How to Use a Vintage Kenmore 158.1040 Sewing Machine - Wind a bobbin, thread, stitches, buttonholes

Рет қаралды 21,612

6 жыл бұрын

This is an overview of the super-cute but highly functional Kenmore 158.1040, also known as the Keatherweight or Baby Kenny. You will learn the basics of the machine including how to wind a bobbin, thread the machine, use the different stitches, make buttonholes, and lower the feed dogs for darning and free motion quilting or embroidery.
Do you have a suggestion for a future video? Post in the comments below!
Support our channel by purchasing products to service your sewing machine on Amazon: amzn.to/33ZwORz
Visit the Sew Save Me Etsy Store where you can find manuals, parts, accessories, and refurbished machines as they become available here: www.etsy.com/shop/SewSaveMe
The mission of Sew Save Me is to rescue, restore, maintain, and enjoy or re-home vintage sewing machines while teaching other sewing enthusiasts about the joys of collecting and using these old beauties. All videos are created by Crystal & Stevie from Sew Save Me and are about fixing, caring for, and using vintage sewing machines and accessories for modern day sewing and quilting projects.
Join the Vintage Sewing Revolution and follow SewSaveMe!
Facebook: / sewsaveme
/ sdgear
Instagram: / sewsaveme
Website: www.sewsave.me

Пікірлер: 116

@Freddowasher5 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this excellent video, you are doing a great job recycling these great vintage machines. It's a very clear explanation of how to use this little machine from opening it up to closing it. I particularly enjoyed watching you making a buttonhole. Looks so easy! I've just bought an old Frister & Rossmann Cub which I think is pretty much the same machine sold under a different brand name in Europe. Thanks to you I feel confident about using it I was nervous as I've only ever sewn on my vintage Singer which I've had for 53 years it's a gem!. I love old machines & hope I can give the little dinky Frister machine another lease of life instead of buying a rubbish plastic one. Thanks again for this.

@FearlessAmateur 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much. I bought one of these for $5 at an estate sale. First sewing machine I've ever used, with your help, and I already love it.

@SewSaveMe 3 жыл бұрын

Your welcome there neat machines indeed. I dont hardly use mine. I have a 1760 and if you have them sitting next to each other ill use the full size machine over it. But huge projects where I have to have different stitches for different parts of it, Its very handy to pull it down and have a smaller machine setup instead of constantly setting up a single machine. And its Size makes it perfect for just hangen around. For $5.00 I wouldnt think twice on that one. Even if it was missing chunks out of the rose case.

@Macarrondd 5 жыл бұрын

Thank u so much, I have this machine but I dont have the manual so this video help me soo much to understand more my kenmore, greetings from Colombia :)

@sandraponce2699 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip about putting the foot down when you thread the needle....I was always wasting thread .

@stephenvinson6474 5 жыл бұрын

you take the angst out of it by being humorous and real....I enjoy your style of doing this stuff....I learn a LOT Stevie!

@nathaliepalladino4128 Жыл бұрын

Love this video! I found one at the thrift foe $5. without a pedal then picked up a pedal for another $5. Wow! I had more trouble getting it out of the case than anything else. Very helpful. Thank you

@geminilove4682 5 жыл бұрын

Great idea on the tomatoe! Wonderful video!

@thepatshowonwp 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this vid, I have owned nothing but Kenmores and Singers and they are my favorite machines. I needed to service one of my basics and your vid was very helpful. Good work!

@mrsseasea 5 жыл бұрын

that’s such a great idea....the needle holder numbered!

@Erni3K 4 жыл бұрын

I've had this machine for years, and I learned a couple of things and thanks!!!!! Best little machine, easy to maintain and tune up. It's my sweetie.

@SewSaveMe 3 жыл бұрын

Our pleasure!

@ninjananagardner7672 4 жыл бұрын

I wish you would do more videos , your teaching style is very informative and entertaining as well ! Please do more videos !

@SewSaveMe 3 жыл бұрын

Im planning on it.

