Sewing machine threading help?

Question

I just got a Kenmore 158.1781 14-stitch sewing machine from the thrift store and I checked it out there, and it worked fine. Now I have it home & I'm in the process of threading it. I followed the instructions to the T on a website I found (http://www.sewusa.com/Threading_Diagrams/Threading_Pages/Kenmore_Sewing_Machine_Threading/kenmore_1581_1786_threading_diagram.htm)

however at the 'Threading Top Thread' Section D part I can't get it to work. The tension is too high, and the thread isn't going through properly so when I start sewing the top thread will pull out and the stitching (after 10 - 15 stitches) will stop.

Any suggestions? I'm a novice but I've used machines before with help. Thanks! : )

Answer 1

It is very important that you use a new needle or one that is appropriate for the fabric If you are sewing on knit fabric, it calls for a ball point needle., sharps for woven fabric.  Try his first before messing with the tension because it is usually something simple like a bent needle or one with a barb on it.

Answer 2

I have a couple of Kenmores, and on both of them the tension dial is set around 3-4 for most sewing.

Here are some things that have helped me. I assume you checked that the machine in the threading diagram actually looks like yours (Sears model numbers are strange and it's easy to get the wrong one by mistake). Raise the presser foot and check as best you can that you don't have a broken piece of thread stuck in the tension disks (behind the k**b at 'D'). A few times, I thought I threaded right but I actually got the thread behind or in front of the tension disks, with poor results. If you have double tension disks (both mine do), try switching your thread to the other one.  Make sure the cap is on your spool (it needs to be bigger than the spool, too) and that your thread can pull off the spool freely. According to the diagram, you have a horizontal bobbin and no bobbin case, so no bobbin case tension to adjust, but check for stray threads in the area. With the presser foot up, take the bobbin out, unthread the top, take the spool off, and then thread the machine again, still with the presser foot up (this can fix things even when I'm sure I did it right the first time).

If nothing so far has worked, two last things before going to the repair shop. If your local Sears sells sewing machines, go and see if you can find anyone who actually knows about them and have him/her show you how to thread a similar machine. Or, if you can find an experienced sewist, beg them to take a look and see if they can find what's wrong.

Good luck - so frustrating!

Answer 3

See that little round k**b at "D" that has the numbers 0 , 2,  4, 6, 8 on it?  That's sets the upper tension.  Usually, the higher the number it's set on, the tighter the tension is.  Try turning that k**b to a lower number and see if that doesn't help your thread go through properly.  You may have to try several settings before you get one that works best.

On my machine, it works best set between 3 and 5, but I have a Brother and it may be different on yours.

Answer 4

Is there thread still on the bobbin?  Or, it's possible that in the move the tension adjustment was changed.  You might need to check that.  I'm not familiar with your machine (and not too much more than a novice myself).  But after really poring over directions, I usually have a scrap of fabric that I can "play" with til I get the stitch like I want it.   Good Luck!!!

Answer 5

Dial back the tension  ;)))

Answer 6

There is likely a tension adjustment k**b on the machine (on my Kenmore it's on the front of the machine just above the needle...the higher the number the stronger the tension).  Also the bobbin holder (bottom thread) has a tension adjustment s***w.  Use a small screwdriver (flat head) to adjust the bobbin tension--make VERY small adjustments to the bobbin and only if necessary.

Practice on some scrap material until you get the tension desired, rather than on the material you wish to sew.

Sometimes the combination of needle type with fabric type and thread type can mess up the stitching too.  Make sure you're using the right type of needle and thread for the fabric you're using.

Sometimes sewing machines are temperamental too...you may just need to be patient with it and keep trying.  If you still can't get it, you may need to take it to a sew/vac repair place.

good luck!

Answer 7

the tension is off, you need to change it