How to fix Kenmore 158 making tiny stitches won’t feed properly . (Video 92)

[@riverfortune1990]

You're doing the Lord's work, putting these videos out! My hand-me-down unused for 3 or 4 decades machine was having this problem and now it isn't! Thanks so much for the video.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@riverfortune1990 you’re welcome. Thanks for the positive feedback and thanks for watching. 😎👍🏼

[@aimee-made]

I've been sewing a quilted handbag with my 1756 lately, and I've been having feed issues. Inconsistency, mainly. I'm going to inspect the pressure adjuster button (I definitely haven't had it all the way down) and I am also going to re-oil the feed dog mechanism with some tri-flow. I feel like a good ol' 1970s all-metal Kenmore should be able to do what I'm asking of it! It's a regular low-shank machine, so maybe I'll dust off the ol' walking foot for the final (very thick seams). You have such good information! Thank you!!!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

You’re welcome. Penetrating oil is a better bet to free up any sticky mechanisms. Tri flow is a good lubricant, what you might need instead, is a penetrant. They’re two different things with different applications. Good luck.

[@aimee-made]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 I didn't know they were different! Good to learn! I also watched your vid about walking feet. I guess I will try a roller foot (I have one) instead of the walking foot.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@aimee-made good luck with it. Sewing on heavy, bulky stuff can be the ultimate challenge for a sewing machine as well as the operator. The more you do it, the better you’ll fine tune your process, and learn your machine’s limits. 👍🏼😎

[@user-my6bu9mf5l]

How do you oil the feed dog me mechanism?

[@MyMike509]

Great, helpful video! I have this mode (158.1410)l and love it. I have the case, but use it in a cabinet. Can sew through anything, and if not - I use my Singer 201-2! Kenmore's are great machines and would definitely encourage people to seek one out at their local thrift or yard sale - they're easy to maintain and service - and will last forever!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

We’re definitely on the same page. I agree wholeheartedly. Thanks for watching. 👍🏼😎

[@drb_tn]

Thanks for the videos Randy! Ended up purchasing a 158.13201 fo $20. This is the first sewing machine I have worked on. I have fixed a couple issues so far with help from your videos. Had to take the belt off the remove a bunch of thread that got wrapped in there. Anyway still having issues with feed dogs. They seem to rotate two steps forward and then one back. I have seen your video on the 385 but no luck yet. Overall the machine was pretty clean and I have oiled everything. The reverse and feed dog drop work ok. Not sure what I'm missing but i'll keep looking, I think the machine is worth the effort.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

You’re describing the actual activity that occurs when the machine is in its stretch stitch setting. Take it out of the stretch mode and you’re all set. A lever or dial needs to be set on orange instead of white. 😎👍

[@drb_tn]

Wow, how'd I miss that. Amazing how well a machine works when operated properly. Thanks again. I downloaded operation manual so I should be good.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@drb_tn the manual will be a great help. 👍🏼😎

[@DelfiaC]

Thank you for sharing of your knowledge. This is very helpful.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

You’re welcome.

[@gogo-kim]

Thank you so much! I am having this issue with my vintage Kenmore! I am going to try this!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

😎👍🏼

[@ssa638]

Thank you very much for your videos. Very helpful!! I love Kenmore sewing machine, they work forever. Recently I purchased the model 158.18130 that sews only on reverse and I don't know if it's is just oiling issue or something else.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

It will either be an oiling issue or the pattern selector is stuck. Spray some penetrating oil in that area and work the pattern selector to loosen things up. Sometimes WD40 will work, if that’s all you have on hand. You’re welcome and thanks for watching.

[@ronalddevine9587]

Great video Randy. I have a 1430 as my go to machine. Solid, smooth, powerful, quiet. What more can one ask for??? The only thing better is my Singer 201-2. And we've already talked about this!! Would you happen to know of anyone who supplies touch up paint for Kenmores? Stay well 🙏

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

I don’t know if anyone who sells it as bonafide Kenmore touch up paint, but take a side cover or top cover to a paint store or Home Depot and let them scan the color. They can then mix a small batch in a “sample can” and it will be really close to matching.