@PibbleMom297 3 жыл бұрын

Have to tell you that your vid is just about the BEST I've ever seen! You have an excellent voice, good expression and a nice touch of humor. Your explanations are concise and very clear. You don't waste time with distracting, extraneous conversation. Your camera work is terrific and the stills clearly emphasize what you are explaining. It's rare to see vids this good. I own six vintage Kennies, two of which are 1040's. One is perfect and runs beautifully and the other is a work in progress. I'm trying get all the internal cams to work; the dial won't access all of of them. I LOVE the 1040, it's very functional and a joy to use. For such a small machine, it does a great deal. Of all my machines, including other vintage and modern models, the Mini-Kenny is the BEST to use with double needles; it loves them. I like using it to hem knits because with the double needles I get a hem that looks it was done on a cover stitch. On the other hand, my table-mounted 158-14000 makes gathers better than my other machines; vintage or new, and I have 12 machines total. Funny how many machines seem to have a "personality". Keep up the great vids!

@SewSaveMe 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks.

@ellesnyder942 5 жыл бұрын

Lol- I've never seen one packed away at the end- I've always been trying to lay it down first then close it up. Nice job.

@femat56 6 жыл бұрын

This sewing machine is a beauty!!!

@rich-f-in-tx6388 5 жыл бұрын

@ 23:45 Actually, I've discovered that you don't have to worry about the thread when beginning doing buttonholes on the 1040. Pull the threads to the back as normal,, put your buttonhole tray on, slide fabric under the tray, put the pressure/presser foot down and start at the back bartack. Going over the buttonhole twice is suggested, as you did. 👍

@sharondavidson7072 4 жыл бұрын

Cute little machine.

@SewSaveMe 3 жыл бұрын

Right I couldnt help it I had to have one.

@maria2400 4 жыл бұрын

Love your Tomato idea to keep needles organized.

@SewSaveMe 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks since then I made a needle book I like it better. I have a Kenmore Sensor Sew that does letters and numbers so I made a needle book for all my needles now I like it quit a bit better then the tomato.

@seffssweetsstitches2897 Жыл бұрын

Lol, you drink coffee like me 👍☕️

@SewSaveMe Жыл бұрын

By the 55 Gallon Drum :D

@alywill9716 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tutorial and the still shots. Very helpful. I just picked up a Kenmore 1040 at my local Vac and Sew shop to use as a back up machine.

@cindyfournier7003 6 жыл бұрын

Great video ! I have a Sears Kenmore and after watching this I now know my spool pin isn't broken . lol and how to use the tension . ( Total newbie ) . Thank You for an awesome video that's helped me a lot . You do a great job explaining things so clearly . I can't wait to get some Tri Flow , unlock my damn machine and start sewing .

@juliemuhlestein6521 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for such an informative video! Just got mine today and you have really helped me set it up!

@thereseclemens4461 2 жыл бұрын

This is a charming machine! Thanks for the tutorial.

@michellepaquetmonette 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting this. I found my minikenny at a thrift store for $20. It was in perfect condition so I snapped it up and have been sewing on it steadily. It was fun to watch your helpful video...I actually liked your tip to use the strawberry to sort my needles too! You could do a vid on tips like that - Those simple things you probably think everyone already knows. Thanks again. I like your cazh approach.

@sagittarius3363 4 жыл бұрын

Found my machine at a thrift store as well! I paid $12.50 haha quite a deal that was.

@morganbirleffi6695 6 жыл бұрын

Thank YOU!!!!! I came across a 'mini-kenny',,someone had out in their garbage bin. Lucky me!! Some heavy cleaning,some basic unscrewing,dust bunny eviction,,,and wah-lah!!!! Next came your video...and this little machine kicks ass!! Thankthankthank you!! Your instructions were perfect

@thegretnaexperiment2.021 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for such an informative video! I'm considering purchasing this model and love this video as a reference :)

@paulabaldwin5399 6 жыл бұрын

Best video I've seen for this machine. Big thumbs up! Thank you for taking the time to do it very helpful to me😁👍

@shilohnanny5422 5 жыл бұрын

Nice video. You're very good at your demos. Thx.

