Kenmore 385. 17928 Owner's Manual
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Kenmore 385. 17928 Owner's Manual

Kenmore 385. 17928 Owner's Manual

Sears sewing machine user manual
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OWNER'S MANUAL
SEWING
MACHINE
MODEL 385.
17928

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Summary of Contents for Kenmore KENMORE 385. 17928

  • Page 1 OWNER'S MANUAL SEWING MACHINE MODEL 385. 17928...
  • Page 2 •=:= • ... , ... == ... SEARS, ROEBUCK Dear CustomeP: have just invested in a very fine zigzag sewing machine. please pause for a moment and carefully read this booklet and care for your machine. Specific instructions are given on threading,...
  • Page 3 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Your sewing machine is designed and constructed only for HOUSEHOLD Read all instruction before using this sewing machine. DA NG ER- ,o.uo0 the risk of electric An appliance should never be left unattended when unplug this appliance...
  • Page 4 KNOW THE MACHINE SECTION A Portable Case or Cabinet is Avialble Locate and Identify the Parts Identify the Accessories PREPARE THE MACHINE FOR SEWING SECTION Set Up the Machine • Plug in the Machine and Switch on the Power • Foot Control Use ...
  • Page 5 Sears retail store through general catalog. Another option . . . buy a Carrying Case . . . then your Kenmore goes anywhere, stored any- where. Thread Tension Control Face Cover Plate...
  • Page 6 Arm Cover Plate Hand Wheel Push-Pull Clutch Stitch Selector Stretch Stitch Adjuster Light Power Switch Plug Co0nector Carrying Handle Presser Foot Thumb Screw Presser Foot Presser Foot Lever Free Arm Drop Feed Lever Nomenclature Plate Foot Control Thread Guide Needle Clamp Snap-on Button...
  • Page 7 Bobbin Buttonhole opener Large screw driver Small screw driver Straight Zipper foot stitch foot Needle set Additional spool Spool pin felt > Siiding buttonhole foot Lint brush Small spool holder Large spool holder Satin stitch foot...

  • Page 8: Plug In The Machine And Switch On The Power

    • Plug in the Machine and Switch on the Power Power supply plug Power Plug connector Machine plug NOTE: Before inserting plug into your machine, be sure power switch OFF. Check your outlet to be sure it is a 110to Volt AC outlet.

  • Page 9: Set The Pressure Dial

    Set the Pressure Dial Pressure control dial Set the dial aligning the setting mark on the dial with most sewing applique and Cut-Out work sewing chiffon, lace, organdy and other lightweight Also for velours and knits (with more stretch). manual darning and embroidery NOTE:...

  • Page 10: Adjust The Presser Foot Lever

    Set Up the Machine (Continued) • Adjust the Presser Foot Lever ,Normal up position J I F jHigh I I _-_ P°siti°n position _--I-----rt--'r_', _ \ _!_._._ ' ,?,. _ \ Normal up "_t_" position \ Presser foot lever Presser Foot Lever raises and lowers your...
  • Page 11 Accessory Storage Box The lid of the accessory storage lifts open toward you. Sewing accessories are conveniently located in the box. Free-Arm Sewing: the Removable Extension Table To remove: To Remove the Extension Table (for free-arm sewing) Grip the table with your index...
  • Page 12 Stitching sleeves, waistbands, pants legs, or any circular garment area. Darning socks or mending knees, elbows, or areas of wear in children's clothes. Sewing bu_ons on sleeves, wd _Lud d_, etc.

  • Page 13: Check The Presser Foot

    • Check the PresserFoot The Presser feet are an important feature of this machine. what each foot does in order to use them effectively. Your presser foot is held in place by a Foot Holder. snaps on the foot holder, which is seldom removed.
  • Page 14 • Change the Presser Foot (Continued) To Snap On To Snap On the Presser Foot: Place the presser foot so the hori- zontal the foot lies just under groove foot holder. Lower the presser foot holder lock the presser foot in place. NOTE: hear presser...
  • Page 15 • Presser Foot Types (Continued) Sliding Buttonhole Foot Sliding buttonhole foot this foot buttonholes built-in measure your system. is marked buttonholes accurately. Uses: Buttonhole making (see page 55). :Zipper Foot E: Zipper foot This foot can be set to sew on each side your zipper.

  • Page 16: Check The Needle

    Choose _e Needle and Thread Your choice of needle and thread depends on the fabric In the needle case, you will find the following color-coded Blue (1 1) ... for stretch fabrics Orange (11 ) ... for lightweight fabrics Red (14) for medium or medium-heavy Purple...

