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Kenmore 17921 Owner's Manual

Kenmore sewing machine user manual
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SEWING
MACHINE
MODEL
17921
55d7c/

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  • Page 1 Kenmo?e SEWING MACHINE MODEL 17921 55d7c/...
  • Page 2 Dear Homemaker: You have just invested in a very fine zigzag sewing machine. Before using your new Kenmore machine, please pause for a moment and carefully read this booklet which contains instructions on how to operate and care for your machine.
  • Page 3 YOUR SEWING PLACE IS ALWAYS SEARS KENMORE SEWING Sewing machine cabinet is available at your nearest Sears retail store or through general catalog. Whenever you're ready to sew, so is your sewing plaCe, option.., buy a Carrying Case... Kenmore goes anywhere, anywhere.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OFCONTENTS KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE Machine identification ... Setting up your machine ... Foot control, Light/power switch, Electronic needle control, Maximum speed control, Accessory box Parts list... Spool pins and caps ... Converting to free-arm sewing ... Winding the bobbin ...

  • Page 5: Knowing Your Sewing Machine

    1. KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE IDENTIFICATION CHART Top thread tension control Bobbin winder tension disc Slotted take-up levew Threading channel Face cover Check spring Thread guide__ Needle clamp screw ... Presser foot Needle plate , Feed dogs Bobbin cover plate.
  • Page 6 Telescoping spool pin Hand wheel/ push-pull clutch Nomenclature Light/power swit_ Electric cord rece; Foot control Foot pedal Cord receptacle Pedal lock knob Machine plug Power-line plug Foot control plug ,, ,, .._'_nm_'- -._----- Buttonholer! Rear thread guide Swing-away spool pin Presser foot lever Presser foot lock...

  • Page 7: Setting Up Your Machine

    Light/power Pedal Iock._nob SETTING UP YOUR Install your Kenrnore sewing machine in a Kenmore cabinet, case or set the machine on a sturdy flat surface. Your Kenmore thoroughly oiled at the factory. wipe off the needle plate carefully It is wise to practice so any surplus oil is absorbed.
  • Page 8 5. ELECTRONIC NEEDLE CONTROL Your machine is electronically controlled to stop with the needle in the up position every time you remove pressure from foot control. NEEDLE UP/DOWN SWITCH If you wish the machine to stop with the needle in the down position (as in turning a corner), push the left switch.

  • Page 9: Parts List

    ACCESSORIES Built-in Buttonhole Guide Foot (No. 43840) Buttonhole Foot Buttonhole Cover (No. 41040) Plate (No. 58210) Kenmore replacement parts and accessories.) 3. MODEL NUMBER ctature plate. (See page 3 for location.) 4. NAME OF ITEM PARTS, If the parts you need are not stocked...
  • Page 10 OTHER VITAL ITEMS i _. Straight Stitch Feed Cover Zigzag Needleplate Plate Needleplate (No. 43166) (No. 57861 ) (No. 57860) Narrow Hemmer Edge Stitcher ( No. 29396) (No. 29306) Bobbin Winder Rubber Ring (No. 1913) Bobbin Winder Light Bulb Foot Control Tension Disc (No.

  • Page 11: Spool Pins And Caps

    SPOOL PINS AND CAPS Telescoping spool pin Nylon Swing the Primary Spool Pin into position the back of the machine as shown Place a spool of thread on the pin and place appropriate size spool thread. CONVERTING TO FREE-ARM This machine can be used either as a flatbed or as a freearm model.

  • Page 12: Winding The Bobbin

    WINDING THE BOBBIN Place thread on Telescoping Spool Draw thread through Rear Thread Bobbin Winder Tension indicated. Pull end of thread through any hole in bobbin; place bobbin on Bobbin Shaft with end of thread coming from top of bobbin as shown above. Pull out to isengage Push in...

  • Page 13: Threading The Bobbin Case

    THREADING BOBBIN ® ® 1. Remove accessory box. Remove bobbin cover plate by lifting the front. Insert bobbin into bobbin case making sure bobbin rotates counter Pull thread through slot (A) and then to the left. CASE ® ® Pull thread about 4 inches of thread.