@missannivon2568 4 жыл бұрын

Way cool and thank you so very much. My sister-in-law gave me this machine and I kept breaking needles because I didn't know how to work it but you helped me understand it. Thank you, thank you and did I say thank you!

@SewSaveMe 3 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome!

@StephMarie111 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you. The close up photo of how the bobbin was threaded, and showing exactly how to pull the bobbin thread up through the plate were where I was stuck and the other videos weren't helping, thank you!

@SewSaveMe 3 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome 😊

@erikah9383 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this video I just got one for free and didn't know how to use the botten tools and how to switch out the bottom toll this video is very informative thanks so much!

@SewSaveMe 3 жыл бұрын

Glad I could help!

@ronalddevine9587 3 жыл бұрын

I couldn't agree more with you about the kenmore foot pedals. The size and shape of them is the most comfortable. I've even replaced the electronic pedal on my Singer 201-2 with this Kenmore pedal. Works like a charm and is very ergonomic. Keep up the good work Stevie.

@SewSaveMe 3 жыл бұрын

Right on!

@stephenvinson6474 5 жыл бұрын

you make it fun!

@bludolfin53 2 жыл бұрын

i like this video, but I can't help looking at your coffee cup!!! geeez....it's so "small"!! lol....lov it!!

@baire702 3 жыл бұрын

Great, informative video! Thank you for making and posting this video. Great nail polish!😀😌

@SewSaveMe 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!! 😊

@lizwilliams6176 6 жыл бұрын

My mom has one just like this, I don't think it's hardly been used, I think I'll pull it out of storage and see how it sews!

@sewndebisdream6953 2 жыл бұрын

It's a great machine...unlike others for sure...lucky you🤗

@melysolis1092 6 жыл бұрын

Muchas gracias 🤗 me ayudó mucho 🤗

@Slay_slay13 Жыл бұрын

Love it- this is awesome, I’m still learning to use this awesome find & this was so helpful…. Thank you!

@SewSaveMe Жыл бұрын

You are so welcome!

@shahlashafiei8655 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much I have this sew machine l losted manual for an explanation help me a lot thank you again 🙏🙏🙏

@SewSaveMe 3 жыл бұрын

There Def neat machines. I think there super cute.

@redoak3809 Жыл бұрын

Hopefully, I will find one of those machines.

@Grabada_en_sus_manos 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks you. I like all foot.

@SewSaveMe 3 жыл бұрын

Your Welcome.

@joycedollar1198 Жыл бұрын

I want one of those machines. The led bulb are boss. I put one in both my featherweight after I burnt the pee out of my arm and had to scrap the skin off the bulb with a Bobbie pin. Burnt a permanent memory ugh. Your videos are excellent

@leslindelgado6124 2 жыл бұрын

I really appreciate this video. I found mine at the thrift store yesterday for $13. Unfortunately, it didn’t come with that front compartment or any accessories other than the zig zag foot. I love it, though. I feel like I own a piece of history.

@itsweez5298 9 ай бұрын

Would yoi mind giving a link to the LED buls to purchase for the 158.10400? Seems to be a LOT of bulb choices. Thanks!

@joyace9674 Жыл бұрын

I have the same one and Love it 🥰 but still trying to understand it because is very different then the other once I have but I will play with it and see how it works

@amandarossouw493 3 жыл бұрын

I thought I was the only one who needed that much coffee to get moving. Infact I'm thinking of just getting an IV.😊👍

@SewSaveMe 3 жыл бұрын

Nope I like Kafei. And Lots of it.

@jeffreyrich6494 6 жыл бұрын

My little Kenny is one of my favorite machines. It’s a work horse but very portable. I have 60 machines and this is one of my go to machines. I have never been able to get the stitch selector know to turn, so I can only do straight stitch. I have lubricated it and cleaned it, but it won’t budge. Any ideas? I’ve been doing a lot of paper piecing on it lately. It works great.

@rebeccarankin5764 6 жыл бұрын

What's the spec for drilling/tapping the screw thread, to insert and fix the thumb screw on the throat plate for the seam guide, thanks?

