Kenmore 158.1813 Sewing Machine Instruction Manual
Kenmore 158.1813 Sewing Machine Instruction Manual
Kenmore 158.1813 Sewing Machine Instruction Manual
158.1813
Sewconsult.com 2002
Div. Sewing Educational Warehouse
Section
Page 1
1 . Loosen the two hinge screws under 5. Plug machine cord into any 110-
holes in the rear edge of the ma- 120 volt wall outlet . Turn on power
chine bed. by pushing light and power switch .
2. Raise hinge pins in the cabinet 6. Spool pins are packed in accessory
cutout . Slip machine head onto box. Screw thread spool pins in
pins . place. Position nylon discs as
3. Tighten hinge screws securely . shown in illustration . Wipe ma-
chine of excess oil used in shipping .
4. Push the plug onto three-prong
connector under the bed plate .
Lower machine head to front
cabinet flap .
Fig . 2
Fig . 1
Place thread on spool pin as shown When the thread is released, the spring
with thread coming from back of the wire loop will return to position (Fig .
spool . Draw thread through the top 3) with thread in proper place. Release
threading tube . Holding the spool spool of thread and hook thread into
stationary with right hand, pull the end take up lever as shown (Fig . 4) .
of the thread between the tension discs Continue to thread machine exactly as
as shown. Pull the spring wire loop up shown. Needle must always be thread-
and past the top hook until the thread ed in direction as shown in Fig. 5.
can be slipped into hook (See Fig. 2) .
1 . Raise needle to its highest position 6 . Pull thread through slot of case as
by rotating hand wheel toward you . shown .
2 . Remove hand hole cover plate by 7 . Pull thread under tension spring .
lifting up front . 8. Holding latch open, position case
3. To remove bobbin case from shut- into shuttle, and release latch. Case
tle, pull open latch of bobbin case . should lock into place when latch
4. Pull bobbin case straight out of is released .
shuttle. 9. Hold needle thread loosely in left
5. Insert bobbin into bobbin case mak- hand and rotate hand wheel toward
ing sure thread is coming from you one complete turn . Bring bob-
bobbin as shown . bin thread up by pulling upper
thread .
CONTROLS
TOP TENSION CONTROL
Probably the most important control on your machine is this one that regulates
your top thread tension . It consists of discs between which the thread passes .
The pressure on these discs is regulated by turning the dial on the front of
the control . The higher the number, the tighter the tension .
There are many reasons for having to reset your tension. The best tension
for one fabric may not be correct for another . The required tension depends
upon the stiffness of the fabric, thickness of the fabric, numbers of layers of
fabric being sewn, as well as the type of stitch you are making .
It is best to test the stitching on a scrap of the fabric you are using before
starting to make a garment . To adjust for the correct stitch, see next page.
OJUSTING TOP TENSIONS
Decrease Tension
v
Increase Tension
Bobbin tension requires adjusting less frequently than the upper thread
tension.
When adjusting the tension on the bobbin case, make slight adjustments with
a screwdriver.
Turn Clockwise .
To check the thread tension balance, be sure to use mercerized thread of the
same size on the top and on the bobbin; and a sharp, correctly sized needle
for the fabric you are sewing . Begin with a full bobbin . Set the stitch length
for about 12 stitches per inch .
Fold a 6" square of fabric in half diagonally, forming a triangle . Make a line of
stitching 1 /2" in from the fold .
Grasp the stitching and pull with a snap to make the threads break .
Both threads do not have to break at the same place, but they should break
on the same snap.
The number on stitch length control indicates stitch number per inch .
The stitch setting you use will be determined by the thickness of the fabric
you are sewing .
A longer stitch setting should be used for thicker fabric or more layers of
fabric .
The middle range of the control is the 10-12 stitch per inch range which is
the most commonly used .
A basting stitch is made by using the longest possible stitch setting - 6 stitches
per inch .
The red marking - on the control is the setting used for the shortest
stitches such as in Satin Stitching .
This control regulates the width of the stitch you select . THE HIGHER THE
NUMBER -THE WIDER THE STITCH . You may vary your zigzag stitch width
by adjusting this control to the setting you desire .
This control must be on Red "S" in order to do straight stitching .
Turn only the outer rim of this control to set the stitch width .
The center of the control dials the special stitches the machine is capable
of sewing .
