Kenmore 158.1914 Introduction

[@debbieshaw1722]

Thank you for this video. I had to play it a few times and watch you thread the machine, but it was when you said it was almost threading it upside down that I figured out what you were doing.

[@karaross5356]

Trying to figure this machine out... This is helping.. but even with top tension at 9 the top thread is bunching underneath and then th thread breaks... Could this be a setting or is it more likely the machine needs more work?

[@jamesrogers991]

@karaross5356 have you checked the bobbin tension? Did you lift the foot when threading to ensure that the Thread goes through the tension discs. At 9, the thread should be pretty much too tight to pull.

[@laurierockman9987]

I've watched this a number times and question about buttonhole dial R and F. When I switch to R it doesn't reverse. I'm trying to determine by looking inside... When it is in R does the reverse lever stay down to be in Constant reverse. Please help😊 thanks if you fan

[@laurierockman9987]

I watched again and doesn't appear to lock that lever to stay in R so I'm stumped!

[@dianeauriemme4823]

How do I set the 19142 to do stippling?

[@jamesrogers991]

You just need to drop the feed dogs (lever near the bobbin), set foot pressure to 0 or low (inner flap above light), and attach a hopping foot unless you are use a hoop. If you do not have a hopping foot for it, then you can attach a spring.

[@katrinabaltkois7093]

Hello! I have recently inherited this machine from my grandmother and know nothing about sewing haha! I was wondering if you had any advice for how to get started on a machine like this!

[@Lynne1121]

I was handed down this sewing machine. But it looks like it needs a cleaning. Do you have any videos to show how to clean and oil? Thank you gaylynne

[@jamesrogers991]

Try my video on freeing a stuck sewing machine. It is a different model, but will give you the basics of what needs to be done on top and underneath.

[@Lynne1121]

Thank you. It all clean and oiled. But now I'm trying to fix the tension on the bobbin.

[@lindamorgan2678]

You and I have the same taste in vintage machines James.. Could you tell me your fav ? Hard to do for me and hard to part with them and guess what I do not sew much ha ha

[@bethmoran9379]

Is it necessary to have the screw on the needle clamp box? It is the one to the right of the needle. I have the screw that holds the needle in and it is working well but noticed that there is a place for another screw on the side.

[@jamesrogers991]

The screw hole on the side permits you to put in a long shaft to use a ruffler attachment and walking foot. It is normally empty unless you leave the shaft in.

[@bethmoran9379]

@@jamesrogers991 thank you, I guess I had a brain freeze about that since I have been using my Bernina lately and forgot exactly how the Kenmore needle insertion worked. I have had my machine since the mid-70's and still love it although I did buy a new Bernina about 10 years ago because I guess I had worn out the Kenmore buttonholer and needed to be able to make a good one on delicate fabrics

[@jamesrogers991]

@@bethmoran9379 I understand completely. I have confusion moments all too frequently swapping between machines. At least I do not have a machine which spins in the reverse direction, that would finish me off for sure.

[@mariamarfil1620]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼❤️

[@cwwhitlock9721]

My wife inherited a 158.19140 model from her mother. It was only used by her mother to do button holes and straight stitches. It is not gummed up and is very clean. Problem is, she cant get stitch selector to go past the 3rd stitch. I sprayed and cleaned all gears and rack and pinion with WD 40 but still cant get it to go past 3rd stitch (before cleaning I could only select 1st stitch). Can you provide guidance or refer me to someone who can work on this type machine. Thanks.

[@jamesrogers991]

Put sewing machine oil on the mechanism now that you have cleaned it. The way I try to fix this is by turning the stitch selector and seeing what moves. Then I can figure out if it is just stuck, or if I need to unscrew the knob and replace it on the gears. Sometimes just pushing from within the machine whilst turning the knob gets it to move.

[@jamesrogers991]

If none of that works, perhaps we can have a skype session together to figure it out.

[@cwwhitlock9721]

@@jamesrogers991 I tried what you suggested. There is not much attached to the knob but I moved everything all around it and tried to turn it with no success. I am not sure how to remove the knob but can see all the gears it is turning. Any suggestions on a specific point I can try to move near the knob.

[@Oslin.Danielsc5061]

Una naquina muy buena ,adelantada a su epoca, yo he estado restaurando una y son una maravilla

[@kimberlylucas3310]

I have this one but can’t get presser foot off to chg??? Pull the lever down in the back with the presser foot raised up but it doesn’t slide off like it supposed to there’s a think the screw on left side is causing it not to be able to come off??? Help

[@jamesrogers991]

Find a small wrench/spanner and a screw driver. It is possible to remove the mechanism or loosen it enough to work properly.

