Help, Sewing Machine Question

[DawnCt1]

I have a Kenmore sewing machine that is very "low end". I bought it about 4 years ago and use it for mending, basic sewing, etc. I don't use it very often.
Today I pulled it out to mend some pants. The thread all bunches up where the bobbin thread comes out. I put the bobbin back in, so I know its in right. Is there somethng I am doing wrong or something I could do, or does it need to be "repaired". In our area, its at least $75 for someone to look at a sewing machine. I can buy a new one for about $85 that meets my needs.

 

[golfgal]

Check the tension on the bobbin holder thingy. There should be a screw on it someplace. Pull the thread through that and see if it comes out too easily or too hard (probably too easily otherwise it would break). Tighten that a bit and see if that helps.

 

[va32h]

In addition to golfgal's suggestion, trying taking apart the bobbin case and clean that area thoroughly - it can get dusty in there. Some sewing machines come with a little set of brushes for this purpose, I prefer to use the canned-air, like you would use to clean out your keyboard or the back of your computer.

Another possibility could be the thread itself. What kind of thread are you susing? Some 100% cotton threads can be too bulky for machine sewing. 100% polyester threads can be to thin.

Sometimes it's a case of the bobbin thread not being wound just perfectly and evenly in the first place. In that case, the solution is to thread up a new bobbin. I do a lot of sewing, and I love, love, love, to buy prewound bobbins!

 

[figment52]

Tension setting was my first thought as well. It is a common and easy adjustment.

There are a couple different places when you can adjust tension, it depends on the machine. If you can't find your owners manual check for it on line.

 

[Nicolepa]

Try rethreading the upper thread. Sometimes something won't be in there properly and it will cause headaches all around.

 

[Muushka]

I have had my Kenmore for 30 years! And I thought I knew that machine inside and out. Used it for a lot of projects.

A few months back I found that it just was not running right. So I pulled out the (cracked and yellow) instruction manual and treated the machine like I sitting at it for the very first time. Followed the instructions to the letter. All the settings, recommended and it worked like a charm. And didn't I feel like a dork!

That is my suggestion! Good luck

 

[poohandwendy]

Definitely sounds like a tension issue. Check your manual to make the necessary adjustments.