I have a Kenmore with a little age. Christmas 1999. I love it really have no desire for a new one. Anyways my Feeddogs started acting up. material would not go move. It started doing it in the middle of me sewing the inseam on the last pair of PJS. I took it apart cleaned really good. check everything the book said. Then it started working as good as new. Then after about an hour of sewing it happened again right in the middle of sewing a seam. I played with the feed dog drop down switched it back an forth and it started working again. Well I called it quits for the night. know it needs servicing badly but I need it for a few more days .
Has this happened to any one out there? if so did you know what it was and is it something simple or do I have to put it in the shop.
Thank you all ahead of time. How wonderful to belong to such a great group.
BillsBonBon

This happened to me on another brand of machine and I had the bobbin winder engaged and didn't realize it. The feed dogs were giving me fits. I hope your machine problem has a simple solution.

If you get a solution to this, let me know, as I have a Kenmore (little older than yours), but I also have trouble with the feed dogs. Otherwise love the machine.

Check these sites out for info:
http://tiny.cc/8tFF6
hope you find the answer you need!

Ok DUUHHH I would have never thought of that and you know what it was not completly disengaged. It is now working like it should but as soon as I get done with Christmas sewing in it goes for a service and checking to see that everything is the way it is suppose to be. Thank you BellaBoo I would have never,never,never have thought of that.
BillsBonBon

Woo Hoo!!! I am so glad it was that!!! Go Board Members!!!:D:D:D

Glad your machine is working again! :-D

I'm glad your machine is working again too! It's horrible when it doesn't and there is a deadline to meet.

Of course, the darn things never do act up or quit when we have plenty of time to take it to the repair shop! :|

I had that happen once to a kenmore. They just needed a little adjustment by the tech.

You should ask Santa for a new one and keep your precious for backup in case you are in this situation again! :)

I'm glad that worked for you. On most machines the clutch in the bobbin winder controls the feeddogs movement when winding the bobbin.

After 20 some years of using my Viking, I sat down to sew the other day and couldn't get the feeddogs to work. Long story short, I had been winding a bobbin and got interrupted the day before and that was the problem, the bobbin was still on the machine.

About 20 years ago I got fed up with my machine deciding December was the month for a break. I found a sewing machine repair shop and took it in. They did a complete tune-up, cleaning and basic repair for $15.00. If I had a problem in the next 12 months, they fixed it for free. The price is now $35.00, but worth every nickel. If my machine goofs up, they fix it that day for free! I take it in mid-January every year for the 2-3 day cleaning and service. I have never been left without my machine. I use it several hours of every day. Once the bobbin casing just fell out in my hand and they showed me how to fix it.

Surely there are other shops that do this kind of thing. I've found it to be a real lifesaver. Gwyn

2-3 days!!!!! Wow!!! I took both of my machines in to a LQS to be cleaned, etc and she told me it would be 2 wks...maybe 3 wks. I said O.K. When 3-1/2 wks went by I called to see how much longer it would be and she said that she didn't know but that it was on "the conveyer belt" in the line of machines waiting :shock: :shock:. I took a trip out there the next day and collected my 2 machines and I think I will learn to clean them myself.

Sew glad you got it working again.

I never would have thought of the bobbin winder thing. But how wonderful that someone here knew, ( thanks BellaBoo). This board rocks!
I got a sidewinder bobbin winder, and I love it. It is sew much faster than using my machne.

Several years agoI took my sewing machine to the only repair shop in town. I needed a new foot control. After two days I called the shop and he said it was ready, all tuned up, cleaned and new foot control. I brought the machine home and it had not been cleaned, the power button had not been turned on and I had the old foot control! He charged me $125! I took the machine right back to him and showed him how I knew he never looked at the machine. He said oh, sorry. Here is your check. I walked out and called Better Business and told my guild members. A few months later the scumbag was arrested for selling drugs from his shop. How did I know he didn't do anything? I had an address label on the bottom of my old control foot, I had put a piece of tape over the power switch, and I put a cotton ball next to the bobbin case. I learn to always mark the original that needs to be replaced or repaired. I think most repairmen are honest but the bottom line means much more now then ever before.

