I called last Thursday to sign up for a sewing class; I have a sewing machine, I dont know how to sew, my Mom sewed and was amazing at it, lets do this!!!!! My number was taken and I was told the instructor wasn't in, but would call me back. Called Monday, (I didn't receive my callback), I was told the instructor was there, but was with customers. My number was taken once again. I was told she has my number and will call me soon. Today is Thursday, still nothing. I know the symptoms of bad business, so. on Tuesday I found the Fiberworks Sudio at the Richland County library. My orientation is tomorrow, and the lessons are FREE!. Closed doors can be a VERY good thing! Thank you unresponsive person, you saved me money! And if your responsiveness is an indicator of your teaching prowess, I would say I dodged a bullet. Thank you! read more

Visited these folks because I wanted to support a local business and needed to replace my sewing machine. Unfortunately, the previous negative reviews on Yelp were spot-on. I have around 20 years of experience in quilting and garment sewing, and I'm a strong sewist, but intentionally stick to advanced beginner / intermediate garment patterns for my own enjoyment and mostly use cotton lawn / gauze / flannel. I explained this to the sales rep and clarified that I am looking for a low-end Janome with as few digital features as possible (computerized machine repairs cost the same amount as the machine itself at this price point). First she said, "Well, I'm going to have you try out the computerized ones anyway so you don't regret not trying them." I explained that I am familiar with computerized machines already -- I prefer the mechanical models. This woman responded, "Why are you afraid of a computerized machine?" Talk about alienating the customer. I've been treated with more respect by a car salesman. The woman then tried to sell me a machine for heavy duty sewing. I explained I did not want something that could tear through cotton lawn (and cost extra $$$$ for no additional value to me.) Her response? "Well, you might want to mend jeans, and you couldn't do that with a lightweight machine." She did admit she didn't have the Janome options I would likely want, and I appreciated that honesty, but the whole exchange felt like I was being treated like a child who was about to discover that I DID actually need and want everything I spent 20 years figuring out I did not need and want in a machine for simple garment sewing. Bottom line: if you are over 50 and have $1k to spend, you may have a positive experience because you've got the years and money to get some respect from these people. Otherwise, do your research and buy elsewhere. I ended up getting what I wanted on Amazon. Not an authorized Janome dealer, but the website didn't question my intelligence so. Worth it. read more

I took my Singer HD machine which I use to quilt to them in October 2025 for repair as it was binding on the backing, wadding up and breaking the thread. It was running but needed cleaning and adjusting. We were told a few weeks for repair. Called after about a month and was told a few more weeks. Holidays hit and didn't follow up for a couple of months, called and was told a few more weeks. Called recently to follow up and was told they couldn't fix it that it was locked up - this was 6 months later and it was NOT locked up when we took it. My husband went to pick it up, the staff was rude and said the repair man couldn't get parts for it so it didn't matter that it was locked up. Then the woman just walked away. Very disappointed. We can't even get the machine running or unlocked. read more

It has been a year since I have been in this store due to health issues. I had not been there in maybe 10 or more years prior to this visit and as you can tell from what I'm writing, for more than 10 years I chose not to return due to the treatment 10 years prior. I was SO PLEASANTLY surprised by how pleasant, helpful, and friendly everyone was this time when compared with the visit 10 years prior. I've not been able to return as much as I would like to in the last year due to surgery, but I certainly plan to do so now that I'm back on my feet. Very warm, welcoming atmosphere now!!! The only concern I have is that I don't see any classes offered. Would be nice to find some embroidery and quilting classes. read more

Owner did unauthorized repairs without permission I did not authorize replacement of sewing machine motor They did this without asking Permission read more

I went there for the first time today after buying a vintage Japanese sewing machine at a thrift store. I am very mechanically inclined and usually service my wife's sewing machine and several other vintage machines I've picked up over the years. I was greeted well enough and brought in the machine to see if they could provide me with the missing bobbin case and a new motor belt. I asked to talk to the repairman because I had three questions to ask about the machine and to tell him that my class 15 bobbin case from another machine fit and worked well. The ladies told me that they usually don't let people back there because they take up too much of the repairman's time. I said I'd be brief and walked to the open doorway as he looked for my parts. I asked him the three questions and he wouldn't even talk to me. He did find the correct parts very quickly and the price was reasonable, but I left the store feeling uncomfortable about the place. I asked the lady, as I paid, about locating some attachments for the machine and she told me that they didn't do that there. read more

