I need the screw for my presser foot lever on my Sears Kenmore sewing machine, model 158.17600-pretty sure the part is 31027. If I don't have this part I can't get the presser foot to lower, correct? Or is there something else I can do> thanks, cindy

To replace the presser foot lever on an Elna 9000 Computer model sewing machine, follow these steps:

1. Raise the presser foot by turning the handwheel towards you until the needle is in its highest position.
2. Release the presser foot lever by pressing the button on the back of the presser foot lever and sliding the lever to the left.
3. Remove the old presser foot lever by sliding it off the presser bar.
4. Align the new presser foot lever with the presser bar and slide it into place.
5. Secure the presser foot lever by pressing the button on the back of the lever and sliding it to the right.
6. Lower the presser foot by turning the handwheel away from you until the needle is in its lowest position.
7. Test the presser foot lever to make sure it is functioning properly.

If you are having difficulty replacing the presser foot lever or if the machine is not functioning properly after the replacement, it is recommended that you consult the user manual or contact Elna customer service for assistance.

If the lever for the presser foot on your Kenmore 158.441 sewing machine is locked in the down position, there could be a few different issues causing the problem. Here are a few things you can try to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Check the presser foot: Make sure the presser foot is properly installed and aligned on the machine. If the presser foot is not properly installed or aligned, it can cause the lever to become stuck in the down position.
2. Check the presser foot lever: Inspect the presser foot lever for any visible damage or looseness. Make sure the lever is not bent or broken and that it is properly aligned and connected to the machine.
3. Check the threading: Make sure the machine is properly threaded. If the thread is not correctly aligned or tensioned, it can cause the presser foot lever to become stuck in the down position.
4. Check for any other visible issues: Inspect the machine and its components for any visible issues that may be causing the presser foot lever to become stuck in the down position. This can include debris or foreign objects that may have gotten stuck in the machine, or damage to the machine or its components.

If you have tried these troubleshooting steps and the problem persists, it may be necessary to have the machine serviced by a professional. A technician will be able to diagnose the problem and determine the necessary repairs.

Thanks the screw had come completely out. Appreciate your help!

The threading on these Kenmores is pretty consistent from model to model (good machine, by the way!). Be sure to ALWAYS raise the presser foot when threading the upper thread--insures the thread seats in the tension disk.

14 Kenmore Top Threading FREE SAMPLE

How to thread Sears Kenmore Sewing Machine 158 12270 158

By the way, the metal projection at the top left of the machine regulates the amount of pressure the presser foot applies to the fabric and feed dogs. Push it down to increase the pressure--important when changing types & weights of fabric. To release the pressure, push down on the ring that surrounds the center projection piece. AND, when finished sewing, it is a "great" idea to always release this pressure button before walking away from the machine. Leaving it pushed down over a long period of time will eventually compress the spring and the pressure will no longer work like it should. Also, be sure to clean and oil your older Kenmore regularly. Use only fresh, good quality sewing machine oil or liquid Tri-Flow Synthetic Lube. Open the top, side, and bobbin area. Gently rotate or rock the handwheel and apply only 1-2 drops of oil every place metal rubs against metal. You can also lube the specific lever and dial mechanisms to keep them operating freely. Do NOT oil belts or plastic gears/parts. Doing this regularly, ie every 40-60 hours of sewing time, will keep your machine running smoothly and quietly and preserve the motor from over stress and possible burn-out.

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There are most likely some numbers missing from the model number you provided. Usually, there is a 3-digit beginning number, ie 115, 385, 401...

I am unable to find model information based on your number, but you can most likely get a user's manual through Sears or try searching the internet (Make Model manual), ie:

Kenmore Sewing Machine Manuals Instruction and Repair Manuals

Sewing machines generally have two ways to disable feed dogs. One way is a lever or knob on the machine itself that physically "drops" the feed dogs so they are below the needleplate. The feed dogs will continue to operate but since they are below the sewing surface, they will not have an effect on the fabric movement. The other way is an accessory that attaches to the needleplate which covers the feed dogs and creates a flat sewing surface.

Another item that is important for free motion quilting is a darning foot or free motion foot. These presser feet are physically shorter in height than a standard presser foot. This means the darning foot, when lowered, does not apply "pressure" to the fabric when it is lowered. It, instead, provides leeway between the presser foot and the fabric so there is room to manually maneuver the fabric while stitching.