[@carmenlaswisse6762]

My friend lent me her machine. The stitch skips and I'm not sure how to correct this. There are too many knobs to even try adjust it. Can you please help me try get it going? It skips at start and as I press foot to excel, it then starts to sew

[@jamesrogers991]

Are you holding the threads when starting sewing a seam?

[@ivanquijada511]

Estoy en Colombia donde consigo accesorios de la maq 1581914

[@cwwhitlock9721]

I tried what you suggested to get the selector switch to move past the 3rd selection. There is not much attached to the knob but I moved everything all around it and tried to turn it with no success. I am not sure how to remove the knob but can see all the gears it is turning. Any suggestions on a specific point I can try to move near the knob to free it up or can you tell me how to remove the knob and maybe go from there.

[@aliciasmith8564]

Hi! I'm working on making this machine my favorite. I had to change the lower belt, but now it whines. An you help me?

[@jamesrogers991]

Check that the belt is correctly installed. There is also a bolt which is used to adjust the tension. Make sure that it is as low as possible before the belt slips the cogs.

[@Kyle-ev4fk]

I inherited this machine from my grandmother and I am trying to learn how to use it. It is inside a tall cabinet filled with all of her sewing goods. My question today is how do I set up for the multi point zip zag stitch? I am trying to make a repair. Thank you.

[@jamesrogers991]

Ensure that the needle is up. Lift the lid and turn the stitch selector to the multi-point zigzag stitch. Ensure that your stitch length is in normal (not stretch) setting and sew away.

[@jamesrogers991]

That model of machine has it built in. Lift the lid and turn the knob until the multipoint is selected.

[@aleshiameier]

I don’t know how to find out which cams to get, and I know I have the monogrammer, but anyway you can help figure out what cams to get? Also where did you get the different arm plate when you were changing out one of your attachments, not sure if it was button joker or monogrammer.

[@jamesrogers991]

Go with the orange and green ones. That pack will fit. The button plate will operate both the monogrammer and buttonholer. As long as you have one, the other will fit.

[@cherismith5707]

I'm here to try to figure out why my machine has locked up, but I have to say, that cabinet is exquisite! :)

[@jamesrogers991]

Well I am happy to help. Start by putting the machine in straight stitch position and pull the bobbin out. So run the machine without thread and see if something happens. Also you can turn the balance wheel by hand; it should be smooth and turn easily.

[@lindasiwek7727]

I need help! I’ve had this machine since new in the 70’s I’ve sewn over the years a lot ! But lately I’m having trouble with tension! Bottom loops showing slightly on top! I’ve adjusted tension on top but no different! Nothing I do change this ! Is it possible a part in the upper tension has worn out ?

[@jamesrogers991]

OK we need to try a few things. First, pull the thread out of the needle, and drop the foot. Turn the tension to 0 and see if the thread pulls smoothly. Now turn the thread tension up and see if it starts to get tough. If there is little tension on 0 and some on higher numbers, we know the issue is in the bobbin case. Take out the bobbin case and see if there is tension. Rethread the bobbin case and do the drop test (hold the bobbin by the thread and the bobbin should hang but when you give the bobbin a jolt it should move. Once you have figured out if the problem is top or bottom, come back and we can get you up and running in a few minutes.

[@lindasiwek7727]

James Rogers ok when I did the upper thread tension at zero ,1,2 the thread moved nicely but when I got to 3 which is normally the tension it did not move ! I backed it down to 2 and it moved then back to 3 and it moved and stopped at 4 ! I repeated this all the way up to 9 then I checked the bobbin and it did hang and move with a jolt ! However I went back to the top tension and at 3 again it will not move !

[@jamesrogers991]

@@lindasiwek7727 What fabric are you sewing? What type and weight of thread are you using? How big is your needle?

[@lindasiwek7727]

James Rogers I tried cotton, a a quilt patch and the thread is singer 100% polyester 137m and I tried switching the needles size 14

[@jamesrogers991]

@@lindasiwek7727 Do you have access to a computer or a video phone? We could try a video conference via messenger, facebook, skype, or I have access to some other software which will not cost you anything.

[@ilsevonherold4184]

Question what is the tension and the length of the threat to use on the machine for cotton because the needle keeps trying to saw but makes one or two stitches and then and then cuts the threat and it stops working

[@jamesrogers991]

There are a few common reasons about the thread cutting. First, the needle needs to be flat side to the back on this machine. The thread must pass through the needle smoothly and pull off the bobbin smoothly. Bobbin tension needs to be correct as well otherwise the machine will have to pull hard on the bobbin thread. The easiest is to ensure that your bobbin is pulling smoothly through the bobbin case. Set your tension a bit low (perhaps at 2) then sew slowly using a long stitch. This will enable you to see where the snag is which is causing the thread to break.

