Sears 385 User Manual

OWNER'S MANUAL

SEA/RS

SEWING MACHINE

MODEL 385. 1764180

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.

Dear Cuatomer:

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 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 service, always mention the model number and serial number when you inquire.

Kenmore Sewing Machine

Record in space provided below the model number and aerial 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. 385. Serial No.

Retain these numbers for future reference.

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

IMPORTANT SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS

Your sewing machine is designed and constructed only for HOUSEHOLD use.

Read all instruction before using this sewing machine.

DAN GER- To reduce the risk of electric shock:

An appliance should never be left unattended when plugged in. Always unplug this appliance from the electric outlet immediately after using

and before cleaning.

Always unplug before relamping. Replace bulb with same type rated

15 Watts.

Do not reach for the appliance that has fallen into water. Unplug immediately,

Do not place or store appliance where it can fall or be pulled into a tub or sink, Do not place in or drop into water or other liquid.

WAR NING- To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock,

or injury to persons.

1. Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when this appliance is used by or near children.

2 Use this appliance only for its intended use as described in this manual.

Use only attachments recommended by the manufacturer as contained in

this manual.

Never operate this appliance if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not

working properly, if it has been dropped or damaged, or dropped into water, Return the appliance to the nearest authorized dealer or service

center for examination, repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment,

Never operate the appliance with any air opening blocked. Keep

ventilation openings of the sewing machine and foot controller free from

accumulation of lint, dust, and loose cloth.

Never drop or insert any object into any opening.

Do not use outdoors.

Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxigen is being administered.

To disconnect, turn all controls to the off ("O") position, then remove plug from outlet.

Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the

cord.

10.

Keept fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required

around the sewing machine needle.

11.

Always use the proper needle plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break.

12.

Do not use bent needles.

13.

Do not pull or push fabric while stitching.

It may deflect the needle causing it to break.

14.

Switch the sewing machine off ("O") when making any adjustment in

the needle area, such as threading needle, changing needle, threading

bobbin, or changing presser foot, and the like.

15.

Always unplug the sewing machine from the electrical outlet when removing covers, lubricating, or when marking any other user servicing

adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

, ;.'( J_,v '_"LILJil IVt/\t'lili'_l

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

Locate and Identify the parts .................. 2_3

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

Set Up the Machine ......................... 5_9

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

• Foot Control Use .......................... 5

• Set the Pressure Dial ........................ 6

• Setting Spool Pins .......................... 7

• Adjust the Presser Foot Lever .................. 7

• Thread Cutter ............................ 7

• Accessory Storage Box ...................... 8

• Free Arm Sewing: the Removal Extension Table . . . 8"9

Know What the Presser Feet Will Do . _ .......... 10_13

• Check Your Presser Foot .................... 10

• Change the Presser Foot ..................... 10

• Presser FootTypes ...................... 11_13

Choose Your Needle and Thread ............... 13"_14

• Check Your Needle ........................ 13

• Fabric, Needle, Thread and Stitch Length Chart ..... 14

• To Change Your Needle ..................... 14

Prepare the Bobbin ........................ 15_16

• To Remove the Bobbin from the Machine ......... 15

• Wind the Bobbin ......................... 15

• insert the Bobbin into the Bobbin Holder ......... 16

Prepare Your Top Thread .................... 17"_20

• Thread Your Needle ....................... 17

• Pick Up Your Bobbin Thread ................. 18

• Adjust the Top Thread Tension .............. 19_20

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

Stitch Width Control ......................... 21

Stitch Length Control ........................ 21

Adjusting Stretch Stitch Balance ................. 21

Reverse Stitch Control ........................ 22

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

! _ \};1_ Itl}- .";I I li:|tl !;

