I can't seem to get the buttonhole attachment to work. I do not have a manual, and am doing what seems right - but it's not working. The attachment carries the button in the back. I've set the stitch width and length per the picture. I used the reset function between button holes that I've tried to sew. The machine stitches one side of the buttonhole, then it just stitches continuously at the end, and doesn't do the second side of the buttonhole. I just inherited this machine, and this has me stumped.

You'll have to provide more information about the sewing machine. 158 indicates the manufacturer. However, there are a lot of Kenmore sewing machines from that manufacturer. The 158.1340 manual is available here: https://www.manualslib.com/manual/150291/Kenmore-1340.html .

Page 40 (41 in the linked format) begins the section on buttonholes. With the buttonhole attachment, you need to set the stitch to the second narrowest zig-zag stitch. You can use any stitch length. The description of using the buttonhole attachment starts on page 45.

Without the buttonhole attachment, you set the stitch selector to each part of the buttonhole as you reach them. The stitch length dial has to be set to an appropriate length in the block for buttonholes. The top and bottom tack bars use the same stitch selector. There are separate ones for the left and right sides of the button hole.

I hope this helps. Please add a comment with the rest of the model number on your sewing machine for specifics with your machine.

Cindy Wells

Search the internet for web sites and videos that discuss buttonhole procedures.

How To Sew Button Hole Using Sewing Machine and Buttonhole Foot Tutorial

How to Sew One Step Buttonholes

Sewing buttonhole with the buttonhole foot So Sew Easy

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Firstly look in manual. Secondly, search online for manual. Thirdly, I seem to remember that you had to select the buttonhole function on the machine. If you haven't got one then you need to sew two parallel lines of stitching very close together, then overstitch at each before finally cutting between the parallel stitches.

What were you doing immediately before this started? Buttonholes? I bought an Elna SU in 1973, still going strong now. Sometimes after doing buttonholes it did weird things - fortunately I had two friends with identical machines to help me. I hadn't put all the controls back properly after doing no turn buttonholes. I just wonder if you'd got the same problem?

Most common problem when doing buttonholes is too much pressure on the presser foot

2 things must do:
You have to use the buttonhole foot.
You have to pull down the lever to the lowest position (just left of needle bar/ presser bar up in machine.)
Set to buttonhole. After each buttonhole, be sure to change off the buttonhole then reset to buttonhole to reset the buttonhole to the beginning

First be sure to follow the steps described in the manual for attaching the buttonholer.

Second, check that the buttonhole lever is pushed because it returns to it's unpushed state after a buttonhole is completed and therefore it will stitch in the same spot.

Also, try adjusting the stitch length. I've found that I can't make buttonholes while on the satin stich setting ( that little rectangle) but if I move it just a bit towards 1 it will manage to make the right stitches.

Most sewing experts will tell you that the best buttonholes are made with the Singer Buttonhole attachment that has been available since the 1930's. It makes perfect buttonholes every time. Everyone complains about the modern machines not making great buttonholes and not working correctly. Just do a quick search on eBay for one of these vintage attachments and your problem is solved once and for all. Don't waste all the time and money trying to get your machine fixed to only find it does not make good buttonholes...the best solution has always been the buttonhole attachments made by Singer, which the professionals use even with modern machines. They can be found in low or slant shank.

Your problem is most certainly with the buttonhole switch. Firstly: Look if the buttonhole lever, left back of machine, is push up in position. The beeping sound is a warning message. Secondly Remove the light cover, left of the machine, loosen back screw and remove left hand screw completely. Check for a small black electric switch, follow the brown and green elecrtic wire, just back of the light. If you push the BH lever up and down the switch finger should also move up and down. If it stays down, the machine will not work and give a beeping sound. If the switch finger is stuck, push it up with the BH in top position. Hope this will help you

I'm afraid that you are unable to correct this glitch on your own. Any sewing machine service center/shop will do...call around and look for the shop with the lowest 'minimum' charge. It is such a simple fix. However, although simple, the adjustment is so incrementally precise that without thorough understanding, your stich patterns could be rendered unuseable. I have no idea of the current value of your sewing machine, but if you deem the repair costs prohibitive, there is a workaround so you can complete your buttonhole. Complete your buttonhole setup as normal. I assume that you run tests first to adjust your stitch length/density of the buttonhole using the Step 1 setting. When you find the the length/density that you want, using an ink marker/crayon...whatever...being as precise as possible, mark a linear line from the edge of your length selector dial, continuing to the body of your machine. Now, select Buttonhole Setting #3, and increase the stitch length until you see the length/density that you want. Find a clear spot on your length dial and repeat the marking procedure. When you are ready to make a buttonhole, align the markings for Buttonhole Step 1 on your stitch length dial and proceed, complete your tack of step 2, stop, manually raise your needle out of the fabric using the balance (hand) wheel on the right, adjust your stitch length dial accordingly for Step 3, then on to your final tack #4. If it's only your buttonholer that is giving you trouble, take the extra 15 minutes or so, and use the workaround and mark your machine. It doesn't have to be ink, it can be pinstriping tape...whatever, and spend the money you saved on fabrics and notions instead.....good luck my friend.