Kenmore 17921 User Manual
Kenmore
SEWING MACHINE MODEL 17921
OWNER’S
MANUAL
Sears, Roebuck and Co.
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.
Specific instructions are given on threading, tension adjustments,
cleaning, oiling, etc. This will help you obtain the best sev/ing
results and avoid unnecessary service expense for conditions
beyond our control.
Advice on the operation and care of your machine is always
available at your nearest Sears Retail Store. Please remember, if
you have questions about your machine, always mention the model
number and serial number when you inquire.
Kenmore Sewing Machine
Record in space provided below the model number
and serial number of this appliance.
The model number and serial number are located
on the nomenclature plate, as identified on Page 3
of this booklet.
Model No.
Retain these numbers for future reference.
Serial No.
YOUR SEWING PLACE IS ALWAYS READY WITH SEARS KENMORE SEWING FURNITURE
Sewing machine cabinet is available at your
nearest Sears retail store or through our
general catalog. Whenever you're ready to
sew, so is your sewing plage. Another
option... buy a Carrying Case... then your
Kenmore goes anywhere, can be stored
anywhere.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE
Machine identification
Setting up your machine......................................................4-5
Foot control, Light/power switch, Electronic needle
control. Maximum speed control. Accessory box
Parts list.................................................................................6-7
Spool pins and caps............................................................... 8
Converting to free-arm sewing.............................................. 8
Winding the bobbin................................................................. 9
Threading the bobbin case
Picking up bobbin thread......................................................12
Threading top thread.............................................................11
Picking up bobbin thread......................................................12
CONTROLS
Thread tension control..........................................................13
Stitch selector and indicator. Stitch width control.............14
Stitch length control. Reverse stitch lever. Stitch modifier... 15
Buttonhole control. Pressure regulator
Seam guides, Presser foot lever
ACCESSORIES
Needles, Placement of needle
Needle, thread and fabric chart, Presser feet
Even feed foot. Adjustable holder........................................20
Edgestitcher, Quilting guide
Needle plates. Feed cover plate
CARING FOR THE MACHINE
Cleaning feed dogs and shuttle
Oiling................................................................................ 24-25
Changing light bulb
CHECKING PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS
2. STARTING TO SEW................................................................28
Machine setting chart............................................................29
Straight stitching
Fastening a seam. Turning a square corner. Removing
fabric. Top-stitching, darning. Temporary sewing by
machine. Zipper application-cording. Narrow hemming.
Quilting
Zigzag stitching.................................,...............................35-38
Overcasting, Satin stitching. Bar tacking, Appliqueing,
Embroidery, Monogramming, Button sewing
Mending and overcast stitching...........................................39
Box stitch................................................................................40
Blind hemming
Scallop stitch
Stretch stitches.................................................................44-47
Adjusting stitch length. Adjusting stitch balance.
Straight stretch stitch. Rick-rack stretch. Feather stretch.
Smocking stretch. Elastic stretch. Overcast stretch,
Paris point stretch
Getting the most from fabrics that give
Hints on sewing different fabrics
Buttonhole making
Decorative Embroidery designs
WARRANTY
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Inside back cover
2-3
10
16
17
18
19
21
22
23
25
26 -27
29-34
48-49
49
50 - 58
59-60
1
1. KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE
IDENTIFICATION CHART
Top thread tension control
Bobbin winder tension disc
Slotted take-up lever
Threading channel
Face cover
Check spring
Thread guide
Needle clamp screw
Presser foot
Needle plate
Feed dogs
Foldaway carrying handle
Built-in buttonhole control
-Bobbin winder shaft
Bobbin winder latch
Stitch width dial
Stitch indicator
• Stitch selector
Reverse stitch lever
Stitch length dial
Needle up/down switch
Basting switch
Bobbin cover plate
Bobbin window
Accessory box
Maximum speed control
Telescoping spool pin
Rear thread guide
Swing-away spool pin
Hand wheel/,
push-pull clutch
Stitch modifier.
Nomenclature plate
Light/power switch
Electric cord receptacle
Presser foot lever
Presser foot lock
Thread cutter
Foot control
SETTING UP YOUR MACHINE
1. Install your Kenrnore sewing machine in a
Kenmore cabinet, case or set the machine
on. a sturdy flat surface.