0-
0-
It is best to begin and end seams with a few stitches taken in reverse . 1 his
is called back tacking . Back tacking fastens the ends of the seams firmly
and prevents raveling .
When reverse stitching is needed, simply lower the lever and hold there during
sewing . The fabric will immediately start feeding backwards and the seam
will be fastened .
This control determines the feed of the feed dogs . All simple forward stitches
require that this control be set at red dot . These stitches are the straight
stitch, zigzag mending, blind hem and basic decorative designs .
Those stitches requiring an automatic reverse feed of the feed dogs are the
stretch stitches and the reverse decorative designs . Then the Stitch Variegator
must be set on S, M, or L . See next section for specific settings for individual
stitches .
There are certain types of stitches that are used more often than others in
your garment construction . Because of their frequent use, you will soon
realize the convenience offered to you by this control .
All stitches printed in red on the dial must be sewn with the Special Stitch
Variegator set at the Red Dot .
To make the stitches printed in white on this dial, the Special Stitch Variegator
must be set at S .
The red "S" setting illustrated is the one used for most of your stitching .
At this setting you may straight stitch, stretch stitch or make a simple zig zag
stitch . As each stitch is dependent upon the settings of your other controls .
Carefully read the direction in the next section of the book for the various
stitches .
Section j
Page 16 b
You will find that much of your sewing is in the mending category . For this
reason you have been provided with a stitch for the repair of tears .
It is accomplished with illustrated setting and variegator set at red dot . When
the Variegator'is turned to S, a Smocking Stitch results . For directions see
the next section of this book .
The setting illustrated is used for special edge finishing and special stretch
stitch for sewing elastic such as sportswear, girdles and other garments that
require stretch . See next section of this book for detailed use of the stitches .
The CAM setting on the dial is used whenever you wish to use any of the
20 insert cams to make decorative embroidery patterns .
Blind hems are made by using the setting shown with the Stitch Variegator
on the red dot. When the Variegator is set on the White "S", overcast stretch
~', ;~~ing is made with a forward and reverse action of the machine.
Page 16 d
This is a stitch that has been used in the garment industry for many years.
It forms a good looking seam as well as overcasts the edges . It is imperative
that this stitch is used for seaming of swimwear, stretch ski pants and other
types of knit sportswear. Variegator must be set on the White "S" .
In addition to the obvious controls of your machine, there are other small
regulators and controls to aid you in using your sewing machine.
Push down the outer ring of the pressure regulator. This will release the
pressure on the presser foot . (See above) .
To increase the pressure, push down inner pin until a suitable pressure is
obtained .
Insufficient pressure may cause poor feeding of the fabric, skipped stitches,
or difficulty in guiding the fabric . If feed dogs or presser foot marks appear
on the fabric, reduce the pressure .
When sewing multiple thickness or heavy fabric, reduce the pressure . Increase
pressure when sewing lighter weight fabrics.
The feed dog control is located on the
right front of the machine bedplate .
There are a few times when you want
to control the feeding of the fabric
yourself . When the control is de-
pressed on the right side, the feed dogs
drop and do not move the fabric .
For most of your sewing, the feed dog
control should be in a level position .
Whenever you raise or lower the feed
Fig. 1 dogs, be sure to have the presser foot
in the up position .
Fig. 3
This multi purpose needle plate pro-
vides a small round hole for straight
Fig . 1 stitching and a wide oval hole for zig
zag and decorative stitching.
Also you will find an extra multi
purpose needle plate in your accessory
box .
Fig . 3 CAUTION
Fig. 4
Use KENMORE needles. The size of
the needle should conform with the
size of the thread and both should be
suitable to the fabric (See next page) .
Cotton
otton 3 - 50
18 Heavy Twills, Denims, Coatings .
Me rcerized H eavy Duty
To replace any of the feet with ease,
simply drop the presser foot lock and
slip the foot away from the presser bar.
To aid you in the placement of the
presser foot, the presser foot lever can
raise the foot beyond the normal "up"
position . After the foot is placed on the
presser bar, lift the lock as high as it
will go to hold the foot securely .
Please read the Special Design Stitching pages in the next section of the
book . You will be told how to insert the cams and the machine settings to
use to make the illustrated designs .
You will find many uses for the designs in combination with appliques, bias
tapes, laces and other decorative trimmings . It is possible to combine several
designs to give an interesting effect .