[@ifuckedyourtiger]

wooow. I've been trying to figure out a problem for weeks and it was just a button hahaha. I feel both relieved and embarrassed

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

All’s well that ends well. You figured it out. Good for you. Have fun sewing.

[@Fiveseveneight888]

Hi Randy, I have a Kenmore 158.12470 that sat unused for a long time (someone else had it). Feed dog moves up and down with lever, but does not move back and forth to draw the fabric in. I have attended to the top button and did not have any issues there. I used to have a Singer that was very old and was damaged in a move. Do you have any advice or way I can fix this? I don't have any sewing machine repair in my area-they closed shop due to the pandemic. Thank you!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

I made a video that covers that feed dog issue. It combines penetrating oil and lots of elbow grease, but it’s doable. You won’t even need to take anything apart.

[@Fiveseveneight888]

Hi Again Randy, Just sent you a message below, but neglected to mention that the Kenmore 158.12470 is very clean underneath and has had little use, but still have that problem.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

I made a video concerning that very issue of the feeders not feeding from lack of use. It will be a matter of using penetrating oil to lubricate the mechanism, and moving it up and down to make it work. It takes time and patience but it’s doable with no tools or disassembly.

[@geneluv3]

Thanks so very much. Just what I needed!!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

You’re welcome

[@user-my6bu9mf5l]

Hi Randy, I have my mom’s 158.17910 Kenmore sewing machine and have always loved it. The motor turns the belts but not at high speed. I oiled up top where it says too, i cleaned and oiled bobbin area. Issues, the dog feed only moves back and forth, not up and down. The needle mechanism works good. But nothing I do will change stitching at all. Not even zigzag with needle staying in one place. I look in the top and there are no gears moving up there. I opened the side like you said in your video and belts are tight and clean. Any suggestions, or do I need to find a sears repair place? Thank you for all your videos and help.

[@user-my6bu9mf5l]

I meant to say my name is Kathy

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

I have a video on solving that feeder problem. It involves penetrating oil and patience. A little of the former, and an abundance of the latter. You have to oil them and work them up and down manually. Once you get them moving, they will come around. With the needle at its highest point, drop the feeder lever. Push down on the feeders and they will move. Keep doing that until they respond. Don’t pry or pound. Patiently work them up and down. 👍🏼😎

[@gasman7558]

Hi thank you very much for your videos. I wish I watched it before I took things apart it would have been way easier. Do you have a video on adjusting the feed dog length? Am not getting the dogs to go all the back. Thanks for your Help

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

It’s usually a function of not being used for a while and needing lubrication. Oil any place that hinges, rotates, or slides. Be patient and it will come around.

[@user-gi9rv2xn5v]

I have a 158.18032 I used your guide to oil. The machine runs.. but only the bobbin part. Wether it’s in position or not. The needle doesn’t move. Any guesses? Thank you!!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Without guessing, I can assure you that the problem is with the mechanism that engages/disengages your bobbin winder. I did a video on that issue and I showed how involved it can be to solve the problem. If the machine has sat unused for an extended time, the mechanism may operate properly again using penetrating oil and lots of manipulation of the mechanism. Sometimes they are an immediate and simple fix, sometimes they aren’t. Check out that video. It may give you some clarity on the solution.

[@lornaphilip7758]

Hi I have a New Home XL2 that I have just purchased, but it won't back stitch. This machine has never been used, it was still in it's box with all the extras still in it's packaging. I have had it serviced, but the guy who serviced it said it would take him too long to strip it down to fix it. Is it worth having someone else look at it, as it seems to good a machine to scrap. Sincerely Lorna

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

It sounds like your repair guy isn’t up to the task. His grandfather would’ve fixed it, as a matter of pride in accomplishment. Look for help elsewhere. You might have success on your own by investing in a can of penetrating oil spray and watching a KZbin video or two. It’s sounds to me like it’s a machine that’s worth the effort and too good to throw away. Good luck 🍀.