  • Page 17: Fabric, Needle, Thread And Stitch Length Chart

    Fabric, Needle, Thread and Stitch Length Chart NEEDLE FABRIC SIZE COLOR Lightweight: Polyester Batiste, Dimity, Chiffon, Wrap 11-ORANGE Silks, Fine Lace, Organza, Fine Mercerized Crepe, Taffeta, Voile, Silk Or9andy Medium Weight: Cotton, Cotton Blends, 50 Mercerized Percale, Gingham, Polyester 14-RED Shantung, Pique, Wrap...

  • Page 18: To Remove The Bobbin From The Machine

    • To Remove the Bobbin from the Machine cover Plate Take out the bobbin. Remove sliding hook cover plate release button to the right. • Additional Spool Pin • Horizontal Spool Pin Ordinary Spool Small Spool Tilt up the spool pin.

  • Page 19: Horizontal Spool Pin

    • Bobbin Winding Additional Spool Pin Horizontal Spool Pin ® Pull the clutch knob away from the machine Draw the thread from the spool. Guide the thread around the bobbin winder Insert the thread through the hole in the bobbin, Put the bobbin on the bobbin winding...

  • Page 20: Insert The Bobbin Into The Bobbin Holder

    • Insert the Bobbin into the Bobbin Holder bobbin into bobbin Pull holder that the thread feeds toward counter-clockwise (left). slot _. about inches thread Then pull through the tension toward back of the machine through the slot thread clockwise 4.

  • Page 21: Thread The Needle

    Prepare the Top Thread • Thread the Needle The numbered steps above follow the numbers on the illustrations. Dotted lines show places where thread loops and then is pulled tight. Raise the take-up lever to its highest position by turning Raise the presser foot lever.

  • Page 22: Pick Up The Bobbin Thread

    Prepare the Top Thread (Continued) • Pick Up the Bobbin Thread Raise presser foot lever. Hold Bring bobbin needle thread loosely in left hand top thread, rotate hand wheel toward you one complete turn. thread up by pulling Pull both threads under and to the back of the presser foot, leaving 4 to 6 inches of thread clear.
  • Page 23 • Adjust the Top Thread Tension Top side_f fabric Setting mark Top- thread Tighten obbin thread For Straight Stitch ideal straight stitch will have threads locked between fabric, as shown above, magnified to show detail. If you look at the stitch, front and back, you will gaps, that each stitch...
  • Page 24 For Zigzag Stitch In the correct zigzag stitch, the bobbin threads will of fabric and the top threads will show slightly on the bottom below for the correct appearance. To match this appearance, tension. Top tension Top tension Too Tight Too Loose Top side of Fabric Top side of Fabric...

  • Page 25: Stitch Selector

    Guide messagewindow Red indicator The stitch selector cunbul determines the stitch you select. Simply turn this control until the desired stitch is indicated The bottom row of stitches is selected when the stitch Suitable width, stitch length and foot are shown in the guide message window.

  • Page 26: Stitch Width Control

    k.. , The stitch width control regulates the width The stitch of the stitch you select. of stitch, The higher the number, the wider the stitch. The higher 0 means no feed. width The " " is the maximum select twin needle stitches.
  • Page 27 Reverse To reverse stitch, hold down this con- trol during sewing. Release to sew forward again. Now that you are familiar with the controls on your are ready to start to sew with your new Kenmore each time you sit down to sew: Inspect the needle.
  • Page 28 Stitch Stitch Foot and Other Attach. Selection STRAIGHT Straight Zigzag Zipper foot STRAIGHT Straight Zigzag STRETCH ZIGZAG Satin Zigzag RICK-RACK Zigzag STRETCH BLIND Zigzag STITCH Stitch Thread Stitch Needle Tension Width Length Check Regular Chart Zone darning, on p. 15 Check Brown Use on knits...
  • Page 29 Stitch Stitch Foot and Other Attach. Selection OVERCAST Zigzag STRETCH <:l, "--2, THREE-STEP Zigzag ZIGZAG < SMOCKING Zigzag STITCH Satin SHELL STITCH SERGING Zigzag Thread Stitch Stitch Needle Tension Width Length Check Brown Use for swimwear, Stretch Chart garments that require stretch. Stitch on p.
  • Page 30 St hox Foot and Other Attach. Zigzag STITCHING ELASTIC Zigzag STR ETCH FAGOTING Zigzag r" STRETCH Zigzag PATCHING TWO-POINT SHELL Zigzag STITCHING > > Thread Stitch Stitch Needle Tension Length Width Check Use for overlapping Chart Zone on p. 1.55 Check Brown Use for applying...
  • Page 31 Stitch Stitch Foot and Other Attach. Selection HERRING BONE Zigzag STRETCH TWO-POINT Zigzag BOX STITCH r.._ OVEREDGE Zigzag STITCH Satin DECORATIVE GEOMETRICS STRETCH Zigzag STITCH DECORATIVE Thread Stitch Stitch Needle Tension Width Length Brown Check Use as hemming Chart Stretch and draperies.
  • Page 32 Stitch Stitch Foot and Other Attach. Selection BUTTONHOLE Sliding buttonhole Buttonhole attachment > TWIN NEEDLE Zigzag STITCHES SATIN STITCH Satin Thread Stitch Stitch Needle Tension Length Width Check Blue Blue Chart Zone Zone on p. 1.55 Check Chart on p. 15 Twin Needle Brown...

