FAQ

What are your COVID policies?

CLICK HERE to read our current COVID-19 policies.

How Often Should My Machine Be Serviced?

It is recommended to have all sewing machines serviced once a year whether they are being used heavily or just sitting. There is nothing worst that being frustrated the next time you sit down to sew something. Take a pro-active approach in keeping your sewing machine service to keep it smoothly running for years to come. 

What Do I Need to Bring With My Sewing Machine for Service?

To ensure that we can get your machine back on it’s feet as soon as possible please bring the following items with your sewing machine when it comes in for service:

  • Foot Controller
  • Power Cord
  • Standard, Zig-Zag, and Walking Presser Feet
  • Bobbin and Bobbin Case
Do You Offer A Service Warranty?
  • Shop Labor is warrantied for 90 days from the date that service was performed
  • Parts are warrantied according to the individual part manufacturers

If we can not fix the machine the is NO CHARGE. Guaranteed! We stand behind all of the work that we perform. Our policy is to call you and discuss repair options if parts are needed that will cost more than $10.00.

Do I have to have experience to come to a class?

NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED! All of our classes are focused on learning new techniques or skills. Some of our classes are better suited to be a first project for beginners than others. Each class description has a level of difficulty notation to help you decide what class will be perfect for you.

What are your Class Levels of Difficulty?

B) – Beginner – Someone who has never sewn or quilted before can accomplish this in a class setting. We strongly recommend our Beginning classes to EVERYONE, regardless of skill level.  Quilting and sewing are two distinct activities; success in one does not guarantee success in the other.

(AB) – Advanced Beginner – Someone who has some sewing/quilting experience, knows how to run their machine, understands sewing/quilting terms, is competent with a rotary cutter*, can sew a consistent ¼” seam, can match seams, has taken two to three Beginner classes.

(I) – Intermediate – Someone who can successfully cut out a sewing or quilting pattern without help, is competent with a rotary cutter*, has experience with piecing triangles, has taken four to five Advanced Beginner classes.

*Rotary Cutting is an essential skill for successful quilting and contributes greatly to both regular sewing and crafting projects.  Competent means:  able to make both left and right hand cuts, squares fabric before cutting, avoids “V’s” when strip cutting, and can comfortably master curves with a small rotary blade.  The class Cutting Basics is an extremely helpful skill builder.

What Do I Need to Bring to Class?

Most class supply lists call for the “basic sewing supplies.” Here’s a list:

  • Sewing machine in good working order
  • Accessories that came with your machine
  • Instruction manual for machine
  • Seam ripper
  • Seam gauge
  • 90/14 quilting needles for quilting
  • 80/20 universal needles for garment sewing
  • 70/10 quilting needles for piecing
  • Thread (neutral and/or matching)
  • Rotary cutter, mat, and ruler(s)
  • Scissors—both fabric and paper
  • Pins
  • Hand sewing needles
  • Thimble
  • Paper and pencil
  • Fabric marker (Chaco liner, Sewline fabric pencil, etc.)
  • Stiletto or Purple Thang
  • Measuring tape
  • Any other of your preferred tools
What is your Class + Event Refund Policy?

Prepay for class to reserve a seat. Cancellations up to one week prior to class will be refunded.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

If you still have questions about the classes, events or clubs offered at The Sewing Center, please feel free to contact us by calling (605) 348-1010 or by emailing thesewingcenter@rapidcitysewing.com