Kenmore 3851274180, 3851264180, 3851254180 Owner’s Manual

OWNER'_ MANUAL

MODELS 385. 1274180

385. 1264180

385. 1254180

SEARS. ROEBUCK AND CO.

Dear Customer;

You have just {nvested m 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 g_ven on threading, tension adiustments, cleamng, oiling, etc. This will help you obtain the best sewing 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 or need parts and servlce_ always mention

the model number and seria_ number when you inquire.

Kenmore Sewing Machine

Record in space provEded below the model number and serial number of th_s appliance, The model number and sofia! number

are located on the nomenclature plate_ as _dentified on Page 3 of

this booklet.

Model No. 385. Serial No.

Retain these numbers for future reference.

THIS MODEL IS A CENTER NEEDLE, LOW BAR SEWING MACHINE.

TABLEOFCONTENTS

SECTION 1.

SECTION 2.

SECTION 3.

t<NOW YOUR MACHINE

A Portable Case or Cabinet is Available .......... 2

Locate and Identify the Parts .............. 2_3

Identify the Accessories ................. 4

PREPARE YOUR MACHINE FOR SEWING

Set Up the Machtne ................... 5_8

o Plug in the Machine and Switch on the Power ..... 5

o Foot Control Use ................... 5

a Setting Spool Pins ........................... 6

o Adiust the Presser Foot Lever .......... 6

o Free Arm Sewing: the Removable

Extens}on Table ..................... 7_8

Know What the Presser Feet Will Do .......... 9_10

Choose Your Needle and Thread .............. 1!_12

• Check Your Needle .................... 11

s Fabric, Needle, Thread and Stitch Length Chart 12

• To Change Your Needle ................ 12

Prepare the Bobbin .................... t3_15

a To Remove the Bobbin Case from the Machine .... 13

o Wind the Bobbin .................... 13_14

. tnsert the Bobbin into the Bobbin Case ........... 15

Prepare Your Top Thread .................. 16_17

o Thread Your Needle ................... 16_17

o Pick Up Your Bobbin Thread ............... 17

Adiust the Top Thread Tension .............. 18_19

Stitch Selector .................... 20

Stitch Length Controt ...................... 21

Adiusting Stretch Stitch Balance ................ 21

Reverse Stitch Control ....................... 21

Starting To Sew ....................... 22

LEARN THE STITCHES

Practical Stitch Chart ................... 23_25

Straight Stitches .................... 26_27

• Stragith Stitch .......... 26

o Use the Seam Guides ....................... 26

Turn a Square Corner ................... 26

o Use the Darning Plate .................. 27

a Topstitching ......................... 27

o Left Needle Posltlon ...................... 27

Darnmg ........................... 28

Straight Stretch .......................... 28

Zigzag Stitches .................... 29_36

o Basic Zigzag ........................ 29

e Satin Stitch ......................... 30

e Applique .......................... 31

e Bar Tacking ........................ 31

Monogramming ................... 32

o Embroidery .......................... 32

e Sew a Button ......................... 33

• Overcasting Stitch ...................... 34

o Rick-Rack Stretch ...................... 34

o Mending ........................... 35

o Overcasting Stretch Stitching ................ 36

o Serging or Pine Leaf Stretch Stitching

(Mode_s 12741 and 12641) .................. 36

Blind Hemming .................... 37

Lace Work ....................... ,...... 38

Buttonholes .......................... 39_40

Sew in a Zipper ...................... 41_42

Shell Stitching (Models 12741 and 12641) .......... 43

Smocking ....................... 43

Elastic Stretch Stitch (Model 12741 only) ........... 44

Box Stitching (Model 12741 only) ............ 44

SECTION 4. PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS CHART

What to Do When ....................... 45_46

SECTION 5. CARE FOR YOUR MACHINE

Replacing the Light Bulb ................. 47

o Cleaning the Machine ................ 47_50

o Clean the Feed Dogs ...................... 47

o Clean the Shuttle Race ................... 48

o Oil behind the Face Cover Plate ............. 49

o Oil under the Top Cover ................. 49

o Oil the Underside ..................... 50

PARTS LIST ............................... 51

INDEX ...................................... 52

A:Portable Case OtCabinet isAvaiiasie :

A full line of sewing cabinets is available at your nearest Sears retail store or through our general

catalog.

Another option , , _ buy a Carrying Case , , , then your Kenmore goes anywhere, can be stored any-

where.

LoCate and identify the Parts

Bobbin Winder Tension Disc

Upper Thread Guide

Top Thread Tension Control

,..

