Sears kenmore sewing machine 385.1278180 won't pick up the bobbin thread

SOURCE: Kenmore Sewing Machine model # c877.15

I have an old Kenmore and here are the directions from my manual: 1. Draw thread from spool through bobbin winder tension discs. 2. Wind thread around an empty bobbin several times. 3. Place bobbin onto bobbin winder shaft with thread coming from rear of bobbin. Push bobbin winder latch against bobbin until it clicks. 4. Release clutch by turning clutch knob toward you. Start machine.

SOURCE: instructions for theading a Sears Kenmore Sewing machine model 158.14000

all machines thread the same. TTN tension,take up, needle.
Beginning with the spool, guide the thread through the thread guides to the tension assembly. Pull the thread through the tension assembly and test it to make sure the tension is working correctly.
(To do this test,adjust your tension setting to normal or medium or 5 or something in the middle. Raise the presser foot and pull the thread through the tension. It should pull easily!! Lower the presser foot and pull the thread. It should pull noticeably harder.) If it passes this test, continue up through the take up lever,then down through the thread guides to the needle. Make sure your needle is fully inserted and turned the correct way.( If you load your bobbin case from the left side,the needle rule is normally FLAT to the RIGHT is RIGHT. There are some exceptions. If you have a newer style drop in bobbin or your bobbin case loads in the front then the rule is FLAT to the BACK.

To wind the bobbin, guide the thread around the thread guide on
the left top of your machine, then to the bobbin winder. Wind the thread around the bobbin several times, place the bobbin on top of the bobbin winder, push it against the wheel and press the foot pedal. It should stop winding when the bobbin is full or you take your foot off the control

Sewman7

SOURCE: Kenmore 10 Sewing Machine

kenmore sewing machines relics

SOURCE: bobbin wont catch

Try flipping the bobbin. The thread must come off in a certain direction to work properly.

SOURCE: How do you thread a kenmore sewing machine

Put the bobbin on the short metal stick on top of the machine. Unthread the machine. Put the spool of thread on the tall, left side stick on top of the machine. Take the thread and wrap it counter clockwise around the circular, short, metal thing on the left side of the top of the machine, only 180 degrees. Thread the thread through the hole in the bobbin (which should be on top). Press the bobbin to the right, into the little white thing. Pull the turning wheel on the right side of the machine out. While holding the end of the thread, softly press the presser foot so that the thread goes around the bobbin a few times. After that, cut the end down to the bobbin. Now, press the presser foot down and wind the bobbin until it stops on it's own.