Mend > Sewing Machines

Mend Kenmore 1278180 Machine Bottom Side

kenmore sewing machine #385 model #1278180?

thread on bottom side of fabric suddenly became very loopy/tangled. I tried turning the top tension knob all the way up and down--didn't help either way. Tried adjusting bobbin tension--didn't seem to make any difference. Finally turned top tension knob # up to 9 (this is after tightening the bobbin tension slightly). Stitch seemed ALMOST even. Top tension has always been at 7 and stitiches were always ok. What has happened now that the stitch only comes close to being balanced when top tension is at 9?

Suzanne
November 2009

Kenmore Kenmore 1278180 Household Appliances, Sewing Machines Machine Bottom Side

what are the "tension discs" ?

Sheri
January 2010

Hello Suzanne,
Could be something really simple, look between the tension discs to make sure there is not a small piece of fluff in there, make sure the presser bar is up when you thread the machine, the top tension should not be more than about 4 or 5, take the bobbin case out and run a pin under the curved spring in case there is any fluff stuck in there, you should be able to pull the thread through with slight resistence, if it is too loose tighten the larger screw on the bobbin case clockwise about a quarter of a turn at a time and test, make sure the bobbin turns anti clockwise in the bobbin case as you look at it.
Ken

drivewithken
November 2009