Ames, Iowa · Est. 2026
We clean, repair, and restore sewing machines — with a particular love for the old ones that deserve to keep running.
Machines that last generations deserve care that does too.
"A sewing machine — vintage or modern — is a tool built for making things. When it stops working, something creative stops with it."
We're tired of a world that treats broken things as disposable. Sewing machines were built to last generations — and every machine that gets repaired is one less machine in a landfill, and one more person who gets to keep sewing.
Resurrection Sewing Co. is a small, independent operation in Ames, Iowa. We work on all machines — modern, computerized, vintage, and mechanical — and every one that comes through our door gets the same honest care.
We're pushing back against throwaway culture one machine at a time. Most machines were designed to be serviced and many can be brought back even after decades of neglect. Before you buy a new one, let us look at your old one — and if it's not worth the repair, we'll tell you that too.
We're neighbors in Central Iowa — not a chain, not a franchise. You'll get a straight answer, a clear estimate, and no pressure. If your machine isn't worth the repair cost, we'll say so.
We're active apprentices in the Sewing Doc Academy program because great repair work takes real study. We're in it because we take this seriously — and because your machine deserves someone who does.
If your machine hasn't been serviced in the past year, a full tune-up is almost always the right place to start — it resolves most common issues and gives us a clear picture of anything else going on.
A $25 deposit is required at the time of drop-off for all services. This deposit is applied toward your final balance. For repair assessments where we determine the machine cannot be repaired, the deposit is non-refundable — it covers our time evaluating your machine and providing an honest diagnosis. We'll always let you know what we find before any additional work begins.
Due to manufacturer limitations, we are unable to service modern Bernina machines. Please contact your nearest authorized Bernina dealer for service.
We do not service industrial sewing machines of any kind. Our services are limited to home and domestic machines only.
We're active apprentices in the Sewing Doc Academy program — a rigorous, hands-on curriculum led by Andi Barney that covers everything from basic tune-ups to deep vintage restoration and timing adjustment. We're in it because we take this seriously, not because we needed a certificate.
All vintage and antique machines, featherweights, treadles, and any modern machine that uses gears and levers with no circuit boards or computer components. If your machine has dials or knobs to change stitches and winds the bobbin on an external pin, it's mechanical.
These machines have additional complexity due to their internal bobbin winding mechanism and are priced accordingly.
Note: this service covers mechanical components only. We do not repair circuit boards, computer components, or electronic parts.
Machines with an LCD screen, digital stitch selection, speed control, needle up/down button, or automatic thread cutter. If you change stitches with a button rather than a dial, your machine is likely electronic or computerized. Note: circuit boards are not always visible — these features are the clearest indicator.
The Viking 6000 series has unique servicing requirements and is priced separately. Contact us to discuss your machine.
Additional parts or services may apply and will always be quoted before work begins.
Functional Restoration is focused entirely on getting your machine running safely and stitching properly again. It does not include cosmetic refinishing, painting, decal restoration, cabinet repair or refinishing, or any decorative work. We can discuss those services separately.
The Singer 201 and Singer 15-91 are among the finest sewing machines ever made — all-metal, precision-built, and capable of outlasting nearly everything that came after them. Their motors are legendary for a reason. In most cases the motor itself is still in excellent working condition after decades of use. The problem is almost always the wiring. The external wiring on these machines deteriorates over time, and running them with aging insulation is a safety risk. Our Potted Motor Service is a complete package — your machine comes back fully tuned, rewired, and ready to sew.
This is a complete service — your machine comes back clean, tuned, rewired, and ready to sew.
This service is designed primarily for the Singer 201 and Singer 15-91, but applies to any vintage machine with a sealed potted motor. Not sure if your machine qualifies? Reach out and we'll help you figure it out.
A standard tune-up includes thorough cleaning as part of the service — but some machines come in with years or even decades of neglect that go beyond what a routine service can address. Old hardened grease, compacted lint, surface rust, and debris buildup require additional time and targeted cleaning to remove safely.
Deep cleans are most common in vintage and antique machines that have been in storage, but modern machines that have never been serviced can need them too — especially if old lubricant has built up inside the mechanism over time.
This fee does not apply to seized or non-running machines — that level of cleaning is already included in the Functional Restoration price.
Left: a vintage machine rescued from long-term storage. Right: the inside of a modern machine that skipped a few too many service appointments.
You don't need to figure this out before dropping off your machine. When we assess it, if a deep clean is needed we'll reach out to let you know and get your approval before adding anything to your service. No surprises, no charges you didn't agree to.
