Kenmore Sewing Machine question

AlleyCat · 06-04-2011, 08:56 PM

So .. I tried to use my Kenmore sewing machine for the first time tonight in about 18 months. After the last time using it, I figured it might be a while before I used it again, so instead of just putting it away, I packed it back into its box, complete with styrofoam (that came with it - it is shaped in the form of the machine).

I first made my bobby (for the bottom part) -- no problem.

Then, tried to actually start sewing. I can't get the forward motion going. I switched it back to the forward part (instead of the backward part for the bobby). The machine grinds like crazy, and won't move forward.

My SO is trying to help me figure out why. He asked if there was a safety feature that would prevent it from going forward, and as far as I know of, there isn't one.

Is there something simple I'm forgetting since it's been about 18 months since I used it last ? The sewing machine is about 12 years old, but I only used it 1x or 2x a year, so I can't imagine the motor is burned out ....

Thanks !!

**Bottesini** · 06-04-2011, 09:02 PM

You have to push back a thing on top that you had to move to wind the bobbin.

At least that is what I remember from my own Kenmore, which died a few years ago.

AlleyCat · 06-04-2011, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bottesini

You have to push back a thing on top that you had to move to wind the bobbin.

At least that is what I remember from my own Kenmore, which died a few years ago.

I did do that.

But thank you, though!

Beach girl · 06-04-2011, 09:40 PM

My number one rule in life: If all else fails, read the manual.

Any chance you still have the manual anyplace?? Have you tried going on the Kenmore site? Sometimes the manuals can be downloaded from the manufacturer's on-line site.

AlleyCat · 06-04-2011, 10:13 PM

I do have the manual.

It tells me to adjust the stitch numbers (tension and length, etc.) and that hasn't helped. I don't see anything about a "safety feature" like my SO was asking me about, so I figured it wasn't called that (if any such feature even exists.) Hence why I was asking here ...

It feels like I am really overlooking something simple .. I should go to the Kenmore site and see if they say anything else.

**KristinaB** · 06-04-2011, 10:18 PM

Quite possibly you might need to lubricate with 3 in 1 machine oil for sewing machines. We go through this a lot with my mother Necchi-Super Nova Julia that is 48 years old. I have a Brother and after moving it from Missouri and unpacking, I had to oil it as well. Check and make sure you have no lint or dust in the bobbin area or where the needle goes up & down or at the top portion that will also move up & down. Another thing that could cause it to not move forward is a knot in the thread at the first stitch meaning your tension is not right.

That's all I can think of right now.

Beach girl · 06-04-2011, 10:56 PM

Knot in the thread sounds like a good possibility.

This might be really stupid, but is it possible the bobbin is put in upside down? I vaguely recall doing that once. I know it's not supposed to be possible, but somehow I managed it.

I do NOT sew; it gives me the heebie-jeebies and your trouble is a good example of why. Hope you get it figured out.

**KristinaB** · 06-04-2011, 11:06 PM

I sew regularly and quite frequently. I make clothes for myself, daughter and baby clothes. I do quilts and things like that. I also make sure hubby and son have plenty of PJ pants. Not to mention all the mending. Been sewing since I was 6 but on a machine since I was 9.

**Bottesini** · 06-04-2011, 11:07 PM

Bent needle that is hitting the front plate?

Beach girl · 06-04-2011, 11:13 PM

Kristina, I admire you. My mom used to sew quite a bit and she tried to teach me. I even took classes from the Singer sewing machine store when I was about 10.

It just didn't take. Makes me nervous and my seams were always crooked.

My sister sews quite a bit, and beautifully. She makes a lot of her own clothes and they are very original and fun.

Me, I love knitting and crochet, but sewing just was not my thing.

**KristinaB** · 06-04-2011, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beach girl

Kristina, I admire you. My mom used to sew quite a bit and she tried to teach me. I even took classes from the Singer sewing machine store when I was about 10.

It just didn't take. Makes me nervous and my seams were always crooked.

My sister sews quite a bit, and beautifully. She makes a lot of her own clothes and they are very original and fun.

Me, I love knitting and crochet, but sewing just was not my thing.

I also knit and crochet and do counted cross-stitch. I prefer sewing and my paper-crafts to the needlework. My mother and I both made my wedding gown. That was my crowning achievement. It was given to a good friend who fit in it perfectly and was getting married. 3 weeks before her wedding, she lost everything to a house fire, so I was happy to give her my dress, hoops and veil. I made her a bridal bouquet with silk flowers and made the ring bearers pillow. My daughter was too tall and skinny for my dress and she doesn't think she will ever marry. Besides, she hates to wear a dress.