Section j[
Page 1
Starting to Sew
Now that you are familiar with the controls on your machine and with the
accessories provided for the machine, you are ready to start to sew with your
new Kenmore sewing machine . Below are some good habits to follow each
time you sit down to sew :
1 . Test the needle - it should be straight, properly set and sharp on the point .
It should be the correct size for the fabric and thread being used . Do not
be afraid to change your needle frequently . Many of the new fabrics
made of synthetic blends tend to dull the needles more easily than
fabrics made of natural fibers .
2 . Test the machine stitch on a scrap of fabric you plan to use . The fabric
should be double thickness . Adjust the machine for the length of stitch
and tension suitable to your fabric .
3 . Fabric should be placed under the presser foot with the bulk of the
material to the left of the needle and the right edge of the material placed
on the 5/8" seam marking on the needle plate when making a simple
seam .
4 . Run the machine at slow even speed . The more pressure you put on the
foot control, the faster the machine will sew .
5 . Fasten each seam by back tacking at the beginning and end of the seam .
6 . Always finish sewing each seam with the needle at its highest point .
7 . Guide the fabric gently with your hand in front of the needle . Never
pull or hold the fabric in such a way that the normal feeding is altered .
8 . When turning the hand wheel manually, always turn it toward you .
GARMENT CONSTRUCTION STITCHES
SETTINGS
You will find in garment construction that you are doing two types of
sewing - temporary and permanent .
1 . Temporary stitching - Usually the longest stitch possible and often done
on a single layer of fabric . The various types of temporary stitching are :
Basting
Stay stitching
Guide line marking
2 . Permanent stitching - This is the actual stitching that holds the garment
together . Much of this stitching is visible on the outside of the garment
and therefore must be good looking .
You must remember to lengthen the stitch for heavier fabrics, multiple
layers of fabric and thicker seams . Some of these seams are :
Common two layer seams
Curved two layer seams
Top stitched three layer seams
Top stitched four layer seams
Section II
Page 2 b
r- r"7- :
In order to get Simple Zig Zag Stitches, just turn outer rim. The higher the
number, the wider the stitch as illustrated above .
Page 4 a
1. Straight Stretch
2. Rick-Rack Stretch
3. Smocking Stretch
4. Elastic Stretch
5. Overcast Stretch
6. Serging or Pine Leaf Stretch
For optimum sewing of stretch fabrics the special stretch stitch foot with
gold colored shank should be used .
b I KAIGI'1 I
STITCHING
SETTINGS
SETTINGS
SMOCKING STRETCH
NGS
'INGS
al Stitch Dial - WM
n Length Control - 12 to 10
h Width Control - 4
vial Stitch Variegator - White "S"
SETTINGS
Special Stitch Dial - WAGOG
Other settings are exactly same as Pine
Fig . 1
SPECIAL FINISHING STITCHES
SATIN STITCHING
SETTINGS
Special Stitch Dial - VWM ©===
Stitch Length Control - Red Zone
Stitch Width Control - Any Number 1 to 4
Special Stitch Variegator - Red Dot
Use satin stitch foot and zig zag hole on
multi purpose needle plate .
Closely spaced zigzag stitches are called satin stitches . This is an attractive
stitch used for appliqueing, monogramming, buttonhole making . It is also
the stitch that is used with the many decorative pattern cams for embroidery
design work .
Whenever you are using this stitch, it is well to remember to loosen the
tension of the top thread slightly . The wider the stitch you make, the looser
the tension should be .
If you are stitching on a very soft fabric, it is well to use a backing of tissue
paper or interfacing for a well formed stitch . Puckering of the material will
be eliminated and the bobbin thread will not be visible on the right side of
the fabric .
As with all special stitches, it is best to make a sample design on your fabric
before starting the design on the garment.
APPLIQUEING
SETTINGS
ame as with Satin Stitchina
SETTINGS
Fig . 2
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Section II
Page 9
ZIPPER APPLICATION
SETTINGS
REGULAR ZIPPER
;V L!- Z1 PPE
Di V :
Fig . 3
MENDING
SETTINGS
Special Stitch Dial - ""'"
Stitch Length Control - Red Zone
Stitch Width Control - 4
Special Stitch Variegator - Red Dot
Use zig zag foot and zig zag hole on multi
purpose needle plate .
