I'm trying to thread my bobbin on my Sears Kenmore sewing machine, Model #158.15160. My bobbin spindle is not turning. What am I doing wrong?

It is here

SERVICE MANUAL - Sears Parts Direct

https://c.searspartsdirect.com > lis_pdf > OWNM
PDF
SEWING MACHINE. DIV. 20. MODEL 385. 11602090. SOURCE 385. 385. 12708090. PAGE 2. 385. 12710090. 385. 12712090. 385. 12714090. WIND THE BOBBIN.
27 pages

KENMORE 385.11602090 SERVICE MANUAL Pdf Download

https://www.manualslib.com > ... > 385.11602090
Bobbin winding tension disc Bobbin winding spindle Top thread tension control Stitch... Page 4: Wind The Bobbin. SEWING MACHINE DIV. MODEL 385. 11602090 SOURCE ...

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Do you need to wind a bobbin or place it in the bobbin case for sewing? For bobbin winding, make sure that the top thread is on the spool pin with the appropriate spool holder. Bring the thread under the first thread guide (going from right to left, as you face the front of the sewing machine). Bring the thread around the bobbin winding tension disc so that the thread is under the tension disc. The thread goes from left to right on the front of the disc. Bring the thread to the bobbin and put the thread goes through the hole in the bobbin (from the inside of the bobbin to the outside). Put the bobbin on the bobbin winder spindle and slide the assembly to the right. When the spindle is in the correct position, the needle bar will not move. Hold the free end of the thread above the bobbin and start the sewing machine. After the bobbin has a few layers of thread, stop the machine and cut the excess thread off at the top of the bobbin. Resume winding the bobbin until full (or as full as you need). The machine will automatically stop when the bobbin is full. Move the bobbin winder spindle to the left and cut the thread to separate the bobbin from the top thread. Remove the bobbin from the spindle and thread the top thread back through the guides to the needle.

To place the bobbin correctly in the machine, remove the hook cover plate if you have another bobbin in the machine. Push the release button to the right and then lift the cover up. Lift the previous bobbin out of the bobbin case. Put the new bobbin in with the thread coming off the bobbin counter-clockwise with the hole of the bobbin up. Bring the bobbin thread around the case and into the notch near the front of the bobbin case. Continue to pull the thread lightly around to the second notch. Leave about 6" of thread out past the second notch. Replace the hook cover plate.

Sears Parts Direct has the manual for the Kenmore 385.19106900 here: https://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/user-manuals/38519106900-kenmore-parts-manual . The direct link to the manual is https://c.searspartsdirect.com/mmh/pd_download/lis_pdf/OWNM/L0911547.pdf . See page 20 (page 32 of the PDF) for the images that go with the bobbin winding directions. See page 22 (page 34 of the PDF) for the bobbin threading directions and pictures of the notch locations.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

Sears carries manuals for most of their machines (usually for free). The manual is invaluable for using your machine, including threading instructions.


Kenmore 158 1792 Sewing Machine Threading Diagram

You can probably find a manual from Sears. They carry a ton of Kenmore user manuals.

First thing to always try--insert a brand new needle!

Bobbins do usually have a specific way of being loaded. Most machines require the bobbin to be inserted into the bobbin case so when you pull on the thread tail, the bobbin turns clockwise (this is when you are looking at the backside of the bobbin case - at the bobbin). Also, be sure to thread the bobbin thread through the bobbin tension mechanism.

Tip how to put bobbin into the bobbin driver on sewing machine

If the upper thread is not picking up the bobbin thread, it is usually because there is a timing issue (means the needle is arriving at the bobbin at the wrong time to connect with the bobbin thread).

Sewing machine won pick up bobbin thread hook timing fix

P.S.--if your Kenmore is non-computerized (ie, mechanical) be sure to oil using fresh, good quality sewing machine oil or Tri-Flow Synthetic Oil (NOT cooking oil, 3-in-1, WD-40, or old stinky brown stuff that may be in the accessory box). Apply a couple of drops every place metal rubs on metal (while hand-rotating the handwheel). Do NOT oil nylon, rubber, or belts!

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Place both the bobbin case and the bobbin on the table in front of you. Have the open side of the bobbin case facing up and the bobbin with the thread of the bobbin unwinding clockwise. Drop the bobbin in the bobbin case. Pull the thread tail up through the notch in the bobbin case and then to the left under the thin metal plate until the thread appears to be coming out through the hole in the side of the bobbin case. (When you pull the bobbin thread, the bobbin should turn clockwise in the bobbin case.)

Kenmore 158 17550 Sewing Machine Tutorial

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Bobbin winder spindle will not spin - YouTube

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fh52_ndkSKs
Jun 12, 2013 - Uploaded by djc472
Thread caught between spindle shaft shoulder and bearing. ... Sewing machine won't pick up bobbin thread ...

Why won't the bobbin winder work on my Kenmore sewing ...

www.shopyourway.com > Manage My Life > Questions

The bobbin winder doesn't spin and I can't wind the bobbin. ... What will release thebobbin winder that is stuck to the right on my Kenmore sewing machine model 385.17826690? Why won't my bobbin holder thread to the top on my Sears Kenmore sewing machine model 385.17928?

Sewing machine bobbin winder won't turn ' ShopYourWay

You can try a couple of YouTube videos:

Loading thread on the bobbin old Kenmore sewing machine
(do not wind the bobbin as fast as he does as it tends to stretch the thread and also could cause the spool to fly off the machine!)

How to wind Bobbin Winder Sears Kenmore Sewing Machine 158 12270 158

or order an Owner's Manual for your machine:
... Sewing Parts Online Search

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try these suggestions
Bobbin thread breaks
1. There is a right way & wrong way to insert the bobbin in the case --when you insert the bobbin in if it doesn't stitch correctly turn the bobbin over see if that helps or bobbin case is not inserted correctly
2. Lint has collected in the bobbin holder
3. The bobbin is damaged & doesn't turn smoothly
4. Lower thread tension is two tight

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

Put the bobbin on the short metal stick on top of the machine. Unthread the machine. Put the spool of thread on the tall, left side stick on top of the machine. Take the thread and wrap it counter clockwise around the circular, short, metal thing on the left side of the top of the machine, only 180 degrees. Thread the thread through the hole in the bobbin (which should be on top). Press the bobbin to the right, into the little white thing. Pull the turning wheel on the right side of the machine out. While holding the end of the thread, softly press the presser foot so that the thread goes around the bobbin a few times. After that, cut the end down to the bobbin. Now, press the presser foot down and wind the bobbin until it stops on it's own.