AlleyCat · 06-04-2011, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beach girl

Knot in the thread sounds like a good possibility.

This might be really stupid, but is it possible the bobbin is put in upside down? I vaguely recall doing that once. I know it's not supposed to be possible, but somehow I managed it.

I do NOT sew; it gives me the heebie-jeebies and your trouble is a good example of why. Hope you get it figured out.

With my machine, there is an actual part that sticks out and fits into a proper place, so there's no way for it to be upside down. Good question, though.

AlleyCat · 06-04-2011, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bottesini

Bent needle that is hitting the front plate?

Won't even go down to hit the front plate. The motor just grinds as it's trying to come down. As if something is holding it from doing so.

AlleyCat · 06-04-2011, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KristinaB

Quite possibly you might need to lubricate with 3 in 1 machine oil for sewing machines. We go through this a lot with my mother Necchi-Super Nova Julia that is 48 years old. I have a Brother and after moving it from Missouri and unpacking, I had to oil it as well. Check and make sure you have no lint or dust in the bobbin area or where the needle goes up & down or at the top portion that will also move up & down. Another thing that could cause it to not move forward is a knot in the thread at the first stitch meaning your tension is not right.

That's all I can think of right now.

Tomorrow we'll take it apart and see if we see anything obvious. While I'm clueless like I said earlier, I get the feeling it's something to do with the motor.

Will let you all know what happens, thanks !!

AlleyCat · 06-04-2011, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caaraa

You have to push back a thing on top that you had to move to wind the bobbin.
[img]http://www.**************.com/track/images/12.lona.gif[/img]

I did. See post 2 and 3.

Actually, with my machine, I cannot even get the bobbin out until I have pushed it back. So it's a given that it's done. Nice built-in feature, I guess

LuciaDisturbed · 06-05-2011, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlleyCat

So .. I tried to use my Kenmore sewing machine for the first time tonight in about 18 months. After the last time using it, I figured it might be a while before I used it again, so instead of just putting it away, I packed it back into its box, complete with styrofoam (that came with it - it is shaped in the form of the machine).

I first made my bobby (for the bottom part) -- no problem.

Then, tried to actually start sewing. I can't get the forward motion going. I switched it back to the forward part (instead of the backward part for the bobby). The machine grinds like crazy, and won't move forward.

My SO is trying to help me figure out why. He asked if there was a safety feature that would prevent it from going forward, and as far as I know of, there isn't one.

Is there something simple I'm forgetting since it's been about 18 months since I used it last ? The sewing machine is about 12 years old, but I only used it 1x or 2x a year, so I can't imagine the motor is burned out ....

Thanks !!

Search the internet, find help forums for sewing?

I wish I could sew, but I can't afford a sewing machine. I would love to make clothes and make beautiful quilts and sell them on ETSY for profit. You're lucky to have a sewing machine.

I hope you can figure it out and get it working for you! Good luck!

LuciaDisturbed · 06-05-2011, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KristinaB

I sew regularly and quite frequently. I make clothes for myself, daughter and baby clothes. I do quilts and things like that. I also make sure hubby and son have plenty of PJ pants. Not to mention all the mending. Been sewing since I was 6 but on a machine since I was 9.

Lucky you. I wish I had a sewing machine - I am in DIRE need of PJ pants! Most of mine tore, and I am now down to just two.

At least I live in TX and it is summer so I don't need them right now. And I would love to sew my own clothes, and make some to sell on ETSY for profit too!

LuciaDisturbed · 06-05-2011, 02:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KristinaB

I also knit and crochet and do counted cross-stitch. I prefer sewing and my paper-crafts to the needlework. My mother and I both made my wedding gown. That was my crowning achievement. It was given to a good friend who fit in it perfectly and was getting married. 3 weeks before her wedding, she lost everything to a house fire, so I was happy to give her my dress, hoops and veil. I made her a bridal bouquet with silk flowers and made the ring bearers pillow. My daughter was too tall and skinny for my dress and she doesn't think she will ever marry. Besides, she hates to wear a dress.

I would love to see a picture of your wedding gown!

**KristinaB** · 06-05-2011, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuciaDisturbed

I would love to see a picture of your wedding gown!