  • Page 33: Use The Seam Guides

    • Straight Stitch Stitch width control 0 the Machine Top thread tension control 2 to 6 Stitch length control red Before sewing zone foot, always control needle. °it,It ))' Raise the presser foot. Raise A: Zigzag foot position. Stretch Stitch Place a stitching H: Straight foot...

  • Page 34: Dropping The Feed Dogs

    • Dropping the Feed Dogs Illll_ 4_11 The drop feed lever is located underneath the free back side of the machine. dogs, push raise feed dropping lever direction push the lever in the direction the arrow as illustrated. of the arrow Then turn the handwheel.
  • Page 35 • Topstitching Set the Machine Stitch width control 213 4 Top thread tension Stitch length control 2 to 6 control red Here's How zone Lower Keep foot. Guide the fabric A: Zigzag foot Stretch Stitch edge to topstitching _,. H: Straight foot The Stitch and Its Uses Topstitching...
  • Page 36 • Sew in a Zipper Put the top sides of the fabric together of the zipper Fabric Preparation: opening. Use the reverse to lock stitches. zipper opening with stitch length at "4" and top thread tension at "3". Top thread control 2 to 6 End of opening...
  • Page 37 8. Open t hezipper. 10. Close fabric 9. Lower t hepresser footandstitch therest o ftheseam. of fabric Top side of fabric To side "_ Top side of fabric zipper turn Remove zipper top side up. attach the presser pins on the zipper Stitch across and below...

  • Page 38: Basic Zigzag

    • Basic Zigzag Stitch width control 1 to 5 Set the Machine Top tnread tension Stitch length control 3 to 8 control red zone Here's IL ))' There are many stitch. Consult detailed directions. Stretch Stitch Satin Stitch Applique Work page 3_88, Bar Tacking A: Zigzag foot Monogramming...

  • Page 39: Satin Stitch

    Satin Stitch Set the Machine Stitch width control 2 to 2|3_4 Top thread tension control 3 to 8 Stitch length control 0.5 to 1 Stretch Stitch F: Satin stitch foot 1 or2 Pressure dial The Stitch and Its Uses The Satin stitch is a versatile and often used decorative...

  • Page 40: Applique

    Zigzag Stitches (Continued) • Applique Set the Machine Stitch width control 2 to 5 213 4 Top thread tension control 2 _o 6 Stitch length 0.5 _o 1 control Baste joiner) applique Stitch around sure needle arlna Stretch Stltch & F: Satin stitch t When sewing foot...

  • Page 41: Embroidery

    Embroidery Set the Machine Stitch width controL 1 to 5 7_13_4 Top thread tension Stitch length control control 2 to 6 Any number (not necessary to adjust) Here's 1. Drop the feed dogs (see page 32). 2. Remove foot 3. Adjust (see page 24).

  • Page 42: Sewa Button

    Sew a Button Set the Machine Stitch width control Must be adjusted t 213 4 Top thread tension control 2 to 6 Stitch length control Any number (not necessary to adjust) Drop the feed dogs (see page 32). Match 0L\ ))" foot.

  • Page 43: Overcasting Stitch

    Overcasting Stitch Set the Machine Stitch width control 3 to 5 213 4 "5 Top thread tension control 3 to 8 Stitch length control red zone Helpful Hints Start overcasting raw corner right at the edge, the fabric Stretch Stitch tangled.

  • Page 44: Blind Hemming

    • Blind Hemming Set the Machine Stitch width control 2 to 3 Light Weight Fabric Top thread tension control 2 to 6 Stitch length control red zone Heavy Weight Fabric Finsih Measure, Stretch Stitch NOTF: Fold the material A: Zigzag foot Place garment zigzag stitch After...

