Sewing machines are marvelous tools for completing beautiful projects with precision, no matter the complexity. Whether you’ve been working with a sewing machine for years or are just starting out, there are certain key concepts you must master. Learning to thread a bobbin on a Kenmore sewing machine is an important lesson for every serious seamstress. Threading a bobbin on a Kenmore machine is a step-by-step process that can be done quickly and efficiently.
To begin, locate the power switch on the top right side of the sewing machine. Make sure the machine is unplugged before threading. Then, locate the bobbin winder and the spool pin. Remove the cover from the top of the machine. Take out the empty bobbin, slide it onto the bobbin winder and attach it firmly. Find the thread, put it on the spool pin, keeping the thread tail pointing away from the machine.
Applying slight pressure, move the presser foot lifter up to the highest position before starting. Pull the thread from the spool pin, hold it onto the hand wheel and press the start button. The bobbin will start to wind. When the bobbin is full, hold down the hand wheel, take off the bobbin from the bobbin winder, and cut off the thread near the bobbin, close to the package.
Once the bobbin is full and ready, you must thread the bobbin correctly. Put the bobbin in the bobbin case, ensuring the thread moves clockwise. Draw some thread out of the bobbin and engage the bobbin case back into the machine. Pass the thread of the bobbin to the eye of the needle, engaging the hand wheel to lower the needle and pull the thread down. Finally, pull the thread end and cut it off.
It is essential to keep the bobbin thread tight within the bobbin case. To do this, press the bobbin holder against the bobbin case, opening the shuttle race case. Pull the thread several inches long, press the bobbin holder back, and close the shuttle race case. Turn the hand wheel again and pass the loop over the bobbin case, which will hold it in place.
Getting Familiar with Machine Settings
Once the bobbin thread is correctly positioned, take your time to understand the settings and the options your Kenmore sewing machine offers. There are several stitch types such as zigzag, single-needle, and two-needle. Depending on the project, these settings may need to be adjusted.
Also, check the amount of tension in the upper thread. To adjust it, move the tension control dial in either direction. This will make a difference on the quality, strength and look of the stitches. Most machines have a range from 0 to 9, with 4 being the most recommended settings for most projects.
Now that the bobbin has been properly threaded, the tension has been adjusted and the stitch settings are ready, it is time to start doing some practice stitching on scrap fabric. Without tension and the correct settings, stitches won’t take the desired shape or size, so it is important to get those correct.
Testing the Thread
Another tip is to always test your thread before beginning a project. Make sure it is compatible with the fabric you will be using and that it is the right diameter for the stitches you’re using. The thread should move easily through the needle and the stitch should turn out perfectly. Lubricating the needle is another important tip.
Using the right needle size is also key. For lighter fabrics, use a needle size 8 or 9. For medium materials use a 10 or 11. Heavier fabrics like denim require a size 12 or 14 needle. Use a magnet to check the size of the needle, as standard needles will be attracted.
Needle Maintenance
To make sure the stitching comes out smoothly, it is important to keep the needle in perfect condition. Replace the needle of your Kenmore sewing machine for every 5 to 10 projects, as needles get blunter with each use. To confirm it is still sharp enough, take the needle and try to puncture a thin piece of fabric. If the needle passes through with no effort, it is still in good condition.
Also, make sure to clean the machine frequently. Take out the bobbin case, clean it with a soft brush and blow away any small bits like lint and dust. It is also important to make sure the feed dogs are not clogged. This is especially important if you’re switching frequently between fabrics.
Correcting Mistakes
At times, the thread may be pulled away from the fabric while sewing. This is called a skipped stitch, and while it is normal to occur, there are a few tips you can use to prevent them from happening. First, adjust the tension if the needle thread is too loose. Another solution might be to switch to a different stitch length or width. It is also possible that the machine is moving too fast for the type of fabric you are using.
If looping occurs, it is due to the thread being too tight. Check the tension on the bobbin thread and the needle thread, making sure the stitch looks even when sewing. If the result is still unsatisfactory, replace the needle with a slightly larger one.
Getting Threads Through the Needle
It is not uncommon for the threads to get tangled in the needle and blocked after completing a project. To avoid this, make sure the needle is completely centered and in good condition. Other causes might be bad timing, a broken hook race, or a missing thread cone, which would need to be replaced.
If the threads get blocked, turn the hand wheel to return the needle to its highest position, then disconnect the bobbin case. After cleaning the shuttle race of any lint, use a hand stitching needle to pull out the blocked clumps of thread. Replace the bobbin case and reconnect it to the machine. Finally, check the tension and position of the threads, as well as the needle.
Timing
Timing is key for correct stitching, as the needle and the hook race need to be synchronized. As the needle comes down, the hook race should catch it and form a stitch. Make sure the hook race and needle are properly aligned. To set the timing, unscrew the hook race, align the mark on the race with the needle, and screw it back again.
Finally, check the machine for any problems that may cause skipped stitches. If the timing is out of sync, the needle will not move into position before the hook race and it will not form a stitch properly. Listen to any strange noises the machine may be making and consult the manual for help.
Check Your Work
After every project is complete, take off the presser foot and turn the wheel again in order to check for any loose threads. If there is an issue, cut off the thread and start again. Turn the wheel to the right and back, to double check that the stitches are even and tight.
It is very important to use the right needles, thread and tension in order to make any sewing projects come out perfectly. After mastering the basics of threading a bobbin on a Kenmore sewing machine, there are several techniques that can be used to increase your sewing level and make it more satisfying. Having the right tools is the first step to success.
