Beginner's Easy How To Work Kenmore Sewing Machine Guide

How To Work Kenmore Sewing Machine
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Beginner’s Easy How To Work Kenmore Sewing Machine Guide

Do you want to learn how to use your Kenmore sewing machine? This guide makes it simple. We will show you the easy steps needed to start sewing. You will learn about threading Kenmore sewing machine models, how to wind a bobbin Kenmore style, and other key steps like changing needle sewing machine basics. We cover setting sewing machine tension, using the presser foot Kenmore provides, working with the bobbin case Kenmore users see, using the foot pedal sewing machine controls, and finding help in your Kenmore sewing machine manual. You will also see basic stitches Kenmore machines offer and learn some troubleshooting sewing machine tips for common issues.

Get to Know Your Kenmore Machine Parts

Your sewing machine has many parts. Each part does something important. Look at your machine. Find these parts.

Needle: This goes up and down. It pushes the thread through the fabric.
Presser Foot: This holds your fabric flat. It keeps the fabric in place while you sew.
Needle Plate: This is the metal plate under the needle. It often has lines on it. These lines help you sew straight.
Feed Dogs: These are under the presser foot. They look like small teeth. They move the fabric forward while you sew.
Spool Pin: This holds the spool of thread. It is usually on top of the machine.
Bobbin Winder: This is used to fill your bobbin with thread.
Bobbin: This is a small spool. It holds the thread that makes the stitches on the bottom of your fabric.
Bobbin Case: The bobbin goes inside this. It holds the bobbin correctly.
Tension Dial: This controls how tight your thread is. It affects the stitch look.
Stitch Selector: This lets you choose what stitch you want. Like a straight stitch or a zigzag stitch.
Handwheel: This lets you move the needle up and down slowly by hand.
Foot Pedal: You press this with your foot. It makes the machine sew. It controls the speed.

Knowing these parts helps you learn. Look at your machine now. Touch each part as you say its name.

Setting Up Your Kenmore Machine

Setting up is the first step. It is easy.

Find a Good Spot: Put your machine on a flat table. Make sure you have lots of light.
Connect the Power: Find the power cord. One end plugs into the machine. The other end plugs into the wall.
Connect the Foot Pedal: Find the foot pedal sewing machine cord. It plugs into the machine too. There is a special spot for it. It is different from the power cord spot.
Turn On the Light: Many machines have a light switch. Turn it on. This helps you see what you are doing.

Your machine is now ready for the next steps.

How to Wind a Bobbin Kenmore

Winding a bobbin puts thread onto the small bobbin spool. You need thread on the bobbin to make a stitch.

Put Thread on the Spool Pin: Place your spool of thread onto the spool pin. Make sure the thread comes off the spool the right way. Look at your Kenmore sewing machine manual if you are not sure.
Find the Bobbin Winder: The bobbin winder is a small post. It is usually on the top or front of your machine.
Place the Empty Bobbin: Put an empty bobbin onto the bobbin winder post. It should fit snugly.
Guide the Thread: Find the thread coming from the spool. Follow the path on your machine for winding a bobbin. There are often guides or pictures. You usually loop the thread around a tension disc for the winder. This makes the bobbin wind tightly.
Put Thread on the Bobbin: Put the end of the thread through a small hole in the bobbin. Or just wrap the thread around the bobbin a few times by hand.
Push the Winder: Slide the bobbin winder post to the side. This makes it ready to wind. It moves the bobbin so it touches a wheel. This wheel will spin the bobbin.
Hold the Thread End: Hold the end of the thread sticking out of the bobbin for a moment.
Press the Foot Pedal: Gently press the foot pedal sewing machine control. The bobbin will start to spin. Thread will wrap onto the bobbin.
Let Go of Thread End: After a few wraps, let go of the thread end you were holding. It will break off or you can trim it.
Watch the Bobbin Fill: Keep pressing the foot pedal. The bobbin will fill with thread. Do not fill it too much. Stop when it is almost full. The winder might stop by itself when it is full.
Cut the Thread: Stop pressing the pedal. Slide the bobbin winder post back. Cut the thread that connects the bobbin to the spool.
Remove the Bobbin: Take the full bobbin off the winder post.

