My wife and I are having an issue with our Kenmore model 158.16021 sewing machine. The stitch length knob is not doing anything.
We’re not sure what it’s supposed to move inside the machine here, but it just spins this little shaft and doesn’t appear to do much. We noted that the dial goes to zero, but the “selection” of the knob stops at 1.
I made sure everything I could reasonably get to was well oiled, free of fuzz, and not seized in any way. The parts all appear to move freely.
What could be causing our issue? Any help is appreciated.
The VECTOR committee has been working on some sewing machines. The chair is @AmeliaG . I’m figuring that she’s currently bogged down with real life, as this is the 2nd sewing question that she hasn’t jumped on.
Greetings. I have several Kenmore 158 machines that I use to teach off-site, but unfortunately not a 1602. There are some sources that might help you: manualslib.com has several Kenmore manuals (and manuals for other makes) available for download for free, including a 158 series tune-up guide. Also “Randy, your sewing machine guy” (he has a mobile repair van in Ft. Worth) on YouTube frequently does some maintenance videos on Kenmores. Also, I second the suggestion to get in touch with VECTOR, there is a group that is learning and restoring vintage and antique sewing machines. You will learn a lot, and more specifically whether you can repair your 1602 yourself, or it is best done by a shop. Hope his helps. Good luck with the repair.