How To Thread a Kenmore Sewing Machine Model 158 in 7 Quick Steps

It should be exciting to have a vintage Kenmore sewing machine. And why not? The outstanding build quality and dependability of Kenmore sewing machines are well known. These machines, produced by renowned firms like White, Sear, and Roebuck, were frequently constructed with sturdy metal elements, making them more durable than many of their contemporary rivals. They provide a variety of stitching choices and are renowned for remaining reliable even after many years of use. However, the process of threading a Kenmore sewing machine can be a little scary at first. But once you understand the fundamentals, threading is actually fairly simple. I’ll go through how to thread a Kenmore model 158 in this post. So, keep reading till the end.

Steps to thread a Kenmore Sewing Machine model 158

Step 1: Removing the Bobbin

• Turn the right-side handwheel of the sewing machine until the needle reaches its highest position.
• Locate the bobbin case door directly below the needle and slide it to the left.
• Extend the small rectangular latch on the bobbin shuttle, which will release the circular piece.
• Carefully take out the bobbin from the bobbin shuttle. 

Step 2: Winding the Bobbin

• Position a spool of thread onto the thread spindle located atop the sewing machine.
• Pull out approximately 2 feet of thread from the spool.
• Guide the thread downward and insert it between the bobbin tension discs situated on the right side of the machine.
• Wind the thread around the bobbin approximately five or six times.
• Place the bobbin on the bobbin winding spindle, which is next to the handwheel.
• Lower the bobbin winder lever into place.
• Slightly loosen the handwheel by turning the center portion toward you.
• Depress the foot pedal to begin winding the bobbin.
• When the bobbin is full, release the pedal, tighten the center part of the handwheel, open the bobbin lever, and cut the thread. 

Step 3: Reassembling the Bobbin in Your Kenmore Sewing Machine

• Insert the bobbin into the bobbin shuttle.
• Guide the bobbin thread through the slot on the side of the bobbin shuttle, passing it beneath the tension spring. Leave about a 1-foot-long tail.
• Keep the bobbin shuttle handle open and reposition the bobbin under the needle.
• Pull a section of thread out of the bobbin case door.
• Close the door, but leave it slightly ajar, about 1/4-inch open. 

Step 4: Threading the Kenmore Sewing Machine

• Extend 2 feet of thread from the spool located above the sewing machine.
• Pass the thread beneath the thread guide situated at the machine’s upper part.
• Guide the thread downward, inserting it between the tension discs on the tension dial.
• Pull the thread upwards and thread it through the eye of the take-up lever.
• Pull the thread back down and thread it through the guides at the bottom left side of the machine and the needle assembly. 

Step 5: Installing and Threading the Needle

• Begin by loosening the flanged screw located at the rear of the needle assembly.
• Insert the back end of the sewing machine needle into the hole situated at the bottom of the assembly, ensuring that the flat side of the needle faces the back of the machine.
• Proceed to tighten the flanged screw securely.
• Thread the needle by guiding the thread from the front to the back. 

Step 6: Securing the Threads

• Grasp the ends of the thread coming from both the needle and the bobbin, holding them together.
• Gently turn the handwheel to make the needle move up and down.
• Carefully slide a pair of scissors between the feed dogs and the presser foot; the scissors will catch the bobbin thread and pull it through the throat plate.
• Ensure that the door to the bobbin case is closed firmly.
• Trim both threads, leaving about a 2-inch tail.

Step 7: Start the Machine

• Ensure that the bobbin is correctly positioned on the bobbin winder shaft, with the thread coming from the rear of the bobbin.
• Release the machine’s clutch. The clutch allows you to disengage the needle mechanism, enabling the machine to wind thread onto the bobbin without sewing at this stage. You should turn the clutch knob toward you to release it.
• With the clutch released, your sewing machine is ready to begin. Start the machine by pressing the foot pedal. This action will make the machine wind the thread onto the bobbin, filling it with the necessary thread for your sewing project.

There you have it! You have successfully threaded your Kenmore sewing machine, and you can start sewing right about now!

You may also refer to this excellent video for a better understanding of the process:

A brief insight into the Kenmore Sewing Machine Model 158

A well-known vintage sewing machine that Sears produced under the Kenmore brand is the Kenmore Sewing Machine Model 158. Several different businesses, including Janome and Brother, produced and sold these machines in Japan in the 1970s and 1980s. The Model 158 machines are known for their durability and exclusive features. They have a reputation for being reliable workhorses, and many sewing enthusiasts still use them today for a variety of sewing projects.

Summary

To sum up, threading a Kenmore sewing machine is a simple operation that anyone can do with a little practice. Don’t be afraid; if you carefully follow the directions outlined in this post, you will soon be sewing with confidence and ease. You’ll gain a fresh sense of accomplishment with every successful thread as you make lovely clothes and crafts.

Your sewing machine’s soothing hum will grow to be a comforting friend on your artistic path. Keep in mind that practice makes perfect, and the joy of your finished products will make the effort worthwhile. So be excited and start your sewing journey with this excellent machine, and over time, see your abilities improve. Have fun stitching!

We would also highly appreciate it if you’d take the time to check out these best sewing machine threads for your Kenmore sewing machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

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