There are cams that go into the place you have shown us in the third picture. Each cam makes the machine sew a differnt pattern, such as zig zag, scallop, ect.

Go to Sears. They still carry the manuals. I have a machine just like that. I used it for 20 yrs and it still sews great. I still use it sometimes. It sets next to my New one......

I have a set of cams in the sale section that will fit your machine if I am thinking correctly. Go check it out and see.

Billy

.

Hi there,

I received this machine last night and I can't seem to work it :( I must admit I work a few times with a sewing machine and gave up right away since the thread would break off as soon as I press gently the pedal. I can't seem to figure out how to use it even if I follow the manual maybe it's the wording perhaps? Who knows. I can't seem to make it work but the person that I got it from had it working just fine, but as soon as I tried, it went nuts on me :(

Anyone would be willing to help me with my problems please?
I am even wondering if I should get a brand new machine that can do what I need. I want to do totes, bags, wallets and things like that. Some may require few layers of fabric.

thank you for your help!

Melanie

Sounds like your thread path up top is not going the right direction or your missing a turning point. Also are you threading the needle in the right direction?

Billy

I might be missing a turning point or not the right direction, I will try redoing it once again tonight, as soon as I get home. How tight would I want the knobs if I want a tight enough thread?

When I started it worked okay for less and 1 inch then went bazerk, and when you look under the fabric, the thread is all bunched up. Then I tried putting the thread all back on the path then I started up again and it breaks as soon as it goes in the fabric.

I am very new to this now, I have tried to contact few sewing companies in the area and so far no one offers classes for beginners until next months, :( I'd like to sew neat things for the summer :)


thanks!

melanie

I would set the tension of the machine at the loosest point then turn it a 1/4 turn and see what happens. If it is still loose (bunched up threads under the fabric) I would go up a number and try it again. If it breaks or is too tight then go down a number. The top needs to match the bottom thread tension.

Billy

Billy, I've seen a chart for dating Kenmores, but the date was missing for model # 158.13571, serial # 0008472, which is what mine is. I have the manual and attachments, just would like a more definitive date of manufacture.

HI,
HAVE ACQUIRED THE 4 BOX SET OF CAMS AND ATTACHMENTS FOR THE 158-17032,BUT DONT HAVE THE MACHINE!
ANYONE INTERESTED,LET ME KNOW.
RON,
AUCTIONHUNTER