[@peggyparrish2128]

do you know where I can buy a straight stitch presser foot for a model 158.1940? Also a single hole pressure plate

[@jamesrogers991]

Sorry I misread the previous chat and thought you wanted to know about the feed dog covers. The way I got my straight stitch foot is to look on eBAY for the super high shank attachments. They are obvious by the very long (usually black) shank which is quite slanted. There are lots of coms and attachments on eBAY -- it will be a labour of love to walk through each one until you spot it usually in a pile of other feet. The other option is to buy the super high shank to low shank conversion and then you can use a standard low shank presser foot (this can also work as an interim workaround until the super high shank foot becomes available). You might also try the Facebook Kenmore groups, they often have attachments for sale as well.

[@minhdang423]

They were made by jaguar

[@jamesrogers991]

Thank you for the correction.

[@peakajean]

Hi 😀 do you know where I can get a replacement pedal/power cord for the Kenmore 158.19141?

[@jamesrogers991]

There are Kenmore groups on Facebook. But eBay has a good selection.

[@ajourneymaryb]

Do you have a the Manuel for this Kenmore 158 19142 I had til grandkids got a hold of . I need it so I know how to use when I forget . Could you email me a copy please

[@bradleymeddock3353]

Does this machine do a straight stitch, and if so how?

[@iggyreilly2463]

This machine is from around 1980 and it's painted aluminum, not steel. (The innards are steel.) Made by Jaguar/Maruzen, not Janome.

[@jamesrogers991]

Yes I realized the errors after. Thank you for the correction.

[@iggyreilly2463]

@@jamesrogers991 No problem. Congratulations on a wonderful machine. Most Kenmores from the '60s - '80s are fantastic. Happy sewing!

[@mdcvalentine]

I have this exact machine, purchased new in the spring of 1977. My husband worked at Sears in Medford, Oregon and it was on sale 1/2 price for just under $400. I thought he’d have a stroke, I have moved it from PNW it upstate NY, to Florida and back to upstate NY. I have all cams, buttonhole pieces and monogramming tools. Missing some of the super high shank feet. Trying to find some and a walking foot, as I am starting to quilt. Found your site and now watching the videos. It is not a good quilting machine because there is no marking for that measure or foot. Thank you for making these videos.

[@mdcvalentine]

Piper Mccoy , yes, it retailed for $799, and it was half off. We were newlyweds an my husband was in college at So. Oregon State College in Ashland. I made my friend’s going away outfit for their honeymoon that year. It doesn’t meet my needs right now and I am itching to buy something that would be better for quilting.

[@willnscott]

I don’t know how long ago you posted this information, but it’s great! HOWEVER, we don’t know how to thread the machine. I know it’s basic, I’ve subscribed to your KZbin channel, we don’t know how it gets to the needle. I can understand the last part by looking at it but we don’t know how to get the thread from the spool to the needle. HELP PLEASE! Tnxs! 🤟🏿

[@jamesrogers991]

I will try to post another video about the threading of it tonight. It is not as intuitive as other machines.

[@SpockLover27]

Tried this and it jammed, not sure what I'm doing wrong :(

[@jamesrogers991]

Was your foot down? What jammed exactly?

[@SpockLover27]

@@jamesrogers991 The thread jammed up in the bobbin. A piece of the upper thread went down into the bottom and got stuck when I tried to sew some test fabric. So I had to stop and cut the thread free and then gradually pull out the jammed thread.

[@SpockLover27]

@@jamesrogers991 I think it's been figured out! I used the video you linked and realized the bobbin hadn't been properly threaded. Thanks~

[@jamesrogers991]

@@SpockLover27 Fabulous for figuring it out. Also be glad it is a metal machine so it did not die from the normal experience of thread jams.

[@SpockLover27]

@@jamesrogers991 I admit had my mom helping, but I already started making some projects! Works wonderfully, and oh am I ever glad its a metal machine. Feels so much more sturdy than the garbage machines I see at craft stores.

[@alyneddy8854]

Can u help me how to do it I don’t understand how to

[@ivanquijada511]

Pregunto necesito accesorios de la maq kenmore 15819141

[@peggyparrish2128]

158.19140

[@jamesrogers991]

I think they are they same. I will check and get back to you shortly.

[@juliehurd96]

When you show how to thread the machine, you don’t show the bobbin threading. My machine is not sewing, the treading is done as per your June 2019.

[@jamesrogers991]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWK1aYaLeKeka6s

[@jamesrogers991]

Try that video, the bobbins are all the same in these class 15 machines.