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not zigzagging machine problem
RobA.   Beginner TX USA Member since 11/23/04 Posts: 49	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/18/13 8:58 PM I hope this is the right forum for a question about a malfunctioning machine. I pulled out my Sears Kenmore 1320 zig zag machine, given to me by my parents when I graduated from high school in 1971 (when dinosaurs roamed the earth). It has been working fine... until I tried to do a zig zag stitch. I changed the stitch width... and it continued stitching a straight line. I went through the manual to make sure I had not missed a step. I didn't. Any ideas? ------ Rob
Julia C   Advanced Beginner NV USA Member since 7/1/07 Posts: 930	Login to reply to this post In reply to RobA. << Like this post Date: 2/18/13 9:13 PM I would try oiling the mechanisms where it adjusts the stitches. It could be frozen if you have not used the zigzag for a while.
DreinPA   Intermediate PA USA Member since 4/5/06 Posts: 254	Login to reply to this post In reply to RobA. << Like this post Date: 2/18/13 9:14 PM Lots!! Not unlike cars, machines will suffer from inadequate maintenance. Long ago dried out oil needs to be cleaned up. Crack open that manual and look for where to apply fresh oil. Pay special attention to the needle bar end, where you will find the piston that helps create the zig -zag. A generous oiling and gentle heating with a hairdryer (yes, just aim it at the whole area above the needle and behind the door- you can't really hurt anything) should help loosen things up. If it gets better, repeat. If it doesn't post back! ------ Don't confuse accessibility with ease; just because anybody can pick up a needle and thread doesn't mean sewing quality garments is easy.
karen149   Intermediate CA USA Member since 3/4/05 Posts: 2542	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/18/13 9:22 PM Yes, oil it and let it sit for a bit or if you can access the mechanism that changes it to straight stitch from zig zag, move it back and forth. I recently has to do this with Kenmore 1218. It would zig zag but not go to straight stitch. Works like a charm now!
RobA.   Beginner TX USA Member since 11/23/04 Posts: 49	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/18/13 9:32 PM Wow, that was quick! Thanks all. I will give this a try. ------ Rob
RobA.   Beginner TX USA Member since 11/23/04 Posts: 49	Login to reply to this post 5 members like this. Date: 2/22/13 10:29 AM Yay! I bought some sewing machine oil, pulled out the manual, and oiled the heck out of everything, especially the needle mechanism. I had to go back and work that part back and forth a bit til it loosened up, but hey -- we have zigzag!!!!!!!!!!! ------ Rob
karen149   Intermediate CA USA Member since 3/4/05 Posts: 2542	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 2/22/13 11:59 AM That's cool that you still have the machine! There are many more years of use in it. Happy sewing!
PattiAnnJ   Advanced OH USA Member since 12/3/06 Posts: 5219	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/22/13 12:08 PM You made very important choices that were not mentioned: new (as in newly purchased) and sewing machine specific oil. Once the SM oil turns from clear to amber, toss it out and buy a new bottle. Maintenace after every project (cleaning and lubricating) according the the manual for the machine will help keep it in good running condition. ------ “I don’t give them Hell, I just tell the truth about them and they think it’s Hell.” — Harry Truman

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