  • Page 14: Threading Top Thread

    THREADING TOP THREAD [ °=.'_/ In'_ ' = III llF ili ... - • i._ !-i_ i_ol Raise slotted take-up lever to its highest position. Place thread spool onto spool pin. Place appropriate spool cap over the spool of thread. Draw thread through...

  • Page 15: Picking Up Bobbin Thread

    ® ® PICKING UP BOBBIN THREAD 1. Raise presser foot lever. Hold needle thread loosely in left hand and push,!_eedle up/down switch times or rotate hand wheel toward one complete turn. Bring bobbin thread up by pulling upper thread. Pull both threads under and to the back of the presser foot, leaving 3 to 4 inches of thread clear.

  • Page 16: Controls

    CONTROLS THREAD TENSION CONTROL STRAIGHT STITCHING The good looking appearance of your straight stitching is, mainly determined balanced tension bobbin thread. The tension is well balanced when the two threads lock in the middle the layers of fabric when straight stitching. achieve balanced regulating the Top Thread...

  • Page 17: Stitch Selector And Indicator, Stitch Width Control

    Stitch indic&toa == ANVV_ ._--,_=,;'.o-=,. ,_ V-V-V-V" =.t ,,.t""%_ iJ _ (--,,_'_ eleclrorr_c •,,, U.UJ_LLt •i, _.-3. _ STITCH SELECTOR INDICATOR 1. To select a stitch, be sure needle is out of fabric at its highest Stitch stitch selector in and out to release the selector mechanism.

  • Page 18: Stitch Length Control, Reverse Stitch Lever, Stitch Modifier

    STITCH LENGTH CONTROL The stitch length control regulates the length of the stitch_you select. THE HIGHER-THE NUMBER-THE SHORTER Turn only the, outer rim of this control to set the stitch length. The number on stitch length control indicates the approximate number of stitches per inch. The stitch setting you use will be determined by the thickness of the fabric you are sewing.

  • Page 19: Buttonhole Control, Pressure Regulator

    BUTTONHOLE CONTROL This control is used in making buttonholes with control Detailed instructions are given on page 51. PRESSURE REGULATOR Presser foot pressure is vital for straight seams, uniform stitch length, even handling of both layers of fabric. To adjust pressure; use Pressure Regulator which inside the face...

  • Page 20: Seam Guides, Presser Foct Lever

    SEAM GUIDES Seam guides are printed on needle plate, at both sides of needle, to help you line up the fabric and keep it straight. seam width is 5/8". these emphasized, easy to follow. Also the cross iines are "cornering guides"...

  • Page 21: Accessories

    ACCESSORIES Flat side away from NEEDLES Use KENMORE needle should conform thread and both fabric. Kenmore size for your convenience next page). Never use a bent needle or one with a dull point. The exact length of your needle is shown at left.

  • Page 22: Needle, Thread And Fabric Chart, Presserfeet

    NEEDLE, THREAD FABRIC LIGHTWEIGHT: Batiste. Dimity, Chiffon. Silks, Synthetic Jerseys. Fine Lace. Organza. Crepe, Taffeta. Voile, Organdy MEDIUMWEIGHT: Cotton, [" Cotton Blends. Percale. Gingham. Shantung, Pique. Seersucker. Satin. Knits. Vinyl. Suitings. Linen, Wool Crepe. Leather MEDIUM HEAVYWEIGHT: Corduroy, Denim. Wool. Sailcloth, Wool Flannel, Gabardine.

  • Page 23: Even Feed Foot, Adjustable Holder

    Presser bar Presser foot Needle clamp Presser foot screw Presser bar. clamp Thuml screw EVEN FEED FOOT The even feed foot moves material together evenly and enables you to sew hard-to-sew fabrics without slipping and with perfect matching. sewing leather, ultra suede (vinyls, patents and satins), Screw (A)

  • Page 24: Edgestitcher, Quilting Guide

    EDGESTITCHER This one attachment helps you join fabric edges ...insert lace ...do seam piping simplifies blind hemming as well as "French'" seams. Slots numbered 1 to 5 serve sewing guides: Slot 1 will guide fabric to be joined to lace. All you have to do is place the lace in slot 2.

