A sewing machine is an essential tool for anyone to have when it comes to creating garments. The Kenmore sewing machine is no exception and is an excellent choice when it comes to repairing or altering clothing. Knowing how to properly insert a bobbin into the sewing machine is essential for achieving a neat and uniform finish for any project. Here are some tips on properly inserting a bobbin into a Kenmore sewing machine so you can make sure your project looks professional.
The first step is to remove the bobbin cover from the sewing machine. This can be done by lifting up from the center part of the bobbin case. Most Kenmore sewing machines have a clear plastic lid that pulls up. Once the cover is removed, a small round piece of plastic should come along with it. This plastic piece is the bobbin tension disk which is used to hold the bobbin in the correct position when sewing.
Next, you will need to insert the bobbin into the bobbin case. Make sure the thread is wound around the bobbin in a clockwise direction, so that the thread travels in the same direction as the bobbin when sewing. There is usually a small notch in the side of the bobbin case to help you navigate the bobbin correctly. It is important to check the tension of the thread before inserting the bobbin into the machine. Too much tension will cause the bobbin to snag when sewing and too little tension can cause the thread to slip off the bobbin when sewing.
Once the bobbin is in the case, the bobbin case can be reinserted into the machine. It is important to make sure the bobbin case is in the correct position and is properly secure. In some Kenmore machines the bobbin case may just slide into place, while in other you may need to push down and then rotate the bobbin case clockwise to secure it.
Once the bobbin is secure in the machine, the tension disk can be placed at the side of the bobbin case. This disk is used to adjust the tension of the bobbin when sewing. On most Kenmore sewing machines there is a small screw at the side of the tension disk which can be adjusted by turning it clockwise to make the tension tighter, or counterclockwise to make it looser.
Finally, the bobbin cover can be replaced by pressing down on the center of the cover. This will secure the bobbin in place and will keep the tension disk in the correct position. Once the bobbin case is secured the machine should be ready to use.
Maintenance of the Bobbin
It is important to keep the bobbin and the tension disk clean. After sewing it can be helpful to remove the bobbin case and give it a quick clean to remove any lint, thread or fabric that may be stuck in the mechanism. This can be done by using a small brush or a vacuum cleaner.
It is also important to keep the bobbin and tension disk in the correct position while they are in the machine. This will help ensure the thread is correctly tensioned and the machine is running correctly. If the bobbin or tension disk has been moved out of position, it can be easily adjusted by following the instructions above.
Soften the Thread
It can also be helpful to soften the thread before putting it in the bobbin. This will make it easier for the thread to move smoothly through the machine. To soften the thread you can use a soft cloth and rub the thread in a circular motion until it feels softer. Threads that are harder or thicker can sometimes get stuck in the bobbin and cause problems with the tension and the machine overall. Softening the thread before loading it will help to prevent this.
It can also be helpful to wind the thread around the bobbin several times before inserting it into the machine. This will help to add extra tension to the thread and give the bobbin a more secure fit when inside the machine. Additionally, the extra tension will help the bobbin to move more smoothly through the machine when sewing.
Check the Needles
Before using the Kenmore sewing machine it is advisable to check the needles for any signs of wear or damage. If the needles have become bent or have nicks in them then they should be replaced. It is important to replace the needles regularly to ensure the machine is running correctly and to help prevent the fabric from being damaged when sewing. Additionally, if the wrong size of needle is used it can interfere with the tension and cause the machine to jam.
It is also important to regularly check the thread tension on the needle of the sewing machine. If the tension is too tight it can cause the thread to break, while if the tension is too loose it can cause the stitches to be skipped. Having the correct tension will ensure the machine is running efficiently and the stitches look neat and even.
Test the Machine
Once the bobbin is inserted and all the needles are in the correct positions it is always a good idea to run a test stitch on a piece of scrap fabric. This will help to check that everything is working correctly and the thread is tensioned correctly. If the test stitches do not look right then further adjustments may need to be made to get the machine running correctly.
It can also be helpful to check the bobbin to make sure it is still in the correct position after running a test stitch. If the bobbin has become jostled, it may need to be adjusted before continuing to sew. Additionally, it is important to check that the thread is feeding correctly from the bobbin and that it is catching on the needle correctly. If the thread is not feeding correctly then the needle may need to be replaced or adjusted for the machine to function correctly.
Keep the Area Clean
When using the Kenmore sewing machine it is important to make sure the area around the machine is always clean. Lint, thread and scraps of fabric can build up around the machine and interfere with the way it works. It is also important to vacuum around the machine regularly to prevent dust and dirt from building up.
It can also be helpful to periodically check the bobbin cases and the tension disks for any build up of lint or thread. If there is any build up of lint or thread, it can be removed with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner. Additionally, it is important to check the bobbin case and tension disks regularly for any damages or broken parts. It is also important to regularly check the machine to make sure everything is working correctly.
Using Thread to Secure the Stitches
When sewing projects on a Kenmore sewing machine it is also important to securely secure the stitches at the end. This can be done by using a few small stitches at the beginning and end of the project. This will help to secure the thread and make sure the fabric can not unravel when washed or worn.
In some projects it may be necessary to use a lockstitch at the end of the project. This can be done by using the reverse stitch function on the sewing machine to backstitch the thread a few times at theend of the project. This will help to securely secure the stitches and stop them from coming undone over time.
Additionally, it can be helpful to use a knot or bar tack at the end of the project as well. This will provide extra security and ensure the stitches remain tightly in place. A bar tack is a small loop of thread which is stitched over the last few stitches to secure them in place. This method is often used on items of clothing that require a lot of movement or that may be washed regularly.
Troubleshooting Tips
If the sewing machine is not working correctly there are a few things that can be done to help. Firstly, it is important to make sure all the needles and the bobbin are in the correct position and that the bobbin is wound correctly. Another thing to check is that there is no lint or thread build up in the bobbin case. If there is then this should be removed.
The tension disk should also be checked to make sure it has not been moved out of position. This can be done by checking the small screw at the side of the tension disk. If the tension disk has been moved then it can be adjusted by following the instructions above. Lastly, it is important to regularly check the thread tension and make sure the machine is working correctly.
These tips can help ensure the Kenmore sewing machine is running correctly and that each project is done to a professional standard. Knowing how to properly insert and use a bobbin in a Kenmore sewing machine is an important part of sewing and one that all sewers should learn.