  • Page 45: Lacework

    LaceWork Set the Machine Stitch width control 2 to 3 t 213 4 Top thread tension control 2 to 6 t" Stretch Stitch Lace adds a fanciful, blouses Zigzag foot pillows when trimmed Turn raw edge of fabric 5/8". Place lace underneath stitch using blind Trim excess fabric...

  • Page 46: Three-Step Zigzag

    • Three-Step Zigzag Set the Machine Stitch width control 5 1 213 • Top thread tension control 2 to 6 Stitch length to 1 control Seam Finishing Place the fabric so that the edge will the right hand Guide stitches fall at the edge of the fabirc. Stretch Stitch Zigzag foot The Stitch...

  • Page 47: Shell Stitching

    • Shell Stitching Set the Machine Stitch width control 3 to 5 Top thread tension control 4 to 9 Stitch length control red Here's How zone For best effect: Stretch Stitch clear Satin stitch foot If you The Stitch and Its Uses space the rows 5/8"...

  • Page 48: Fagoting Stitch

    Fagoting Stitch Set the Machine Stitch width control 5 Top thread tension control 3 to 8 Stitch len_lth control 0.5 to 2 Here's How 'Fold and press. tear-away Stretch Stitch so the edge on each side. A: Zigzag foot The Stitch and Its Uses Use this stitch...

  • Page 49: Two-Point Box Stitch

    Two-point Box Stitch Set the Machine Stitch width control 3 to 5 Top thread tension control 3 to 8 Stitch length control This stitch fabrics. Stretch Stitch Zigzag foot Overedging Stitch Set the Machine Stitch control 't 213 Top thread tension control 3 to 8...
  • Page 50 Decorate with Geometric Patterns Set the Machine Top thread tension control 3 to 8 F: Satin stitch foot The Stitches and Their Uses These stitches are purely decorative. can sew one row or several or vary the stitch special effects. Experiment on a scrap of fabric to see what special effects...

  • Page 51: Straight Stretch

    • Straight Stretch Stitch width control 0 Top thread tension control 2 to 6 Stitch length control brown stretch stitch position A: Zigzag foot Stretch Stitch stretch actually stretch H: Straight foot sewn, The Stitch and Its Uses forward (sometimes This stitch is the stretch...

  • Page 52: Overcast Stretch Stitching

    • Overcast Stretch Stitching Set the Machine Stitch width control 3 to 5 Top thread tension Stitch length control 2 to 6 control brown stretch stitch position Here's How Place the raw edge the LEFT Stitch so the needle pierces the fabric iiict _hnrt Stretch Stitch...

  • Page 53: Serging Or Pine Leaf Stretch Stitching

    • Serging or Pine Leaf Stretch Stitching Set the Machine Stitch width control 3 to 5 Top thread tension Stitch length' control 3 to 6 control brown stretch stitch position Here's How Place foot so that over the edge. NOTE: Stretch Stitch The Stitch and Its Uses...

  • Page 54: Stretch Patching

    Stretch Patching Set the Machine Stitch width control ---J 3_4..5 Top thread tension control 2 to 6 Stitch length, control brown stretch stitch • position The Stitch patching knees. For patchwork Stretch Stitch Zigzag foot • Herring Bone Stretch Set the Mac---_--_-'hine ii I thread tension...

  • Page 55: Decorative Stretch Patterns

    Decorative Stretch Patterns Set the Machine Stitch width control Top thread tension control 2 to 6 3to5 Stitch length control brown stretch stitch IJUUI_IU4= h)._3 Stretch Stitch The Stitch and Its Uses Decorative stretch touch to the items you sew for your You can decorate Zigzag foot...

