".......THEN, we tried to reverse it and first it wouldn't reverse and then it would ONLY sew in reverse. I opened the top again and played with different parts and everything seemed to move freely when I moved it by hand. I think I'll start another thread with all the details. I doubt that I can fix it in time for her birthday unless the fix is simpler than I think.
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I kind of think it's a thing with Kenmores that have stretch stitches. The one or two I've played with seem very fussy about stitch length and other settings. I've had them sew only in reverse too. I have one here that has a funny little stretch lever on the back of it I need to play with more. I'm pretty sure it's user error on my part but I was having trouble with it too the last time I looked at it.
Rodney