Threading the Machine and Loading Bobbin

The first step to sewing on a Kenmore is threading the needle correctly. Raise the presser foot lever on the back of the machine — this opens the tension discs so thread can pass through. Place a spool of thread on the spool pin at the top, then guide the thread down through the thread guide (the small hook above the needle area). Pull the thread down and to the left, then through the tension dial, which looks like a round knob with a slot. Continue down through the second thread guide just above the needle.

Insert the thread through the needle from front to back, leaving a 6-inch tail hanging down. The needle should be in its highest position when you thread it — if it is not, turn the handwheel toward you until it rises. Once threaded, hold the thread tail and turn the handwheel toward you one full rotation. This catches the bobbin thread and brings it up through the needle plate. You should see a loop of bobbin thread come up; pull both threads to the back and left of the presser foot.

To load the bobbin, wind thread onto an empty bobbin using the bobbin winder on the side of the machine. Place the bobbin on the winder spindle, guide thread through the tension guide on the winder, and press the bobbin against the winder wheel. The machine will wind automatically when you start sewing, or you can turn the handwheel by hand. Once full, remove the bobbin and insert it into the bobbin case under the needle plate, with the thread tail going through the slot in the case.

Key Takeaways

  • Raise the presser foot before threading so the tension discs open and accept thread.
  • Thread goes through the tension dial, then the needle from front to back, with the needle at its highest point.
  • Turn the handwheel toward you one full rotation after threading to bring up the bobbin thread.
  • Bobbins wind on the side spindle and insert into the case under the needle plate with the thread tail through the slot.
  • Lower the presser foot before sewing to close the tension discs and hold fabric in place.

Setting Stitch Length and Width

Kenmore machines have two main dials or buttons that control how your stitches look. The stitch length dial (usually marked 0 to 5 or with numbers and symbols) controls how far the fabric moves forward with each stitch. A setting of 2 to 2.5 works for most everyday sewing on woven fabric. Longer stitches (3 to 4) are better for knits, topstitching, or basting. Shorter stitches (1 to 1.5) create stronger seams and are used for finishing edges or sewing curves.

The stitch width dial controls how far the needle swings side to side. For a straight stitch, set width to 0. For zigzag, satin stitch, or decorative stitches, increase the width — usually 2 to 3 for general zigzag work. Wider stitches (4 to 5) are used for buttonholes or heavy decorative work. Always test your stitch settings on a scrap of the same fabric you plan to sew before starting your project.

Positioning Fabric and Starting to Sew

Place your fabric under the presser foot with the edge aligned to the seam guide line on the needle plate (usually the line marked 5/8 inch from the needle). Lower the presser foot by pushing the lever down at the back of the machine. Hold both thread tails to the back and left, then press the foot pedal slowly to begin sewing. The machine will feed fabric automatically — do not pull or push the fabric, as this can break the needle or cause skipped stitches.

To sew a straight seam, keep your hands light on the fabric and let the feed dogs (the metal teeth under the presser foot) move it forward. Steer gently if needed by guiding the fabric edge along the seam guide. To backstitch (sew in reverse to lock stitches), press the reverse button or lever while the machine is running, then release it to go forward again. Always backstitch at the start and end of a seam to prevent unraveling.

When you reach the end of a seam, raise the presser foot, turn the handwheel toward you to raise the needle to its highest point, and pull the fabric toward you. Leave a 4-inch thread tail for tying off. Cut the threads with the thread cutter on the side of the machine, or use scissors.

Changing Needles and Troubleshooting Skipped Stitches

A bent or dull needle is the most common reason for skipped stitches, puckered seams, or thread breaks. To change the needle, raise it to its highest point by turning the handwheel toward you. Loosen the needle clamp screw (usually on the right side of the needle) and slide the old needle out. Insert a new needle with the flat side facing the correct direction — check your manual, as this varies by model — and tighten the clamp. Always use the correct needle size and type for your fabric: size 70/10 for lightweight fabrics, 80/12 for medium weight, and 90/14 for heavier fabrics like denim.

