where the bobbin slides into bobbin holder there is a tiny hook race and this is where the top thread is bunching up kenmore
model 385.17026
385.17828

mationmccaslin, August 2007

Run your finger gently over the surface where the thread is bunching and winding. If you feel a burr, take an emery board (like what we use for our nails) and gently grind it off. (Gently! now) If this isn't the problem, it may be you will have to remove that part to check to see if there is lint build-up near the hook race. If you do, oil lightly after the clean-up. I hope this helps!

Susan, December 2009

Hello Mation,
This sounds like a definite tenion problem to begin with, go through these basic things before you go any further, make sure you have the machine threaded correctly and make sure the presser foot is in the up position when you thread the machine so the thread goes between the tension discs, make sure you have the needle in the correct way round, your tension should be set between 4 or 5 normally, when the top of the machine is threaded you should just about be able to pull the thread through the needle with the presser foot down and with your thumb behind the needle just above the eye so youn don't bend the needle, you should just have some resistence, if it pulls through too easily adjust the tensions higher, take the bobbin case out of the machine and have a bobbin in the bobbin case threaded, you should just be able to pull the thread out of the bobbin with some resistence, if it is too loose, adjust the small screw clockwise, if it is very tight slacken the screw off, give this a try first but e-mail me if you get problems.
Ken

drivewithken@blueyonder.co.uk, August 2007