You are a very clever gal!!! I think I'm going to do that when I take my machine in. The person who used to work at the shop I use died, which was tragic as he was amazing with sewing machines. The guy who took over is a jerk and I've been reluctant to take my machine in and have him clean it since he messed up my old Brother Featherweight (1957). Thank God a friend's husband is an engineer. He fixed it for free. (Gotta love that!!!) The thought of handing the repair shop man my very expensive Janome 6600 makes my stomach curdle, yet it's under warrenty and I know I need to do it. I'm going to use your trick and see what happens. Thanks for the great tip!

I love your way of thinking BellaBoo!!! I will do something similar when I take mine in :wink:

From Don-isewman1--I'm not going to say, I've had that much trouble, with my feed dog, but, I've had the feed dog on my viking replaced, cause, Jeff, who does repair service, at our material shop, here in Muscatine, told me that the fine teeth(grooves) does wear down after a long period of use. Hope this was of some use. Don

Good for you! I do the same. I bought one of those little vacuum cleaner attachments, and it sucks all the lint out. I then check my manuel to see where I need to oil and clean, and get it all cleaned out. If it needs a good cleaner in the area of the bobbin case, I use wd 40 spray, just a little spray, and clean it with a soft cotton cloth, and then put a drop of oil on the hook when I put it back in. Amazing what a little tlc can do. If I have a major problem THEN I take it to the shop. Saves a lot of heartache when you learn to clean your machine. Happy sewing.

My library has a book on sewing machine repairs. I haven't checked it out yet but plan on doing so after the first of the year.
Not sure about Kenmore but you can find service/repair manuals for Singer, on e-bay & Singer's website.
The older machines are relatively simple to repair & usually sew really well. I bought an old Singer at an auction recently for $10 - look around & you might find a prize for a back up machine (or the Kenmore might become the backup!)
Good luck.
Jo

Wow. 35.00 I pay 50.oo to 80.oo to get mine serviced and I have to go about 50 miles to the shop. I also have to wait a few weeks to get it back. I tried one closer. When I got it back they had lost the bobbin spindle and one of the levelers on the bottom of the machine. After complaining I got a spindle but never got the leveler. They said they couldn't get parts for Elnas. I now take mine to a Bernina dealer that has service man that will work on all brands. He is good and I get mine back sooner usually but it costs 79.99 for service.

Hi Gynw, sure wish I were closer to Brighten City, I am in Cedar City Ut. My kenmore is at least 32 yrs old [ i got it used in 1978] and still running like a champ, it does deserve a good tune-up after the holidays. I was told I could start looking at new machines sometime this next yr. but I will be keeping this old friend who has been very faithfull.
Great Question...Awesome Message Board...Happy Holidays!!!
dee
p.s. who just finished up the last 2 christmas quilts yesterday, now spending today wrapping. Again I apologize for not posting much but I do keep up w/ the messages and learning so much from all of you.

Bella so glad you got the machine working so you could finish your projects...whewww breathing a sign of relief for you. Been there done that...I had to give IOU's that yr.
What a awesome/creative idea you used before taking your machine in for repairs. I so hope I remember some of your tips. We only have one sew/vac dealer in the lil town of Cedar City and I so hope I can trust him. I have only been in his shop once when I needed a new light bulb for my trusty kenmore and I didn't get warm fuzzies from him.
dee

You Can't help but love this group.

I go through Cedar City about twice a year on my way to California. Do you have a really good quilt store in your area?

My heart goes out to you about not getting warm fuzzies from your repair man. I had that problem in California and now I have it here. If something breaks, I'm going to drive an hour to the next Brady's store and have them repair it rather then the man who does it here. Sometimes you can find someone who repairs machines doing it out of their home. Maybe someone in your area does this.

Tiffany..we have Grannys Quilt Shop I only go there to drool...lol and like I said Ace Hardware sells really nice fabric. If you have time the next time through give me a call and we can fabric shop hop...all 3 places lol.

I would love that! Likely I won't be going through there until March or the summer months, but I'll definitely get in touch with you!

Tiffany, that would be great, just remind me who you are cause as I get older the memory ain't what it used to be, its now worst..lol
Seriously I would love to meet up.
Happy Holidays.
dee

Dee; your Ace Hardware store sells fabric?? I wish ours did.
Elaine

;) I completely understand about the memory issues.