You now have a filled bobbin. Good job! Winding bobbin Kenmore machines is a basic skill.

Putting the Bobbin Case Kenmore Machines Use

The full bobbin goes into the bobbin case. The bobbin case goes into a special spot on your machine. The spot can be under the needle plate or in the front of the machine.

Open the Bobbin Area: Look for a small door or cover. This is where the bobbin goes. Open it. Some machines have a removable bobbin case. Some have a case built inside.
Insert the Bobbin: Take your filled bobbin. Look at the thread coming off the bobbin. It needs to go the right way. Most bobbin cases have a picture showing you. The thread usually needs to pull off in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.
Put Bobbin in the Case: If you have a separate bobbin case, put the bobbin inside it. Pull the thread into the slot on the bobbin case. This slot has tension. It is important for good stitches.
Insert the Bobbin Case: Put the bobbin case (with the bobbin inside) into the machine’s bobbin area. It should click into place. There might be a small latch to hold it. Make sure it sits flat and is secure.
Leave a Thread Tail: Let the end of the bobbin thread hang out. Leave about 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) of thread hanging.
Close the Cover: Close the small door or cover for the bobbin area.

The bobbin is now ready. You put the bobbin case Kenmore machines need in the right spot.

Threading Kenmore Sewing Machine

This is a very important step. The thread needs to go through your machine correctly. Follow the numbers or pictures on your machine.

Raise the Needle: Turn the handwheel towards you. Make the needle go all the way up.
Raise the Presser Foot: Find the lever to lift the presser foot. It is usually at the back of the needle area. Lift it up. This opens the tension discs.
Put Thread on Spool Pin: Place your spool of top thread on the spool pin.
Follow the Thread Path: Look for numbers or arrows on your machine. They show you where the thread goes.
- First, the thread usually goes through a guide at the top.
- Then, it goes down.
- It wraps around the tension discs. This is where sewing machine tension is set.
- It goes up to the take-up lever. This lever moves up and down as you sew. The thread MUST go through the hole or hook on the take-up lever. This is critical! If you miss this, your stitches will be bad.
- It goes down again.
- It goes through more guides on the way down to the needle.
Thread the Needle: Now you need to put the thread through the eye of the needle.
- The needle has a front and a back. The eye usually faces the front or the side you are working on. Check your Kenmore sewing machine manual.
- Put the thread end through the eye. Pull about 6 inches (15 cm) of thread through.
Pull Thread Under Presser Foot: Put the end of the top thread under the raised presser foot. Pull it towards the back of the machine.

The top thread is now in place. You did the main steps for threading Kenmore sewing machine.

Picking Up the Bobbin Thread

You need both threads (top and bobbin) to make a stitch. The top thread must grab the bobbin thread.

Hold Top Thread: Gently hold the end of the top thread. Hold it to the side.
Turn Handwheel: Slowly turn the handwheel towards you. Watch the needle go down. It will go into the bobbin area. Then it will come back up.
Watch for Loop: As the needle comes up, it will grab the bobbin thread. It will make a small loop of bobbin thread.
Pull the Loop: Use your finger or small scissors to grab the loop of bobbin thread. Pull it up through the hole in the needle plate.
Pull Out Bobbin Thread: Pull the bobbin thread end out. You should now have two threads coming up from under the presser foot. The top thread and the bobbin thread.
Pull Both Threads Back: Pull both the top thread and the bobbin thread ends. Pull them under the presser foot. Pull them towards the back of the machine. Leave about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) hanging behind the presser foot.

Now both threads are ready to go.

Changing Needle Sewing Machine Basics

Needles can break or get dull. You will need to change the needle.

