Kenmore 385.101118 Owner's Manual page 39

PROBLEM
Irregular Stitches
Breaking Needle
Bunching of Thread
Puckering
PROBABLE CAUSE
Incorrect size needle.
I mproper th reading.
Loose upper thread tension.
Pulling fabric.
Loose presser foot.
Unevenly wound bobbin.
Nicks or burrs at hole of needle plate.
Pulling fabric.
Incorrect size needle.
Incorrect setting of needle.
Loose presser foot.
Upper and lower threads not drawn back
under presser foot before starting seam.
Incorrect thread tension(s).
Using two different sizes or kinds of thread.
Bent or blunt needle.
Loose presser foot.
Fabric too sheer or too soft.
CORRECTION
Choose correct size needle for thread and fabric.
Rethread machine.
Tighten upper thread tension.
Do not pull fabric; guide it gently.
Reset presser foot.
Rewind bobbin.
Replace needle plate, or polish off burrs completely.
Do not pull fabric; guide it gently.
Choose correct size needle for thread and fabric.
Reset needle,
Reset presser foot.
When starting a seam be sure to draw both threads under and
back of presser foot about 4" and hold until a few stitches are
formed.
Reset thread tension(s).
Upper thread and bobbin thread should be same size and kind.
Insert new needle.
Reset presser foot.
Use underlay of tissue paper.
37