Textiles Technicians: Basic Servicing & Maintenance of Sewing Machines 10th May 2016

Sewing machines are a key tool in any textiles department and how well machines are working impacts both on the quality of outcomes students’ produce and the stress levels of the teacher.

The amount, and type, of use machines get in a school environment means it is important regular maintenance and servicing takes place but this can be expensive. There are less and less companies available to carry out this type of servicing which can make finding a reliable and reasonably priced company a challenge. In addition, a department may have to save machines that aren’t working until there are several to make it worth while getting them repaired, all of which impacts on the classroom and learning with machines being out of action.

How would you like to save money on your sewing machine servicing, both in terms of reducing the frequency of servicing, along with reducing costs of servicing itself?

Did you know you can take two sewing machines that don’t work and create one that does, just with a little bit of knowledge about how machines work?

Did you know that you should lift the presser foot when you thread the needle as this makes the thread sit correctly between the tension dials and makes it less likely you will get a bird’s nest of clogged thread at the beginning of your sewing?

Have you ever spent ages changing needles, threads and the tension trying to work out why a machine is skipping stitches? Did you know that if the metal surface of the hook where the bobbin sits inside your sewing machine is even slightly scratched it can prevent stitches forming correctly?

All of these things, as well as much more will be will be covered on the textiles technician course on 10th May including electrical safety, dust control, guidance on risk assessment as well as how to use any funding for new machines in the best way. No previous experience is necessary and technicians will return to their schools confident about making a start straight away back in school both in terms of servicing machines, as well as with day to day maintenance and trouble shooting in between services. There will be a range of supporting resources included as part of the course including all of the tools and equipment needed to get started.

Delegates are encouraged to bring along a machine from their department in order for the day to be personalized to their school’s needs. The course content is relevant to any brand of sewing machine.

Technicians working in state-funded schools and academies in the UK are eligible for an Enthuse Bursary which can be used to cover the cost of course fees making the course virtually cost free.

To book this course visit https://www.stem.org.uk/node/89534

To find out more about the Enthuse Bursary that might cover the cost of the course fees visit https://www.stem.org.uk/node/36940

To hear Neil talking about the course visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Go9ciRd6iMY

This course is delivered by Neil Coles and is supported by Julie and Paul Boyd

Find out more about Coles Sewing Centre at www.colessewingcentre.co.uk

Twitter @Husqvarnastudio

Find out more about Julie at www.julieboyd.co.uk Twitter @julieboydonline

Find out more about Paul at www.designhotline.co.uk Twitter @Qboyd

Questions about this course can be sent to