  • Page 56: Learning To Sew Buttonholes

    • Learning to Sew Buttonholes With your Kenmore sewing machine you have two methods of making buttonholes. You may use the built-in system or you may use the optional snap-in automatic buttonhols attachment system. Choose the buttonhole style Built-in bottonholes (rectangular).
  • Page 57 • Built-in System Set the Machine Stitch width control 3 to 5 1 213-4 Stitch length control Blue zone _ 1. a. Carefully length Change to the sliding foot. Top thread tension Insert control 2 to 6 Stretch Stitch foot ing running __3_ Sfading buttonhole...
  • Page 58 5. a. Set the stitch Set the stitch selector Sew 4 to 6 stitches. Sew until the buttonhole. Stop sewing at the right stitch. Stop sewing at iLu_u_, _y,_L _u LL._ , . NOTE: When sewing at the edge of fabric, sliding buttonhole foot...
  • Page 59 • Using Buttonhole Attachment (NOTE: The buttonhole attachment is anoptional Buttonhole Attachment System more varied and accurate buttonholes, will enjoy hole attachment and templates. Know the parts and carefully up your machine properly. will need these items attachement system. Guide slot Measurement marking Catch...
  • Page 60 Set the Machine Stitch width control 2 3.,,. 4 !>1 Top thread tension control 2 to 6 Stitch length control 3 to 4 0\\ j, Stretch Stitch Buttonhole foot Helpful Hints Best results obtained using light weight threads bobbin thread. NOTE: is advisable to use a blue...
  • Page 61 (Optional Item) guide plate Guide s!ot / I Setting Mark Guide block Gear e plate 2. a. When you have selected the template with the size and style hole you need, slide the template into the guide plate. Pull catch toward you while sliding...
  • Page 62 (Optional Item) Marked buttonhole-_ Center marking- Mark your buttonhole position carefully on the garment. Placing your garment behind the machine, plate and the buttc,-_hole foot as shown. Align marked buttonhole with center marking Line up your fabric edge with the measurement plate just in front of the buttonhole foot...
  • Page 63 Set the Machine for any of these stitch Stitch width Top thread tension control I'' control 3 to 7 (maximum) 3,_. 4 Stitch length control brown stretch stitch positio_ or grue, t zu_qe Zigzag foot F: Satin stitch foot Twin needle Turn off the power switch.
  • Page 64 PROBLEM Incorrect Improper Loose upper thread Irregular Stitches Pulling Loose presser foot. Unevenly Nicks or burrs at hole of needle plate. Pulling Incorrect Breaking Needle Incorrect Loose presser foot. Upper Bunching of Thread under Incorrect Using two different Bent or biunt Puckering Loose presser foot.
  • Page 65 PROBLEM Incorrect Bent or blunt Skipping Stitches Incorrect Tight upper thread Starting Improper Tight upper thread Breaking Upper Thread Incorrect Sharp eye in needle. Nicks or burrs at hole of needle plate. Improper Breaking Bobbin Thread Lint in bobbin L./Cll IIIII_ Stitch Length...
  • Page 66 insure essential The bobbin or knock Unplug the machine and open the face cover plate. CAUTION! light bulb could HOT. Protect your fingers when handle Turn the machine. Push bulb up and turn bulb counter-clockwise to remove Remove hook cover right.
  • Page 67 Take out the bobbin. Unplug machine and remove bobbin the presser foot and needle. Remove the bobbin cover plate. Remove the screw on the left side of the needle with the large screw driver. Remove the needle plate. Line up the triangle lint brush to clean...
  • Page 68 PARTS LIST 9/oJ ®...
  • Page 69 All parts listed herein may be ordered from any Sears Roebuck and Co. store or service center. WHEN ORDERING REPAIR PARTS, ALWAYS INFORMATION: 1. PART NUMBER 2. PART DESCRIPTION 3. MODEL NUMBER 4. NAME OF ITEM if the parts you need are not stocked locally, your order will be electronically transmitted to a Sears Repair Parts Distribution Center for expedited handing.

  • Page 70: Reverse Stitch Control

    nTGl_q_/ i I iilr ... Accessory storage box ... 3, 9 Additional spool pin ... Appliqueing 26, 38 Bar tacking 26, 38 Base ... Base plate ... Basic zigzag ... 2tJ, 31J Blind hemming ... 26, 42 Bobbin ... 5, t6_18, 64, 66_67 Bobbin holder 18, 64_65...
  • Page 71 Thread guide... 3_4,19 Three-step zigzag ... 27,44 Topstitching ..26,33 Twinneedle stitches ... Top thread... 19"-22 Top thread t ension ... 21_22 Top thread t ension c ontlol ..3,21_22 Turning a square corner ..Two-point boxstitching ..29,47 Two-point shell s titching ...
  • Page 72 ROEBUCK ,4il,,..,ql_ ,iLl, _b.. ,lll,._b. ,qi,,_._,. 'ql,-4_,-qlh "_b," 'qlb '4qD_ 'ilh-4b-'ql, "_b,.-'ill, 'ill, WARRANTY MACHINE HEAD Sears will, free of charge, repair defects in material or workmanship head. EQUIPMENT OF SEWING MACHINE Sears will, free of charge, repair defects in material...
  • Page 73 Repair Parts Distribution Center for handling. SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., Chicago, IL60684 U.S.A. S-385 Sewing Machine, should a need ever exist for repair parts Be sure to provide all pertinent facts when...

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