Practical Stitch Chart ...................... 23_27

Straight Stitches .......................... 28_29

• Straight Stitch ........................... 28

• Use the Seam Guides ....................... 28

• Turn a Square Corner ...................... 28

• Use the Darning Plate ...................... 29

• Topstitching ............................ 29

Darning ................................. 30

Straight Stretch ............................ 30

Zigzag Stitches ........................... 31_38

• Basic Zigzag ............................. 31

• Satin Stitch ............................. 32

• Applique ............................... 33

• Bar Tacking ............................. 33

• Monogramming .......................... 34

• Embroidery ............................. 34

• Sew a Button ............................ 35

• Overcasting Stitch ......................... 36

• Rick-Rack Stretch ....................... 36

• Three-Step Zigzag ......................... 37

• Overcast Stretch Stitching ................... 38

• Serging or Pine Leaf Stretch Stitching ............ 38

Blind Hemming ............................ 39

Lace Work ................................ 40

Buttonhole Making ........................ 41--47

• Learning to Sew Buttonholes ................. 41

• Built4n System ........................ 42_43

• Using Buttonhole Attachment ............... 44_47

Sew in a Zipper .......................... 48_49

Shell Stitching ............................. 50

Two-Point Shell Stitching ...................... 50

Smocking ................................ 51

Stretch Patching ............................ 52

Fagoting Stitch ............................ 52

Herring Bone Stretch ......................... 52

Elastic Stretch Stitch ......................... 53

Box Stitching .............................. 53

Two-point Box Stitch ........................ 54

Overedging Stitch ........................... 54

Decorate with Geometric Patterns ................ 55

SECTION 4 PERFORMANCE PI{OBLEMS (Ht\t{I

When to Do When ......................... 56_57

SECTION b

('AF_E FOH Y()LJt_ k/IIkUHHgE

Replace the Light Bulb ....................... 58

Clean the Bobbin Holder ...................... 58

Clean the Hook Race and Feed Dogs .............. 59

Oiling the Machine .......................... 59

PARTS LIST ...................................... 60--61

INDEX .......................................... 62_63

SECTION 1. KNOW YOUR MACHINE

A Portable Case or Cabinet is Available

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

Upper Thread Guide

Take up Lever

Top Thread Tension

Control

Face Cover Plate

Thread Cutter

Needle Plate

Thread Spool Pins

Extension Table (Accessory storage box )

SECT ON 1. KNOW YOUR MACHINE

Arm Cover Plate

Hand Wheel

Push Pull Clutch

Stitch Sel_'," t or

Stretch Stitch Adluster

£{qht and

Power Switch

P)u_ Ctlnnector

Carrying Handle

. .

Nomenclature Plate

Thread Guide

Needle Clamp

Presser Foot Thumb Screw

Presser Foot

Snap on Button

Presser Foot Lever

Foot Control

Identify the AccesSories

Darning plate

Zipper foot

Buttonhole opener Needle set

Large SCrew driver Small screw dr_ver

........ \

Straight stitch loot

Siidin 9 buttonhole loot

% Satin stitch

Lint brush

Spool pin felt

loot

But tonhole plateguide

Buttonhole foot

Buttonhole templates/'

Set Up the Machine

Plug in the Machine and Switch on the Power

Power supply plug Power

Power \_ _-_/supply switch _ Ll_J_ I

SECTION _2. PREPARE YOUR MACHINE FOR SEWING

Foot Control Use

Plug

connector

NOTE:

Before inserting the plug into your machine, be sure the power switch is

OFF.

Check your outlet to be sure it is a 110 to 120

Volt AC outlet, Insert the machine plug into the three-prong

outlet, as shown. It will only fit one way, Insert the power supply plug into the outlet.

Machine plug

Sewin_ liqht

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

SAFETY FEATURE: Your machine will not operate unless the

light/power switch is turned on. If you are

Power switch

The foot control regulates the speed at which you sew.

To increase speed, gently press down with the ball of your foot.

To decrease speed, release your foot pres-

sure slightly.

interrupted or stop sewing, turn off the light/power switch to prevent injury to

children.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

"For appliances with a polarized plug (one blade wider than the other),

To reduce the risk of electric shock, this plug is intended to fit in a

polarized outlet only one way, If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet,

NOTE:

The foot control is sensitive and will increase or decrease your

sewing speed immediately. Practice on a scrap of fabric to

regulate your sewing speed to

your taste and needs.

reverse the plug. If it stilldoes not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install

the proper outlet. Do not modify the plug in any way."