[@sewphisticatedgma]

Hello Randy, great video. I have a 158.19800 that will not feed at all. I have adjusted and oiled the pressure gauge and still not feeding. Do you have a trick to accessing the actual feed dog mechanism. There is a plate on the bottom of the machine behind the bottom cover that appears to be riveted on. This is preventing access. Any suggestions?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

I don’t remember any rivet being part of the bottom cover assembly. Just slotted screw heads should be accessible and removable. If the machine has been inactive for an extended period, penetrating oil will need to be applied to the feed assembly under the needle plate area. If the pressure on the presser bar is applied all the way down on the top button, that’s set and not where the problem lies. Make sure the feeders travel their full path with the stitch length set at its longest setting. Watch to be sure they rise and fall above the needle plate.

[@laderouteladeroute]

What parts will fit a sears Kenmore 1227?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Most standard 15 class parts will fit. The one that’s usually needed is the zig zag cam gear. They were non metal gears and had a tendency to break almost 100% of the time. Those replacement gears are in and out of stock at most suppliers.

[@brianfirkus6463]

My machine feeds forward, but when I flip switch to reverse the dogs drop and no longer feed

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

There are numerous videos and follow up conversations concerning this issue.

[@idhatemet00]

Hi Randy,. I'm having a similar issue to the tiny stitches, feed dogs seem to be working fine. I have a 158.15511, Kenmore 14 stitch. When I press the pressure foot tension button the bar doesn't release and pop up. It also wont tighten or loosen, what would you propose I do?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

When I get a machine in the shop with similar issues, I know it’s a matter of applying two things to effect a solution: Penetrating oil and elbow grease. The penetrating oil is at the hardware store. You will have to supply the elbow grease. Oil it, work it, oil it, work it. Repeat x 100. More if necessary. No disassembly is required in most cases. Much patience is required.

[@idhatemet00]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 awesome thanks, just applied some liquid wrench penetrating oil i had laying around

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@idhatemet00 👍🏼👍🏼😎

[@wisconsinwoodsman1987]

One more question, when I switch to reverse, it does not move the fabric at the same rate as it does in forward stitching. I appreciate any help you can offer

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Needs additional lubrication on the reverse mechanism.

[@franciegwin]

I have a sears Kenmore 158.650. The feed dog is too low, not grabbing the fabric. How do I adjust the feed dog? Is there a video for that?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Make sure that you remove your needle plate and check for any build up between the rows of the feed dogs. That will prevent them from rising to the desired height. Make sure that your drop feed lever/knob is set to the “up” position. Make sure that a sufficient amount of pressure is being applied to the fabric via the presser foot. Press down on the bottom on the top left of the machine. It’s a rare occasion when the feed dog height needs adjustment. It happens, but only once more than never. Be sure that the needle plate isn’t broken or bent. Check all that and let me know. Thanks

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

It’s BUTTON instead of bottom in the second instruction.

[@wisconsinwoodsman1987]

Any idea on this model why when all the settings are set for straight stitch, there is still small side to side motion on needle from left to right?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Look in the top at the pattern cam and notice that the “follower” is touching the cam when it shouldn’t be. Either the stop adjustment is off slightly or there’s more oil needed where the follower pivots.

[@essentialcomforts2166]

do you have any videos with the 158.1787180 ? It looks different (big white darning wheel inside where the light is and other kinds of knobs than this one) and we just found one at the thrift store. It is having this issue with the stitches so I'll try to use this video to research mine but if you have videos for that machine that would be great! :)

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Order an instruction book online if you can. That will help you a great deal. The big white “darning wheel” must be the pressure regulator for the presser foot. Turn it to add pressure to the fabric or lessen it. Your knobs will be for stitch length, stitch width, and stitch selection. The length knob will be on around 3 for most sewing. The width knob is in 0 unless you are zig zagging. The stitch selection knob will turn to select whatever stitch function you need. I will look through my machines on hand to see if I have one like yours.

[@globalfamily8172]

How to reach the feed drive for a kenmore 1785? There's a plate over it.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

If you’re referring to the needle plate, take the two screws out for better access.

[@globalfamily8172]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 there was another plate on the bottom of the machine (in order to view feed drive) after I removed the bottom cover. It was screwed to all kinds of mechanisms (it had a feeder "wing" on it), so luckily I was able to pay for a service manual that had a similar design - 158.1980 and I was able to fix it. It definitely was the feeder, as it was stuck in high. I made adjustments, oiled, and kept working the teeth. It's working great now! I only wish I could find a gauge to measure the height perfectly.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@globalfamily8172 you don’t need a gauge. When the needle is at its highest point, the feeders will be at 90% exposed. No gauge necessary.

