Threading the Machine and Loading Bobbin

A Kenmore sewing machine will not stitch until thread runs through the needle and a bobbin sits in the bobbin case below. Start with the presser foot up — this opens the tension discs that grip the thread. Place a spool of thread on the spool pin at the top of the machine, then guide the thread through the thread guide (a small hook or loop near the top), down through the tension discs, and into the needle threader if your model has one.

Pull the thread through the needle from front to back, leaving a 6-inch tail hanging. For the bobbin, wind thread onto an empty bobbin using the bobbin winder on the side or top of the machine, then insert the wound bobbin into the bobbin case. Pull the bobbin thread up through the slot in the bobbin case so it catches on the tension spring. You should hear a small click when it seats correctly.

Key Takeaways

  • Thread the machine with the presser foot up, and always pull both needle and bobbin thread tails to the back before you start sewing.
  • Select your stitch type and length using the dials or buttons on your machine — straight stitch is the default for most seams.
  • Place fabric under the presser foot, lower the foot, and use the foot pedal to control speed; the machine will not move without pressure on the pedal.
  • Clean out lint from the bobbin area every few projects and oil the machine according to your manual, as Kenmore machines need light maintenance to run smoothly.
  • If the thread breaks or loops, rethread the machine completely — do not assume the thread is still in place after stopping mid-project.

Selecting Stitch Type and Adjusting Length

Kenmore machines come with a dial or digital display for choosing stitches. The straight stitch — a straightforward line of stitches — is the most common and is usually marked as position 1 or shown as a straight line. Turn the dial or press the button to select it. You will also see zigzag, stretch, and decorative stitches depending on your model.

The stitch length dial is separate and controls how far the needle moves forward with each stitch. For most seams, set it to 2.5 millimeters. Shorter stitches (1.5 to 2 mm) work for delicate fabrics or seams you want to be very strong. Longer stitches (3 to 4 mm) are faster and work for basting or loose seams. Stitch width applies only to zigzag and decorative stitches — leave it at 0 for straight stitching.

Positioning Fabric and Starting to Sew

Place your fabric under the presser foot so the needle will pierce it about one-quarter inch from the edge. Lower the presser foot using the lever on the back or side of the machine — this engages the tension discs and prevents thread from pulling out. Pull both the needle thread and bobbin thread toward the back of the machine and hold them loosely.

Press the foot pedal slowly to start sewing. The machine will not move without pedal pressure, and speed increases as you press harder. Beginners should go slowly to keep seams straight. Guide the fabric gently with your hands — do not pull it, as the feed dogs (the metal teeth under the presser foot) move it automatically. At the end of a seam, raise the presser foot, pull the fabric back, and trim the thread tails to about one-quarter inch.

Fixing Common Thread Problems

If the top thread breaks, rethread the entire machine from the beginning. Do not assume the thread is still in the needle or tension discs — it almost never is. If the bobbin thread breaks, check that the bobbin is wound evenly and inserted correctly, and that the bobbin case is not damaged or lint-clogged.

Looping — where thread forms loops on the top or bottom of the fabric — usually means the machine is not threaded correctly or the tension is wrong. Rethread first. If loops persist on the top, the top tension is too loose; if loops appear on the bottom, the bobbin tension is too loose. Most Kenmore machines have a tension dial numbered 0 to 9, with 4 or 5 as the default. Increase the number slightly if the top thread loops, but rethread before adjusting.

Cleaning and Basic Maintenance

After every few projects, open the bobbin case and use a small brush to sweep out lint and thread scraps. Lint buildup blocks the feed dogs and causes skipped stitches. Some Kenmore models have an oil port near the bobbin area — check your manual to see if yours does. If it does, explore one drop of sewing machine oil (not household oil) to the port every 8 to 10 hours of sewing.

Never oil the bobbin area without checking your manual first, as some newer Kenmore machines are sealed and do not need oiling. Store the machine in a cool, dry place and cover it when not in use to keep dust out. If the machine has not been used for several months, run it without fabric for a few seconds to distribute any dried oil before sewing on cloth.

Changing the Needle

A bent, dull, or broken needle causes skipped stitches, puckering, and thread breaks. Needles wear out after 8 to 10 hours of sewing. To change it, raise the presser foot, loosen the needle clamp screw on the side of the needle bar, and slide the old needle out. Insert a new needle with the flat side facing the correct direction — your manual shows which way — and tighten the clamp screw firmly.

Always use the correct needle size and type for your fabric. Universal needles (size 80/12 or 90/14) work for most cotton and blends. Ballpoint needles are for knits, and leather needles are for suede or leather. Using the wrong needle damages both the needle and the fabric.

Understanding Tension and When to Adjust It

Tension controls how tightly the top and bobbin threads interlock. Correct tension looks the same on both sides of the fabric — the threads lock in the middle of the fabric layers. Most Kenmore machines come set to a tension of 4 or 5 out of 9, and this works for standard cotton thread and medium-weight fabric.

If the top thread is too tight, it pulls the bobbin thread to the surface and creates loops on the bottom. If the top thread is too loose, the bobbin thread shows on top. Before adjusting the tension dial, always rethread the machine completely, because improper threading is the cause of 90 percent of tension problems. If rethreading does not fix it, turn the tension dial up one number at a time and test on scrap fabric until the stitches look even on both sides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Kenmore skip stitches?

Skipped stitches usually mean the needle is bent, dull, or inserted backward. Replace the needle first. If skipping continues, the machine may need cleaning — lint in the bobbin area blocks the feed dogs. Open the bobbin case and brush out all lint with a small brush.

Can I use any thread in my Kenmore?

Standard polyester or cotton thread works in most Kenmore machines. Avoid very thick thread, metallic thread, or thread older than a few years, as old thread becomes brittle and breaks. If you use specialty thread, check your manual — some models need a different needle or tension setting.

What does it mean when the needle won't go into the fabric?

The presser foot may not be lowered, which prevents the tension discs from engaging and the needle from moving down far enough. Lower the presser foot lever. If the foot is down and the needle still will not penetrate, the needle may be bent or inserted backward — remove it and reinsert it with the flat side facing the correct direction.

How often should I oil my Kenmore sewing machine?

Check your manual first — many newer Kenmore machines are sealed and do not need oiling. If yours has an oil port, explore one drop of sewing machine oil every 8 to 10 hours of sewing. Never use household oil, as it is too thick and will gum up the mechanism.

Why is my thread bunching up under the fabric?

Bunching usually means the bobbin is not inserted correctly or the bobbin thread is not caught on the tension spring in the bobbin case. Remove the bobbin, rewind it if it looks loose, and reinsert it so you hear a click. Then rethread the top thread as well, since the two work together.