These days, with the advancement of technology, having a sewing machine has become a luxury, but with the right knowledge and skills on how to use it, you too can enjoy learning, using and playing with the appliance. To get you started on that right path, let’s begin with the basics of putting thread in a kenmore Sewing Machine.
Unlike some sewing machines that come with an already installed thread guide, the kenmore Sewing Machine needs to be manually loaded with both the bobbin thread and the main thread. To do so, first identify the position of the needle and its sewing needle plate. Upper and lower thread guides are usually placed underneath the needle plate, one to the left, and one to the right.
The next step is to thread the bobbin. To do this, start from behind the bobbin case and gently twist the thread around the bobbin tension point. Follow this by applying the thread to the bobbin guide and the thread rear guide; make sure the thread passes through the slot in the bobbin guide in order to keep its tail stationary. Now, place the bobbin in the slot located on the bobbin case and fit it completely inside.
The third step consists of pulling the spindle-shaped end from the bobbin case. This is necessary in order to let the spindle so that it’s in a position facing the needle plate. Once the bobbin is threaded, push the bottom of the bobbin and release the thread while simultaneously pressing the upper thread against the needle plate. Finally, insert the bobbin case into the machine.
Now, the main thread needs to be threaded. Start by winding the spool of thread onto the spool pin located on the front of the machine. Whilst doing this, tuck the end of the thread through the thread guide and pull it to the right side of the machine, below and behind the needle plate, at a distance of approximately two inches. Once the thread is threaded, cut the remaining piece of thread off the spool.
Lastly, send the thread through a loop involved with the upper thread guide, located behind the head of the machine. Finally, bring the thread down to the take-up lever, located on the left side of the machine head, under the needle. You should end up with the thread being near the needle eye. That is it, you’re done!
Adding Thread Tension
When adding thread tension to the kenmore Sewing Machine all you need to do is adjust the tension either by turning the tension adjuster knob located on the bobbin case or by adjusting the upper thread tension. This can be done by turning the tension adjuster dial, located at the top of the machine, while the machine is idle.
The important thing to remember when adjusting the thread tension is to ensure that it is neither too loose or too tight. Too loose tension can lead to ugly, sloppy stitches, and too tight tension can damage the fabric. To ensure the best stitch quality, always set the tension between 6 to 8.
For lighter fabrics, start low, approximately 4 and adjust up by 1/4 increments until the desired stitch quality is achieved. For heavier fabrics, start between 8 to 10 and adjust accordingly.
Using Different Types of Threads
With the kenmore Sewing Machine, you can use different types of thread and achieve great results, as long as they are of good quality and in the correct threads per inch (TPI) thickness. Different threads come with their own characteristics and should be used accordingly, so below are some examples of thread types, as well as the fabrics which pair best with them.
Polyester and cotton blend threads have a slightly stiff feel, making them suitable for most fabrics, from lightweight fabrics such as chiffon and silk to medium-weight twills and denims. Polyester thread is highly resistant to abrasion, making it a great choice for sewing stretchy, heavy-duty fabrics and knitwear.
Cotton thread has a better elongation than polyester, making it best for soft, lightweight fabrics. It also knots more easily and may flatten out when tugged at since it’s not as abrasion-resistant. Silk thread is another option available and they are mostly used on specialty fabrics due to their shininess and fine look.
Thread Cleaning
Threads can gather dust, lint and other debris after long periods of use, so it is best to make sure to thoroughly clean the threads regularly. To clean the threads, take a lint roller and roll it over the threads. This should help gather some of the debris that is stuck in the threads.
You can also use a brush to gently scrub the threads and ensure that the thread is clean and ready for use. Whenever possible, use a cleaning brush specifically for thread, as it can help make sure everything on the threads is completely cleaned up as well as detangles any knots.
Thread Changing
To have an easier time when changing threads in a kenmore Sewing Machine, there are several steps to follow. First, wind off the thread from the spool, cut the thread off and pull the remaining thread from the needle. Once the machine is thread-free, set the thread tension to its lowest setting.
Next, angle the spool onto the spool pin, loop the thread through the thread guide, and draw the thread out of the eye of the needle. Finally, feed the thread back into the bridge of the needle and guide the left-hand thread out to the right-hand side of the machine.
Troubleshooting
Sometimes, when the machine won’t pick up thread correctly, you’ll need to troubleshoot the machine. This may include adjusting the thread tension, checking if the thread has been appropriately threaded through the needle or the take-up lever, and carefully inspecting the thread guides for damages.
Inspecting the bobbin case is also quite important. You can do this, by carefully opening and examining the bobbin case. Sometimes, there’s a piece of thread or a lint ball inside the bobbin case, which can prevent the threads from working correctly.
If need be, you can also replace the needle. This can especially be useful if the needle has gone blunt due to excessive use, and is preventing the thread from passing through the eye of the needle.
Thread Maintenance
With the kenmore Sewing Machine, it is important to keep the threads clean and stored properly in order to maintain their quality and get the best possible results. To keep the threads clean, use the lint roller and brush mentioned above and make sure to more frequently clean their respective parts in the machine.
To store the threads, store them in a dark and dry place, such as a sewing box, cabinet or cupboard. Make sure that the threads are tightly wound around their spools and safely tucked inside the box. Whenever possible, try to store and organize the threads by color.
Conclusion
Learning how to properly put thread into a kenmore Sewing Machine is essential to achieve great results while sewing. Now that you know the basics, you can receive the full pleasure and benefits of being able to control your own sewing machine. So get ready and get creative!
