Choosing the Right Bobbin Case
It’s essential to choose the right bobbin case for your Kenmore sewing machine as it is necessary for good stitch formation. The right choice of bobbin case will help you produce consistently good stitching that lasts longer. There are two types of bobbin cases – one for stitch length regulation, and the other for tension regulation. Generally, Kenmore sewing machines use the tension regulation type. It is important to use the specified bobbin that is compatible with the machine and also to use an appropriate size of the bobbin case.
Preparations Before Inserting the Bobbin
Before inserting the bobbin, it is important to prepare the sewing machine with regard to the thread tensions and presser foot pressure. Make sure the lower tension knob is set to mid-level and the presser foot lever is pushed down so that the needle is in the highest position. Secure the presser foot lever with the knee lifter so that the needle remains in the highest position even when the foot pedal is pressed. While the needle is in the highest position, select the straight stitch pattern on the machine.
Inserting the Bobbin in the Bobbin Case
To insert the bobbin in the bobbin case, first press and hold the spring loaded pin along the seam of the bobbin case. This releases tension on the bobbin, allowing it to be inserted in the bobbin case easily and accurately. When the pin is released, a little hook is visible that holds the thread on the bobbin firmly. Angle the bobbin so that the hook wraps the thread from the left to the right side. Place the bobbin in the bobbin case and make sure that it is inserted properly. Push in the pin back and make sure the tension is suitable for the thread in the bobbin.
Correctly Fitting the Bobbin Case in its Place
The bobbin case has to be properly inserted in the shuttle race of the Kenmore sewing machine. Slide the race plate towards the back, so that there is enough room to insert the bobbin case. Gently hold the bobbin case and start turning the hand wheel away from you so that the race plate slides. Insert the bobbin case into the shuttle race. Flip the race plate forward until the race plate locks into place. Make sure the bobbin case is properly inserted into its place.
Needle Plate Setup
Next, select the needle plate for the type of material used for stitching. For simple fabrics, general purpose needle plate is used, and for lightweight fabrics, the straight stitch needle plate is used. Set up the machine for straight stitching in the center needle position. Make sure the bobbin is not winding and that the needle does not hit the bobbin case. If the needle hits the bobbin case, loosen the tension a bit.
Threading the Bobbin
To thread the bobbin, first remove the bobbin plate. Hold the bobbin in the left hand and pass the thread between the finger and thumb of the left hand. Hold the thread-end with the right hand and pull it through the bobbin hole. Lace the thread behind and around the bobbin in a counter-clockwise direction so that the thread end comes out of the slot of the bobbin. Now, insert the bobbin and pull the thread over the friction plate. Re-attach the bobbin plate and turn the hand wheel towards you to check if the thread is winding properly.
Checking the Tension Setup
With the bobbin case and thread insertion complete, the next step is to check the tension setup. Set the upper tension knob to ‘standard tension’ level, the lower tension knob to ‘standard tension’ level, and the drag-knot to mid level. Select the zig zag stitch pattern and take a sample stitch on a spare fabric to check the results. Adjust the upper thread tension as needed for the type of material and the type of stitching.
Re-threading the Bobbin
In case the fabric puckers, the bobbin may be re-threaded. Take out the bobbin and pull out the thread in a counter-clockwise direction. Re-thread the bobbin and make sure the thread goes through the finger and thumb at the end. Pull it to the slot and make sure the thread is tight and not loose. Re-wind the bobbin and re-insert it in the bobbin case.
Thread Trimming
Trimming of excess threads is important to provide neat stitching. After stitching one line, trim the bobbin thread and upper thread in the same corner. It is important to keep the tension balance for both bobbin and upper threads. After trimming the threads, turn the hand wheel back and forth to check if the stitch pattern is consistent.
Troubleshooting Sewing Issues
Incorrect insertion of the bobbin case and insufficient tension adjustment can cause the stitching to skip and form loops on the underside. To correct this issue, re-thread the machine, taking care to thread the upper needle correctly, remove the bobbin and re-thread it, and adjust the tensions. If the stitch is too loose, increase the upper and/or lower tension. If the stitching is too tight, decrease the upper and/or lower tension.
Creating Proper Seam Allowance
The seam allowance of the fabric plays a very important role in the quality of stitching. Seam allowances define how close the fabric edges are stitched together.: Too high seam allowance may cause the lines to pucker, and too low seam allowance may cause the lines to open up. It is important to follow the instructions for different types of fabrics when setting the seam allowance.
Settling Thread Tension
The final step in preparing a Kenmore sewing machine is to adjust the tension balance between the bobbin and the upper thread. This is done by setting the upper and lower tensions, as well as the drag-knot, to mid level to achieve the desired stitch pattern. Once the tensions are set, the upper thread is moved to the right side and the bobbin thread is moved to the left. The stitch length is then adjusted and the tension can be readjusted if the stitch is not correct.
Testing the Sewing Machine
After all the above steps are completed, it is important to test the Kenmore sewing machine to ensure that it is functioning properly. Test the machine on a spare fabric to confirm the stitching pattern. Analyze the stitching for loops, skips, gaps, and any other anomalies. Finally, if the stitching is as expected, the machine is ready for use.
