Who we are

Stabby Sewing Machine Repair exists because sewing matters. For many folks, it’s a creative outlet, a practical skill, a connection to history, or simply a way to spend an afternoon making something neat. Keeping sewing machines working means supporting all of that creative work. And yes—the name is a little tongue-in-cheek. Sewing machines are, after all, happy little stabby babies. But they’re also beautifully engineered tools, and taking care of them is work that brings me deep satisfaction.

Behind the bench is someone who approaches sewing machines with both a technician’s curiosity and a maker’s love for good tools. My own sewing interests center on historical clothing and traditional garment construction, especially garments from the late nineteenth century. That work involves everything from sturdy wool skirts and tailored layers to delicate finishing details that reward careful, consistent stitching. Because I sew my own projects, I know firsthand how much joy a smooth-running, properly adjusted machine brings.

Repair work is approached slowly and methodically. Each machine is cleaned, inspected, and adjusted with attention to the details that matter: lint cleared from hidden corners, old oil replaced, tensions balanced, and moving parts tuned so the machine runs smoothly and reliably. Sewing machines are intricate mechanical systems, full of tiny interactions between timing, tension, and motion. Figuring out what makes each machine tick—and helping it return to its best form—is a puzzle I genuinely enjoy.

With proper care, a quality machine can sew beautifully for decades, sometimes even generations. Keeping these machines running well is both a technical craft and a small act of preservation.