ZNING
ETTINGS
pecial Stitch Dial - NMMOs°==
titch Width Control - "S"
pecial Stitch Variegator - Red Dot
SETTINGS
Special Stitch Dial - VWMI]s===
Feed Dogs - Down
Use zig zag presser foot and zig zag hole on
-lti ni,-n -Al . n i .rn
BAR TACKING
SETTINGS
Special Stitch Dial - WNMIS1-
e
I Stitch Width Control - 2 to 4
E
I Stitch Length Control - Red Zone
1 I
l r Use ziq zag presser font and zig zag hale nr
I
I I
I 1
I I
l This stitch is similar to a very short
I
satin stitch and is used to reinforce
I
I I
SETTINGS
Special Stitch Dial - CAM
Stitch Width Control - 1 to 4
Stitch Length Control - ~ Red Zone
Special Stitch Variegator - Red Dot
Use satin stitch foot and ziq zag hn!^ c,
All the designs can be varied by adjusting the stitch width or by using a double
needle . See the illustrations for interesting and attractive uses of the designs .
You will soon be combining designs and creating new uses when you be-
come familiar with your machine .
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Page 14
SETTINGS
In addition to the basic designs on the previous page, you can sew the
interesting reverse stitch designs shown below . Page 14 and the next page
show the variations of the same designs .
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 30 36 43
REVERSE STITCH DESIGNS-USING VARIEGATOR
rONTOrl
`~L~l~LSL~I~LS
Fig . 3 Lengthened design
Using the double needle and two colors of thread you may create unusual
and different designs with both the basic design cams and the reverse stitch
cams . See next page for directions for stitching with the double needle .
PLACEMENT OF NEEDLE
Raise the needle bar to its highest
position and loosen the needle screw.
Hold the double needle with the flat
side away from you . Slip the needle
into the needle bar as far as it will go .
Tighten the screw.
db
1 . Always make a practice design on a scrap of the fabric you plan to use .
2 . Start with a full bobbin and plenty of thread on the spool to avoid running out
of thread in the middle of your design .
4 . On a very soft fabric you may want to use a tissue paper backing or organdy that
can be cut away .
5 . Use the clear plastic satin stitch foot in order to see the design you are making .
Checking Performance Problems WHAT To Do
Incorrect size needle . Choose correct size needle for thread and fabric .
Improper threading. Rethread machine.
Loose upper thread tension. Tighten upper thread tension.
Irregular
Pulling fabric . Do not pull fabric; guide it gently .
Stitches
Light pressure on presser foot . Increase pressure on presser foot.
Loose presser foot . Reset presser foot .
Unevenly wound bobbin . Rewind bobbin .
Upper and lower threads not drawn Draw both threads back under presser foot .
Bunching of back under presser foot .
Thread
Feed dog down . Raise feed dog.
Incorrect size needle . Choose correct size needle for thread and fabric .
Bent or blunt needle . Insert new needle .
Skipping
Incorrect setting of needle . Reset needle.
Stitches
Tight upper thread tension. Loosen upper thread tension.
Light pressure on presser foot . Increase pressure on presser foot .
Machine Jamming
Thread caught in shuttle . Disassemble and clean shuttle .
Knocking Noise
Hints on sewing on Different Fabrics
New fabrics are coming on the market all the time . Remember that soft
fabrics may need to be stabilized a little . This is especially true when
buttonholing, monogramming, or design sewing as the stitches are so close
together . A backing of tissue paper or interfacing may assist you in your
sewing . The paper may be torn away and the interfacing cut away after
sewing . Check your fabric by making samples of the designs, monograms,
or buttonholes on a scrap of fabric before sewing on your garment .
- ., .
Shuttle
Shuttle Race
Fig . 2
Section 1V
Page 2
Remove arm cover plate to oil points indicated in top of machine head .
To remove cover plate, insert a screw driver into the spacing between arm
casting and top cover plate and lift the cover plate as illustrated below.
Section IV
Page 3
OILING UNDERSIDE
Tilt machine head back to oil points indicated on underside of machine .
7 8 9
13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24
Section IV
Page 6
All parts listed here may be ordered through your nearest Sears or Simpsons -
Sears retail store, catalog sales office or mail order house .
When ordering these parts, please be sure to mention the following references :
1 . Model & serial numbers of machine shown on the nomenclature
plate . See page 2 .
2 . Parts number(s) and description(s) here .
When ordering by mail, prices will be furnished on request, or parts will be
shipped at prevailing prices and you will be billed accordingly .