@King-kx3wo 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, I have a 1030, and the feed dog dropper knob works but they don't drop, I've been working on it for ever seems like, are there much difference between the 1030 and the 1040?

@jeanettelee7716 6 жыл бұрын

Very informative. Thank you! I've had this sweet vintage machine since 1974. After forty years, I finally pulled it back out of the basement and it still runs like a charm (after cleaning and oiling). BUT.... I simply CANNOT get it to zigzag! I followed all the instructions in the manual and my settings are correct, so what gives? Any suggestions? ALSO..... that little flimsy cover plate which fits on top of the box? Mine broke. Do you know where i could possibly find one to replace it? Thanx again!

@chezlover 3 жыл бұрын

Mine won't zig zag either. Did u figure it out?

@shirleyann6954 5 жыл бұрын

How do you get the machine back 'easily' into its case? To get it back in is the only negative thing I find about this ¾ sized machine.

@SewSaveMe 5 жыл бұрын

There is a trick to it. And I found out this trick. Is to lower the foot down. If the foot is lifted up the lever hits the case. It only took me like 10 trys to figure this out. Haha and have the machine a fat surface put the back side on first then close it.

@Christie-cz7tc 3 жыл бұрын

Hi! Thanks for the great video 👍 I cleaned out a hoarded house and came home with 4 machines!!! 🙄 LUCKILY, I found this baby... But, it's definitely slipping, motor running but the belt is probably the problem. Can you tell me how easily I might manage changing it, or am I better off taking this in to be done?? Your advice appreciated❤️❤️❤️❤️

@SewSaveMe 3 жыл бұрын

There should be two belts and really the hard part is finding the right sized one. I suggest you oil it real heavy and make sure you get that pully in the side most people never oil that so it tends to get sized up.

@Christie-cz7tc 3 жыл бұрын

@@SewSaveMe thanks so much for answering! ❤️

@jeffreyrich6494 6 жыл бұрын

I’ve got one of these but I cannot get the stitch selector to change stitches. It only turns about a quarter of an inch and then it stops. I have tried all of the obvious ways to get it to move with no luck. Any ideas?

@angelica23rspo 6 жыл бұрын

Hi, great video, I have this same sewing machine and I love it, I would like to know if you know if it can do double needle stitching.

@marsha4796 4 жыл бұрын

I know this is an older post but for anyone wondering; Yes. Watch your stitch width and spacing on the needles.

@joseluisvalenzuela1549 5 жыл бұрын

muchas gracias por su video a pesar de no saber inglés me sirvió mucho ya que me regalaron una maquina igual hace tiempo y la tenia guardada porque no sabia como usarla donde si me quede con la duda fue sobre el nombre de las partes que hiba poniendo y para que sirven... y ojalá pudiera orientarme en las agujas para cada tipo de tela cuales y como debo pedirlas al comprar.

@kathleenkohl8341 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video with clear explanation. Thank you. I am having a problem where my zigzag won’t work. Do you know what may be wrong?

@SewSaveMe 2 жыл бұрын

With out seeing it my self no clue. But if I had to guess. Its prollly got sticky linkage. Soak it down with Triflow and keep moving things around. Assuming you just picked it up and found it in the wild is most likly dry as a bone. Use the Rattle can of Triflow so you can blast the stuff every where you cant see. those machines are very tightly packed and had lots of hard to reach places that run that cam stack.

@kathleenkohl8341 2 жыл бұрын

@@SewSaveMe thank you I’ll try that

@heatherraymond7999 3 жыл бұрын

I have had this machine since I graduated high school in 1973 so it warms my heart to see another one. I need a new belt, have no repair shops and have a deadline (well, actually a vacation) coming up. I cannot figure out to get the right side off to replace the belt. Can you tell me how? Or is it something I should leave up to a repair person - when I find one? Thank you for any advice you have!

@SewSaveMe 3 жыл бұрын

Thats a good question the side is easy to get off but youll have to remove the bottom too as these use two belts not just one. They have a pully system. Otherwise its pretty easy to swap the belts out assuming you have two that are the right size. You can find two screws on the top under the lid that hold the side on.