  • Page 25: Needle Plates, Feed Cover Plate

    , ;_, !luu!!._ fl, _., I!UUi,,_ II Bobbin case Bobbin case stopper NEEDLE PLATES You are provided with two needle plates: A. Needle plate with wide zigzag stitching. B. Needle plate with round straight stitching sewing. Fig. 1 CHANGING NEEDLE Raise needle to its highest °...

  • Page 26: Caring For The Machine

    Clean the shuttle with small brush and put a drop of oil to the points arrows. Don't over-oil. (Reminder: use household oil.., use sewing machine oil.) REPLACING BOBBIN CASE 1. Insert bobbin case into shuttle side and turn it counter-clockwise hits bobbin case stopper.
  • Page 27 UNDER PLATE Remove top cover plate by loosening ii.i screws (A and B) as shown "Lz': ! :I place one or two drops of Kenmore machine oil at each point. OILING UNDERSIDE Tilt back machine free-arm covers (A, B, C and D).

  • Page 28: Changing Light Bulb

    OILING IN FACE COVER Swing face cover plate open and oil points indicated by arrows in illustration. OILING IN END COVER PLATE A drop of oil should be placed through hole indicated in the end cover plate. CHANGING LIGHT BULB The sewing light is located inside...

  • Page 29: Checking Performance Problems

    CHECKING SUSPECTED PROBLEM PROBABLE CAUSE IRREGULAR Incorrect STITCHES Improper •-.Loose upper thread tension. Pulling fabric. Light pressure on presser foot. Loose presser foot. Unevenly Nicks or burrs at needleplate opening. BREAKING Pulling fabric. Incorrect NEEDLE Incorrect Loose presser foot. Upper and lower threads not drawn back under presser BUNCHING OF THREAD foot before starting seam.
  • Page 30 POSSIBLY EASY CORRECTION Choose correct size needle for thread and fabric. Rethread machine; check tension spring threading. Tighten upper thread tension. Do not pull fabric; guide it gently. Increase prpssure on presser foot. Reset presser foot. Rewind bobbin. Replace needleplate, or polish off burrs completely.

  • Page 31: Starting To Sew

    2. STARTING TO SEW Now that you are familiar with on your machine and with the accessories provided for the machine, you are ready to start with your sewing Below are some good habits to follow time you sit down to sew: Check the needle-it should...

  • Page 32: Machine Setting Chart

    MACHINE SETTING CHART Buttonhole control Machine settings are graphically this section for your quick reference. Buttonhole Straight stitch Zigzag Straight stretch Rick-rack stretch Feather stretch Smocking Elastic stretch Mending Blind " Needle plate Presser foot shown following illustrated Simply variety of stitches stretch Stitch width dial Stitch modifier...

  • Page 33: Straight Stitching

    STRAIGHT STITCHING !i ;ui I * Straight stitch needle plate electronic "!1 * Straight foot , Any setting but"0"" *You may use zigzag, straight stitch but for best control of fabric, best looking stitches and best feeding of fabric Stitch Foot and Needle Plate.
  • Page 34 REMOVING FABRIC First turn the handwheel toward you until the needle is at its highest position, then raise the presser foot, draw materials to the rear and cut off excess thread with the thread cutter located on the presser bar as shown. TOP-STITCHING This is a seam you may want to show of!! It's on the front side of the garment, possibly at...
  • Page 35 Regular Basting Free Method electronic TEMPORARY MACHINE Regular basting by machine is easy--simply use straight stitching with length setting. And your machine has a free basting method sometimes can be used for "marking". FREE BASTING SETTINGS Basting switch - turn on Pressure regulator Use feed cover plate.
  • Page 36 ZIPPER APPLICATION - CORDING Home-sewn zippers can look as nice as those on expensive ready-mades. We recommend follow directions, given package. There are two basic types: conven- tional, and invisible. Your Zipper assist you v_ith any of these Use these simple settings: For conventional zippers...

  • Page 37: Quilting

    NARROW HEMMING Attach the Narrow Hemmer to the adjustable holder. Make sure that edge of the fabric is cut straight. Turn a tiny double hem (Vo inch) along edge for about two inches. Place end of this hem under Narrow Hemmer.