2. Your Kenmore sewing machine has been
thoroughly oiled at the factory. Be sure to
wipe off the needle plate area and bed
plate carefully before sewing a garment.
It is wise to practice on a scrap of fabric
so any surplus oil is absorbed.
3. FOOT CONTROL
Your machine is supplied with an
electronic foot control which enables you
to sew very slowly. Even at low speed you
have extra power for the needle to
penetrate through several thicknesses of
fabric. Faster speeds are also easily
controlled.
1. Pull out the foot control from its
storage position under the free arm.
(Fig. 1)
2. Slide pedal lock knob to the right and
the foot pedal will pop up to its
operating position. Push foot control
plug into the cord receptacle on the
foot control. (Fig. 2)
3. Push machine plug into the cord
receptacle at the rear side of the
machine. Then connect power-line
plug into any 110-120 volt A.C. wall
outlet. (Fig. 2)
4. LIGHT/POWER SWITCH
Your machine will not operate unless the
light/power switch is turned on. This
same switch controls the machine power,
sewing light and indicator lights on the
stitch indicator panel and electronic
needle control. If you are interrupted or
stop sewing, turn off the switch.
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. A red light
will appear showing you that the machine
is so set. To return to the Needle Up
position push the left switch again and
when the light disappears, machine is
again set to stop with the needle in an up
position each time.
BASTING SWITCH
Tap the foot control with the right switch
pushed and lighted and the machine will
take one stitch only and stop with needle
in the up position. This feature provides
an electronically controlled basting or
tacking to take the chore out of hand
basting.
6. MAXIMUM SPEED CONTROL
You may want to vary the speed of the
machine, sewing slowly in special tight
places or if you are a new seamstress.
This control can be moved to the left to
slow the sewing of the machine. To
increase to the maximum speed, slide the
control to the right.
Electronic needle
control
control
7. ACCESSORY BOX
Accessory box is opened by lifting the lid
up and swinging it toward you as shown.
Inside you will find many of the acces
sories that you use each time you sew.
The box may be fully removed from the
machine to convert it for free arm
stitching. See page 8.
PARTS LIST (Use only genuine Kenmore replacement parts and accessories.)
All parts listed herein may be ordered from
any Sears, Roebuck and Co. store or service
center.
WHEN ORDERING REPAIR PARTS,
ALWAYS GIVE THE FOLLOWING INFOR
MATION;
1. PART NUMBER
2. PART DESCRIPTION
PRESSER FEET
Straight Stitch Standard Zigzag Satin Stitch Plastic Satin "Q FOOT"
(No. 45171) (No. 44985) (No. 44988) Stitch (No. 43776) (No. 6843)
3. MODEL NUMBER shown on the nomen
clature plate. (See page 3 for location.)
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 handling.
"QSET"
(No. 6858)
BUTTONHOLE ACCESSORIES
Built-in Buttonhole Guide
Foot (No. 43840)
Buttonhole Cover
Plate (No. 58210)
Zipper Foot
(No. 6759)
Buttonhole Foot
Blind Hem Foot Overcasting
(No. 6886) (No. 35094)
Buttonhole Guideplate
(No. 58232)
(No. 41040)
Even Feed Foot
(No. 6888)
Included in the buttonholer box
Buttohole Templates
No. 1 Part 45195
No. 2 Part 45196
N0.3 Part 45197
No. 4 Part 45198
No. 5 Part 45199
Buttonhole Opener
(No. 6830)
OTHER VITAL ITEMS
CS)
Zigzag
Needleplate
(No. 57860)
Narrow Hemmer
(No. 29396)
Bobbin Winder
Rubber Ring
(No. 1913)
Bobbin Winder
Tension Disc
(No. 39619)
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
Packet of needles
with your machine
includes a variety of sizes.
Replacement needles
come in packages
of one size only.
Straight Stitch
Needleplate
Edge Stitcher
(No. 29306)
Light Bulb
(No. 6797)
Feed Cover
Plate
Quilting Guide
(No. 35105)
Foot Control
(No. 57544)
Needle Size
No. 9
No. 11
No. 14
No. 16
No. 18
"Q NEEDLE"
Double Needle
2 Spool Pin Caps
Large — No. 55503
Lint Brush
(No. 35848)
Foot Control Cord
(No. 57543)
Part No.
