Kenmore 158 trouble
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 165
Kenmore 158 trouble
I got this machine a couple months ago (some of you may remember), and until now I haven't had any spare time to sit down and really sew with her. Finally, now that I have a bit of time, I find out that I can barely see at all with her. I've re-cleaned and oiled, adjusted the tension (which did allow me to see some patches on denim), but anytime I try a lighter fabric (yes I changed the needle), I get nothing but either bird nesting, or it won't make any stitches at all....just holes where the needle had moved through the fabric. I cleaned out the shuttle well, and I can't find any issues there. When I go back to a heavy material like denim, it will sew, but often seems to bog down at times (only 2 layers), like it's getting stuck, only to quickly take off again like a rocket. I can see denim, but not smoothly like i should be able to. I mean, my first cheapo plastic Black Friday Brother sews better than this Kenmore!
I have also noticed that the needle often strikes the plate, but I can't figure out why? Anyone have suggestions/thoughts? I really loved this machine when I first got her up and running, and now I'm ready to toss her to the curb! Please help!
I have also noticed that the needle often strikes the plate, but I can't figure out why? Anyone have suggestions/thoughts? I really loved this machine when I first got her up and running, and now I'm ready to toss her to the curb! Please help!
#4
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 15,506
If you put the needle in backwards it will do just what you described. Can you post a picture of the machine so we can help you orient the needle? Generally if the bobbin is in the front the needle will insert flat side to the back of the machine. If the bobbin is on the left the needle will install with the flat side to the right. If it is a Singer anything goes. Not really but that might be enough info for now.
#6
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 165
Ummm, I have the original manual, and of course I've read through it. How is a post like that supposed to be helpful? NO NEED TO SHOUT IT EITHER, I CAN OBVIOUSLY READ!
The needle is in properly...I initially thought this was the issue as well. I've even tried different brands, still no change.
The needle is in properly...I initially thought this was the issue as well. I've even tried different brands, still no change.
#10
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 165
Hehehe, Miriam!
Here is a pic of the needle, the needle dropped down, then I turned it so you could see the needle type, and that the flat side was towards the back, and a pic of the bobbin.
If you see something wrong, please let me know. If you need more pics, I'll get some.
Here is a pic of the needle, the needle dropped down, then I turned it so you could see the needle type, and that the flat side was towards the back, and a pic of the bobbin.
If you see something wrong, please let me know. If you need more pics, I'll get some.
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