Kenmore sewing machine model 15612 turns on, makes whirring noise but needle does not move. Clutch is tightened. Even when I manual turn, no needle motion. Owner says thread problems when it stopped.

SOURCE: Handwheel on Sewing machine no longer moves needle.

Actually you should have a "set screw" in the hand wheel. The set screw is usally locked down tight to keep the hand wheel from spinning freely. I f you can run the machine slowly and hold the hand wheel in one place but the machine continues running, then you do need to replace the "set screw". If you replace it you will find that you can offset some of the machines vibration by where you lock the wheel down. Trial and error is the only way to achive this adjustment, kind of like balancing the tires on your car.

SOURCE: can't tighten clutch on Kenmore zig zag sewing machine.

The clutch has fallen off the shaft. Remove the very small screw in the clutch release screw to remove the clutch release. Place the clutch(round thing with ears on it) back on the shaft with the center ears pointing towards the outside. Put the clutch release screw back on. Tighten it to make sure it works
properly. Put the small screw back in the clutch release screw and test it again. If it will not tighten or release properly, remove the clutch ,rotate it180 degrees and try it again.This should solve your problem.
sewman7

SOURCE: Sears Kenmore Sewing machine model 15358

The tensions must match ie. top tension =bottom tension. If the material is not sewn together tightly, that means the tensions are mismatched. Sewing machines will sew whenever the top and bottom tensions are equal (be it very tight or very loose).

We usually advise the customer to not touch the bobbin case tension. When that is not changed, all tension adjustments can be made from the top tension above the needle.

It appears that one of the two tensions (top or bottom) is much tighter then the other. I would reset the tensions to how they came, if you are unfamiliar with sewing machines this may take a little bit of experimenting until you get it back to a standard quality stitch.

The other option would be bring it to a sewing tech. A good mechanic should be able to adjust the machine and your tensions to your fabric (and recommend needle size for your thread/materials) in about an hour.

SOURCE: I have a kenmore sewing

Usually when you pull the clutch knob out it disengages the sewing machine needle shaft. At least, that is how my 2 Kenmore's work. You can always take your machine into Sears sewing department and ask the sewing machine salespeople for help, they are really helpful in my area and more than happy to help you for free. Good luck

SOURCE: I bought a dual sew sewing machine, Insturction

unfortunately if you weren't able to test the machine before purchase you may have bought a dud. depending on where it was stored, it could be seized up. Non the less, any reputable sewing machine repair shop will help you with this specific prob for little or no cost