You'll just need to CONFIRM that the presser foot shank is correct for your machine (low shank, high shank, slant shank).

There are probably a multitude of designs available for your machine, either Kenmore or generic brands. Once you've determined your machine's shank, it would be a personal decision as to the design you'd prefer, which could be metal or plastic, closed, open, or clear see-thru as well as various shapes, round, oval, etc. There are also some feet that are spring-loaded so they "hop" while you stitch, or feet that are solid.

These are examples of different darning/free motion presser feet.

Darning Foot Low Shank 4021

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Amazon com Tinksky Sewing Machine Open Toe Metal Quilting Embroidery...

Free motion Darning Quilting Sewing Machine Presser Foot Fits All Low...

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Sears carries a lot of manuals for their machines, although usually not free. In the meantime, there are many threading videos that demonstrate machine threading. Machines of similar models will thread similarly.

Threading mom old kenmore sewing machine

Kenmore 158 17550 Sewing Machine Tutorial

Probably best to raise the presser foot when threading so the thread will seat in the tension disk.

Before trying to sew, be sure to oil your machine with fresh, good quality sewing machine oil. Open the top, the side near the needle bar, and turn it on its back to get the underside. Place a couple drops of oil every place that metal rubs on metal. Adding hot air from a handheld hairdryer will make the oil effective quicker.

Be sure to install a brand new needle and use good quality thread--not old or bargain bin variety!

On the top left, there is probably a push button. This is the presser foot pressure adjustment. When the machine is stored, this pop-up button should be released (press down on the outer ring). Being stored with the pressure full on will eventually compress the spring that provides the pressure. Also, be sure to store the machine with the presser foot in the down position (preferably on a piece of scrap fabric). Avoid running the machine with the presser foot in direct contact with the feed dogs as this will wear the feed dogs and also create grooves in the presser foot.

Kenmore 158 1601 Sewing Machine Cleaning oiling and Maintenance

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You first need to determine which shank the presser foot uses on your machine. You can compare your shank (current presser foot) with these photos to see which one your machine uses.

http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/sewing-machine-presser-feet.aspx

NOTE: If you purchase a snap-on presser foot, you will also have to buy a "shank adapter" that will attach the presser foot to the needlebar. Here are some pictures of snap-on adapters:
Kenmore sewing machine snap on adapter Google Search
However, you will still need to make sure to buy the correct adapter for your machine. The GREAT thing about buying a snap-on adapter is you can add a lot of presser feet to your sewing machine accessories because you can purchase additional snap-on presser feet or even a complete set of snap-on feet that will all work with your adapter and your machine!!!
Kenmore Presser Feet eBay
You will just snap one foot off and snap another on!!! Great idea!!!

OR--you can take your current presser foot along with the make & model of your machine and check with the local sewing repair shops to see if they have what you need.

FYI, once you know what shank your machine has, you can probably also find other specialty feet for your machine, ie walking foot, free-motion foot, etc.

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Sewing shops are loaded with this stuff. You can order online too. You'll need the make & model number. Do a little research, I think Kenmores are simply repackaged Singers.

Practice and practice some more! Use the same fabric and interfacing as your project and a NEW needle (the correct needle) This is for the Sears Kenmore 385 automatic button hole maker. Make sure you pull the bobbin thread through the Guide Block - it is that simple. Make sure you pull your thread to the back of the machine though the presser foot slot - the correct presser foot. Account for both thread tails before starting to sew. Keep thread tails to the back of the machine 4-5", insert fabric under presser foot keeping thread tails clear. Mark button hole and sew.

I think #39 on this link is the presser foot lever.
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/getSubComp.pd?modelNumber=3851249180&productCategoryId=1220000&brandId=0582&modelName=SEWING-MACHINE-HEAD&diagramPageId=00004&componentDescription=PRESSER%20BAR%20ASSEMBLY&documentId=00032216&backToLink=Return%20to%20Sub%20Components%20list

#13 on this link is the instruction manual.
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/getSubComp.pd?modelNumber=3851249180&productCategoryId=1220000&brandId=0582&modelName=SEWING-MACHINE-HEAD&diagramPageId=00009&componentDescription=ATTACHMENT%20PARTS&documentId=00032216&backToLink=Return%20to%20Sub%20Components%20list

If you're looking for the foot control, that is #16 on the first link.