Help with Kenmore machine.
 

Just inherited an older Kenmore in a cabinet. The motor seems fine, the needle goes up and down, but I can't get the bobbin thread to come up. Have tried re-threading top and bottom many times but it won't work. Any suggestions? Thanks so much.

Is the bobbin inserted correctly, unwinding the correct way? You might try flipping the bobbin over and inserting it into the case ( that is if the direction of how the bobbin is to unwind isn't marked on the bobbin cover).

Also make sure it is the correct bobbin for the machine. Lots of bobbins look alike, but a machine with the wrong bobbin will have problems.

Did you replace the needle? Sometimes it's the wrong needle for the machine.

When you are looking into the open bobbin case, the bobbin should be placed in there with the thread tail on the right side. (When pulled it would come off the bobbin counterclockwise). Then you thread it "backwards" through the slot in the bobbin case. Hope that makes sense. Also, make sure the thread tail is long enough. If it is too short, it gets picked up, and then falls out before it gets up through the hole in the needle plate. That's all I know............

Have you checked the needle? My kenmore threads from left to right, and if the needle is inserted the wrong way or threaded the wrong way, it won't sew.

Keep the bobbin case open while holding onto the thread coming from the needle. You should see the thread coming down below the bobbin and catching the thread that comes out of the bobbin. If you don't, then perhaps the bobbin thread is not long enough.

Make sure your needle is threaded in the right direction. Some machines thread from right to left (toward the back of the machine) or left to right (toward the front). Sometimes it's simple as that.:)

What model is your machine? I have an 1813 (158.181) and it threads from front to back. The owners Manuel suggests that the needle may not be seated right, remove and reseat the needle. The bobbin in the old metal style with the holes in both sides all the way around. As a rule of thumb when threading the needle, thread form the side of the last thread guide.

I would check the needle (I had a similar problem with my White Domestic), make sure it is in right and threaded in the correct direction.

You should get a manual for your machine. Manuals are so helpful in troubleshooting these kinds of problems.

Have fun with your Kenmore.

Thanks for the suggestions. I am still working on it. I changed the needle and tried threading it several different ways. I do have a manual - it shows how to thread the top and the bobbin, but doesn't say what to do if the bobbin thread doesn't come up. I'll keep trying!