Bobbin won't turn

Make sure the needle is not bent and fully inserted into the holder. Replace needle if in doubt.

Be sure the bobbin is properly loaded onto case.

Only use the bobbin designed specifically for this machine.

Be sure the bobbin thread is captured by the bobbin tension spring when you load bobbin into machine. Use your left hand to position bobbin thread per machine instructions. Press on the bobbin with right index finger to prevent the bobbin from turning as you position bobbin thread. Dont use the bobbin thread trimmer, yet.

With left hand put tension on the bobbin thread as you pull bobbin thread towards the trimmer. When the bobbin thread is in the tension spring you can release right index finger and you will feel the resistance of the bobbin tension spring. Now finish the bobbin thread per machine instructions and use the bobbin thread trimmer.

You can probably find a manual from Sears. They carry a ton of Kenmore user manuals.

First thing to always try--insert a brand new needle!

Bobbins do usually have a specific way of being loaded. Most machines require the bobbin to be inserted into the bobbin case so when you pull on the thread tail, the bobbin turns clockwise (this is when you are looking at the backside of the bobbin case - at the bobbin). Also, be sure to thread the bobbin thread through the bobbin tension mechanism.

Tip how to put bobbin into the bobbin driver on sewing machine

If the upper thread is not picking up the bobbin thread, it is usually because there is a timing issue (means the needle is arriving at the bobbin at the wrong time to connect with the bobbin thread).

Sewing machine won pick up bobbin thread hook timing fix

P.S.--if your Kenmore is non-computerized (ie, mechanical) be sure to oil using fresh, good quality sewing machine oil or Tri-Flow Synthetic Oil (NOT cooking oil, 3-in-1, WD-40, or old stinky brown stuff that may be in the accessory box). Apply a couple of drops every place metal rubs on metal (while hand-rotating the handwheel). Do NOT oil nylon, rubber, or belts!

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This is covered in the user manual. If you haven't got one search online for "user manual + your make & model". You should get several decent hits like. http://homeappliance.manualsonline.com/manuals/device/sewing_machine

it's possible that there could be a problem with the gear or cam that does the button hole stitch

try a different needle--one for the fabric being sewed
try a different bobbin --make sure the bobbin is not warped or damaged
try different thread-- use EVERY thread guide

make sure the bobbin is wound correctly--inserted correctly in to the bobbin case--and turned the right way.

try changing the needle
try rethreading the machine top & make sure to use
every thread guide
make sure the bobbin is turned the right way in the bobbin case
it's also possible that the machine may need to be checked to see
if there is a timing problem

This could be one of the following:

• wrong bobbin for the machine
• bobbin loaded the wrong way - must rotate anticlockwise when you pull the thread
• thread not into the tension spring/device on the bobbin holder correctly
• bobbin wound badly, uneven tension, loose or uneven across the bobbin
• poor quality or old dry brittle thread could cause the breaking (but the loops is definitely tension issues).

This is a top loading bobbin machine machine and you can download a manual from
http://www.singerco.com/accessories/manuals.html

Here is the threading diagram from the manual.

It is important to click the thread down into the tension spring on all top loading bobbin machines and then pull gently on the thread to check that it is under tension, you should feel firm resistance when you pull the thread. If not, then take it out, and try again.

Other thing to look at is how the bobbin is wound. It is necessary to wind a bobbin smoothly and with some tension on the spool as the thread comes off it. Best analogy is the garden hose reel. If you wind it up and don't control where the hose goes onto the reel it will all lump up in the middle, and you won't get all the hose onto it. And then when you go to pull the hose out, it will jam and be difficult to pull. Same with bobbin thread. You want a nice neat even fill across the whole width of the bobbin, not just the middle. To achieve this make sure you use the bobbin winder tension disc when winding. Also use the spool cap on top of the thread spool to stop it from bouncing around as it unwinds - the thread will then wind off around the spool cap and this keeps it running smoothly and not twisting and jerking. If you don't have a spool cap then put the curved handle of a pair of scissors on top of the thread spool to tension it while you wind the bobbin. Also watch the bobbin as it winds, give the thread a nudge with your finger to control the fill onto the bobbin so it winds top, bottom and middle of the bobbin evenly.

I would suggest the following:
clean out the race following the manual directions to remove the bobbin holder, clean in this area, replace it. Wind a fresh bobbin and then load it into the machine, following the manual instructions carefully. Also thread the top of the machine following the manual, put in a new sharp needle from the pack, turn the top tension dial to a medium number (often 5 if dial goes from zero to 10).

Now test sew again. Look at the seam, if you have loops on the bottom of the fabric, underside, then the top thread tension is too loose or not in the top tension discs fully. Generally you should not need to adjust the tension on the bobbin thread for these machines.

Suggest taking the machine back to where you bought it and have them try to help if you are doing something wrong, or replace the machine if it has an internal problem. Good luck!

Hi there,

Well you may please follow the steps below -
1. Remove the bobbin from the sewing machine. Note: whether you have a drop-in, front or side-loading bobbin on your sewing machine. A drop in bobbin will load from the top, may be via a removable bobbin case cover near the machine-fed dogs. A side or front loading bobbin needs to be loaded into a removable bobbin case under the machine.
2. Choose the right size bobbin for the sewing machine.
3. Wind thread onto your bobbin. Your sewing machine should have a standard thread spool to hold the thread and a short, squat post wide enough for a bobbin.
4. Put the thread and empty bobbin into position on your sewing machine. Wrap the thread around the bobbin to start it. On most machines, disengage the needle by turning the smaller hand-wheel on the machine toward you. Push the bobbin post into position, securing the bobbin into place. Press gently down. Thread should begin to wind neatly onto your bobbin.
5. Break the thread, push the bobbin post back into an inactive position and remove the bobbin. Tighten the hand-wheel. Thread your sewing machine again if necessary before loading the bobbin.
6. Remove the bobbin case cover and put the bobbin into position. The thread should slide through a catch on the bobbin case and up through the cover.
7. Access the bobbin case for a front or side mount bobbin. Lift the catch and remove the removable bobbin holder. Put the bobbin into the holder and run the thread through the holder, bringing it to the front. Lift the catch and slide the bobbin holder back into the case. Hold your needle thread gently forward with your left hand and turn the hand-wheel. The needle thread will pass down into the machine and catch a loop of the bobbin thread. Pull this loop up and slide both threads to the back before beginning to sew.
Good Luck!!

Thanks for using FixYa!!

The bobbin winder will not activate to turn the bobbin or the thread will not wind onto the bobbin spool?

Sewing machines vary in the method used for bobbin winding.

You can find threading and bobbin winding guides at sewusa.com.

If the winder is broken, you can get it repaired or check into getting a Sidewinder Bobbin Winder as an auxiliary for winding the bobbins, which would be less expensive than the repair.

I have a Kenmore as well ,I hope that this will work for you ,too bad that I don't live close to you otherwise I would give a hand. This is the way I fill the bobbin on mine. Mine is located on the top right ,I put the thread into the bobbin hole leaving a small piece of thread hanging for me to hold when I begin the winding, I pull the wheele out to stop the needle from moving while winding, when I am done just push it back in .I run the thread from the spool into the top left it looks like a U turn with a screw go around that without winding just pull it into the bobbin hole. press the foot control and it will begin winding .