Kenmore 15516 Mechanical Sewing Machine - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

Those round items are more than likely stitch cams. I had an older model similar to this and my machine would run zig-zag or straight stitch without any cam installed. Being that your machine is older, I'm wondering how long it has been since it has been cleaned and thoroughly oiled, These old machines tend to be forgotten for long periods of time and the oil dries out causing the machine to seize. It is important to keep them oiled EVEN when not used. To avoid damaging your machine, give it some well-appreciated TLC. You'll be amazed at how well it will run! Wheel on right side that controls the needle up and down is very tight...

you might take it to a sewing machine shop and see if they can tell you anything about it..

Is it not working at all or just some of the time? If it is picking up the thread some of the time then the height of the needle might need to be adjusted if the needle is new and good. First change the needle and see if that fixes it but if it doesn't then you may have to bring the machine in to have someone adjust the needle height so that the needle and bobbin are hitting where they are supposed to. Good luck

have you try the yellow pages of your phone book for a repair shop

See about getting an instruction manual : www.kenmore.com/kenmore-sewing-machines.../b-1040031

If you turn the handwheel by hand is it stiff?

If you can grab the hand wheel and move it right and left, then it probably needs a plastic collar that goes next to the left upper shaft bushing. If not then the cam timing needs to be adjusted.

Make sure you are using a correct needle, that it is inserted correctly, that it is threaded correctly, and that top tension is set correctly. Any of those four things will cause that. Other than that, it might be a timing issue which calls for a repair person.

Maria I have a Kenmore 15611 and had the same problem. One thing I did was use channel lock pliers be sure to use heavy towel to keep from scratching. Do not remove the little screw on the clutch wheel. I did this and now the needle won't go up and down. Still need solution.

best suggestion try inserting new needle. cotton up the top suggests needle problem or incorrect top thread tension, this would effect the feed dog. Because thread is black and most recent use was with pink, the problem thread was already there perhaps in cavity above bobbin but below throat plate. I have had this happen and nothing will move, untill needle released. The bobbin holder tension may also need adjusting after the knots of black cotton are removed.

Try changing the needleTry rethreading the machine top and bobbinMake sure the bobbin is turned the correct way In the bobbin caseIt's possible that the machine needs to be checked for a timing problem

First recheck your upper threading. Then go to Pinterest.com and do a search-there is a read good explanation on adjusting the bobbin case.

First check in the bobbin area for lint, bits of thread wrapped round parts. Then make sure your needle is oriented and inserted fully. Also when starting a seam be sure to grasp both of the threads and hold them as you start to sew. If you still have problems, make sure your thread and needle are suitable for your fabric. Since you don't really say where it knots and breaks ... it could also be a damaged needle plate.

check with these sites & email them about a manualhttp://www.sewingpartsonline.com/http://sewusa.com/

try changing the needleclean under the needle plate & in the bobbin area for lint or threadsrethread the machine top & bobbinmake sure the bobbin isn't too fullmake sure the bobbin is not damaged or warped & that it is the rightbobbin for the machinemake sure the bobbin is turned the right way in the bobbin caseif none of these suggestions help then the machine needs to bechecked at a repair shop

make sure to keep long thread tail for the top & bobbinof 4 to 6 inches & pulled behind the needle

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My back swith button is not working on my Kenmore sewng Mchine. Can you tell me what the problem is?

http://www.managemylife.com/mmh/owner_manuals/18759/KENMORE-Mechanical-Sewing-L1002256

If I'm understanding the problem right it sounds like you have no tension on the bobbin. Take it out and see if the thread has any resistance when you pull it out. If you hold it up by thel thread and let it dangle and it just drops to the floor the tension isn't right. Check and make sure it is threaded correctly and tighten the tension. Test it again and when you dangle it, it should drop a bit with resistance when you hold it by the thread.

Also check that the top tension isn't too tight, but in this case it is more likely that the bobbin is too loose. And check to see if the dogfeed (the teeth that comes through the plate opening under the needle) is up and moving the material through the presser foot. If the material isn't moving at all it will sort of stitch "in one place" which will give you a bunch of threads all knotted up underneath. If those underneath threads are loopy that is a sign the bobbin thread is too loose (tension too loose)