The fabric selection is wonderful. I am a newbie to smocking and a new grandma. I love the selection of children's patterns and prints not found at other retailers. The staff is knowledgeable and available and have been very helpful directing me in my new sewing endeavors. Thank you all for your help! read more

My sewing machine was bought here and has been serviced here for years. Because of Covid had been a couple of years when I took it in for service this time. It came back in worst shape than when I took it in. Huge tangled mass every time I tried to sew . Took it back , there was another lady walked in right in front of me. She was bring her machine back for the third time. They separated us very quickly. I had requested to talk to repair man but wife took me into a room and looked it over herself. Large rats nest for her also, then she used a heavier thread and got it to sew. She then told me it was my fault because I had embroidery thread on it and that I needed to just use reg. sewing thread. PEOPLE THIS IS A EMBROIDERY MACHINE !! So I just brought it back home and am looking for some where else to go. I don't know what changed, but please beware. I just spent alot of money for nothing . read more

I called Creative Sewing Machine Center to check if they could repair my Singer sewing machine. The woman on the phone was kind, went back to the service department and checked. She informed me that yes, they could service my machine so I drove it over. Once I was at the store, however, I was informed by a older woman who seemed like it was a hassle to waddle over from her desk that in fact, no, they do not service my machine. All this was said with a sneer. She was not helpful in suggesting a place that might service my machine, and I left without so much as an apology for being misinformed when I called. I was informed that I could buy a brand new machine there instead of having my machine repaired. I was not greeted when I walked in the door and had to wander around to figure out where I should go to drop off my machine. The vibe I got was that if you are not an older white woman who is into cutesy sewing for your grandchildren, you are in the wrong place. I was really hoping for a good experience, but the customer service was appalling. Blegh. Never again. read more

I had my vintage sewing machine repaired and it works like a new one now. The service was provided in-store and was exceptional and I have been back quite a few times since. They have a great selection of cloth and accessories and are great to deal with. They are set apart from most cloth stores (chain stores) as they have experienced clerks who can answer sewing questions. Great store! read more

I love going to Creative Sewing Machine Center. I find everyone very helpful and knowledgeable. The selection is excellent and seemingly neverending. They have plenty of staff in the store at all times and if one staff member doesn't do your type of sewing/quilting, etc, two others do. Stores such as Creative Sewing Machine Center MUST be used so that we continue to have easy access to assistance from knowledgable folks, rather than the sewing alternative to Big Box home improvement stores that have clueless help. Keep the folks that can save your bacon on your hobbies!!! read more

I love to sew and quilt, and I prefer to shop locally at small businesses. Thus, I really tried to love this store. Unfortunately, I have found that the owners and sales people are not friendly or helpful. That is unless you bought your sewing machine from them or you are in the market for a high-end sewing or embroidery machine. Well, some of us already have high-end sewing machines that we bought when we lived elsewhere and others of us do fine with lower-end machines. I have had other people tell me that they have had similar experiences. Now I patronize two sewing shops in Lexington, Sew Suite and Pieces and Patches. Both places are friendly and helpful, and neither cares where you bought your machine. I have been in both shops numerous times and have seen the owners encourage people of all ages, genders, social classes, and races to sew and quilt. They are in the business to help ALL people, no matter who they are or what their skill levels are. No pressure to buy either. I have seen both owners help people solve a problem and not charge a penny. Great customer service! They know these people will return with their business. Creative Sewing seems to cater to upper-middle-class women who don't care about the cost of supplies or machines, don't work, and/or sew and embroider for grandchildren. Creative Sewing has lost out on a lot of my business, and I buy a lot of sewing and quilting supplies. read more

