Handwheel is difficult to turn

The bobbin may be in backwards
the needle is not the correct one for the machine
the needle isn't correctly seated in the needle clamp
the machine is a little bit out of time.
Remember to hang on to the needle thread when you're trying to pick up the bobbin thread
Turn the handwheel in the direction that would advance the fabric from the front to the back of the machine
make sure the bobbin-winding spindle has been pushed back to the left for sewing
make sure your needle is inserted correctly as far as it will go with the flat side facing back
and that the upper tension disks of your machine are threaded correctly.
Make sure the presser foot is up when seating the thread through the upper tension.
Turn the hand wheel (TOWARDS YOU ONLY) never turn the hand wheel away from you and hold the needle thread lightly. .
pull the loop up and then pull both threads (top and bobbin) under the foot and toward the back of the machine.
Also could be a timing problem

this should be in sewing not vacuums. Did you find the bit of needle that broke off? It might still be in causing problems. turn machine upside down to free any bits that might be hanging about.

Here is a link to an online version of the manual. You are going to have to have the updated version of Adobe Reader X before being able to access the Manual.

Here is the link: http://www.managemylife.com/mmh/owner_manuals/2247/KENMORE-Mechanical-Sewing-L0909123?brand_name_search=158.14300+

Hope this helps!

Hi rose13olive...
Go to the following webpage and download your user manual for your sewing machine.
Please take time to rate me

http://search-pdf-books.com/kenmore-sensor-sew-70-model-385-sewing-machine-users-manual-pdf/

ok open the side door and you should oil the needle bar just one drop and the take up arm if you turn the handwheel you will see the take up arm put one drop in the holes on crank it will be the on top of the screw.

The Kenmore website (www.kenmore.com) has manuals available for all of there sewing machines. At the top of the page hold your mouse over the product support section. From there a drop menu will come down that has the link to the manuals portion of the website. Hope this helps.

google and type in --- user manual for kenmore sewing machine model385.17124790--- and find the site that has a pdf version to down load
as for the missing part , go to sewing machine repair shops and have them get one for you

For sewing machines manufactured since about 1990, look for the model number on the handwheel side of the machine near the on/off switch or the electric cord receptacle.

A sewing machine should catch and tie the threads at any thread tension. If it's not tying and you're sure it's threaded correctly then it's out of time.

Timing a sewing machine is not difficult, but the point where you adjust the timing is often not obvious. I don't know what kind of machine you have so I can't tell you just where to set the timing, but you'll find the point in the lower section of the machine, there will generally be a screw or two that, being loosened, will allow the lower section of the machine (where the bobbin is) to turn while the upper section stays still.

You want to watch the needle and the tying mechanism: as the needle starts to come up the top thread becomes slack and the hook on the shuttle carrier (the piece that either turns back and forth or goes round and round, down below) catches the slack top thread and pulls it around the shuttle. If the hook is too early in its motion it can't catch the top thread, if it's late then the top thread is gone before the shuttle can catch it.

Timing the machine is simply a matter of determining if the hook is early in trying to catch the top thread or late. Turn the machine by the handwheel, watch the interaction of the needle and hook, adjust the timing if necessary and try it again.

If you don't see where to time the machine the next best thing is to take it to someone who knows, pay them, and watch where they're making the adjustment.

Good luck with it,

lp

Hi,

Please go through the below document which will give you the help you wanted:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4798790_thread-bobbin-kenmore-sewing-machine.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_5839_thread-sewing-machine.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1j8e8FvwUlQ

You will also find additional information on every page at the left hand side (Ehow.com) and on the right hand side(Youtube).

Please let me know if you need any additional information or have any information that you would like to share with me.