[@NikitaHowell]

i have kenmore 158.17800 mine is stuck on stetch option 1 the default stetch option no matter what oiption i pick nothing happens

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

You will need to lubricate your stitch selector mechanism completely. Spray penetrating oil in small amounts in all the suspect spots. It will be tedious and time consuming but it will work again.

[@rhondamercado7527]

Any idea where to find the pedal for this machine. I’ve never seen the prongs on this particular model a 158.14001. TIA

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Sewingpartsonline.com usually has a good selection of Kenmore cords. There are many online sellers that should have them. Good luck.

[@rhondamercado7527]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 thanks I found one. Now that my foot pedal came in and I went to test the machine, it sews a beautiful straight stitch but when I move it to do a zigzag it doesn’t do that particular stitch but rather what looks to be the blind stitch. Any idea what I need to do to try to correct that. The machine is cleaned and oiled also. This may be a dumb question but should the cams be oiled. Thanks for any feedback.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@rhondamercado7527 in the pattern stack at the top of the machine, you’ll see where the pattern follower is supposed to move from cam to cam. Yours is stuck on hem stitch. Maybe a touch of penetrating oil or wd-40 on that mechanism might help loosen it. Take the top cover off (2screws) and you’ll see the pattern area in the middle. Rotate the pattern dial and you’ll see the area that’s trying to move and is restrained by lack of use and lubrication. Note: THERE ARE NO TOOLS REQUIRED FOR THIS PROCEDURE!! Just coax the follower with your gentle nudge and it will start responding like new. Be patient. It always comes around and starts working in a little while.

[@rhondamercado7527]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 thank you so much for that information. I’ve seen a few other folks, on various other videos, having the exact same problem. It must be something Kenmore did😂. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Kenmore’s!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@rhondamercado7527 it’s mostly due to inactivity of those parts. Most folks just sew forward and back and occasionally a zig zag. Because those parts sit there motionless for many years, the old lubrication turns to adhesive instead of lubrication. All machines will do that. Fortunately for me. That’s why I make the big bucks. /sarc. LOL

[@funmilayoidowu4706]

Hello,sir, good job you're doing,, please I saw a " won't reverse in elna 3005 sewing machine" but please 🥺 my elna3005 sewing machine is making tiny sticthes even when the sticth length is on 4(longest),, how do I rectify please.. thank you sir ,,

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Make sure it’s not set in the buttonhole function first. Secondly, lubricate your reverse mechanism as it is probably stuck near the neutral position. Good luck.

[@funmilayoidowu4706]

The reverse stitch length sews normally at length 4(longest) ,but the forward sews tiny (like length 2) when it still on length 4(longest), so why is the reverse normal and the forward abnormal??? I hope am a bit clear in the explanation sir, thank you.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@funmilayoidowu4706 I understand. Same answer and same solution.

[@funmilayoidowu4706]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 good evening sir, just wanted to say a big thankssssss to u for the help, i followed everything you said and the machine is back to it's sticth length, but with a little clicking sound but other than that, "it works",,, thanks to you..I appreciate loads.

[@margaretcouls1451]

Help!!! I have a Kenmore 158 and a Kenmore BOTH do 2 stitches forward then 1 stitch backwards !!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

That’s because you have it set on the stretch stitch setting. Flip the lever or turn the dial back to the regular stitch setting and you’ll be good to go.

[@margaretcouls1451]

148 and 158 both doing two stitches forward than one stitch backwards. Tiny tight stitches even when set on 6 stitches per inch.

[@margaretcouls1451]

Sorry, thank you for helping. But where is the stretch stitch setting ?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@margaretcouls1451 it will be on the front , right hand side. Look for the orange color and the white color. If it’s set on the white setting, it will make the stretch stitch. Turn it until the orange dot or circle is in the previous place. Easy peasy.

[@margaretcouls1451]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 thank you

[@77nishtz]

I have the same issue. However, the pressure regulator does not pop up or go down in my machine. Seems it is stuck. how do i fix that?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

I use penetrating oil and get it moving up and down.