"Foot Controller Model YC-482P or YC.530 for use with Sewing Machine Models

385.1778x x x, 385.1684x x x, 38&1584x x x, 385.1664 x x x, 385.1754 x x x, 385.17526x x x,

385.1764x x x, 385.1884x x x, 385.17928 x x x, 385.17924 x x x, 385.18836 x x x,

385.17922x x x, 385.16816x x x, 385.17822x x x, 385.17828 x x x, 385.18830 x x x and

385.17026x x x.

x x x - represents numbers 00O through 999."

(For U.S.A. market only)

"SECTION! 2:.'- _P__U R:MACPI _ E__

Set Up the Machine (Continued)

Set the Pressure Dial

Pressore Control dial

The pressure control dial is located inside the face cover plate. Set the dial aligning the setting mark on the dial with the groove as follows,

3 ..... most sewing

2 ..... applique and Cut-Out work

1 ..... basting, sewing chiffon, lace, organdy and other lightweight fabrics.

Also for velours and knits (with more stretch).

Setting mark

NOTE: The pressure dial should be reset at 3 after changing pressure, so

the machine is ready for most normal sewing the next time you use

it.

SECTION ,2. PREPARE YOUR MACHINE FOR SEWING

The spool pins are used for holding the spools of thread in order to feed thread to

the machine.

To use, pull up the spool pins. Place the spool felt on the pins. Push down for

storage.

• Adjust the Presser Foot Lever

position - High

\ _osition

position Normal up

position r foot

The Presser Foot Lever raises and lowers your

presser foot.

You can raise it about 1/4" higher than the normal up position for easy removal of the presser foot or to help you place heavy fabrics under the presser

foot

Thread Cutter

You don't need a pair of scissors to cut the thread after you finish sewing. Just use the

handy thread cutter. The threads are cut the proper length for

starting the nextseam.

SECTION 2: _,.'_RI_i=_',/_I_QIJR!MACH|I_I_EJ_'J_J'NG_

Set Up the Machine (Continued)

• Accessory Storage Box • Free-Arm Sewing: the Removable Extension Table

To remove:

To Remove the Extension Table

(for free-arm sewing)

1. Grip the table with your index finger and thumb,

The lid of the accessory storage box lifts

open toward you. Sewing accessories are conveniently located

in the box.

as shown.

2. Pull gently toward you. The extension table will snap out.

To Attach:

Extension table

Your sewing machine can do free arm sewing. This feature makes sewing easy for:

• Bar tacking to reinforce pockets, plackets and waistlines on ready-made or home-

made garments to avoid fabric bunching around the needle.

Slot

To Attach the Extension Table

(for flat-bed sewing)

1. Fit the tabs into the slot, as shown.

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

SECTJON 2. PREPARE YOUR MACHINE FOR SEWING

• Stitching sleeves, waistbands, pant legs,

or any circular garment area.

Darning socks or mending knees, elbows, or areasof wear in children's clothes.

* Sewing buttons on sleeves, waistbands,

etc.

SECTION 2. PREPARE YOUR MACHINE FOR SEWING

Know What the Presser Feet Will Do

• Check Your Presser Foot

Tile Presser feet are an important feature of this machine. You need to know

what each foot does in order to use thefn effectively. Your presser foot is held in place by a Foot Holder. Each presser foot merely

snaps on the foot holder, which is seldom removed.

If vou need to remove or attach the foot holder, here is what you do:

To Remove: To Attach: To Snap Off:

To Remove: Turn the screw toward the back of

the machine. Use the large screw

driver.

To Attach:

1. Match the hole in the foot holder with the threaded hole in

the presser bar.

2. Fit the foot holder screw into the hole.

3. Tighten the screw by turning it toward you.

• Change the Presser Foot

Use the correct presser foot for the stitch you wish to sew. Consult the Stitch Pattern Chart and the detailed directions for sewing with the various presser feet.

1. Raise the needle bar to its highest position by turning the hand wheel . toward you.

2. Raise the presser foot.

3. Press the snap-on button on the hack of the foot holder• The presser foot will drop off.

• Presser Foot Types

Zigzag Foot

SECTION 2. PREPARE YOUR MACHINE FOR SEWING

Straight Foot

To Snap On

To Snap On the Presser Foot:

1. Ptace the presser foot so the hori- zontal pin on the foot lies just

under the groove of the foot

holder.

