Kenmore Bobbin Threading
Posted in Crafts on 09/13/2011 06:42 pm by admin
Needle isn’t reaching bobbin thread… help before I throw this machine out the window?
My sewing machine isn’t picking up the bobbin thread and I’ve tried literally everything. I have a Kenmore 15408 (I think that’s the model number). I’ve searched dozens of sewing forums and watched plenty of YouTube videos, everything of which I have tried.
It honestly looks like the needle isn’t going down far enough to reach the bobbin. I tried lowering the needle as far as it would go, but it still isn’t touching the bobbin when it goes down.
Any help at all would be appreciated – I’ve been working on this for a week. This is kind of a cheap machine, so I am seriously about to just chunk it and buy a new one since repair costs would costs just as much.
What kind of fabric are you trying to sew, how many plies, and how thick is the fabric? What size needle and type of point are you using?
1) Make sure you’ve got the right needle. Should say something about 130/705H, HAx1, 15x1H, 130R or SY 2020 on the needle packet.
2) Put in a new needle, preferably size 80/12, right way round (flat side to the back). Make sure the needle is fully up in the needle clamp and the clamp is tight.
3) Dig out a scrap of muslin or other shirt weight cotton fabric. Sew, and see if that works. If it doesn’t, please drop me an email (click on my avatar) with what it is or isn’t doing.
To see if this is a timing issue, compare the stitch cycle on your machine with the correct one at:
http://www.sewusa.com/Sewing_Machine_Repair/Sewing%20Machine%20Hook%20Timing.htm
Timing problems are actually pretty rare. “Bobbin thread isn’t being picked up” usually is
– needle in backwards
– dull or damaged needle
– wrong needle system
– needle too small for thickness being sewn
– fabric needs stabilizing
– dirty machine
Usually timing problems are preceded by loud noises, bad snarls and much wailing and gnashing of teeth.
How to fill a bobbin on a Kenmore vintage sewing machine