6550
6551
6552
6553
6554
6746
6749
Nylon Disc
(No. 2273)
Small Screw Driver
Mini Screw Driver
Bobbin Box with
10 Metal Bobbins
Plastic Bobbins
Adjustable
Holder
(No. 29308)
(No. 55501)
(No. 55500)
Magnetized
(No. 55499)
(No. 6862)
(No. 6868)
Ruffler/Pleater
(No. 6895)
Hinged Zipper
Foot (No. 6794)
Needle Threader
(No. 43780)
Oiler-brush Combination
(No. 6889)
SPOOL PINS AND CAPS
Swing the Primary Spool Pin into position at
the back of the machine as shown above.
Place a spool of thread on the pin and place
the appropriate size spool cap over the
thread.
CONVERTING TO FREE-ARM SEWING
This machine can be used either as a flatbed
or as a freearm model. With the accessory
box in place, the machine is a flatbed model
with a large working surface, which slopes
gently towards you to help the smooth flow
of fabric.
A second telescoping spool pin is provided
for bobbin winding and for a second thread
when sewing with a double needle. Pull it out
and place a nylon disc over it when using.
By removing the accessory box, the machine
converts into a slim freearm model for sewing
children's clothes, cuffs, trouser legs,
armholes and other awkward places.
1. To remove the accessory box, take it
firmly with your left hand and lift it up
until it clicks. Your machine is then ready
for free arm sewing.
8
2. To replace, slide the accessory box back
into place until it clicks.
WINDING THE BOBBIN
1.
Place thread on Telescoping Spool Pin.
Draw thread through Rear Thread Guide
and Bobbin Winder Tension Disc as
indicated.
2.
Pull end of thread through any hole in
bobbin; place bobbin on Bobbin Winder
Shaft with end of thread coming from top
of bobbin as shown above.
3. Push Bobbin Winder Latch against bobbin
until it clicks. Then pull Hand Wheel away
from machine to disengage clutch (see
diagram below). Hold end of thread
coming from bobbin (see above) and step
on foot control. After several rotations of
bobbin release thread.
4. When bobbin is full, winding stops
automatically. Push in Hand Wheel.
Remove bobbin from shaft and trim
thread end.
* Treat Hand Wheel as a "clutch"
It controls the needle mechanism so that
when pulled out (disengaged), the rest of
the machine will not operate while the
bobbin is being wound.
For best stitching results use clear plastic
lightweight bobbins when stitching at high
speed with widest and longest stitch
setting.
THREADING THE BOBBIN CASE
1. Remove accessory box.
2. Remove bobbin cover plate by lifting up
the front.
3. Insert bobbin into bobbin case making
sure bobbin rotates counter clockwise.
4. Pull thread through slot (A) and then to
the left.
10
5. Pull thread through slot (B) and leave
about 4 inches of thread.
6. Replace bobbin cover plate allowing
thread to emerge through slot in needle
plate.
THREADING TOP THREAD
Fig. 1
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 rear thread guide
(A) and into threading channel (B) toward
you. (Fig. 1)
Fig. 3
2. Draw thread down and around check
spring (C) and up through slotted take-up
lever (D). (Fig. 2)
3. Draw thread down into thread guides (E)
and (F). Thread needle from front to back
as shown in Fig. 3.
11
PICKING UP BOBBIN THREAD
1. Raise presser foot lever.
Hold needle thread loosely in left hand
and push. peedle up/down switch two
times or rotate hand wheel toward you
one complete turn.
2. Bring bobbin thread up by pulling upper
thread.
3. Pull both threads under and to the back
of the presser foot, leaving 3 to 4 inches
of thread clear.
If ycwj can not pick up bottom thread by
following above steps, then check:
1. Is needle threaded ?
2. Is thread tangled around needle ?
3. Is bobbin case threaded correctly with
thread going through slots A and B as
shown on page 10, Fig. 4 and 5 ?
4. Is there 4 inches of thread coming from
bobbin case and through slot of needle
plate as shown on page 10, Fig. 6 ?