Turn Off the Machine: Always turn off the power before changing the needle. This is for safety. Unplug it if possible.
Raise the Needle: Turn the handwheel towards you. Put the needle in its highest position.
Find the Needle Clamp Screw: The needle is held in place by a screw. It is called the needle clamp screw. It is usually on the side of the needle holder.
Loosen the Screw: Use a small screwdriver or your fingers to loosen the screw. You do not need to take the screw all the way out. Just loosen it enough so the needle can slide out.
Remove the Old Needle: Pull the old needle straight down and out. Be careful. Needles are sharp.
Get a New Needle: Get a new sewing machine needle. Needles have different sizes and types. Use the right needle for your fabric. Your Kenmore sewing machine manual will suggest needle types.
Look at the New Needle: A sewing machine needle is not round all the way around. It has one flat side. This flat side must face the right way when you put it in. Check your manual for which way the flat side faces on your Kenmore. It is usually towards the back.
Insert the New Needle: Hold the new needle with the flat side facing the correct way. Push the top of the needle up into the needle clamp. Push it up as high as it will go. It must be all the way in.
Tighten the Screw: Hold the needle in place. Tighten the needle clamp screw firmly. Do not overtighten it.
Check the Needle: Turn the handwheel slowly. Make sure the needle goes down straight. Make sure it does not hit anything.

Changing needle sewing machine is easy once you do it a few times.

How to Use the Presser Foot Kenmore

The presser foot holds your fabric. It is important for sewing.

Lifting and Lowering: There is a lever, usually behind the needle area. Push it up to lift the presser foot. Push it down to lower it.
Sewing Position: You must lower the presser foot before you start sewing. If you sew with the foot up, you will get a tangled mess of thread called a bird’s nest.
Changing Presser Feet: Your machine likely came with different presser feet. Each one is for a different job (like zippers, buttons, or different stitches).
- To change the foot, lift the presser foot lever all the way up.
- There is a release button or lever on the presser foot holder. Push it. The presser foot will drop off.
- Line up the new presser foot under the holder. Lower the presser foot lever. The holder should snap onto the new foot. Lift the lever to make sure it is attached well.
Guiding Fabric: Use the edge of the presser foot or the lines on the needle plate to guide your fabric. This helps you sew straight lines.

Using the presser foot Kenmore machines have helps you sew neat and straight.

Learning Basic Stitches Kenmore Offers

Your Kenmore machine can make different stitches. Beginners usually start with two:

Straight Stitch: This is the most common stitch. It looks like a line of dashes. You use it for putting pieces of fabric together.
Zigzag Stitch: This stitch goes back and forth. It is used for finishing fabric edges so they do not fray. It is also used for sewing stretch fabrics or for decoration.

Selecting a Stitch: Find the stitch selector on your machine. It might be a dial or buttons. Turn the dial or press the buttons to choose the stitch you want. There are pictures showing what the stitches look like.
Stitch Length: For the straight stitch, you can change the length of the dashes. A longer stitch length is for basting or gathering. A shorter length is stronger.
Stitch Width: For the zigzag stitch, you can change how wide the stitch is. A wide zigzag covers more area.
Trying Stitches: Get a scrap piece of fabric. Try sewing some straight stitches and zigzag stitches. See how they look. Adjust the settings if needed.

Knowing these basic stitches Kenmore machines offer is a great start.

Setting Sewing Machine Tension

Tension is how tight the threads are. Good tension makes a pretty stitch that looks the same on both sides of the fabric. Bad tension makes loops or loose stitches.

