Hello out there. I just discovered this forum and I’m excited to learn more about sewing! I use to sew quite a few years ago, but admit I’ve lost my confidence. I am sewing on a 30-year old Sears sewing machine, and am completely lost as far as getting the tension correct! Before I give it up and buy a new machine – any suggestions out there? Thanks.
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Cheap thread can leave lint between the tension discs; clean the area by gently pulling a folded over piece of muslin between the discs. 'Bad tension' may be a dull needle. I may be weird but I really love taking my machine apart and cleaning all of its nooks and crannies. I've learned a good oiling does not mean lots of oil but rather just a tiny drop exactly where it needs to go.
Thanks so much! That makes sense, because my thread is old. I'd rather use the machine I have and go from there. I'll let you know how it works out.
Try to find out who actually made your Sears sewing machine. After all every year Sears contracted out to various manufactures to put the Kenmore name on their products. If your machine turns out to be a Singer after all then then best bet would be the oiling solution. Also if it has been a while like 10 years since you have sewn with it take it in for a thorough cleaning because sometimes the oil that has been sitting there will go bad. If it hasn't been very long the other thing that you should look at is if you truly have the machine threaded properly. If you are getting loops on the bobbin side then the upper thread is not threaded properly. If you are getting skipped stitches and it does turn out that Singer made your machine for Sears then go out and get Singer sewing machine needles because Singer machines do not like any other type of needle. Hope this helps and let us know.
Thanks. I will check on when the machine was made. I know I purchased it in 1975. But, it hasn't been that long since I used it. You have all been great.
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