I own a Sears Kenmore machine that began sewing backwards

Only a picture, it is too old for online manuals and there are none available.

http://steelsewing.blogspot.com/2018/10/kenmore-sewing-machines-1960-1969-wip.html

https://www.google.com/search?q=148.274+manual

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hi William.
check this link and see if its the manual you are after, http://www.manualsonline.com/support/kenmore/sewing-machine/kenmore-sewing-machine-model-1561281-5552474 .
if this did not help try this link.
Kenmore Sewing Machine Manual for Model 1561281 Google Search

Sears usually has manuals available for download for their machines. Even if your specific model is not available, most machines from the era thread the same or very similarly.

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Here is one available for sale on eBay:

KENMORE 158 1525 158 15250 158 15251 158 15152 Manual on CD disk

also here:

Kenmore 158 source sewing machine manuals


This may be helpful even if not your specific model:

ShopYourWay KENMORE Electronic Sewing ShopYourWay

Here's how to find out when your machine was manufactured:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=10&ved=0CFoQFjAJahUKEwiX7_LFh83IAhVY62MKHbBaBOw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.searsarchives.com%2Fhistory%2Ffiles%2Fsewing_id.pdf&usg=AFQjCNEavJEwfhMVnix2pT0kwej_RSZ33A&cad=rja


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A sewing machine technician may be able to help determine who actually made the machine. The problem is, Sears negotiated with various companies to make Kenmore products and Sears frequently changed manufacturers. I believe Janome made some Kenmore sewing machines but during what period and for how long is questionable.

You can try searching for:

Make Model parts
and see what comes up.

machine sews good. cleaned bobbie and oiled machine. when it sews it makes a squealing noise.

http://www.managemylife.com/mmh/owner_manuals/20746/
KENMORE-Mechanical-Sewing-L0709245

http://www.managemylife.com/mmh/owner_manuals/26810/
KENMORE-Mechanical-Sewing-L0712571

Go to Sears and talk to their sewing machine dept, I am sure that the salesperson will explain it to you for free. You need to have instruction beyond a book. If, you cannot go to Sears, check with your neighbors, there has to be one that sews or your local high school, Home ec teacher. Good luck

Machine will not sew forward. It will sew backward on zig zag stitch. Could this problem be the reverse switch spring broken?

E1 error on Kenmore sewing machine model 385.19233