5. Is thread from bobbin case tangled ?
12
CONTROLS
THREAD TENSION CONTROL
STRAIGHT STITCHING
The good looking appearance of your straight
stitching is, mainly determined by the
balanced tension of the top thread and
bobbin thread. The tension is well balanced
when the two threads lock in the middle of
the layers of fabric when straight stitching.
You can achieve balanced tension by
regulating the Top Thread Tension Control.
If the upper thread appears to be too tight,
dial left (lower numbers) to decrease tension.
If the upper thread is too loose, dial right
(higher numbers) to increase tension.
For most fabrics the tension control shuld be
set in the white zone between 3 and 5.
ZIGZAG STITCHING
Always practice stitching on two layers of the
fabric you will be using.
Make sure that you are using the right size
and type of needle for the fabric. See chart
page 19.
Choose a thread of good quality and type for
your fabric. See chart page 19.
Remember — the wider the zigzag setting,
the more chance for puckering. Reduce the
top tension, if puckering occurs.
The top thread will be visible on the bottom
to varying degrees depending on the thread,
fabric, type of stitch being used and speed of
sewing.
The bobbin thread should never be visible on
the top of the fabric.
STRAIGHT STITCH
JUST RIGHT
TOP STITCH
TOO TIGHT
-JLJL-Jci
Decrease tension
TOP STITCH
TOO LOOSE
Increase tension
BOBBIN TENSION
The bobbin tension has been correctly set at
the factory, so you do not need to adjust it.
13
Stitch
selector
STITCH SELECTOR AIMD INDICATOR
1. To select a stitch, be sure needle is out of
fabric at its highest position. Push the
stitch selector in and out to release the
mechanism.
2. Then turn the selector to left or right until
the required stitch is indicated by the red
light on the indicator panel.
STITCH WIDTH CONTROL
The width of all the stitches produced on this
machine, with the obvious exception of
straight stitch, can be made narrower or
wider by adjusting the stitch width control.
14
To decrease or increase the width of a stitch,
turn the stitch width control dial from 0 - 4.
The higher the number the wider the stitch.
Recommended setting ranges are indicated
and color-coded with patterns on the stitch
indicator panel.
When sewing with a double needle, do not
use a setting above 2, as indicated on the
dial.
STITCH LENGTH CONTROL
The stitch length control regulates the length
of the stitch'you select. THE HIGHER'THE
NUMBER-THE SHORTER THE STITCH.
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.
A longer stitch setting should be used for
thicker fabric or more layers of fabric. The
middle range of the control is the 12 stitch per
inch range which is the most commonly
used.
Recommended stitch length settings are
indicated in three colors. The colors are
color-coded with the stitches on the indicator
panel.
The red marking between 0 and 1 Is the
setting used for the shortest stitches such as
in satin stitching.
REVERSE STITCH LEVER
Stitch length
control
m
-12
ctronic
Reverse stitch
lever
Stitch modifier
It is best to begin and end seams with a few
stitches taken in reverse. This is called back
tacking. Back tacking fastens the ends of the
seams firmly and prevents raveling.
When reverse stitching is needed, push
down the lever and hold there during sewing.
The fabric will immediately start feeding
backwards and seam will be fastened.
STITCH MODIFIER
When using stretch stitches and making
buttonholes, you may need to make use of
the stitch modifier. This regulates the
movement of the fabric backwards and
forwards to produce perfect stitches on fine
or thick fabrics.
The stitch modifier should be in neutral
notched position for most materials.
15
BUTTONHOLE CONTROL
This control is used in making bar tacked
buttonholes with two control settings.
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 is situated
inside the face cover. Then to increase
pressure, turn the dial clockwise (or vice
versa). Just remember... for lightweight
fabric, more pressure; for heavy fabric, less
pressure. -
16
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. The standard
seam width is 5/8”. So these lines are
emphasized, easy to follow.
Also the cross lines are "cornering guides” to
help when turning a square corner 5/8” from
the fabric edge. (For details on cornering, see
page 30.)
PRESSER FOOT LEVER
Presser foot lever has a two position lift.
In order to place heavy fabric under the
presser foot or to change the presser foot
raise the presser foot lever to its maximum
upward position as shown.
Cornering Guide
17
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