How to Thread Kenmore Rotary Sewing Machine Model 117.59

This video walks you through how to thread Kenmore's 1942 Rotary Sewing Machine - Model 117.59 . This covers 1) Top Thread, 2) Winding the Bobbin, and 3) Threading the Bobbin.

[@tracyphillips6027]

Thank you thank you thank you 🙏🏼 I appreciate these instructions. Don’t forget to thread the machine with the presser foot up, so the tension discs are disengaged.

[@LydiaHawkDesigns]

You're welcome and thanks for the tip!

[@jimboone3390]

The clearest set of instruction ever - Great Job.

[@LydiaHawkDesigns]

Thank you so much!

[@reathashepherd9933]

I just acquired this machine and want to thank you for this video which is so helpful. I would have been lost without it.

[@tigerlounge]

Thanks for the super helpful video. I have one of these machines and I am trying my darndest, but I cannot get the needle to pick up the bobbin thread. I have the needle turn sideways starting from left to right and I followed your directions for threading the bobbin case.

[@LydiaHawkDesigns]

Could be the timing is off? Without looking at it I'm not sure. There are some really good timing videos out there and your machine should be pretty straightforward as far as locating the timing bar and adjusting it. I don't have a video on how to do that, though.

[@jr7575]

Thanks a lot this helps me I have 1938 Kenmore Rotary deluxe 117.551 basically the same machine just looks different.

[@LydiaHawkDesigns]

You're welcome!

[@lorindadods2549]

So thankful for your video! While I don’t have this exact machine (I don’t think), it IS very similar. I just can’t get the bobbin thread picked up. Also need to find out where to find a manual. This machine came with lots of different attachments and feet. (My SIL found the machine at a thrift store).

[@LydiaHawkDesigns]

Could be the timing is why it's not picking up thread. There's a good timing video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWmngquphL-co7s

[@lorindadods2549]

@@LydiaHawkDesigns thanks so much! I’ll look into.

[@hadleywooten3689]

I just inherited this type of machine! Thank you so much for making this extremely helpful video!!!!

[@LydiaHawkDesigns]

My pleasure! :)

[@hadleywooten3689]

@@LydiaHawkDesigns what brand and size needle does your take?the one in my machine has a small nob on the top but I have no idea of size.i appreciate you kindness and advice. I named mine Miss Fluer!!

[@shevawalter8903]

Thank you for making this video. But I have the same problem with the needle not being able to take up the bobbin thread no matter which way I inserted the need.

[@LydiaHawkDesigns]

Sorry I'm responding late, I was out of town. Sounds like a timing issue. Have you ever tried to set the timing on a machine?

[@susangriffin7862]

This was hugely helpful! I have my mom's which she got second hand decades ago. It's a lot different from my Bernina! But I understand it's a real workhorse, so I will be using it!

[@LydiaHawkDesigns]

Very cool and you're welcome!

[@trevawinslow]

Ververy helpful

[@LydiaHawkDesigns]

Yay!!

[@TheHammer260]

Maam, you are a hero! I found one of these machines in a trift store recently and couldn't find anything on how to thread it. I only have one issue now, my top thread keeps breaking right at the needle. I already made sure that the top thread isn't too tight but it kepps happening.

[@LydiaHawkDesigns]

Oh good! That I was able to help - not that your thread is breaking. The manual suggests that thread breaking could be a few different issues. Personally, I had some issues with the thread breaking during the backstitch until I adjusted the tension (the bar above the needle area). But the manual also suggests it could be 1) wrong needle is being used, 2) Needle is too fine, 3) hole in the needle plate is choked with stray threads, 4) machine improperly threaded, 5) top tension is too tight, or 6) needle is too close to presser foot. It also suggests that if there is damage to the needle plate, it may need to be replaced. I hope that helps!

[@URFAVESISTER]

Thank you!

[@jimboone3390]

I'm having trouble adjustion tension on a 117.580. The top thread bunches up under the fabric and sometimes gets drawn into the bobbin area. Have you considered doing a video on adjusting the tension?

[@LydiaHawkDesigns]

Actually, yes. I will try to do that over the next few days. I was having trouble with tension, too. Thanks for the suggestion Jim! I'll come back here and comment again when it's up!

[@jimboone3390]

@@LydiaHawkDesigns Actually after I carefully followed your instructions for threading, the tension issue cleared up completely! Thanks for the help.

[@LydiaHawkDesigns]

Oh good! Sometimes improper threading can do that, but if you decide you need to adjust the tension, here's the video I just uploaded! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqCXiJenhM5krbs

[@rich-f-in-tx6388]

The bottom thread showing ➿ loops is usually the top tension or the machine is improperly threaded 9/10. Rarely does the bobbin thread tension have to be touched once it's set correctly. Set that first and work your way up.

[@kelysperez9121]

Hi. Me urge conseguir una bobina de esas para mi máquina que es igual y no la consigo. Por favor para que me ayudes cómo la puedo obtener y dónde. En ebay no la encuentro.

[@LydiaHawkDesigns]

Perdona mi respuesta tardía y mi español: estoy usando un traductor. Compré mis bobinas hace mucho tiempo, pero aquí hay un enlace. Debajo de la descripción puede ver con qué máquinas son compatibles (117.59). www.sewingpartsonline.com/bobbins-kenmore-white-744-10pk.aspx?gclid=Cj0KCQjwpeaYBhDXARIsAEzItbGCN1yq9Sqcoo4gg0lHTZvwCNdwrK6I8Sb0y8QmiY-vlzxUyxxDpkMaAivoEALw_wcB

[@reathashepherd9933]

What kind of needles will fit?

[@LydiaHawkDesigns]

I did not have to buy needles for this, but if you have a Joann's nearby with a sewing section and women who sell Singers and Vikings, I would ask them. Also, you can call or email people at websites like www.sewingpartsonline.com/ and Singeronline.com and they will be more than happy to lead you in the right direction!

[@evabonnes2614]

My mom has this machine and I would like to get it working. What is that little panel with the hole on it to the left of the light ?

[@LydiaHawkDesigns]

Must just be part of the construction because there's nothing in the manual that refers to it. I wish you the best in getting it running! I love old sewing machines! I'm actually replacing all the gears on a Singer 628 Touch & Sew Deluxe Zig-Zag right now.