My Kenmore machine was working perfectly and then out of nowhere it starts sewing with extra thread hanging in little loops. Also, every now and then the upper thread breaks. What do I do?
By zebraturtles
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When did you last have it thoroughly "serviced"? Have you changed thread quality? I found both these things could cause problems. Get your machine cleaned, oiled, etc. and make sure you use good thread, not the cheap junk from $1 store, etc. And good luck!
Depending on how old the machine is, the problem could be anything from dirty (lint clogged usually) tension discs, incorrectly set upper tension, old thread, wrong thread and needle for the fabric you're trying to sew, burrs in the needle eye, or (gulp) a worn bobbin gear. (Heh. Ask me how I know about worn bobbin gears!)
Try changing your needle and thread first and making sure your upper tension is set for the fabric and thread you are using.
If that doesn't help, try wetting a long piece of thin-ish dental floss with non-mentholated rubbing alcohol and putting it through the thread path paying especial attention to the upper tension area - if your's is the knob type that you wind the thread around, wind the floss through then use a gentle back and forth motion.
Now pull the floss out of the machine/tension discs - if the floss is grimey and/or dragging a lot of linty stuff, there's your problem. Repeat the flossing with clean floss wetted with the rubbing alcohol until the floss comes through TWICE without any grime or lint.
If that doesn't solve your problem it's time to schedule a visit to the Kenmore repair tech; repair including parts and a servicing (cleaning and oiling) shouldn't cost more than $100USD and is well worth it - Kenmore machines are good machines, nearly all the parts for even the oldest models are still being milled, and the certified techs learn repair of all models old and new. Kenmore (sold through USA Sears stores) home appliances including sewing machines have an excellent reputation for top-notch customer service, too.
No, I don't work for Sears:) Actually I'm a Singer sewer-teacher-self-trained repair tech, but I have a lot respect for the Kenmore brand.
Good luck, I hope you're back behind the needle soon!
This floss-alcohol solution worked like a charm!!!! That singer repair tech saved me at least two weeks of going-in-circles aggravation...He should be working for NASA!!!!
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