PatternReview.com online sewing community
Join our community of 579,272 sewists!
SIGNUP Membership is free and includes 1 free lesson
Login |
Join our community of 579,272 sewists!
Signup | Login
To participate in the PatternReview.com forums please Login or Join PatternReview
Member since 7/9/10
Posts: 129
Send Message
Posted on: 8/22/10 8:27 PM ET
i took the cover off and oiled the entire thing with tri-flow. runs so smooth. but i can't get the machine to zig zag. i adjusted the setting as the manual shows and nothing. beautiful straight stitch. now...this is without fabric, but the needle stays central. no stitches or thread because the bobbin is out. the bobbin, the bobbin case and this other piece that is shaped like a curve that cups the bobbin case i imagine. there is a hook piece on the end of it. i can see where it prob. goes, but i can't seem to fit it in.

i know, i know, should have tried before i walked out the door of eric's house (cl purchase), but he was on his way to church...CHURCH!!! he told me it worked and his aunt was a seamstress. oh well. i know the machine is great, if i can just get the darn thing working.

i feel frustrated. i have tinkered and don't feel like i could do anymore. my local sew shop charges $120 for a tune-up/oil. i don't want that. i cleaned the machine myself and it seems great. but, i would like to get the bobbin back in and the zig zag working. what would you expect them to charge for these repairs considering the cost of a tune up. thanks in advance. i would prefer to do myself, but i don't know what to do?!?!
-- Edited on 8/22/10 8:28 PM --
  
Member since 3/13/05
Posts: 687
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 8/22/10 8:31 PM ET
Can you post pics of bobbin area and also take out the top part and take pictures?
  
Member since 8/1/08
Posts: 1821
Send Message
Posted on: 8/23/10 1:25 AM ET
In reply to neeleymartin
I have a different vintage Kenmore 158 series but I believe they have similarities. Ar you sure your stitch selector knob is set for a zig-zag?. Check the manual for settings .The side entry underneath the throat plate for the bobbin case can be tricky and will not work unless it is positioned exactly right. I know because I had this issue initially. It turned out to be the fact that I took apart the bobbin assembly area to oil and then could not get it back in exactly right.Ther are two small levers that pull down across the bobbin assembly holding them in place. If you cannot get those arms to pull down all the way then tip the machine over on its back thus helping the asembley to lay in place. That worked for me.
------
It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something. ~ Franklin D Roosevelt 1843
Janome 19606 ,Janome My Excel 4023, Brother 1034D, White 1750C, Kenmore 158.1803, White 764, Brother 780D.
  
Member since 7/9/10
Posts: 129
Send Message
Posted on: 8/23/10 12:48 PM ET
In reply to ukdame
so...if the bobbin isn't in there, as mine isn't, that may be the problem? sounds so simple. if that's the case it wouldn't surprise me i took the machine this am to my local. i told them i wanted them to put the bobbin, bobbin case and hook part of bobbin back in. perhaps when they do this, the machine will work. i may call and ask them to try the bobbin first. very interesting. let me know if i have this right.
  
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns