Official Kenmore mechanical sewing machine parts

How to fix your Kenmore mechanical sewing machine when it skips stitches

Lint in the shuttle race, wrong thread tension, bad needle timing, a damaged needle or using the wrong type of needle can cause the sewing machine to skip stitches.

Use the right size and type of needle for the fabric and thread you're using so the needle can hook the bottom thread and doesn't skip stitches. Check the needle for wear and damage. Replace a dull or bent needle that won't pick up the bottom thread.

Check thread tension because the needle can skip stitches if upper or lower thread tension is too tight or too loose.

Check the shuttle race for lint buildup because the debris can prevent the needle from hooking the bottom thread. Clean the shuttle race if necessary.

The needle also will skip stitches if needle timing is off. Adjustment of the needle timing typically requires service by a technician, who uses special tools to synchronize the shuttle hook with the needle. If you eliminate all possible causes for skipped stitches except for bad needle timing, you'll likely need to have a service technician adjust the timing.

Troubleshooting tips to follow when your Kenmore mechanical sewing machine's bobbin thread keeps breaking

A dirty shuttle race, improper thread routing or incorrect thread tension can break the bobbin thread.

Unplug the sewing machine and check thread routing according to guidelines in your owner's manual. Reroute the thread correctly if necessary.

Also, check thread tension settings because incorrect thread tension can break the bobbin thread. Set thread tension according to the guidelines in your owner's manual.

Clean the shuttle race because lint and debris buildup can bind up the bobbin and break the bobbin thread.