If you have a printer, print out the TFSR manual and put it in a notebook. That way you can keep it handy and not have to go back to the computer every time you need to check something.
This is a great idea. I have a spare binder, I think it would be helpful to maybe just start one. It would be a lot easier than running to the computer every time. Especially when my hands are full of gunk, which of course means washing, drying, getting the computer....it really is inefficient.
Rubbing alcohol works well for cleaning parts too and is a lot cheaper. Whatever the problem is, it's small. You're very close to having nice looking stitches. Joe's advice is right on. Work on it as the mood strikes you and stop when you hit your frustration point. I'm assuming you have a class 15 bobbin case. You may need to take the spring off it and clean your bobbin case too. A little dirt in there can keep your tension from working properly and give you the results you're seeing. If you have another machine that uses the same case, try swapping cases as a quick test.
I'll definitely try swapping out the case, I never even thought of that. Awesome idea! That would let me know if there's an issue with the Kenmore's case. I'll also try the rubbing alcohol. Not only is it cheaper, it smells a heck of a lot better than liquid wrench (not that either actually smell 'good'). Thanks for letting me know!
When you google for information on this machine, leave off the 158. and just use the first four numbers after the period, 1703. According to the youtube videos by niftythriftygirl, this machine has a powerful 1.2 amp motor and plenty of cams. In a discussion of this model on sewing pattern review, one owner says she had had this machine for many years and loves this machine, it will sew just about anything but knits, even though she tried changing needles, changing thread, etc. Are you using the same thread in both bobbin and on top? The thread in your bottom stitches looks shiny, but the red thread in the top stitching does not. Your sample is flannel. What does it look like when you stitch on two layers of cotton, or of layers of a heavier fabric.
I actually have an entire box of cams for this machine, so I'd love to get it working. It's just really frustrating that I am close, but yet....ugh. As for the thread, I have Gutermann thread on the bobbin and a cheap thread for the top. They are both poly. I was going to try using good thread for both top and bottom like another person suggested just to see if that makes a difference. I have also tried other fabrics. This machine hates lightweight fabrics, but will sew heavy fabrics like denim quite well. In fact, layers of denim is the only thing it will sew and looks 'normal'. I suspect it's because of thickness and you just can't see the flaw of the bottom thread being pulled up through...you can barely see it on the flannel. Once I get the stitches to look more even, I think I'll try a plain cotton again. I just had some spare flannel scraps laying around as I've been making rag quilts with it. My other fabrics are buried in boxes as I'm rearranging my sewing room.
Is that pin still inside the tension unit? Unless it doesn't have one.... but your manual should indicate that.
Yep, the pin is still in the unit. I had taken it off, but I put it back in when I reassembled. Thanks for checking though! That definitely could've caused some issues!