My top thread keep getting knotted in the bobbin area and the bobbin isn't working...i've tried the "p's and q's" tip and that doesn't seem to be working. i don't know where my manual is, and i can't seem to find a fix to my problem online. please help, it would be greatly appreciated.

Top thread nesting on bottom side is likely either top thread has escaped tension plates or tension too low. Try increasing tension.

You can test top thread tension by setting tension at 2, then with foot up (zero tension) make long steady pull of top thread. Then move foot down and make another pull of top thread. There should be na notable difference. If no change in tension when foot down, rethread top.

Top thread tension with foot down should be similar to bottom thread (bobbin) tension.

Be sure it is top thread. Use a different color top vs bottom color to know for sure. If you find it is bottom thread, likely cause is thread escaped bobbin case tension spring, reload bobbin.

Are you getting knots under the fabric when you sew? If so, that is bird nesting (thread nesting) and is commonly a top thread issue. Most often the thread is not seated fully in the tension disk or the top tension setting is off.

Remove the top thread from the machine.
ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot and rethread from the beginning.
Verify the thread path is correct.
Set the tension at the midway point and then tweak it so the top and bobbin threads meet in the middle of the fabric.

If your top thread is knotting up in bobbin area, your top thread is mis-threaded, possibly out of take-up lever or tension disks need cleaning/adjusting.

it is possible that the tip of the needle is blunt or damaged
it's also possible that the machine could be out of time & would have to be retimed

Hello

Primary causes of upper thread breakage:


-- misthreading: pull all the thread off and thread again, using the manual, step by step. Read each step aloud before you do it. (sounds dumb, but helps.) (And make sure you thread the takeup lever!)

-- thread has wrapped itself around a thread guide or spool pin from one of the breaks. Take the spool off the machine before rethreading.

-- bad or damaged needle. Replace with the right size for the fabric, turned correctly (backwards needles skip stitches)

-- dirty machine, especially in the bobbin case area: review cleaning instructions and do it, using brush and vacuum only

-- bad/cheap thread: should not be slubby or break easy. Try another spool.

-- top thread tension too tight. 4 is normal for most fabrics, most stitches.

Tips;

1) do a light cleaning (brush and vacuum) every day you sit down to sew.

2) replace the needle if you hear it hit metal, if you've got a really bad thread jam, if you see it deflect as you sew (for instance, sewing over the side seam on jeans when hemming). Replace every 3-8 hours of actual stitching time anyhow.

3) buy good quality thread

4) when your machine isn't sewing right, stop; take all the thread off of/out of the machine (bobbin out of bobbin case, spool off spool pin) and give it a quick cleaning. Rethread from scratch, carefully. If that doesn't fix it, do it again, then replace needle and rethread one more time, manual in hand (yah, even if you've threaded it 8 million times before). #4 is curative about 98% of the time. The other 2% often requires professional attention.

1. Do you mean that there are knots in the bobbin thread?
2. Is the bottom thread in your stitching looping and knotting.

If yes to 1. you need to rewind your bobbin fresh, and keep slight tension on the thread reel that you are winding it from. Put the handle of your scissors into the top of the reel to apply a gentle pressure while winding. Keep your eye on the bobbin as it winds and give it a nudge with a finger tip to ensure it winds the bobbin evenly top, middle and bottom.

If yes to 2, then you need to check your bobbin threading, is the thread even under tension. Is the bobbin tension set correctly. Break out your manual and revisit this to ensure it is set correctly.

Could be a few things. Absolutely minutely check that the top thread is threaded properly. Otherwise, it could be: Old thread. incorrect thread for the material. wrong size or blunt needle. or incorrect tension on needle I had this problem and I was missing a part of threading even though I have been sewing for years. :)

Get out the manual and refer to the maintenance section for cleaning the machine.

Especially the bobbin area. You want to make sure the area around the bobbin case is free of lint and thread.

Use a new bobbin and re-thread the machine, with the presser foot UP.

Install a new needle, again according to the directions in the manual. Installed incorrectly can lead to mis-stitching.

If the problem persits, the timing may need adjusting.

This should be done by the sewing machine tech for Kenmore.

Sewusa.com has a guide for this in the repair section, but you could end up with more problems.

Are you sure you have the bobbin the right way round in the holder....when you look at the bobbin and tug the thread, the bobbin should move clockwise.
Pull out the foot pedal and use bsr2 with the start/stop button.
Bring bobbin thread to top of work before starting to sew. This may help knotting problem

Thread test
Test your thread quality to start, thread your machine and LIFT the presser foot (this opens the tension disks). Pull your top thread straight back. If you feel no tension no mater how much thread you pull, your thread is good. If that your machine passes that test, then let me know, we can go to step 2. If not, try different spool of thread, same test until you get a smooth pull (tip: always check your thread this way when you thread your machine)
Step 2:
Pull on your threaded bobbin thread while it’s in the machine. Does it pull smooth and even? If so, go to step 3. If not, try a new bobbin (bobbins get bent or distorted if wound too tight).
Clean thoroughly in the hook and bobbin case area and oil 1-2 drop is all.
Thread knotting on the bobbin can be a lot of things but here's some guidance:
Tension:
If the thread is loose on the bottom of the fabric, it's actually the top thread is too loose. Think of 2 little elves playing tug of war in your machine, one on toip and one underneath. If you have loops on bottom, the top needs to pull harder (tighten top tension)
Jamming bobbin case:
If it is damaged from turning out of place once, it could have rough spots on it that makes the thread hang on it, and keeps making it turn over and over. Use a finger nail board (fine sanding) and smoothall rough spots. Then reset the bobbin case taking care to put the notch in the bobbin case in alignment with the proper spot in the machine (basically 5 o’clock) when looking at the round area where the bobbin case goes.