Why won't my Kenmore Ultra 6 stitch sewing machine #13401 wind the bobbins when trying to refill them. What can I do, I really need my machine to work right now.

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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try putting a bobbin on to wind and then take off again, make sure when you do that the bobbin holder clicks back into the sewing position not the winding, you might need to give it a little push in the right direction then see if it sews ok for you. if not may need a service call.

Try pushing the bobbin winder spindle to the left. It's on the top of the machine to the right of the spool. When this spindle is pushed to the right, the sewing machine is ready to wind a bobbin. Once the spindle is to the left, you should be able to select a straight stitch (stitches 10-12), set the stitch length and check the thread tension.

See https://www.manualslib.com/manual/505279/Kenmore-385-19153.html?page=44#manual for a picture.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

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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it's possible that there could be a problem with the gear or cam that does the button hole stitch

try a different needle--one for the fabric being sewed
try a different bobbin --make sure the bobbin is not warped or damaged
try different thread-- use EVERY thread guide

make sure the bobbin is wound correctly--inserted correctly in to the bobbin case--and turned the right way.

your machine thinks it's in bobbin winding mode. Check to see if the bobbin winder is in the winding position and if so return it to sewing position.

I could not find information for the 8 stitch, but if you look through these instructions you should be able to find one that is the same.

http://www.sewusa.com/Sewing_Machine_Threading_Diagrams.htm

this is caused by uneven winding of the bobbin, sometimes the spool of thread winds unevenly when it travels up and down the spool. the best solution i have found is to use small spools of thread when winding the bobbins

Is the bobbin winder holder clicked over to the right like you are trying to wind a bobbin? If so, and you are not trying to wind a new bobbin, click it over to the left.

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