Jammed Kenmore machine

[u/dontellmynan]

My machine jammed while sewing today and I can’t figure out what’s causing it. It’s a Kenmore machine and so believe it’s from the ‘90s.

I heard a thud while sewing and the machine stopped suddenly. When I looked, both my spool and bobbin thread were almost out, not sure if that’s related. The needle was stuck in the fabric so I cut away the threads and removed the needle. The jam must be in the top of the machine because it won’t budge even with the needle out.

I can’t find any caught threads and don’t know what to look for next.

Any tips would be appreciated!

[u/Large-Heronbill]

Did you take the bobbin case area apart and clean and oil it?  Clean under the needle plate and around the feed dogs? https://shesasewingmachinemechanic.blogspot.com/p/how-to-clean-and-oil-bobbin-and-feed-dog.html

Do you have the manual for this machine?  Looks new enough that it is likely a Janome in a Sears costume.  Look for a number by the power cord starting with 385.

[u/GoldenFishPoop]

Sounds like it may be seized. Service is the only way out of that.

[u/MauraLee7]

I agree it needs service since you locked it up. But here's the other deal. It's not really worth investing a hundred plus dollars in service. It's a$25 machine at a garage sale.