Does the machine have a RML (Right - Middle - Left ) needle position lever?
If not it may park the needle to the left. If it parks the needle to the left place the stitch width lever at "0" and it should do a straight stitch.
I have two machines like that.
Our Kenmore is a 158.13470. Here is how our owners manual says to set the machines controls for a straight stitch:
[quote]STRAIGHT STITCHING
Set your machine just as shown in the illustration in order to straight stitch.
It is important each dial have the following settings.
SETTINGS
Special Stitch Dial - Red Dot
Stitch Width Control - Red Dot
Stitch Length Control - 12 to 6
Our Kenmore does not have a needle position lever and it parks in the center.
If it has a needle position lever, it most likely needs oiled in the zig-zag components. Some of which you might not be able to see.
Joe
Last edited by J Miller; 03-24-2012 at 07:14 PM.