Business Details
47 Years
experience
Your Trusted Sewing Center in Charlton, MA
Founded in 1979 as The Simple Machine, Charlton Sewing Center has evolved into New England's premier sewing sanctuary. Our journey began in a small space before relocating to a historic 110-year-old church building in 2004, offering 2,100 square feet of retail space filled with fabric, thread, and antique sewing machines. We specialize in BERNINA, Pfaff, and Handiquilter machines while hosting monthly sewing exhibits amid stained glass and a pipe organ. Our commitment to community service includes partnerships with Habitat for Humanity and Quilts of Valor.With decades of combined experience, our team provides expert repairs, sewing classes, and personalized customer service. We prioritize kindness and hospitality, creating a welcoming environment where customers can explore products, attend workshops, or enjoy a cup of tea. Our dedication to the sewing industry and central Massachusetts community remains unwavering after 45 years in business.
Services
Sewing machine sales
Fabric and thread retail
Machine repair services
Sewing classes
Community outreach programs
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We offer 45 years of expertise in sewing and quilting equipment.
- Our historic church location houses unique exhibits and workshops.
- We support community projects like Dresses for Africa and ConKerr Cancer.
- We provide expert repairs for antique and modern sewing machines.
- Our staff includes certified BERNINA and Handiquilter specialists.
Services
Sewing Machine Sales
We offer new BERNINA, Pfaff, and Handiquilter machines alongside used models. Our inventory includes JUKI and BREWER machines for all skill levels. Expert staff provide personalized recommendations and demonstrations.
Fabric Retail
Our fabric store features premium quilting cottons, specialty textiles, and over 2,000 thread options. The former choir loft houses an extensive collection of embroidery threads and sewing notions.
Machine Repair
Certified technicians perform repairs on antique and modern sewing machines. We service all brands with a focus on preserving vintage models' historical integrity.
Sewing Classes
Hands-on instruction available in the church basement where the pipe organ blower was restored. Classes cover quilting, garment construction, and machine maintenance techniques.
Community Programs
We support local and global initiatives through fabric donations, sewing machine refurbishment, and organizing pillowcase dress drives. Our fabric pantry supplies materials for refugee resettlement and scout projects.
People
Cathy Racine
Owner
Founder of Charlton Sewing Center with 45 years in the industry. Leads community initiatives and sewing machine repair services. Committed to preserving sewing heritage.
Stephen Racine
Owner
Co-owner focused on business operations and historic preservation. Oversees facility maintenance in the 1906 church building. Active in local sewing community development.
Questions
What brands of sewing machines do you carry?
We carry BERNINA, Pfaff, Handiquilter, JUKI, and BREWER machines with expert support for each brand.
Do you offer sewing machine repair services?
Yes, our certified technicians service all brands including antique models requiring specialized care.
Are sewing classes available?
We offer regular workshops in our historic church basement space with experienced instructors.
What community projects do you support?
We participate in Dresses for Africa, ConKerr Cancer, and local quilt guild initiatives through material donations and sewing events.
Is your store accessible?
Our historic church building has wheelchair access with assistance available upon request.
Reviews (4)
Sandra Smith
Dec 22, 2021
Report
Cathy is a wonderful person. Many years ago a Pfaff vendor squelched on lessons. She gave me the lessons for free. When I asked her why, she said "I have never regretted it when I have been kind to a person."
Her skills at machine repair are excellent. Her shop with a huge selection of wide backs is a joy. I now use wide backs for bindings, borders and of course backing. If you are a quilter don't miss this place. (no 42" fabric is sold here.)
Her skills at machine repair are excellent. Her shop with a huge selection of wide backs is a joy. I now use wide backs for bindings, borders and of course backing. If you are a quilter don't miss this place. (no 42" fabric is sold here.)
Christina Mckee
Mar 27, 2021
Report
This shop was recommended as one of the best around. But unfortunately, due to the business getting into political nonsense, I will not go there. Shame that a business cannot stick to just being a business.
Irene Kneeland
Oct 31, 2020
Report
So nice, so helpful, in house repair, lots of in depth knowledge of the machines and applications. If you need real people to help solve your fabric, machine or accessory needs, visit here. Cathy is a gem.
Ellen Rupard
Jun 19, 2020
Report
Cathy is amazing. Love her store, her knowledge, her friendliness. Best place in Worcester County for sure.
