I have a Kenmore sewing machine, model #385.81524. It goes forward, but not in reverse.
By Barb
I'm a Singer person but can answer this one for you - either something is wrapped around the reverse mechanism inside the machine, or the gear is broken.
This is a job for a qualified Kenmore sewing machine repair tech - he/she will have the knowledge and tools to go straight in and sort the problem. Assuming the problem is not the gear (usually isn't but it could happen in which case your cost will go up a little), the repair and servicing (cleaning, oiling, check over for other problems) will cost you around $100.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
My Kenmore 385.17324 no longer stitches in reverse. The lever presses down and springs back up, but the reverse action does not engage. After removing the bottom of the machine and visually inspecting it there was no reverse action. Is this something I can fix? How?
Thank you.
In the past, I had this issue. The thread on the machine broke and when I went to pull it out it got wrapped around the reverse on the machine that stopped the machine from stitching in reverse. You need to open the panel for the light and check inside.
Many times an older machine can snap a small spring or get thread caught that is difficult to find.
Since this is a Kenmore you may be able to get help from a Sears Service Center tech and if it needs a part they will have it.
Be sure to call first as many places are closed right now.
www.service-center-locator.com/
One of the best sewing machine forums online is this one.
When I push in the reverse, the feed dog seems to change, but the stitches look like they are set on zero to 1 and barely move. Everything works going forward. I have oiled and cleaned everything.
When the reverse is being held in, you can watch the gear shaft underneath, and it obviously is not moving as far as it does going forward. Any ideas on what to do next?Open the machine and run a hairdryer to soften up any grease. Then oil. Machines must be used to operate efficiently. Lack of use will cause it to freeze up.
My Janome sewing machine won't sew in reverse. It has perfect stitching forward. It is model 3015. Any suggestions?
This site has a lot of info on these machines.
One of the suggestions was to check to make sure your dials are all set correctly and that it is no buttonhole stitch is selected.
It also recommended if you do all of the basic troubleshooting, to call their service desk for additional guidance (the link
PS...I always go right to the horse's mouth so to speak before trying anything other than the basics...machines are expensive and I would rather be penny wise safe than pound foolish monkeying with it myself. I have had too many expensive DYI nightmares...so that is why I preach call the company!
Thanks for listening!!! Hope this helps!!
The reverse button on my Singer model 478, does not respond.
You may have a broken spring under the button
My Elna 3007 became temperamental at sewing in reverse some years ago. On occasion, I will need to push the button more than once in order to make it sew in reverse. Just recently, it stopped sewing in reverse completely. So I inspected the bobbin case and area and cleaned quite a bit of lint out of it. It began to sew in reverse again. I thought it was fixed. Now, a week later, it no longer sews in reverse.
A 'broken' gear on a modern electric doesn't mean the same thing as a 'broken' gear on a sewing machine built when all parts were made from cast iron and steel. 'Modern' electric sewing machine have a number of gears made from rubber, silicone, and plastic - if the teeth on those gears are worn just a bit the teeth will catch if there is enough of the synthetic material left on several teeth - the stop-start motion in sewing will force the wornish bits on until the remaining teeth catch.
Bottom line is - your gear is going/gone and you need to take your machine to a repair tech.
My 48k58 old Singer sewing machine won't go in reverse, any ideas?
I would oil around the button or lever that makes it go in reverse as a first step.
My 2yr old Elna Experience 580 has a reverse sewing button. When I use it all that happens is the needle moves extremely slowly. What can I do to solve this!
I have a Kenmore 385.15358 sewing machine that doesn't reverse stitch anymore. When I push the reverse button it actually pushes to the inside of the machine. I took it apart and the only thing I can think of is that it needs a new spring. The spring is loose and not tight fitting around the shaft.
Am I correct in assuming this is the problem? And where do I get a replacement part? I contacted Sears and they could only send me to the maker of the machine. I haven't heard from them yet.If the reverse stitch assembly is broken, it is a complex job and should be taken care of by a professional.
You can take the panel off and see if the area needs cleaning or has a loose screw. That you can handle yourself.
Check all your screws on the outside especially near the reverse level, tighten them up. (As a first step)
it may be the spring but has it been oiled recently? Just a drop of sewing machine oil (only) can make a big difference.
Just in case you no longer have a manual (some diagrams could help):
www.manualsworld.net/
My Kenmore model 385 sewing machine won't go in reverse. What could be my problem? Serial # 51006274.
Thanks!
It's a broken gear inside your machine - this isn't a home fix. You need to take your machine to a qualified sewing machine repair tech.
I do repair-refurbs on my Sewing 101 student's machines, mainly Singers but some of the other brands as well. Please believe me - the problem with your machine isn't something you can take care of yourself at home, it requires access to parts, the tools (specialised) to do the work, and the hideously expensive service manual with all the information needed to perform the repair.
No necessarily a broken gear. I just fixed my Kenmore 385 that had quit sewing in reverse. The mechanism just froze up from lack of use. Take the bottom off the machine to expose the mechanism, push the reverse button several times while studying the workings. If you do not use the machine much, it is likely just froze up. You have nothing to lose by checking it out.
I was having the same issue. Reverse would work sort of and then I saw this. Works fine now. Thanks for that information.
My New Home sewing machine (circa 1990) will not sew in reverse when I hold the lever down? Any ideas on how to fix this?
You might need to lubricate the shaft. Look at your owner manual to see where it is located. You probably will have to unscrew some of the outer pieces to get to it.
