For most models, you will need to hold the outside of the knob still with one hand while turning the inner portion of the knob toward you with the other hand. The outer portion is the hand wheel, while the inner portion is the clutch knob.
The thread of the spool should be wrapped around the center in a counter-clockwise rotation. For most models, the spool pin is vertical. On some models, though, like the Kenmore 385. 16120, the spool pin will actually sit in a horizontal position as you wind the bobbin and thread your machine. [2] X Research source On the Kenmore 117. 591, the spool pin is located at the base of the machine and the bobbin winder, along with its corresponding parts, are located on the front right of the machine.
Insert the thread into the disc from the upper right and wrap it around the entire left side, ultimately bringing it back out and to the lower right. Do not wrap it around the disc in a complete rotation.
Make sure that the bobbin spool is flipped so that the hole appears on the top, rather than the bottom. The bobbin winder shaft usually lies to the right of your spool pin. As you place the bobbin on its shaft, make sure that the thread wraps around it a bit from the bottom of the bobbin.
The bobbin should now be directly next to a bumper. This bumper helps control the amount of thread wound onto the bobbin.
Note that you should also consider snipping off the excess end from the top of the bobbin after you partially fill the bobbin spool. On some models, this excess thread will even snap on its own. This is true for the Kenmore 158. 1340, 1345, 1350, and 1355. [3] X Research source
On some models, you can push the hand wheel in to tighten the clutch. This is true for the Kenmore 158. 1430, 1431, 1625, 1641, 1940, and 1941. [4] X Research source
The extension table sits at the bottom left front of your machine. It covers the bobbin shuttle, so you’ll need to remove it before you can load the bobbin.
Usually, this embossed handle is located to the left of the cover. On some models, the shuttle door is actually located just to the front of the needle plate and not on the front of the machine. The door will lift up instead of swinging out. This is true for the Kenmore 1222, 1310, 1311, 1322, and 1422. [5] X Research source It’s also true of the 1521, 1560, and 1937. [6] X Research source
Release the latch once the the case is out of the machine.
The tension spring is a little piece held on top of the case with a small screw.
You will usually hear a click when you release the latch. Wiggle the case around to make sure that it has been locked in place.
As mentioned previously, the spool pin will be vertical for most models, but some models do use a horizontal spool pin.
You should hold the spool stationary with your right hand while threading this part of the machine. Doing so keeps the thread sufficiently taut and prevents the threading from accidentally coming loose.
For most models from the Kenmore 158 series and 385 series, there will be a tension knob at the bottom of your first thread path. There are hidden tension discs in between this knob and the machine, and you will need to wrap the thread around the bottom of this knob to insert it in between these tension discs. For other models, there will be a tension area with a check spring holder located near the front bottom of the machine instead of a tension knob. You will need to wrap the thread around the check spring holder from the back. This is the case for the Kenmore 385. 11607 and 12714 models,[8] X Research source as well as several other models from the 385 series. Note that on the Kenmore 117. 591, the thread guides and all corresponding parts are located on the left side of the machine and not on the front. The threading process essentially remains the same, though. [9] X Research source This is also true of several other models, including the Kenmore 28, 29, 40, 1100, 1101, and 1102. [10] X Research source
You should be able to release the spool at this point.
This second thread guide will look like a small horizontal pin.
Note that if the eye of the needle faces side-to-side instead of front-and-back, thread the needle from the left side to the right side. [11] X Research source
Make sure that the presser foot has been raised before doing this.
Leave a tail of thread roughly 3 to 4 inches (7. 5 to 10 cm) long for both the top thread and bobbin thread.