Not a real good picture, but you get the idea. Man in the middle is our Pastor and the churches walls are no longer this dark. Since the hurricanes came through and the church lost it's roof and had major damage, they redid it and they are now white or cream colored. This was taken on 2/13/93.
kmbjbb21393.jpg

**Bottesini** · 06-05-2011, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KristinaB

Not a real good picture, but you get the idea. Man in the middle is our Pastor and the churches walls are no longer this dark. Since the hurricanes came through and the church lost it's roof and had major damage, they redid it and they are now white or cream colored. This was taken on 2/13/93.
Attachment 15986

That's a nice dress! You are a very good seamstress, Kristina.

**KristinaB** · 06-05-2011, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bottesini

That's a nice dress! You are a very good seamstress, Kristina.

Thank you very much. There are 3000 tiny pearl white seed beads all over the skirt and another 100 on each sleeve. It has 50 buttons up the back with loops for the buttonholes.

AlleyCat · 06-05-2011, 04:39 PM

Very cool, Kristina !! Love it !!!!

AlleyCat · 06-05-2011, 04:42 PM

p.s. I did promise to post an update today. So far, no success. I checked all the machinery (the motor, etc.) -- it is clean as a whistle. Probably due to the fact that I always put it away when done, and didn't use it too often. I fully checked out the bobbin area to be sure there wasn't a jumble of threaded knots, it's all clear. Changed out stitching again (like going from a straight stitch to otherwise, etc.) Changed tension both up and down. Still no progress on getting it to start sewing. What I don't get is that the motor worked just fine for the bobbin part, why not the top (sewing) part ?

**KristinaB** · 06-05-2011, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlleyCat

p.s. I did promise to post an update today. So far, no success. I checked all the machinery (the motor, etc.) -- it is clean as a whistle. Probably due to the fact that I always put it away when done, and didn't use it too often. I fully checked out the bobbin area to be sure there wasn't a jumble of threaded knots, it's all clear. Changed out stitching again (like going from a straight stitch to otherwise, etc.) Changed tension both up and down. Still no progress on getting it to start sewing. What I don't get is that the motor worked just fine for the bobbin part, why not the top (sewing) part ?

Have you checked here? Kenmore Sewing Machine Manuals Instruction and Repair Manuals

Beach girl · 06-05-2011, 08:14 PM

Beautiful picture, Kristina. That is a lovely gown.

LuciaDisturbed · 06-07-2011, 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KristinaB

Not a real good picture, but you get the idea. Man in the middle is our Pastor and the churches walls are no longer this dark. Since the hurricanes came through and the church lost it's roof and had major damage, they redid it and they are now white or cream colored. This was taken on 2/13/93.
Attachment 15986

It's beautiful!

LuciaDisturbed · 06-07-2011, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KristinaB

Thank you very much. There are 3000 tiny pearl white seed beads all over the skirt and another 100 on each sleeve. It has 50 buttons up the back with loops for the buttonholes.

Wow, sounds complicated! Must have taken you a long time to make the entire dress! You must be so skilled at this, you have a talent for sewing!

**TXgolfer** · 06-07-2011, 02:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlleyCat

p.s. I did promise to post an update today. So far, no success. I checked all the machinery (the motor, etc.) -- it is clean as a whistle. Probably due to the fact that I always put it away when done, and didn't use it too often. I fully checked out the bobbin area to be sure there wasn't a jumble of threaded knots, it's all clear. Changed out stitching again (like going from a straight stitch to otherwise, etc.) Changed tension both up and down. Still no progress on getting it to start sewing. What I don't get is that the motor worked just fine for the bobbin part, why not the top (sewing) part ?

I know nothing about sewing machines....but many tools with moving parts have a pin you put in when storing....is there a pin you may have forgotten about?

**Jiro** · 06-07-2011, 02:34 AM

which model of Kenmore you got? best if you link it

**deafskeptic** · 06-07-2011, 02:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuciaDisturbed

I would love to see a picture of your wedding gown!

Me too!

06-04-2011, 08:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
AlleyCat Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In my time zone Posts: 10,770	Kenmore Sewing Machine question So .. I tried to use my Kenmore sewing machine for the first time tonight in about 18 months. After the last time using it, I figured it might be a while before I used it again, so instead of just putting it away, I packed it back into its box, complete with styrofoam (that came with it - it is shaped in the form of the machine). I first made my bobby (for the bottom part) -- no problem. Then, tried to actually start sewing. I can't get the forward motion going. I switched it back to the forward part (instead of the backward part for the bobby). The machine grinds like crazy, and won't move forward. My SO is trying to help me figure out why. He asked if there was a safety feature that would prevent it from going forward, and as far as I know of, there isn't one. Is there something simple I'm forgetting since it's been about 18 months since I used it last ? The sewing machine is about 12 years old, but I only used it 1x or 2x a year, so I can't imagine the motor is burned out .... Thanks !!

