Instruction Manual for Kenmore Sewing Machine Model 158

The Kenmore Sewing Machine Model 158 is a versatile household sewing machine featuring multiple stitch patterns, adjustable stitch length and width, built-in buttonholer, free arm capability, reverse stitching, and variable speed control. This manual covers safety guidelines, machine features, setup instructions, operation procedures, maintenance, and troubleshooting for optimal performance.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Stitch Selection & Patterns 7. Threading & Bobbin Winding 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Accessories 10. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Built-in stitch patterns, free arm, reverse stitch function, bobbin winding system, adjustable presser foot pressure, built-in light, and accessory storage.

Feature	Description
Stitch Patterns	Multiple built-in stitches including straight, zigzag, and decorative
Stitch Length Control	Adjustable from 0-4mm
Stitch Width Control	Adjustable from 0-5mm
Buttonholer	One-step automatic buttonhole
Free Arm	Removable extension table for sewing cuffs and sleeves
Reverse Stitch	Reinforce seams with reverse sewing
Speed Control	Variable speed pedal with slow start
Bobbin System	Drop-in bobbin with clear cover
Presser Feet	Multiple interchangeable feet included
Built-in Light	LED illumination of sewing area

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect all components. Place on stable, level surface.

Remove machine from packaging: Lift carefully from carrying case.
Install foot pedal: Connect to power cord and machine port.
Connect power: Plug into standard 120V AC outlet.
Attach extension table: Snap into place for flat sewing surface.
Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during setup. Ensure stable surface to prevent tipping.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; follow threading diagram.

Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide through tension disc, wind bobbin.
Insert bobbin: Drop bobbin into case with thread moving counterclockwise.
Thread upper needle: Follow numbered guides from spool to needle.
Select stitch: Turn pattern dial to desired stitch.
Test sew: Use scrap fabric to check tension and stitch quality.

CAUTION! Always turn power off when threading needle or changing accessories.

Specifications

Machine Type: Electronic Household Sewing Machine
Stitch Patterns: 10 built-in stitches
Stitch Length: 0-4mm adjustable
Stitch Width: 0-5mm adjustable
Buttonhole: One-step automatic
Speed: Up to 800 stitches per minute
Bobbin: Class 15 transparent
Needle System: HAx1 standard domestic
Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz
Weight: 12.5 lbs (5.7 kg)

Controls and Settings

Main controls: Stitch pattern dial, stitch length dial, stitch width dial, reverse button, power switch.

Stitch Selection: Turn pattern dial to select stitch (straight, zigzag, stretch, decorative). Stitch Length: Adjust for fabric thickness (0-4mm). Stitch Width: Adjust for zigzag and decorative stitches (0-5mm). Reverse: Hold button to reinforce stitching. Tension Control: Adjust upper thread tension (1-9). Presser Foot Pressure: Adjust for fabric type.

Stitch Selection & Patterns

Available stitches: Straight stitch, zigzag stitch, blind hem, stretch stitch, multiple decorative stitches.

Straight Stitch: For basic sewing and seams (length 2.0-2.5mm recommended)
Zigzag Stitch: For finishing edges and stretch fabrics
Blind Hem: For nearly invisible hemming
Decorative Stitches: For embellishment and topstitching
Buttonhole: Automatic one-step buttonhole

Tip: Always test stitch on fabric scrap before sewing project.

Threading & Bobbin Winding

Proper threading is essential for smooth operation.

Upper Threading: Follow numbered guides from spool pin to needle
Bobbin Winding: Place thread on spool pin, through pretension, wind evenly
Bobbin Insertion: Drop into case with thread moving counterclockwise
Thread Drawing: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel to catch bobbin thread
Tension Check: Test on scrap fabric, adjust if necessary

WARNING! Ensure presser foot is raised when threading upper tension.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug machine before cleaning. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

Daily: Brush lint from bobbin area and feed dogs
Weekly: Oil moving parts with sewing machine oil
Monthly: Clean tension discs with soft brush
As needed: Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing

CAUTION! Use only sewing machine oil; never use household oils.

Accessories

Included accessories: Zipper foot, buttonhole foot, blind hem foot, darning plate, seam ripper, needles, bobbins, brush, screwdriver.

Accessory	Use
Zipper Foot	Installing zippers and piping
Buttonhole Foot	Automatic buttonholes
Blind Hem Foot	Nearly invisible hems
Darning Plate	Free-motion sewing and darning
Seam Ripper	Removing stitches

Safety Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Always unplug machine when not in use or during maintenance. Keep fingers away from moving needle. Do not operate with damaged cord. Store in dry location away from children.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread breaking	Incorrect threading/tension	Rethread completely; adjust tension; check for burrs on needle.
Skip stitches	Wrong needle/damaged needle	Replace needle; ensure correct needle type for fabric.
Uneven stitches	Incorrect tension	Adjust upper and bobbin tension; rethread.
Machine jams	Thread buildup	Remove bobbin case; clean area; rethread.
No power	Power connection	Check outlet; ensure power switch on; check foot pedal connection.

Service: Contact authorized Kenmore service center for repairs.

Support: 1-800-xxx-xxxx; www.kenmoresewing.com