine with any aerosol or oil. In fact. Unsuitable lubricants harden or leak onto the thread and fabric. You need special sewing machine oil, and should lubricate only the points specified in the manual.
Myth. Thread breaks only because of poor thread. In fact. The thread may be good, but it can be cut by a scratched needle plate, a hook or the wrong needle. That is why it is worth checking the entire thread path.
Myth. An old machine is not worth repairing because parts are no longer available. In fact. Old metal machines are often simpler and more durable than new plastic ones. Many parts can be adjusted or made, and often cleaning and lubrication is enough.

Sewing machine repair or a new machine: how to decide

The decision is easiest to make after diagnostics, when it is known what has failed and how much the repair will cost. Cleaning, lubrication or adjustment usually costs considerably less than a new machine.

New machines are not necessarily better. Many cheap models have plastic internal parts that wear out faster than old metal ones. So before buying a new one, consult a technician about your old one.

It is not worth repairing a complex faulty electronic board when the cost of parts approaches the price of a new machine. In such a case, after the diagnostics, we will honestly tell you that the repair is not worthwhile.

Technician’s tip: if you tell us when and how the fault appeared, you will shorten the diagnostics. „It stopped while sewing denim” is a much more precise description than „it stopped working”.

Cleaning the needle and hook area of a sewing machine

Which sewing machine brands we repair most often

We repair machines from various manufacturers: Singer, Brother, Janome, Juki, Bernina, Veritas, as well as older Zinger and Čaika models. We repair both industrial machines and overlockers.

Mechanical machines are simpler and cheaper to repair, while the price for computerized ones depends on whether the fault is in the mechanics or the electronics. The final amount is always known after the diagnostics.

We repair similar electrical and mechanical faults in other appliances too, for example irons or power tools.

Mechanical household machines – most often cleaning, lubrication and adjustment.
Computerized machines – buttons, sensors, control board.
Industrial machines – motors, belts, feed mechanism.
Overlockers – blades, loopers, thread tension.

How to avoid expensive sewing machine repairs

Most faults can be avoided with simple maintenance. After each larger project, switch off the machine and clean the lint from around the hook and feed dogs. Change the needle regularly, not only when it gets bent.

Lubricate the machine only when necessary and only at the points specified by the manufacturer. A practical explanation is in the article on sewing machine lubrication. If the machine has been standing for a long time, slowly turn the handwheel by hand before using it.

You can find out more about the components inside the machine in the article on sewing machine parts.

Technician’s tip: keep the machine covered so that dust does not build up, and do not store it near a radiator or in a damp room.

Before bringing in your sewing machine

Bring the machine together with the power cord and foot pedal
Take the needle or thread with which the fault occurs
Bring the presser feet if you have used them
Write down when and how the fault appeared
Wipe off visible dust and thread remnants
Pack the machine well so it does not get damaged on the way

From drop-off to pick-up

You come to the service point. There is no need to register or call. Simply bring the machine to any service point Mon–Fri from 9:00 to 18:00.
You describe the fault. Tell us how the machine behaves and show an example if you have one. This makes it easier for the technician to find the cause.
We carry out diagnostics. The initial diagnostics cost 10 €. We determine whether the fault is mechanical or electrical.
We agree on the price. We tell you the repair price and timeframe. We start work only with your consent.
We repair the machine. We carry out the repair and, if necessary, replace parts with original ones. After the repair, we test the sewing.
You collect it with a warranty. You collect the repaired machine. A warranty is provided for the work carried out, and we can issue a certificate if needed.

Customers often ask about sewing machine repair

Where can I get a sewing machine repaired in Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda or Šiauliai?

Service points are open Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00. In Vilnius – in Žirmūnai, at Naujoji maža „Rimi” next to McDonald’s; in Kaunas – in Šilainiai, at Naujoji „Rimi”; in Klaipėda – next to „Elesen”, sign „Taisykla7”; in Šiauliai – PC „Arena”, entrance from the „Akropolis” side. Exact addresses and phone numbers are on the contacts page.

Can a sewing machine be repaired in Panevėžys?

We do not have our own service point in Panevėžys. Service points operate in Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda and Šiauliai, and you can come to them without registration.

Do you repair old Singer, Zinger, Čaika or Veritas machines?

Yes, old mechanical machines can often be revived by cleaning, lubrication and adjustment. Read more about this in the article on reviving an old machine.

Do you repair overlockers?

Yes, we repair overlockers too. Their common faults are dull blades, misadjusted tension or worn loopers.

Is it worth repairing an old sewing machine or buying a new one?

If the fault is mechanical and simple, the repair often costs less than a new machine. We make the decision together after the diagnostics, when the repair price is already known.

Is a warranty provided for sewing machine repair?

Yes, a warranty is provided for all repair work carried out. Original parts are used.

What our customers say

All reviews

Ingrida Gedgaudienė
2024 · Google
E_meistrai repaired our coffee machine and sewing machine perfectly. If you ever need something repaired, go only to these technicians.
Judita Medeksaite
2021 · Google
The price matched the quality, the sewing machine works perfectly. Thank you. …
Dovilė Sabaliauskienė
August 2026 · Google
Sincerest thanks to the technician from Šiauliai and the highest recommendations to the entire elMeistrai staff in Kaunas. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Milena Tulickaite
December 2025 · Google
Fast, high-quality, polite and clear☺️

Sewing machine repair: Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Šiauliai