Kenmore Sewing Machine question

AlleyCat

AlleyCat

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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 !! :)
 
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.
 
Bottesini said:
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.
Click to expand...

I did do that.

But thank you, though! :)
 
My number one rule in life: If all else fails, read the manual. :lol:

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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
Bent needle that is hitting the front plate?
 
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.
 
Beach girl said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
Beach girl said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
KristinaB said:
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.
Click to expand...

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 !! :)
 
caaraa said:
You have to push back a thing on top that you had to move to wind the bobbin.
12.lona.gif
44553433@N00.jpg
Click to expand...

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 :)
 
AlleyCat said:
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 !! :)
Click to expand...

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! :) :fingersx:
 
KristinaB said:
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.
Click to expand...

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!
 
KristinaB said:
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.
Click to expand...

I would love to see a picture of your wedding gown!
 
LuciaDisturbed said:
I would love to see a picture of your wedding gown!
Click to expand...

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
 
KristinaB said:
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.
View attachment 15986
Click to expand...

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