@marthafry3256 Жыл бұрын

Enjoyed this video several times and acquired a Kenmore 158 10302 when opportunity arose. I cannot get the bottom removed. Three small. screws removed. Does the large black recessed screw need to be removed as well? Insides clean as a pin. Oiled with Tri Flow. Smooth and steady. Still would like to check inside bottom. Thanks for informative and enjoyable video.

@SewSaveMe Жыл бұрын

you know its been forever since ive taken the bottom off mine. I would have to go look sometime and get back with you. But some reason I think you do have to remove that screw as well but again its been years since Ive serviced mine It dont hardly ever get used.

@rhondamercado7527 2 жыл бұрын

I found this model but it’s missing the top selection knob and the reverse knob. Any idea if there are comparable knobs that may fit it.

@SewSaveMe 2 жыл бұрын

I think some one in the kenmore sewing group on facebook is 3d printing them. You could ask there.

@itsweez5298 9 ай бұрын

Great video on this 158.10400!!. I wonder if you could share where you source the LED bulb for this size machine. Seems like are a zillion options online! Thank you!

@marciavandercapellen7821 5 жыл бұрын

Hello, Thanks for the great video. I just bought one of these and I have a few questions. 1) What is that lever that was visible when you removed the accessories box to the right of the bobbin? I need to change the belt on my machine, how do I take off the side panel by the fly wheel to do that, and lastly where would I search to by a new belt? Thanks, Marvi V

@SewSaveMe 5 жыл бұрын

Sorry for the Delays in responding back. I had no idea youtube was holding comments unti today. That lever drops the feed dogs so you can free motion. As far as belts those are tricky to find for these. To remove the cover theres set screws that you loosen and the cover will drop off.

@labellaguani2010 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your excellent video. My sewing machine model is Kenmore 158.15160 and I've tried everything to do zig zag with all the wheels it has, but I've had no luck. Could you help me? I live in Venezuela and it's difficult to get the instructions manual.

@SewSaveMe 3 жыл бұрын

Have you oiled the living heck out of it. Sounds like its got some parts sticking. I recommend hitting it with a can of triflow.

@bnmuzic1 4 жыл бұрын

How many of the buttonhole plastic cases should i have? Or how do i get more? I have the buttonhole cases a few i want to know if i have them all. I have a kenmore 15810301. Thank you. Excellent video.

@SewSaveMe 3 жыл бұрын

If I recall the machine came with a total of 4 of them. If you look in the manual it will tell you how many you should have. Far as extras I dont belive you could buy more of them it just came with what it came with. I could be wrong though.

@pattymcl2667 5 жыл бұрын

what bulb is it for the sewing machines? where can I get some?

@SewSaveMe 5 жыл бұрын

Sorry for the delays I use a Led bulb that I buy off ebay. I stock different sizes of them and try to put the largest led bulb I can in the machine just so it just peeks out.

@kimberlywilliams2040 Жыл бұрын

😮I am thrilled to have found this video, thank you for posting. Question tho, I am unable to loosen the outer portion of the hand wheel to disengage the clutch. Even when I remove the single screw, it appears to mount the two portions together. I am unable to get the outer portion to move independent from the larger portion of the hand wheel. Any ideas? Or am I just SOL for loading bobbin thread?

@SewSaveMe Жыл бұрын

its prolly just gummbed up and stuck inside Have you tried running triflow between them and letten it soak in for a while see if they will break free?

@kimberlywilliams2040 Жыл бұрын

@@SewSaveMe no, but I will try that!! Thank you so much! … also, this was my mother’s machine and she used to say “prolly”… it seems like fate that I found your video! Where are you from… she was raised in Lancaster, PA.

@deborahwiley185 3 жыл бұрын

This is a very good instructive video! I bought one recently, cheap, from FB Marketplace. The cuteness factor is what drew me plus the rose embossed case! Machine works well except it won't do a zig zag! Also, while checking it out, the spring which holds the spool, flew off! The part is discontinued so besides taking it to my OSMG, I can't find this part. Any ideas about where to find one? Thanks!

