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Kenmore 16622 Mechanical Sewing Machine Questions & Answers
I have 385 old model.
Difficult to say. Obviously, if you have the stitch length set high enough (at least 2.5 or higher) so the feed dogs should pull the fabric through the machine, then something is definitely off. If it were a purely mechanical machine, sometimes old oil has dried and "glues" the mechanical movement together so the parts seize. This happens in the older mechanical machines when they are not treated to regular cleaning and oiling. If this is the case, your machine could benefit from a professional cleaning and oiling. However, if a part is worn or broken, parts replacement could be required. The other thing to consider is what kind of fabric you are sewing. If it is light-weight fabric like chiffon, sometimes the presser foot pressure adjustment needs to be increased. This applies more pressure between the presser foot and feed dogs so the feed dogs can grip the fabric better. Try stitching on different weights of fabric and see if there is any difference. Most machines do have a pressure adjustment. You just need to know where to look for it on your particular model. It's usually placed at the top left side of the machine and could be a "plunger" type, a screw that is tightened or loosened, or on newer machines, a dial. On older machines, sometimes it is under the top cover at the top of the presser foot bar.
What Pressure Adjustment on Sewing MachineAaaak! Is this a sewing machine or serger? This diagram may help:https://www.pinterest.com/pin/515451119836350686or the manual:https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=7&ved=0ahUKEwiyptPa_Y7YAhUE32MKHXU7AVoQFghOMAY&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.managemylife.com%2Fmmh%2Flis_pdf%2FOWNM%2FL0306427.pdf&usg=AOvVaw3vM9XD3zy4mkPrWoKcHNQa
Kenmore 385 series
The bobbin case is most likely not adjusted properly. The bobbin case has a small piece of metal that can be loosened with a screwdriver. Once it is loose you need to move it to a point that won't allow the case to move. The bobbin case must only be moved to a point to stop the bobbin case from movement. If it is too tight it will cause the machine from sewing.
Will not sew. When attempting to, it moves in
If you have had this machine for long time the problem is most likely the reverse mechanism is stuck. On a lot of kenmore machines the reverse is a spring loaded lob that slides side to side on the lower shaft. Over time the lube that was used dries out and turns pasty. The spring can no longer push the lob and the machine stops reversing properly. It needs to be cleaned and relubed. Best bet is a sewing machine shop with a good repair person. If it is a new machine it could be something else.
Will not sew in reverse.
sometimes it is the spring, open the machine up and take a look at the spring, it may be broken or stretched. It should be located right where the reverse lever is, inside.
Hello. I hope u can
You need to backstitch over the beginning and end of your stitching, Jodie. When you start out, manually turn the wheel to put the needle into the fabric. Push the foot pedal to stitch forward a little. Now, reverse over those stitches to nearly where you started stitching. Use the foot pedal to go forward again, stitch to where you want to end. Reverse again, just a 1/4 inch or so. Then take the fabric out and cut your stitching.
This backstitching keeps your thread from pulling straight out. You should always use it with straight stitches and general zigzag stitches. Don't use it with decorative or embroidery stitches, though, as it mars the appearance of them. But if you're doing any type of topstitching that uses straight stitches, backstitch in the area that will be in the seam allowance, ever so slightly, or your top stitching will pull out, too.
Hope that helps!
I have a Kenmore serger I had to re thread it now
check out the bobbin under and see if it has all that it need..and if the thread is in the right place on it ..Also check the needle to be in range ..and not shorter..(from the adjusting screw...sometimes if it is not tided well and you use some thick material ...it can move inside and being shorter it will not get to loop with the under thread ..
If you have the instructions just check it again to see how you thread it ..cause you might missed something ...
I have been using my
Apparently either you have no needle threaded to lock the stitch or both loopers aren't correctly threaded. You must thread your UPPER looper first (don't know what color yours is), LOWER looper next, RIGHT needle next and last the LEFT needle if you are using the 4 thread overlock stitch. It sounds like you are having trouble with your lower looper. Look for the lower looper threader to help you thread it. Your manual should show you a picture.
The thread keeps breaking I
Could you please verify your machine's model number? Don't use the number on the motor; there should be a small plate on the machine itself. I ask because I can't find a model 158-12321.
Feed dog lever not working on my Kenmore 385 24 stitch machine
I surfed around this site for various suggestions, finally took the bottom plate off and cleaned and oiled all the parts along that rod that goes right across (think it's a drive bar that rotates). Ran the machine without thread in for a few minutes to let the oil soak in. Machine now works fine.
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