If stitches skip, first check that the needle is inserted correctly and is not bent. Rethread the machine completely, making sure the presser foot is raised so the tension discs are open. If skipping continues, the needle may be dull or the wrong size — replace it. If the top thread breaks, the tension may be too tight; turn the tension dial to a lower number. If the bobbin thread breaks, the bobbin case may be damaged or the bobbin wound unevenly; rewind the bobbin and check the case for burrs.

Cleaning and Basic Maintenance

Lint and thread scraps collect under the needle plate and in the bobbin area. Every few hours of sewing, raise the needle to its highest point and remove the needle plate by unscrewing the two screws that hold it. Use a small brush (often included with the machine) to sweep out lint from the feed dogs and bobbin area. Do not use compressed air, as it can push lint deeper into the mechanism. Wipe the outside of the machine with a dry cloth.

Oil the machine only if your manual specifies where and how often — many modern Kenmore machines are sealed and do not need oiling. If your machine does require oil, use only sewing machine oil, never household oil. explore one small drop to the points listed in your manual, then sew on scrap fabric to work out excess oil before sewing your project.

Store your 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 thread for a minute or two to loosen any stiffness before sewing.

Adjusting Tension for Even Stitches

Tension controls how tightly the top and bobbin threads lock together. If the top thread is too loose, bobbin thread shows on the top of the fabric. If the top thread is too tight, the fabric puckers and top thread shows on the back. Most Kenmore machines have a tension dial numbered 0 to 9, with 4 or 5 as the default starting point for medium-weight fabric.

To test tension, thread the machine and sew a line on scrap fabric. Look at both sides of the seam. If you see bobbin thread on top, turn the dial to a higher number (tighter). If you see top thread on the back, turn the dial to a lower number (looser). Make small changes — usually one number at a time — and test again. Different fabrics and thread weights may need different settings, so always test on scrap fabric first.

Using Different Stitch Types

Most Kenmore machines offer straight stitch, zigzag, and several decorative stitches. Select a stitch by turning the stitch selector dial or pressing buttons on the machine face — your manual will show which number or symbol corresponds to each stitch. Straight stitch (usually position 1) is for seams and topstitching. Zigzag (usually position 2 or 3) is for finishing raw edges, sewing stretchy fabric, and appliqué.

Decorative stitches vary by model but often include scallop, cross, and leaf patterns. These are slower to sew and work best on stable, medium-weight fabric. Always set stitch length and width before selecting a decorative stitch, and test on scrap fabric first. Some stitches require a special presser foot — your manual will note this. For buttonholes, select the buttonhole stitch, position the fabric, and follow the on-screen or manual instructions for your specific model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my thread keep breaking?

Thread breaks most often because the needle is bent, dull, or inserted backward. Replace the needle and make sure the flat side faces the correct direction for your model. Rethread the machine completely with the presser foot raised. If breaking continues, the tension may be too tight — lower the tension dial by one or two numbers and test again.

How do I fix fabric puckering?

Puckering usually means the tension is too tight. Lower the tension dial by one or two numbers and test on scrap fabric. If the stitch length is too short, increase it slightly — try 2.5 instead of 2. Make sure you are using the correct needle size for your fabric weight, and that the needle is not bent.

Can I sew stretchy fabric like knit or spandex?

Yes, but use a ballpoint or stretch needle (size 75/11 or 90/14) instead of a regular needle. Set the stitch length to 2.5 to 3 and use a zigzag stitch instead of straight stitch, which allows the seam to stretch without breaking. You can also use a walking foot if your machine accepts one, which feeds stretchy fabric more evenly.

What should I do if the machine jams or will not move?

Raise the presser foot when ready to release pressure on the fabric. Turn the handwheel toward you gently to see if the needle moves — do not force it. Remove the fabric and check for thread wrapped around the feed dogs or bobbin area. Clean out any lint or thread scraps with a small brush. If the handwheel still will not turn, stop and consult your manual or contact Kenmore support.

How often should I replace the needle?

Replace the needle after every 8 to 10 hours of sewing, or sooner if you notice skipped stitches, thread breaks, or holes in fabric that are larger than the needle should make. A bent or dull needle damages fabric and breaks thread, so it is worth replacing often. Keep several spare needles on hand in the correct sizes for your projects.