20 Most Recent Kenmore Drop-In Bobbin 16231 Mechanical Sewing Machine Questions & Answers

hi,try loosening your needle and pull it down a fraction then tighten it back up,i had same problem,good luck

Without actually seeing the problem myself I would only be guessing. I would recommend taking it to a Sew & Vac shot and get their opinion and a repair quote.

Sounds like it needs a cleaning underneath the bobbin case, lint or thread can be trapped underneath. Use a new paint brush to do this then oil it according to your manual.

Not to familiar with the industrial machines. However, even with domestic models. the position of the 'needle' bar at the time you remove your fabric, does make a difference as to weather it pulls our smoothly or, you are going to get that "extra" loop. Needle should be half way up or all the way. maybe this might helpSewing Machine Tech

Consult the troubleshooting section of the manual: http://homeappliance.manualsonline.com/manuals/mfg/kenmore/38516231.html?p=1 Kenmore 385 16231 Owner Manual https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&ved=0CDUQFjADahUKEwiJqdiUtf3IAhUHyWMKHXqGC-4&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.managemylife.com%2Fmmh%2Flis_pdf%2FOWNM%2FL0410144.pdf&usg=AFQjCNEiPz8GxxTRhvv1IFOt0W3y99b9sA&cad=rja ...

needle won't pick up thread I think the timing is off, how do I retime it?

It may not be in all the way. Mine has a small lever in the middle that I must hold out when installing.

I'm not 100% sure, but stitch #9 is neither straight nor zigzag/stretch, so I'm thinking that's where you turn off the feed dog and the needle positioning.

I would suggest searching in thrift shops, and older song machine repair shops you might be able to locate a carrying case there. If not any modern caring case will work.

Hello Crystal, I also have had problems in the past with drop-in bobbins . I had to experiment with different model bobbins . The cause I found was due to the bobbin was not tall enough in the drop-in bobbin case. When sewing , the bobbin would rock in the bobbin case and the top thread would get caught on the bobbin instead of going over the top of the bobbin, causing the rats nest that you described. I would recommend finding a taller bobbin to fit in the bobbin case. There are about five different bobbins that will fit in there, but only one that will work properly. Knowing the exact model number of your machine would be a great help to finding the correct bobbin.

Hi Valerie, looks like your touch pad does not working. please go for the repair maybe its a little loose contact with flex cable and connecting port in the inside. regards, nuwan.

Replace the pedal

hi go to managemyhome.com check for manuals they have this there. and also all other brands free!

good luck...........