what is this for/
 

I have a kenmore, not an antique, but when I was cleaning it last week I saw a lever in the head part and I have no idea what it is for. Nothing in the book either. Thought might be for the foot, but nothing happens that I can see when I move it. Here are two pics. one of the machine and one of the part marked 1 thr 4. Anybody know what it is for?

Ooops 1 thr 3. smile

That lever is the pressure of your presser foot. When I am sewing on a napped fabric (like velvet or the soft micro suedes), I can lessen the pressure so that marks on not left on the fabric. I just have to remember to reset it when I go back to cottons.

There should be something in your manual; I remember reading about it once when I read mine but it's been so long ago.

I'm wondering if it might be to regulate the pressure of your foot. I never thought there was much difference whichever way I turn mine.

1-2-3 with an arrow pointing to the image of the pressure foot. Pressure foot tension control without a doubt.

Joe

well I had figured that was it, but I don't see as anything happens when I move it. So I wondered if it was some kind of magic they didn't want to tell me about. :-)

I never notice any difference in the presser foot when I change the tension. I do notice a difference when I stitch. Mostly I use it when I'm doing gathering stitches. If I lower the pressure the fabric glides thru at a faster rate. It is easier to pull the gathering stitches.

karate lady,

The only physical thing that happens when you move the lever is the spring that applies tension to the foot is compressed or released a bit.

Joe

and under what conditions other than the one lady sewing on velvet, would this be used and how in the world would I know. OK so I am still learning after 77 yrs. sigh...

Some say you can try free motion quilting by dropping the feed dogs and zero pressure on the presser foot. It did not work for me.