Sew Fine

Harry is truly top-notch. His knowledge of sewing machines is vast and his "do it the right way, not the easy way" attitude is inspiring and produces excellent results. My 1976 Pfaff has never run better, and thanks to Harry, I now know better how it works and to care for it! He also refurbished and serviced a vintage Dressmaker for me. It sews like a dream now!

I jammed a 60 year old "White" (brand's name) sewing machine that belonged to my mom by breaking the needle, getting a pair of pants stuck, thus unable to remove the bobbin. After assessing the situation, I knew I needed professional help. I searched online for sewing machine repair shops in SF, concentrating on reviews. The Sew Fine reviews intrigued me and after I placed a call and spoke with the owner, Harry, I knew I called the right and only place. It's by appointment and open on Saturdays only, as repairing sewing machines is his side business. Harry was able to release my pants from the machine when I dropped it off for repairs. He told me what needed to be done (basic servicing, cord replacement, etc) and the estimated cost, which was very reasonable. After 1-1/2months, Harry called me to let me know the sewing machine was ready for pickup. He apologized for the long delay, however I had told him I wasn't in a hurry to get it back as long it's in good working order as it has sentimental value. I couldn't wait to use the sewing machine again and when I did, it ran much better, smoother and quieter than before, which put a big smile on my face.
I highly recommend Sew Fine, especially for older sewing machine repairs. This business is the best !

Harry is the greatest. Truly an expert in his craft and was also kind and patient with my dumbass mistakes. I'm so happy to have a working machine again!!

Sewing Machine Repair Parts & Service

My girlfriend and I took our super cheap singer to Harry to replace a lost foot pedal. We probably could have just as easily ordered a new one online but all the positive reviews got me curious. I felt a bit silly when I showed up with our machine. It was like bringing an 86 Honda Accord to the Ferrari pit garage on race day. Harrys shop is very unconventional and in a residential neighborhood in his garage. He is a very cool, smart talented guy who invents the craziest sewing machines ever. Highly recommend a visit to him. Don't just show up, be sure to call as he is by appointment.

I haven't sewed since fourth grade home ec class, but some recent alteration delays and dissatisfaction led me to buy an old Singer sewing machine, which I wasn't sure worked. I brought it to Harry, who was incredibly gentle, informative, efficient, kind and affordable. He patiently showed me how to thread the machine and also where to oil it.

I am so honored that Harry agreed to help me with my machine. His main work is medical sewing machines - he seems really ingenious - so glad he made time for my machine.

Thank you very much, Harry!

I prefer to sew with old singer machines, made of metal, built to last. After my grandmother's sewing machine died a long and painful death, I found a second hand one that ran very well for a few years. Then the problems began, like I thought it was going to spark and burn up. So I began the quest for a repair shop. Thank goodness for Yelp, which helped me to weed out some serious characters, and find my way to Harry.

He works by appointment only, because this is not his main job. It's something he does out of the goodness of his heart and because Mrs. Harry insists. (A big thank you and bow down to Mrs. Harry.) He is an inventor, and his workshop reveals that. Harry invents machines that make machines that do things like make heart valves and other medical equipment that saves peoples' lives. And, in his spare time, lucky for us, he'll fix the odd sewing machine. Thank you, Harry.

I brought the machine in, Harry wasn't sure if he could fix it, but I was willing to take a chance. I waited a couple of weeks and he called me when it was ready, apologizing for the delay. (There really was no delay.) Upon picking it up, he taught me a few more things about the machine.

I have never had the machine work so well. I brought in a Chevy and ended up with a Porsche. It sounds better, it sews smoothly, and I am really very happy.

Thank you, Harry!

I am honored to have had Harry fix my humble 70's Singer. He is clearly a master craftsman and mad genius - his workshop is filled with incredible mechanics that sew heart valves and he prototypes million-dollar medical sewing machines. If you're lucky, he may tell you a little about what they're all about....either way, you're sure to get the best servicing your sewing machine has ever had. He put on a new fiberglass belt, cleaned out and tightened all the gears, and overall it's never ran or sounded better, plus he gave a me a quick tutorial on how to best USE my machine! I never have had such a better understanding of "tension" in my life.

Be forewarned, my machine is all mechanical, and he prefers it. He is unlikely to take on an electronic machine the last time we spoke. Also, because he has his important medical work as well, I would be flexible/not in a hurry on when you need it back.

Harry is my hero! My great-grandmother's sewing machine got stuck, and I couldn't figure out how to get it moving again. I took it to the local sewing/vacuum store (BIG mistake!); they kept it for over 2 weeks and then told me that it was impossible to fix; it was rusted through, and I should just get a new machine. I was pretty upset (great-grandmother's machine...), so I found Sew Fine on yelp and decided to get a second opinion. SO glad I did! Harry was able to get it working in no time, and he even showed me how to use functions I didn't even realize it had! My machine has never been better. After that, he was my go-to for my vintage sewing machine addiction. No matter what random, no-name machine I bring to him, he is able to get it running smoothly, and he always hands it over with a sample showing off all the stitches I had no idea it could do! If you have a machine that could use some love, Harry will take good care of your baby. :)

Most highly recommended for all vintage machines. Harry knows his craft inside and out, and vintage machines are his life's passion. He's also an inventor, so he approaches machines knowing all the combinations and permutations of mechanics, not just the procedures. He gave my Bernina 117K a much needed overhaul and made a spring that went missing at the last place I took it to be fixed. I learned much more about my machine, which I inherited and have used for over 30 years. It runs better than ever. And Harry's workshop and machine collection are fascinating.

So some may be unable to forgive the mad genius his pun(n)y Sew Fine name but truly all can respect Harrys patient demeanor, multi-facetted craftsmanship and the superior performing machinery on display. A patented inventor, self-taught artisan and San Francisco original entrepreneur, Harry can make magic happen with machinery old (like my beat up 1950s Italian Necci) and new (the 3-D printer seems relic when he passionately discusses the latest in cardiac/life-saving technological & science generally). Always a pleasure to talk to (think Bill Nye walking you through a physical How Things Work(shop:), he also delivers the goods as I recently learned when I obtained a completely renovated sewing machine after dropping him off broken for a check-up. The results are outstanding, all the tremors & temperamental timing is gone, he no longer wobbles at moderate speed & runs smooth as silk. Wow. If you are ready to upgrade your old or specialty machine, have a unique or problem case or need the expertise of an overqualified workshop genius, call SEW FINE today. Thanks, Harry.