Take-up Lever

Stitch Selector

Stitch Length Control

--__"-_ ;__

Face Cover Pla_.e

Reverse Stitch Control

Needle Piate

ShuttSe Cover

Thread Spool Pins

Top Cover

Thread Guide

ClutchKnob

Hand W heel

L_gllt and Power Sw_tet_

Ptug Conneclor

Nomenclature Plate

Presser Fool Lever

Free Arm

Thread Guide

Needle Clamp

Presser Foot

Foot Con_ro_

Identify the AcCeSsories

Slrmgh_ stitch Hoot

_Bu tonho[e opener

__LLarge screw driver

\. Spool pm tell

Buttonhole {_

Zipper fool /1

Set Up the Machine

= Plug in the Machine and Switch on the Power

Power supply plug

swRch

supply

Machine socket

Machfne plug

NOTE: Before insarUng the plug into your

machine, be sure the power switch is OFF,

I. Check your outlet to be sure st Is a 110 to 120

Volt AC outlet.

2. Insert the machine plug into the three-prong machine socket, as shown, it will only fit one

way.

3. Insert the power supply plug into the outlet.

4. Push the light and power switch to turn on the power and sewing light,

SAFETY FEATURE: Your machine wil! not operate unless the

light/power switch is turned on. If you are interrupted or stop sewing, turn off the

light/power switch to prevent injury to children.

o Foot Control Use

Foot control

The foot control regulates the speed at

which you sew. To increase speed, gendv press down with

the ball of your foot. To decrease speed, release your foot pres-

sure slightly.

NOTE: The foot control is sensitive and

will increase or decrease your

sewing speed _mmed[atety. Practice on a scrap of fabric to regulate your sewing speed to

your taste and needs.

set Upthe Macine (Continued)

Setting Spool Pins

Spool pin

Adjust the Presser Foot Lever

Spool Pins are packed _n accessory box. Screw thread spool pins in place securely

with a screw driver.

Position spool pin felts as shown _n illustra- tion.

For winding the bobbin while your machine is threaded, you can use an extra spool pm

without unthreading the macine.

The Presser Foot Lever raises and lowers your presser foot.

You can raise Lt about 1/4" higher for easy

removal of the presser foot or to help you place heavy fabrics under the presser foot,

• Free-Arm Sewing: the Removable Extension Table

To remove :

To Remove the Extension Table (for free-arm sewing)

1. Grzp the table with your index finger and thumb, as shown.

2, Pull gent_y to the left. The extension table wilt snap out,

To Attach:

To Attach the Extension Table (for fiat-bed sewing)

1. Insert the tab and the pm into their catches,

2, With your thumb and index finger, gently snap m.

: setl Up the MaChine (Continued}: ....

= Free-Arm Sewing (Continued) Your sewing machine can do free arm sewing.

This feature makes sewing easy for:

bar tacking to reinforce pockets. * stitching sleeves, waistbands, pant belt toops and waistline on ready- legs, or any circutar garment area.

made or homemade garments to avoid fabric bunching around the

needle.

* darning socks or mending knees,

elbows, or areas of wear in child-

ren's clothes.

* sewing buttons on sleeves, wrest-

bands, etc.

ThePresserfeetarean_mportantfeatureofth_smachine.Youneedtoknowwhateachfootdoesinordertouse them effectivefv.

a Change the Presser Foot Use the correct presser foot for tile st=tch

you w_sh to sew. Consult the practical Stitch Chart on pages 23 _ 25 and the detailed directions for sewing with the

various presser feet.

o Presser Foot Types Zigzag Foot Strmght Foot

Zigzag toot

Stralgh[ s[J[ch tool

To change the various presser feet, raise the presser bar to its highest pos_tton by lifting the presser foot lever. Loosen the presser foot thumb screw, choose the proper foot, insert from the bottom. Tighten the screw

using the large screw drover to make certain the foot is secure.

Use this foot for both straight and zigzag

stitching.

Uses: Straight stitchtng {see p. 26},

Topst_tchmg (see p. 27_), Straight stretch (see p, 2__8), Zigzag stitching (see p. 29),

Bar tacking (see p. 31), Button sewing (see p. 333), Rick-rack stretch (see p. 344),

Mending {see p. 35},

Overcast stretch (see p. 366), Serglng {see p. 366). Blind hemming (see p. 377)o

Lace work (see p, 38}, Shell stitching (see p, 43), Smocking (see p. 43), Elastm stretch (see p. 4_44), Box stitching (see p. 444).

Use this foot exclusively for straight stitching

using center needle position only. Uses: Straight stitching (see p. 266),

Topstitching (see p. 27), Straight stretch (see p. 28)

Know What the Presser Feet Will:Do (Continued)

o Presser Foot Types (Continued) Buttonhole Guide Foot

Bu;_onho_e guide foot

Zipper Foot

Satin Stitch Foot

Zipper toot

Use thts foot for buttonholes, it is marked to measure your buttonholes accurately,

Uses: Buttonhole making (see p. 39}

This foot can be set to sew on each side of

your zipper, The edges of the foot guide the zipper and keep the seam straight,

Uses: Zipper application (see p. 41)

Use this transparent foot for satin stitch and outlining applique.