Lauri P., I wanted to tell you not to take their treatment personally. I AM an older white woman who mainly sews cutesy things for her grandkids and I get treated the same way! Everything Laura L. said in her review was spot on and reflected my same experiences in this store. I once had to take one of my machines in to their service department. I had purchased it in another state before we moved here. They tried to send me on my way, but it was for recall work, and as an authorized dealer they could not refuse to do it. However, the owner made the experience as difficult and uncomfortable for me as she could. I brought the machine into the store without a bobbin and she told me that if they needed a bobbin to do the repair that they were going to charge me for it. Yea, apparently they didn't have a spare bobbin in that entire sewing machine store! To add insult to injury, it took many, many weeks and endless phone calls to get the machine back. One more thing, whatever you do, don't make the mistake of asking them if they accept the trade of your current machine towards the purchase of a new model. Her reaction to that question could not have been worse if I had asked her to hold my already chewed gum. I did eventually buy a new machine from them since they were the only place to get it. After that, the reception I got went from rude to lukewarm indifference. The store is a wonderland if you love to sew and I'd probably be in there weekly to buy things if I didn't feel so unwelcome. Instead I shop online for all of my sewing feet, spare embroidery hoops, stabilizers, etc. Prices are typically lower and I usually spend enough that the shipping is free. As an added bonus I'm not treated with rude condescension. I'm due for a new sewing machine but come hail or high water, I won't be getting it from The Creative Sewing Machine Center. read more

I love fabric and sewing and this store is like a toy store for kids. For me it is my greatest guilty pleasure and I can't say enough about how helpful they have been. I have spent time just wandering around, seen demonstrations and had questions answered without hesitation each time I have visited. Phone service has been very good as well and I cannot say enough about their selection of fabrics, notions, patterns and machines along with anything else you might need or dream of needing for sewing and quilting. If you need inspiration or real help this is the place to go. They also have a newsletter and classes as well. read more

I had my grandmother's treadle machine, but she had given the head to her sister and we were never able to get it from her. I found one on eBay that was supposed to fit and in fairly good shape. The repairman was very helpful getting it cleaned up, fitting it into the machine, and getting it in working order. Very reasonable fee and took about 2 weeks. For the reviewers that were having problems getting parts, you might want to check with a sewing machine store on Whisky Rd. in Aiken SC. I have a Singer from the '60's and they do cleaning and maintenance. Ebay is a good place for replacement parts if you have some knowledge about your machine. I've been impressed with the quality of the fabric Creative Sewing carries. Much of the fabric in the big box fabric stores is not on grain. read more

This place and its entire staff ROCKS! They have been so kind and understanding in teaching a total newbie to the world of sewing. Our new best friends and favorite place to go. Thank you Ladies! Anna read more

I'm giving Creative two stars because they are the only place that carries some of the machines, fabric and tools in Columbia, and I personally know some of the women who work there. The employees do a pretty good job, but my review relates mostly to the sewing machine service and repair. I will say that the previous reviewer is wrong about the business being racist - namely, they are just as rude to anybody that comes in with an older machine or that hasn't bought a high-end machine there within the last two years. Creative will not help you find accessories for older machines or in any way help out a customer that has not recently bought a high-end machine from them. I have a couple of Pfaffs, a 1475 and a 7570. Every time I went into Creative to find a presser foot, I would have to wait around until the owner could talk with me and try to convince her to sell me what I needed. Eventually, they stopped selling me any more feet at all, so I don't know if they sent the inventory back (Pfaff got bought out) or just hid them in the back somewhere. Creative does a real hard-sell job on you when you walk in, pushing top-of-the-line Baby Locks (she's the #2 Baby Lock dealer in the nation). The sales people will be on you like vampires, you just have to tell them flat-out that you won't be buying a machine today. Creative will not service vintage machines at all and anything that wasn't bought through them recently is automatically put on a 3 month waiting list. This happened to my mom, who has several electronic machines that she bought from dealers who are no longer in business. The guy who does the machine service and repair (the owner's husband) is surly and rude, too. You may be able to tell that I have dealt with Creative a lot over the years. That's because they are the only store in Cola, since they put all the other machine dealers out of business, except Leitner's who is hanging on by the skin of his teeth and destroyed his own business with his ugly attitude towards customers. The next machine I buy will be from Charlotte or somewhere else. I don't care if I have to drive further away to get it serviced. Overall, Creative is a good place to find the latest fabrics and sewing gadgets, and it is a good place to take classes. When it comes to sewing machine repair and service, especially for older machines, you're better off finding someone else . read more