Did you hold the thread to the back as you started sewing?

Hi
Can you check out this page to see if there is a solution

My vintage Kenmore Model 95 (158.150) uses drop-in cams to achieve a satin or zigzag stitch and other decorative stitches. I had the machine thoroughly serviced, for $100, before moving out to a rural area. After being stored for a couple of years, I set out to sew, and found that it sews zigzag stitches at the set width, as long as I sew slowly, but as soon as I speed up, the stitch width drops to barely wider than straight. For some reason, the needle holder really only seems to want to sew to one side of center. I have cleaned and lubricated and lubricated and wrapped the machine in an electric blanket to help the lubricants travel and penetrate, but I haven’t solved the problem. Could it be wear, or a damaged part, rather than inadequate lubrication, causing this problem?

Good and helpful

This is almost certainly due to the hand wheel ‘dragging’ on its shaft after the clutch is loosened for bobbin winding. You may need to remove an end cover to expose the motor mount. You need to remove the small knurled inner wheel that you turn to unlock the clutch. This may have an offset screw or a centre screw. Loosen the motor tensioner and remove the drive belt. The hand wheel can then be pulled off the shaft. Clean the shaft and inside the wheel with spirit etc, dry and apply a spot of light oil to the shaft and to the inside of the wheel. Reassemble.

Hi
In my experience, this is a common problem when you sew with thin fabrics. Some machines have it prominently with most fabrics. You will have to hold on to the fabric or use a paper underneath along the edge and other solutions – read this post on sewing with thin fabrics.
Have you tried using a straight stitch needle plate ? this has a narrow hole and chances of the fabric going in is less.
Bestwishes

Hi Pam
Have you look at this post on simple sewing machine repair.

If everything still looks great and is still frozen any ideas what else it could be?

Hi Betty
Obviously it is because of the thickness. Do you have a walking foot? Sewing Thick Fabrics or many layers of fabric with your home sewing machine : 15 tricks

I am sewing a jelly roll into a rug. Made one and no problem. Now I have the machine skipping stitches. Very fustrating. I have changed needles. Cleaned. Sewing on regular material the machine sews ok but sewing the jelly roll it skips stitches
L

I have just recently got a vintage Dial-N-Sew model 516ss made by KOYO machine Industries Osaka Japan. And I can only get it to do zigzag also. Only has 2 dials on the front and both are numbered 1-5 and the smaller one has button hole options. But that is all. No straight stitch option or even shows a zigzag option, that’s just ALL it will do. So is it possible that they just made some machines to do zigzag only?