@SewSaveMe 3 жыл бұрын

I really not sure where you can find one. I do like the machine but they bring large money and there are nicer full size kenmores out there cheaper. If you get the chance to get one cheap do so. They're super neat and work really well.

@deborahwiley185 3 жыл бұрын

@@SewSaveMe Thanks for your reply. Yes, agree that Kenmores really bring value for the money to the table! I have some others which is why I bought the 158-10302! I like this little pint sized machine!

@madprops4thelesson Жыл бұрын

What is the bobbin size for this machine please?

@mehmeterbilgin2328 Жыл бұрын

What are the outer diameters of the large pulleys and small pulleys of this machine?🤔> ⚙️ I am writing to you in Turkey. I bought a Pirivgil brand 920 sewing machine similar to this one, but I don't know the pulley dimensions, so it wasn't on the belts.🙈🙂

@SewSaveMe Жыл бұрын

Not a clue I would have to tear the machine apart to find out. And unfortunaly thats a lotta effort to just size some pullys. As there are a total of 4 of them since most 158's are gear reduced.

@penniemaclean2128 Жыл бұрын

Pennie Maclean 0 seconds ago Thank you so much for the video on the sears 158.1040. Looking for the box and attachments if you have any suggestions. Thank you. Pennie Winkler

@SewSaveMe Жыл бұрын

Can try the kenmore groups on facebook. Or Ebay.

@sewndebisdream6953 2 жыл бұрын

Where can I find the plastic button hole pieces for this machine and the zig zag switch plate? UPDATE...I just bought this machine and it does have the button hole plastic forms and both switch plates...yay! I just can't find the C screw to take the bottom off to oil the machine. I'm finding those screws hard to turn. Please help me!!!😂

@SewSaveMe 2 жыл бұрын

Thats a really hard thing to find if they get lost. Maybe Ebay. You might wanna join the kenmore facebook group and ask if any 1 has a spare set. I was super lucky mine came with every thing but 1 foot and that foot was a common foot that was easy to buy and replace.

@SewSaveMe 2 жыл бұрын

Steel screws in a alum body. The can size in there pretty tight. Sounds like the machine has been sitting for a long long time. Make sure you use The right size screwdriver and you can eather try bruit force. You can attempt to squeeze some pentrating oil down the holes. Or my Fav is a Hammer Driver witch you can buy a decent one at harbor freight for about 20 bucks. Again you might wanna join the Kenmore Facebook group as this is a common issue for kenmores thats been sitting for a long time. facebook.com/groups/680558488716580

@sewndebisdream6953 2 жыл бұрын

@@SewSaveMe Thank you! Yes,I don't think this machine has been used hardly at all. I bet is has been sitting a long time like you said. I have oiled the top and things are starting to move but I need to oil the bottom. Appreciate hearing from you!🤗

@SewSaveMe 2 жыл бұрын

Mine was the same way. I dont think it ran even a full spool of thread its entire life until I got it. But it was dry as a bone. Crusty hard grease. Darn shame but after oiling well with triflow greasing back up letten it soak in for a few days it worked great. Dont forget if its that dry you might wanna put some drops on the motor im sure the oiling felts are dry as a bone. But you gotta get the bottom off first. Kenmore group has a lotta people that are pretty smart. If you want more detailed help on kenmores thats a good resource.

@1953childstar 3 жыл бұрын

You know the left side flips up for more sewing space....

@SewSaveMe 3 жыл бұрын

of course but its not exactly the most sturdy thing in my book I would say and don't ever use it in the fear of snapping it off.

@chezlover 3 жыл бұрын

Mine won't zig zag. Anyone else have this problem?

@SewSaveMe 3 жыл бұрын

The little things are pretty tightly packed soak it down with triflow its most likely sticky from sitting or getting dry. You can also try the famous hair dryer trick.

@philanna38 5 жыл бұрын

That machine has an irritating sound! And I don't care what you have to do to get to the bobbin. I use a 201 for straight stitching and use a Singer 403A to zig zag.