  • Page 38: Zigzag Stitching

    - --_ -- _ "-_" __AA_W_A/_A_/Wl_, _-'_--'_" 2 '_-_ _. ,I © © " to do stitch length. You'll Kenmore zigzag operations you'll create stitches by adjusting zigzag controls (see chart below). as well as a Narrow zigzag -.-- _ - .'__--...
  • Page 39 Satin stitch foot OVERCASTING Stitch Selector- /VVVV_ Stitch Length - 12 - 8 Stitch Width - 3 - 4 Use Overcast Foot. This is one of the more frequently zigzag stitches on garment construction. You may want to overcast along edge of each seam allowance or fold the raw edge toward the garment and stitch.
  • Page 40 APPLIQUEING Settings same as Satin Stitching Select an applique design to be applied your garment and baste it in place. stitch around the raw edge of the applique completely covering the edge. You may want to do this with a contrasting color of thread.
  • Page 41 PRESSER LEFT HOLE STRAIGHT BU TTO N SEAMLINE BUTTON BUTTON SEWING Stitch Selector - Stitch Width - Adjust Use Feed Cover Plate and Clear Plastic Satin Stitch Foot. Position the button tape. Center the left hole of button straight seamline needle slot of foot and lower _oot to hold the button securely;...

  • Page 42: Mending And Overcast Stitching

    MENDING OVERCAST MENDING A TEAR Stitch Length- 0-24 Stitch Width- To repair a straight or three-cornered position the tear under the needle in such a way that the stitching catches the tear. When mending a three-cornered tear, stitch from each end to the center. well to use a piece of fabric under the tear for reinforcement.

  • Page 43: Box Stitch

    BOX STITCH Stitch Length - 24- 12 Stitch Width- 2- 4 OVERLAPPED SEAM stitch ideal producing overlapped seams on almost any type of fabric and a bolder effect will result from sewing with a contrasting thread. Overlap the raw edges of two pieces of fabric 2"...

  • Page 44: Blind Hemming

    Blind hemming is a good technique garments, and especially drapery hems so that stitches on the front of the fabric. Kenmore has two types of blindstitches blind hemming is easier expect. It's just a matter of folding.., a try! PROCEDURE...
  • Page 45 (Blind hemming can be simplified by also using the special Kenmore Edgestitcher- please refer to p. 21 for details. ) Now the right side of your garment will show...

  • Page 46: Scallop Stitch

    SCALLOP STITCH PROCEDURE 1. With right sides of fabric together, near the folded edge with scallop stitch. 2. Trim allowance 1/8" or less. Notch curves if necessary. Cut down into points. 3. Turn to right side and push scallops evenly. If they do not seem even, be sure curves are notched similarly.

  • Page 47: Stretch Stitches

    STRETCH STITCHES Zigzag needle plate ® .i _ -'' _ Jlli I i'!f ---I Zi, Izag or Q foot Stretch stitches, mainly for use on stretch ® such as stretch jersey and cotton together knitted are also often used on non-stretch 1.
  • Page 48 ADJUSTING STRETCH STITCH BALANCE Stitch modifier should be in neutral (notched) position for most materials. Depending the type of fabric used, you may need to adjust this control to match forward stretch sewing with reverse stitches. If the stitches are too open, turn the control slightly clockwise;...
  • Page 49 '€ € '€ € RI_KI- RACK STRETCH STITCH ;elector- Stil_h st= h .ength- YellowZone _/idth - Yellow Zone Sti_h stretch fabrics in any area that you use a zig zag stitch. This stitch can be .s a decorative top stitch as well. ;eful also on lapped or abutted It !_ u: you lap one edge of a seam over...
  • Page 50 ELASTIC STRETCH STITCH •Stitch Selector -/kA/k,_ Stitch Length- YellowZone Stitch Width - 2 - 4 Use this versatile stitch to insert elastic in garments. Simply stitch elastic making sure it is evenly spaced. To do this, mark the correct length piece into quarters, then match these markings with center front and side seams.

  • Page 51: Paris Point Stretch

    GEl"riNG THE MOST FROM FABRICS THAT GIVE Some stretchy suggestions... Be sure to use the Q SET'"with knits and any synthetic woven fabric -- and zigzag or satin foot as required. Loosely constructed knits sometimes over toes of presser foot. To remedy wrap short strip of transparent tape around...

