How Long Does A Sewing Machine Last
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Wondering how long does a sewing machine last before it needs to be replaced?
There’s no denying that a sewing machine is a major investment, so knowing that one will last you five, ten, twenty or even thirty years is a great justification for buying one – especially one that offers such a guarantee.
I’ve found that sewing machines last ten years before they need to be replaced.
However, there’s a number of factors that play into this figure. Many of these you’ll want to consider prior to purchasing a machine, and some you’ll want to factor into owning a sewing machine to maximise its lifespan.
What To Look For When Buying A Sewing Machine With A Long Lifespan
If you’re looking for a sewing machine that you won’t need to replace until long into the future then I suggest considering the following things during your research;
Computerisation – Computers within sewing machines can be great. However, they are often the first thing to fail on a machine which is why you’ll find that many heavy-duty machines don’t have a computerised element.
Materials the machine is made from – Sewing machines are made from either plastic or metal. Plastic sewing machines tend to break more easily as the material is less durable when compared to metal.
However, metal sewing machines are heavier and often cost a lot more money. To compromise, look for a sewing machine with a metal frame.
Sewing machine brand – If you buy an off-brand generally cheaper machine by a company or brand you’ve never heard of then expect the lifespan of the machine to be half or more when compared to a major sewing machine brand.
Not only does a sewing machine brand play a factor in the lifespan of a machine, but it also plays a factor in services, complaints, guides and quick fixes as well as replacement parts all of which play a significant role in extending the lifespan of your machine.
Warranty – Some sewing machines offer a complimentary warranty. This means that if the machine breaks due to a manufacturing fault.
Then provided it has been fairly used and you have the proof of purchase which demonstrates that the machine was purchased within the warranty timeline (i.e. 5 years) it will be replaced for free.
Insurance – Don’t forget, you can get insurance on your sewing machine as part of your home insurance or individually as an appliance so that if anything does go wrong. Whether it’s broken, stolen, or accidentally damaged you can get it replaced.
How To Make Your Sewing Machine Last Longer
After purchasing your sewing machine there are a number of things you can do to ensure that the machine has a long and healthy life. These things include;
Keep the machine covered when not in use – A sewing machine cover protects the machine from dust particles, fur, and minor spillages to name just a couple of things.
The majority of sewing machines come with a complimentary cover, if not you can buy one online – personally I’ve found that the money spent on a cover is often 5% of the cost of the machine, so it’s a worthwhile investment.
Clean your machine regularly – Each machine is slightly different and the way in which it is recommended you clean it will be inside the product manual. I personally clean my machine once a week (I have a reminder set to do so) with the tools that were included with my machine.
Oil your machine – The instruction manual for your sewing machine should also include details on when to oil your sewing machine and how to do so.
Oiling the mechanical parts of your machine regularly and with due care will prevent any long term damage to your machine and keep the parts moving smoothly.
Use the correct parts – Ensure that you are using the correct bobbins, needles and additional parts with your machine to minimise breakages and damaging your machine.
Be sure to replace parts regularly – for example, sewing machine needles should be replaced after four hours of sewing.
Get your machine serviced regularly – Finding a local sewing store that is qualified in servicing the brand of sewing machine you have is important. I personally opt to have my machine thoroughly serviced once a year to ensure it runs smoothly.
However, be sure the store you have the machine serviced at is qualified otherwise, anything they do may void the warranty on your machine.
