Blind Stitch, Drapery and Specialty Machine Repair
Blind hemmers, drapery machines, buttonhole machines, knitting machines.
These are the machines most shops turn away. A blind hemmer with a curved needle, a drapery hemming machine, a buttonhole machine that runs a cycle, or a home knitting machine with a full needle bed all need someone who has worked on them before. After 65 plus years we have, and we still keep parts for many of them.
What the service includes
- Blind stitch hemmers: curved needle timing, looper and skip stitch setting
- Impeller and ridge height adjusted so the bite depth is right for the fabric
- Drapery hemming and tacking machines set for lining and heavy face fabric
- Buttonhole machines: cycle, cutting knife, clamp and thread trim
- Knitting machine carriages, needle beds, sinker plates and latch needles
- Curved needles, knives and specialty parts from our own stock
- On-site service for drapery workrooms and alteration shops
Problems we fix every week
If it uses a needle and thread to sew, we repair it. Home machines, industrial machines, embroidery machines, sergers, quilting machines and antiques.
The blind hem shows on the front of the pant leg
The curved needle is bent or hitting the looper
The skip stitch lever does not change anything
It grabs too much fabric and the hem puckers
The impeller does not lift the fabric up into the needle
The buttonhole knife is not cutting all the way through
The drapery hem walks off the fold
The knitting machine carriage jams partway across the bed
Latch needles will not open and they drop stitches
It skips every other stitch on slick lining
How a repair works
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Call before you load it up
These machines vary a lot. Tell us the brand and what is on the data plate, and we will tell you whether to bring it in or have a technician come out.
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Set the bite, then the stitch
On a blind hemmer, most complaints come from bite depth and needle timing together. We set the impeller and ridge for your fabric, then the needle and looper.
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Hem your own fabric
We run your lining, your face fabric or your pant hem, and check the front side, because that is the only place a blind hem is judged.
Common questions
Can you get curved needles and parts for these?
Yes. We keep curved needles and common parts for blind hemmers, and used and obsolete parts for older drapery and buttonhole machines. Call (727) 321-9344 with the brand and model. Estimates are free.
The blind hem shows through on the right side. Can that be fixed?
Almost always. It means the needle is taking too deep a bite. That is set with the impeller, the ridge height and needle penetration together, and it has to be set for the weight of fabric you sew.
Do you repair home knitting machines?
Yes. Carriages, needle beds, sinker plates and latch needles. These machines need patience and clean needle beds more than anything, and we still see plenty of them.
Will you come to our drapery workroom?
Yes. Drapery workrooms, alteration shops and dry cleaners within about 150 miles of Clearwater. It is often the practical choice when a machine is on a long table or several need service.
Related repair services
Industrial Sewing Machine Repair
Shop service in Clearwater, on-site service within 150 miles.
On-Site Sewing Machine Repair
We come to you, up to 150 miles from Clearwater.
Sewing Machine Parts
Bring the old part in. That is the fastest way to match it.
Leather, Canvas and Upholstery Machine Repair
Marine canvas, boat covers, biminis, upholstery and auto trim.
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.