Where is the Tension Dial?: The tension dial is usually on the front of the machine. It has numbers.
Checking Tension: Sew a line of straight stitches on two layers of scrap fabric.
- Look at the top side.
- Look at the bottom side.
- A perfect stitch looks the same on both sides. The threads meet neatly in the middle of the fabric layers.
Problems with Tension:
- Loops on the bottom: This means the top thread is too loose. The top tension number is too low. Turn the tension dial to a higher number.
- Loops on the top: This means the bobbin thread is too loose OR the top thread is too tight. Usually, the bobbin tension is set at the factory. You should first try making the top tension number lower. If that does not work, the problem might be threading or the bobbin case.
- Pulled or puckered fabric: The tension might be too tight for the fabric. Try a lower tension number.
Adjusting Tension: Start with the number suggested in your Kenmore sewing machine manual. It is often around 4 or 5. If your stitches are not right, change the top tension dial a little bit. Sew another test line. Keep adjusting until the stitches look good.
Common Causes of Bad Tension (besides the dial setting):
- Machine is not threaded right (top thread skipped a guide or the take-up lever).
- Bobbin is not in the bobbin case correctly.
- Bobbin case is not in the machine correctly.
- Thread is old or poor quality.
- Needle is bent or wrong size.
- Lint is in the tension discs or bobbin area.

Getting sewing machine tension right takes practice. Test on scraps first.

Starting to Sew

You are almost ready to sew your first seam!

Choose Fabric: Get a piece of scrap fabric. Two layers are best.
Lower the Presser Foot: Put your fabric under the presser foot. Lower the presser foot lever. The fabric is now held in place.
Position Needle: Turn the handwheel. Make the needle go down into the fabric where you want to start sewing.
Hold Threads: Hold the ends of the top and bobbin threads. Hold them gently towards the back for the first few stitches. This helps prevent a thread jam.
Start Sewing: Gently press the foot pedal sewing machine control. The machine will start to sew. Pressing harder makes it sew faster. Pressing lightly makes it sew slower. Start slowly.
Guide the Fabric: Use your hands to gently guide the fabric. Do not push or pull the fabric. The machine’s feed dogs will move the fabric for you. Just keep it going in a straight line. Use the lines on the needle plate as a guide.
Sewing Backwards (Reverse): Most machines have a button or lever for sewing backwards. You use this at the start and end of a seam. Sewing a few stitches backwards makes the stitches lock. This stops the seam from coming undone. Sew forward a few stitches, press and hold the reverse lever, sew backwards a few stitches, then let go and sew forward to the end. At the end, sew backwards again a few stitches.
Stopping: Take your foot off the pedal.
Raise Needle and Presser Foot: Turn the handwheel to raise the needle all the way up. Lift the presser foot lever.
Remove Fabric: Pull your fabric away from the machine towards the back.
Cut Threads: Use the thread cutter on your machine (often on the side or back) or scissors to cut the threads close to the fabric.

You sewed your first seam! Practice sewing straight lines on scrap fabric. Practice turning corners. Practice sewing curves.

Troubleshooting Sewing Machine Common Problems

Sometimes things go wrong. Here are a few common problems and what to check. This is basic troubleshooting sewing machine guide.

Machine Won’t Sew:
- Is it plugged in?
- Is the power switch on?
- Is the foot pedal plugged in?
- Is the bobbin winder pushed to the “sew” position? (Not in winding mode).
- Is the needle down? (Raise it using the handwheel).
Thread Breaks:
- Is the machine threaded correctly? Check the whole path.
- Is the needle in correctly? (Flat side the right way, pushed up all the way).
- Is the needle bent or dull? Change the needle.
- Is the tension too tight?
- Is the thread old or poor quality?
- Are you pulling or pushing the fabric too hard?
Skipped Stitches:
- Is the needle bent? Change the needle.
- Is the needle the right type for the fabric?
- Is the needle inserted correctly?
- Is the machine threaded correctly?
Thread Bunching Up (Bird’s Nest) on the Bottom:
- Did you forget to lower the presser foot before starting to sew? This is the most common reason!
- Is the top thread threaded correctly? Make sure it is in the take-up lever and tension discs.
- Is the bobbin in the bobbin case correctly? Is the thread in the tension slot on the bobbin case?
Machine is Jammed/Stuck:
- Turn off the machine.
- Carefully try turning the handwheel by hand.
- Check the bobbin area for tangled thread. Remove the bobbin case and clear any thread mess.
- Check the top threading path for snags or knots.
- Check under the needle plate for thread jams. You might need to remove the needle plate (use the screwdriver).
- If it is really stuck, do not force it. Take it to a repair person.

