Help! kenmore 117.552 how do I thread this baby???
 

Sister has Kenmore model 117.552 no manual and no free ones online. It won't pick up the bobbin thread. So somehow it is probably threaded wrong. Can any one tell me the steps or maybe have a manual they could share?

saperry,

I found a place that you can order a manual for your machine:
http://www.sewusa.com/Sewing_Machine...120_Models.htm
It's the second line down.

Since your machine is similar enough to my 117-812 to use the same manual the top threading would be the same. Here is a picture of how to thread it. This is not your machine, but the threading is the same as far as I can tell.
http://sewusa.com/Threading_Diagrams...ng_diagram.htm
Remember the hand wheel rotates away from you, or clockwise rather than towards you like a Singer. If you turn it like you'd turn a Singer it won't pick up the bobbin thread properly.

Hope this helps.

Joe

Joe You are a life saver. I gave the info to my sis. I hope this fixes her problem. I swear I love reading your and Charlee's posts. You two just amaze me. Thank you thank you thank you.

You're welcome. I hope my info helps.

Joe

Is this true for all Vintage Kenmore's or just that model?

Well, I don't know for positive, but those I have the 117-812 and 120-491 do, and those I've read about do also.
I'm sure there will be an exception, there always is.

An easy way to tell is to put some fabric under the foot, set the stitch on forward and turn the hand wheel.
If you turn it clockwise and the material feeds forward then you know for sure.
If it doesn't feed or feeds backwards then it turns counter clockwise.

Joe