Have you ever wanted to sew a beautiful patchwork quilt but your Kenmore sewing machine just wouldn’t cooperate? Chances are all it needs is an adjustment to the feed dogs.

The feed dogs are what pull the fabric through underneath the needle, so if they’re too high or too low, your stitch will look terrible. Knowing how to adjust feed dogs on your Kenmore sewing machine is essential if you want professional-looking stitches.

In this article, I’ll show you how to adjust feed dogs on Kenmore sewing machine quickly and easily! I’ll also share a few helpful tips that anyone with a Kenmore should find useful.

Related Topic: How to Thread a Deluxe Zig Zag Sewing Machine (Step-by-Step Guide)

What are Feed Dogs?

Feed dogs are the metal teeth that protrude from the bed of a sewing machine and help to move the fabric through the machine. They work in conjunction with the presser foot, which is a metal plate that presses down on top of the fabric as it moves through the machine. When adjusted correctly, feed dogs and presser foot work together to create even stitches and a professional-looking finish.

Plus, if properly adjusted, the right tension will prevent puckering or unwanted gathering of fabric when operating the machine.

Types of Feed Dogs

Every sewing machine model has a different set of feed dogs. Depending on your sewing machine, you might have a double or triple set of feed dogs.

The main difference between the two types is that double-feed dogs are better suited for straight stitch patterns whereas triple-feed dogs are excellent when working with zigzag and decorative stitches.

On modern Kenmore sewing machines, the feed dogs can be adjusted according to your needs and preferences. With the help of dials and levers, you can lower them too close to the needle plate or raise them up so there is more fabric underneath the presser foot.

This type of flexibility will allow you to get creative with your stitching! If you ever need help adjusting your feed dogs, make sure to consult your user manual for detailed instructions on how to do it.

Why Adjust Feed Dogs?

When you are learning to sew, the first step is knowing how to adjust feed dogs on Kenmore sewing machines. But why is adjusting the feed dogs so important?

The answer lies in the fact that the feed dogs are the two metal pieces covering the needle plate on your sewing machine. The job of these metal plates is to pull thread and fabric through your machine as you sew.

If they are not correctly adjusted they won’t function correctly, which ruins your stitches and creates uneven seams, puckering, and skipped stitches. So it’s essential that you learn how to adjust them when starting out with a new Kenmore sewing machine.

This will ensure you get even and consistent stitches every time you sew!

How to Adjust the Feed Dogs on a Kenmore Sewing Machine

1. Locate the Feed Dog Lever: The first step to adjusting the feed dogs on a Kenmore sewing machine is to locate the feed dog lever. This lever is usually located at the back of your machine and can be identified by its distinctive shape.
2. Raise or Lower the Lever: Once you have located the feed dog lever, you can adjust it according to your needs. To raise the feed dogs, simply move the lever up until they are in their highest position. To lower them, move the lever down until they are in their lowest position.
3. Test Your Settings: After you have adjusted your feed dogs, it’s important to test them out before continuing with your project. Place some fabric underneath the presser foot and start stitching – if everything looks good then you’re all set!
4. Adjust as Needed: Depending on what type of stitch you’re working with, you may need to adjust your feed dogs multiple times throughout a project. If this is necessary, make sure to take note of any changes so that you can easily replicate them for future projects!

Troubleshooting Tips for Adjusting Feed Dogs

1. Check the Sewing Machine Oil: If you’re having trouble adjusting the feed dogs on your Kenmore sewing machine, make sure to check that it is properly oiled. This will ensure that all of the moving parts are working correctly and can help prevent any issues with the feed dogs.
2. Check the Bobbin Thread: Another common issue when adjusting feed dogs is tangled bobbin thread. Make sure to check that your bobbin thread is free from knots or tangles before attempting to adjust the feed dogs.
3. Test on a Piece of Fabric: Before making any adjustments, it’s important to test them out on a piece of fabric first. This will give you an idea of how they will work in practice and can help you troubleshoot any potential problems before they become an issue.
4. Consult Your User Manual: If you’re still having trouble adjusting your feed dogs, make sure to consult your user manual for detailed instructions on how to do it correctly. This should provide you with all of the information you need to get your machine running smoothly again.

Kenmore Sewing Machine Models with Adjustable Feed Dogs

The Kenmore 385.1684180

This model is a great choice for those looking for an adjustable feed dog feature. This model has a drop-in bobbin and adjustable stitch length, as well as adjustable feed dogs that can be raised or lowered to accommodate different fabric types and thicknesses. The machine also includes a built-in needle threader, making it easy to get started on your projects quickly and easily.