06-04-2011, 09:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
Bottesini Joe's Friend Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: With Owl Sock Posts: 37,515 Blog Entries: 1	You have to push back a thing on top that you had to move to wind the bobbin. At least that is what I remember from my own Kenmore, which died a few years ago. __________________

06-04-2011, 10:18 PM	#6 (permalink)
KristinaB New SDIT Deacon Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Land of the backstroke Posts: 13,767	Quite possibly you might need to lubricate with 3 in 1 machine oil for sewing machines. We go through this a lot with my mother Necchi-Super Nova Julia that is 48 years old. I have a Brother and after moving it from Missouri and unpacking, I had to oil it as well. Check and make sure you have no lint or dust in the bobbin area or where the needle goes up & down or at the top portion that will also move up & down. Another thing that could cause it to not move forward is a knot in the thread at the first stitch meaning your tension is not right. That's all I can think of right now. LDNanna likes this.

06-04-2011, 11:06 PM	#8 (permalink)
KristinaB New SDIT Deacon Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Land of the backstroke Posts: 13,767	I sew regularly and quite frequently. I make clothes for myself, daughter and baby clothes. I do quilts and things like that. I also make sure hubby and son have plenty of PJ pants. Not to mention all the mending. Been sewing since I was 6 but on a machine since I was 9. Reba and Beach girl like this.

06-04-2011, 11:07 PM	#9 (permalink)
Bottesini Joe's Friend Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: With Owl Sock Posts: 37,515 Blog Entries: 1	Bent needle that is hitting the front plate? __________________

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06-04-2011, 09:40 PM	#4 (permalink)
Beach girl Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: northern Virginia in winter; NC in summer Posts: 3,760	My number one rule in life: If all else fails, read the manual. Any chance you still have the manual anyplace?? Have you tried going on the Kenmore site? Sometimes the manuals can be downloaded from the manufacturer's on-line site.

06-04-2011, 10:13 PM	#5 (permalink)
AlleyCat Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In my time zone Posts: 10,770	I do have the manual. It tells me to adjust the stitch numbers (tension and length, etc.) and that hasn't helped. I don't see anything about a "safety feature" like my SO was asking me about, so I figured it wasn't called that (if any such feature even exists.) Hence why I was asking here ... It feels like I am really overlooking something simple .. I should go to the Kenmore site and see if they say anything else.

06-04-2011, 10:56 PM	#7 (permalink)
Beach girl Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: northern Virginia in winter; NC in summer Posts: 3,760	Knot in the thread sounds like a good possibility. This might be really stupid, but is it possible the bobbin is put in upside down? I vaguely recall doing that once. I know it's not supposed to be possible, but somehow I managed it. I do NOT sew; it gives me the heebie-jeebies and your trouble is a good example of why. Hope you get it figured out.

06-04-2011, 11:13 PM	#10 (permalink)
Beach girl Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: northern Virginia in winter; NC in summer Posts: 3,760	Kristina, I admire you. My mom used to sew quite a bit and she tried to teach me. I even took classes from the Singer sewing machine store when I was about 10. It just didn't take. Makes me nervous and my seams were always crooked. My sister sews quite a bit, and beautifully. She makes a lot of her own clothes and they are very original and fun. Me, I love knitting and crochet, but sewing just was not my thing.

06-05-2011, 04:39 PM	#22 (permalink)
AlleyCat Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In my time zone Posts: 10,770	Very cool, Kristina !! Love it !!!!

06-05-2011, 04:42 PM	#23 (permalink)
AlleyCat Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In my time zone Posts: 10,770	p.s. I did promise to post an update today. So far, no success. I checked all the machinery (the motor, etc.) -- it is clean as a whistle. Probably due to the fact that I always put it away when done, and didn't use it too often. I fully checked out the bobbin area to be sure there wasn't a jumble of threaded knots, it's all clear. Changed out stitching again (like going from a straight stitch to otherwise, etc.) Changed tension both up and down. Still no progress on getting it to start sewing. What I don't get is that the motor worked just fine for the bobbin part, why not the top (sewing) part ?

06-05-2011, 08:14 PM	#25 (permalink)
Beach girl Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: northern Virginia in winter; NC in summer Posts: 3,760	Beautiful picture, Kristina. That is a lovely gown.

06-07-2011, 02:34 AM	#29 (permalink)
Jiro Aparecium Deletrius Legil Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: The Soprano State Posts: 60,428	which model of Kenmore you got? best if you link it __________________ - Don't forget to buy Jiro's Special Edition Sunglasses for $19.95

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