  • Page 52: Hints On Sewing Different Fabrics

    "Everyday" Use for all-purpose stretch sewing, seam finishing, edge //_/V_iV_ finishing, PLAIN ZIGZAG -VV'V-V- A good shell stitch for nylon tricot lingerie• BLIND HEM Can be use for attaching •__'¢_'_" ,h_Ww laces. CRESCENT STITCH HINTS ON SEWING DIFFERENT The chart below provides many details but you'll also want to remember...

  • Page 53: Buttonhole Making

    'guide foot. Your buttonhole attachment is a Kenmore "special" that guides fabric eliminates the need to turn fabric by hand. will find following parts accessory box: 1.
  • Page 54 BUTTONHOLE MAKING PREPARATION Carefully mark the buttonhole length on your garment. Place the fabric with the buttonhole marked under the buttonhole foot. guide foot (A) all the way forward index mark (B) is aligned with the graduation (C), with thread to rear. (Reproduction identical size buttonholes is facilitated...
  • Page 55 Less density More density ADJUSTING STITCH DENSITY Depending upon the fabrics on which you are sewing, or your own preference holes, you may alter buttonhole by varying the original within the green buttonhole For more density, " less density, ® "12".
  • Page 56 BuI-rONHOLE MAKING Zigzag needle plate and feed cover plate REGULAR WORKED BUTTONHOLE (STRAIGHT, KEYHOLE LET) PROCEDURE Stitch Selector - /VVVV_ Stitch Width - 1 - 1½ Zigzag Needle Plate Feed Cover Plate Buttonhole Foot 1. Raise needle to its highest raise presser foot.
  • Page 57 ® I,H/J i Lil .IJ Guide. slot Slip guide plate onto machine so it fits in place with pinion gear in the center of arc hole of template. inserted in guide slot. Guide Pick up bobbin thread through turning hand between presser Align...
  • Page 58 PURL-EDGE BUTTONHOLE To add a professional touch to your sewing you will want to make purledged holes. These are obtained by sewing a wide buttonhole over a narrow stitched hole. Choose the correct size for your insert template into guide turning to the narrower of the sizes.
  • Page 59 ::... & BOUND BUTTONHOLE A template had been provided may sew perfectly sized rectangles you make a bound the directions SETTING Stitch Width - 0 or Stitch Pressure Regulator - 1 or 2 Other settings same as regular worked buttonhole 1.
  • Page 60 Fold patch forming lips of buttonhole. Press and baste lips together. 5. Stitch across pleats formed patch. (Fig. 6) 6. After buttonhole has been pressed, facing of garment around buttonhole slash opening in facing same length buttonhole. (Mark ends with pins for guides). Turn under facing edges and hem to buttonhole (Fig.
  • Page 61 CHOOSING BUTTONHOLE STYLE AND SIZE Each buttonholing situation will be different so you will want to experiment garment, considering fabric and placement button. Here are some basic applications: Built-in buttonholes (described previously) are ideal for one or two buttons waistband or cuff, or for "belt slots."...

  • Page 62: Decorative Embroidery Designs

    DECORATIVE EMBROIDERY Zigzag needle plate Domino Diamond Crescent Arabesque ____O 0 (__ Tree Tulip _=7_ Swan DESIGNS ,r ... h ... ,_ Zigzag or satin foot may get embroidery infinitely machine. Just choose which of the designs you want to sew alone or in combination other.
  • Page 63 APPLICATIONS Create the loveliest of custom own personal touch. There is much you can do by adjusting stitch width or length. Below Crescent pattern on collar JZ_J_,j_JL_L Tulip on pocket Variation of width of diamond pattern ADJUSTING YELLOW When sewing yellow patterns, you may need make slight modifier to produce perfect...

  • Page 64: Warranty

    SEWING MACHINE For two years from the date of purchase, repair defects in material electrical equipment of the sewing machine, switch and speed control. FULL 90-DAY WARRANTY ADJUSTMENTS For 90 days from the date of purchase, replace any parts and provide mechanical...
  • Page 65 If the parts you need are not stocked electronically transmitted to a Sears Center for handling. SEARS, ROEBUCK CO., S - 158 Printed in Japan your Kenmore Sewing Machine, Sears, Roebuck and Co. facts when you call or Machine will be shown Machine. PARTS, ALWAYS...

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