The Kenmore 12 Stitch 

It is another great option for those looking for an adjustable feed dog feature. This model has twelve built-in stitches, including zigzag, blind hem, stretch, overlock, and buttonhole stitches. It also features an automatic needle threader and adjustable stitch length and width settings. Plus, the adjustable feed dogs make it easy to adjust the tension of the fabric while you’re stitching.

The Kenmore 19110

It is a computerized sewing machine model that is perfect for those who want a more advanced machine with adjustable feed dogs. This model features a built-in LCD screen, allowing you to easily select from the nineteen built-in stitches and adjust the stitch length and width settings. Plus, it has an adjustable presser foot pressure setting and adjustable feed dogs for precise stitching on any type of fabric.

How to Adjust Feed Dogs in Vintage Sewing Machines?

Adjusting the feed dogs in a vintage sewing machine can be quite a challenge. Especially because there’s not much written about adjusting feed dogs in these machines!

The first step is to locate and remove the needle plate and check for any screws or other fasteners holding down the feed dog assembly. If any are present, unscrew them and remove the feed dogs.

After removing the Feed Dogs, you should use a screwdriver to adjust your machine’s feed dog height. Adjust the screw(s) so that the top of the Feed Dogs is even with or slightly above the surface of your sewing machine bedplate.

Once they have been adjusted, you’ll need to re-install them by reversing any steps taken to remove them earlier, including replacing any screws or other fasteners as necessary. Finally, re-attach the needle plate using small screws if needed.

How to Replace Damaged Feed Dogs Of a Kenmore Sewing Machine?

1. Unscrew the Needle Plate: To replace the damaged feed dogs on a Kenmore sewing machine, you will need to first unscrew the needle plate from the machine. This can usually be done with a Phillips head screwdriver.
2. Remove the Feed Dogs: Once you have removed the needle plate, you will be able to access and remove the feed dogs. Carefully remove them from their slots in the machine bedplate and set them aside for later use.
3. Purchase Replacement Feed Dogs: You will need to purchase replacement feed dogs that are compatible with your Kenmore sewing machine model. These can usually be found online or at your local fabric store.
4. Install New Feed Dogs: Once you have purchased new feed dogs, carefully install them into their slots in the machine bedplate and make sure they are securely fastened in place before replacing the needle plate.
5. Test Your Machine: After replacing your feed dogs, it is important to test your machine to ensure everything is working properly before beginning any projects with it.

Considerations When Adjusting the Feed Dogs

• Drop of Sewing Machine: Before adjusting the feed dogs, make sure to drop the sewing machine’s presser foot so that the needle is not in contact with the fabric. This will help ensure that you don’t accidentally damage your fabric while adjusting the feed dogs.
• Normal Sewing Mode: Make sure to set your sewing machine to its normal sewing mode before making any adjustments to the feed dogs. This will help ensure that all settings are correct and that you won’t have any issues when stitching.
• Tangles Thread: If you find that your thread is tangling or bunching up, it could be a sign that your feed dog height needs to be adjusted. Try raising or lowering them slightly until you get a smooth stitch pattern on your piece of scrap fabric.
• Piece of Scrap Fabric: When testing out different feed dog heights, use a piece of scrap fabric instead of your project fabric so that you can easily adjust and test without damaging any material.
• Upper tension: Adjusting the upper tension disc on your machine can also affect how well the feed dogs work with certain fabrics and threads, so make sure to test out different settings if you are having trouble getting the desired stitch pattern.

Maintenance of Feed Dogs

The maintenance of feed dogs is essential for a properly functioning sewing machine. Feed dogs are the small metal teeth that help guide the fabric through the machine as it stitches. To ensure that your feed dogs remain in good condition, there are a few steps you should take to maintain them.

Types of Grease: The first step in maintaining your feed dogs is to use the correct type of grease on them. Most sewing machines come with an accessory box containing different types of grease specifically designed for use on feed dogs. Make sure to read the instructions carefully before applying any grease to avoid damaging your machine.

Feed Dog Switch: Another important step in maintaining your feed dogs is to make sure that the feed dog switch is set correctly. This switch controls how far down the needle plate will drop when stitching, so it’s important to make sure it’s set correctly for optimal performance.

Bobbin Casing: It’s also important to check and clean out your bobbin casing regularly as this can affect how well your feed dogs work. Make sure to remove any lint or debris from inside the casing and replace any worn or damaged parts if necessary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, adjusting the feed dogs of a Kenmore sewing machine can be a simple process that can help improve the overall performance of your machine. To adjust the feed dogs, you will need to locate the feed dog lever or knob and raise or lower it as needed.

You may also need to clean and lubricate the feed dogs to ensure they are functioning properly. It is important to refer to your sewing machine’s manual for specific instructions on how to adjust the feed dogs as the process may vary depending on the model of your machine.

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