If you have the model number of your machine you may be able to find a YouTube video that might help you find your problem.
Most likely you will need to take the plate off so you can reach the shaff.
If you are not sure you can do this type of repair you will probably have to take it to a repair shop.
I have had good luck finding honest dependable repair people by talking with staff at Michael's or Jo Ann's but you may want to Google New Home sewing machine repairs with your zip to find someone in your area.
Can you see where the reverse bar goes when you switch from straight to reverse? If you can see it, you may see there is gunk there that prevents it from fully engaging. Take a small brush and carefully sweep away not into but away from the machine--all the dust and any gunk you see. Usually this resolves it. Dust and thread bits are the most common culprit when things stop working...especially if it will still sew forward, but not back or vice versa.
I have a 3856-17628 Kenmore sewing machine and it does not reverse for me. Is there something I can fix? Is there a video out there somewhere?
Remove the cover so that you can see inside the machine. Clean out all the thread and pieces of fabric that may be preventing the machine from going in reverse. Then oil it. If that does not work you may have a broken gear or lever and the machine will have to be serviced.
Oiling the linkage in that area should help free up the reverse mechanism.
Maybe some of this will help.
From a fellow sewer:
Not necessarily a broken gear. I just fixed my Kenmore 385 that had quit sewing in reverse. The mechanism just froze up from lack of use. Take the bottom off the machine to expose the mechanism, push the reverse button several times while studying the workings. If you do not use the machine much, it is likely just froze up. You have nothing to lose by checking it out.
Here is a site that explains how to take the covers off.
howtomendit.com/
Here is a link to very similar model manual. maybe something here will help you - it is in several languages so if you print it be sure to just print the pages you need.
homeappliance.manualsonline.com/
I have an Elna 3005 sewing machine that won't stitch in reverse. Any tips?
Your gear is worn or broken. You will have to take it in for repair.
My Singer 247 won't go into reverse stitching. I took off the knobs, but cannot see why it won't work. Nothing seems broken. I oiled it. Any ideas?
I would make sure no thread or fabric is jamming it. You could also have a broken gear or lever, and you might need a repairman.
Here is a suggestion from a fellow sewer:
Not necessarily a broken gear. I just fixed my Kenmore 385 that had quit sewing in reverse. The mechanism just froze up from lack of use. Take the bottom off the machine to expose the mechanism, push the reverse button several times while studying the workings. If you do not use the machine much, it is likely just froze up. You have nothing to lose by checking it out.
The reverse lever on the front of my Sears Kenmore 158. 14301 sewing machine has 'frozen up' and will not move! I have completely oiled it, as it has been setting for over a year with no use on it. Never once in the past did that lever not work!
The machine works fine, just can't reverse stitch. I have seen a lot of Kenmore machines for sale "as is" with that lever broken off of the front as they must have tried to turn it with a pliers, or hit it with a hammer! I will not do that, so I am asking: 'What can I do'? It seems like a problem that has happened to a lot of other models that have the lever on the front.
Help, please!
You might want to use some compressed air on it. This article has some other suggestions www.ehow.com/
My New Home sw2018e will not go into reverse.
Sorry your question went unnoticed but maybe an answer will help someone else with the same type of question.
Your New Home (Janome) may need special cleaning or sometimes you have to hold a lever down. I am not familiar with this particular machine so I have furnished a link to a site that will answer your question. Just complete the form with your information and someone will answer your question in the space provided (this is a free service).
www.fixya.com/
Here is a link for a free manual just in case you do not have yours.
www.manualslib.com/
www.manualslib.com/
Seems like every other time I get ready to sew my back up button quits working and I have to take it in to be serviced. Surely this is something I can easily fix at home.
It might be an easy home fix depending on your machine. However, buying the service manual for your machine will cost you eye-watering triple digits, or more if the machine is a computer machine.
I do vintage repairs and refurbs here in Scotland where I live now and I can only think of two reasons why you have to keep taking your machine for the same repair.
One, that you have a vintage machine the repair tech is having to put 'salvage' parts on (because many vintage machine parts are no longer milled) - and that's something I've stopped doing as I never know how many sewing hours are on that salvage part, or what conditions the machine (and part) endured. Parts can look just great (usually because someone spent 10-20 minutes 'super-cleaning' it) but who can ever know the truth about that part?
The only other reason for the repeat failure is the tech you're using is either dishonest (uses salvage parts without telling you, and/or wants to be sure you have to come back regularly) or thick as mince. The tech either isn't really fixing your machine (no part fails repeatedly without a reason, and honest techs WILL hunt down the reason, then share that info with you), and thick ones are, well, too thick to do a proper job in the first place.
Also, if there is a logical reason the part continues to fail, a responsible tech will talk to you about it - asking you if you have a sentimental attachment to the machine that means you're happy with constant repair visit. If you haven't an attachment to the machine, a good tech will try to encourage you to 'upgrade' to a good condition refurb, or a new, under warranty machine.
Try a different tech in a completely different shop, and ask if the tech will show you what is happening to cause the repeat failures. Many (like myself) will even teach you how to do the repair yourself - for one, we who pride ourselves on our work want to keep home sewers sewing (I teach Sewing 101:), we love sharing knowledge, and we know if we work with our sewers, the sewers will trust us for the really big fixes that aren't suitable for home DIY repairs - the sort of repairs that require access to our hideously expensive service manuals and nearly as hideously expensive tool bag/box/bench equipment.
Best luck - please update when you find a solution one way or another!