For more detailed help, always check your Kenmore sewing machine manual.

Finding Help with Your Kenmore Sewing Machine Manual

Your Kenmore sewing machine manual is a very important tool.

It shows you all the parts of your specific machine.
It gives detailed pictures and steps for threading Kenmore sewing machine models, winding bobbin Kenmore, and putting in the bobbin case Kenmore uses.
It tells you how to change the needle and which needles to use.
It explains the different stitches and how to choose them.
It gives tips for setting sewing machine tension.
It shows you how to care for your machine (like cleaning).
It has a troubleshooting sewing machine section with solutions for many problems.

Keep your manual in a safe place. If you lost your manual, you can often find a copy online. Search for your Kenmore model number + “manual” on the internet. The model number is usually on the machine itself.

Tips for Beginner Sewers

Read Your Manual: Yes, read it! It is your best friend.
Practice on Scraps: Before sewing your project, practice on leftover pieces of the same fabric. Check your tension and stitch settings.
Start Simple: Do not try to make a wedding dress for your first project. Start with easy things like pillowcases, simple tote bags, or straight-line projects.
Use Good Thread and Needles: Cheap thread can break easily. A dull or wrong needle can cause problems.
Clean Your Machine: Lint builds up. Clean out the bobbin area often. Use a small brush (often came with your machine).
Change Your Needle Often: Change the needle after every project or after about 8-10 hours of sewing. A fresh needle makes a big difference.
Go Slow: You do not have to sew fast. Go at a speed you are comfortable with. The foot pedal sewing machine lets you control this.
Ask for Help: Join an online sewing group or ask a friend who sews. People are usually happy to help beginners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: My machine is making weird noises. What should I do?
A: Stop sewing right away. Check for tangled thread. Check the bobbin area. Make sure the machine is threaded correctly. Check the needle. If the noise continues and you cannot find the problem, it might need oiling or service. Look in your Kenmore sewing machine manual for oiling points.

Q: My thread keeps breaking. Why?
A: This is a common issue. See the troubleshooting sewing machine section above. The most likely reasons are incorrect threading, wrong or bad needle, or tension issues.

Q: What kind of thread should I use?
A: For most sewing, use good quality all-purpose thread. Polyester thread is strong and works for many fabrics. Match the thread weight to your fabric and needle.

Q: How do I know what size needle to use?
A: Needle size depends on your fabric. Use a smaller needle (like size 70/10 or 80/12) for light fabrics like cotton or silk. Use a larger needle (like 90/14 or 100/16) for heavier fabrics like denim or canvas. There are also special needles for stretch fabrics (ballpoint or stretch needles) or leather. Your Kenmore sewing machine manual might list suggested needles.

Q: Can I use pre-wound bobbins?
A: Check your machine manual. Some machines work well with pre-wound bobbins made for that type (like Class 15). Others might not. Using the wrong bobbin can cause problems. It is usually best to wind your own bobbin Kenmore style using the same thread as your top thread.

Q: How do I clean my Kenmore sewing machine?
A: Turn off and unplug the machine. Open the bobbin area. Use the small brush that came with the machine to remove lint and dust from the bobbin case area and around the feed dogs. You may need to remove the needle plate for a better clean. Your Kenmore sewing machine manual will show you how to clean specific areas and where to put oil (if your machine needs oiling).

Closing Thoughts

Learning to use a Kenmore sewing machine is a great skill. It lets you make things, fix clothes, and be creative. Start with these basic steps: setting up, winding bobbin Kenmore, putting in the bobbin case Kenmore uses, threading Kenmore sewing machine completely, changing needle sewing machine parts when needed, setting sewing machine tension, using the presser foot Kenmore correctly, picking basic stitches Kenmore has, and using the foot pedal sewing machine control. Do not be afraid to make mistakes. Practice makes perfect. Keep your Kenmore sewing machine manual handy and refer to the troubleshooting sewing machine tips when you need them. Happy sewing!