Uses: Satin stitch (see p, 3_00),

Applique {see p. 31), Monogramming (see p. 3_22).

Choose Your Needle and Thread

Your choice of needle and thread depends on the fabric you are sewing

in your needle case, you will find the following color-coded needles:

Blue (1 1) ........... for stretch fabrics

Orange (11 ) ....... for lightweight fabrics

Red (14) ............ for reed;urn or medium-heavv weight fabrics

Purple (16} ........ for medium-heavv weight and decorative

topstitchmg on these fabrics

(This needle has a larger thread hole for

thicker topstltching thread.)

Green (18) ....... for heavy weight fabrics and decorative top-

stitching on these fabrics

o Check Your Needle

1. Look for barbed or blunt point.

2. A damaged needle can cause permanent snags or runs in knits, fine silks and silk-like fabrics.

Always buy a good quality thread. It should resist tangling and be strong, smooth and consistent in th=ckness.

Replacement Kenmore needles are available at vour nearest Sears stores.

Choose :Your Needle and Thread (Continued)

Fabric, Needle. Thread and Stitch Length Chart

FABRIC

Lightwe=ght:

Batiste, Dimity, Chiffon, Silks, Fine Lace, Organza,

Crepe_ Taffeta, Voile, Organdy

Medium Weight:

Cotton, Cotton Blends, Percale. Gingham, Shantung, Pique, Seersucker, Satin. Knits, Vinyl Suitmgs, Linen, Wool Crepe. Leather

Medium Heavy Weight:

Corduroy, Denim, Wool, Sailcloth, Woo! Flannel, Gabardine. Velvets,

Leather

Heavv Weight:

Coatfngs. Upholstery Cotton Duck, Heavv

Twills. Canvas

Decorative top.stitching 16-PURPLE Buttonhole Twist 6 _ 8 stitches per on all types of fabric 18-GREEN (Use as top thread only) inch

Stretch Fabrlc; 11 -BLUE

Polyester Double Knits, {STRETCH Polyester Core/Cotton 10 _ 12 stitches NvJon Tricot. Jersey, FABRIC Wrap

Stretch Terry, Spande×, NEEDLE) 50 Mercerized Cotton per inch Cite Tricot with "Q FOOT"

NEEDLE

SIZE AND

COLOR

11*ORANGE

!4.RED

14-RED 8 _ 10 stitches

or per inch

1B-PURPLE

18-GREEN tnch

THREAD SIZE

Pofvester Core/Cotton

Wrap

Fine Mercerized Cotton Silk A

50 Mercer=zed Cotton Pc!vaster Core/Cotton

Wrap

Silk A

50 Mercerzzed Cotton Mercerized Heavy-Duty

Polyester Core/Cotton

Wrap

Silk A

Heavy Duty Mercerized Cotton

Polyester Core/Cotton

Wrap

Silk A

RECOMMENDED

STITCH LENGTH

SETTING

12 stitches per _nch

10 ~ t2 stitches

per inch

8 stitches per

o To Change Your Needle

F_at side

away I rorn

you

NOTE:

I. Loosen the needle clamp screw by turning it

2. Remove the needle by pulling it downward.

3. Insert the new needle into the needle clamp

4. Push the needle up as far as it will go, 5, Tighten the needle clamp screw firmly with the

Raise the needle bar to Its highest posi-

tion by turning the hand wheel toward

you,

toward you,

with the fiat side away from VOU,

large screwdriver from your accessory box.

Needle clamp screw

Prepare the Bobbin

o To Remove the Bobbin Case from the Nlachine

Remove the extension table from

the machine by pulling it to the left. Open the shuttle cover by purling down the embossed part on

the left rode of the cover.

Ra+se needle to its highest pos+tlon

bv rotat+ng hand wheel toward you.

To remove bobb+n case from shut- tle, pull open latch of bobbin case.

Pull bobbin case straight out of shuttle.

o Wind the Bobbin

Release clutch by turning the

ctutch knob mmde the hand wheet

toward you,

Prepare the Bobbin :(Continued)

= Wind the Bobbin (Continued)

j /

......... i¸¸ iiiii!!iiiii: id¸ii

Draw thread from spool through bobbin

winder tension disc as shown.

Putl end of thread through hole bobbin as shown,

in Place bobbin onto bobbin winder

spindle with end of thread coming from the top of the bobbin. Push bobbin winder shaft to the right until it dicks.

Holding onto end of thread, start ma- chine. When bobbin is slighttv filled,

snip off end of thread.

Wind thread unti! winder stops. Remove

bobb,,n. Clip thread. Tighten clutch knob.

= insert the Bobbin into the Bobbin Case

Place bobbin _n bobbin case Pull thread through slot of case Pull thread under tension Holding latch open. positlon Case should loci< into place making sure thread feeds clock- as shown, spring and through the opening case into shuttle and release when latch is released, wise and Js coming from as shown above, latch. bobbin as shown.

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