2. Lower the presser foot holder to lock the presser foot in place.

NOTE :

If you do not hear the

presser foot snap in place, press down on the presser

foot holder firmly until you hear the snap.

A: Zigzag foot

Use this foot for both straight and zigzag stitching.

Uses: Zigzag stitching (seepage 31),

Bar tacking (see page 33), Button sewing (seepage 35),

Rick-rack stretch (see page 36),

Three-step zigzag (see page 37), Overcast stretch (seepage38),

Lace work (see page40),

Two-point shell stitching

(see page5_00),

Smocking (see page 51), Stretch patching (seepage 51), Fagoting (seepage 52),

Herring bone stretch (see page 52), Elastic stretch (see page 53), Box stitching (see page 53),

Two-point box stitch (see page 54), Overedging stitch (seepage 54).

H: Straight foot

Use this foot exclusively for straight stitching

using center needle position only.

Uses: Straight stitching (see page 28),

Topstitching (see page 29), Straight stretch (see page 30).

SECTION 2. :_,I_RE'_.,__='__WIN_

Know What the Presser Feet Will Do (Continued)

• Presser Foot Types (Continued)

Sliding Buttonhole Foot Zipper Foot

Satin Stitch Foot

S_idlngbuttonholefoot

Use this foot for buttonholes of built m

system, It is marked to measure your buttonholes accurately.

Uses: Buttonhole making (see page 42).

E; Zipper foot

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 page 48).

F: Satin stitch foot

Use this transparent foot for satin stitch ant

outlining applique.

Uses: Satin stitch (see page _3_2),

Applique (see page 33), Monogramming (see page 34),

Shell stitching (see page 50), Geometric decorative stitching

(see page 55),

• Presser Foot Types (Continued)

Buttonhole Foot

Buttonhole foot

Use this foot when making buttonholes with

buttonhole attachment system.

Uses: Buttonhole making (see page44)

SECT ONe2 PREPARE YOUR MACHINE FOR SEWING

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 (11) ............ for stretch fabrics

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

Red (14) ............ for medium or medium-heavy weight fabrics

Purple (16) .......... for medium-heavy weight and decorative

topstitching on these fabrics (This needle has a larger thread hole for thicker topstitching thread.)

Green (18) .......... for heavy weight fabrics and decorative lop

stitching on these fabrics

• Check Your Needle I. Look for barbed or blunt point.

2. A damaged needle can cause permanent snags or runs in knits, fi_e silks

and silk-like fabrics.

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

_N_ pRI::PAR E_y OU_MA_II_m_Q.'IFL_ EWJ._.

Fabric, Needle, Thread and Stitch Length Chert

FABRIC

NEEDLE RECOMMENDED

SIZE AND THREAD SIZE STITCH LENGTH

QOLOR SETTING

LpghtweJgh!

Babste Oimily. Chiffon. Silks, Fine Lace, Organza, Crppe, Taffexa, Voile, Organdy

Medrum Weight :

Colton, Cotton Blends.

Percale, Gingham.

Shantung, Pique, SPer_ucker, Satin, Knits,

Vinyl Su_tings, Linen, Wool Crepe_ Leather

Medium Heavy Weight:

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

Gaba,dine, VeJve_s, Lealher

RPavy We;ghl

Coatings, U_holstery t 8.GREEN

Cotlon Duck. Heavy

Tw_Us, Canvas

Decorative top stitchln 9 16 PURPLE

On all types of fabric 18 GREEN

Stretch Fabric: 1 1 BLUE

Polves er Double Kn is, (STRETCH NV!on Tr co , Jer_;ey FABRIC SlIPtCh Terry, Spandex, NEEDLE)

Clre Tricot

11 -ORANGE

......... J

14,RED

14-RED

16 PURPLE

Polyesler Core/Colton Wrap Fine Mercerized Cotton Silk A

S0 Mercerized Cotlon

Potyester Core/Cotton Wrap

Silk A

SO Mercerized Cotton

Mercerized Heavy-Duly Polyester Core/Cotton Wrap

Silk A

Heavy Duty Mercerized

Cotton

Polyester Core/Cotton

Wrap

Silk A

Buttonhole Twist {Use as top thread only)

Polyester Core/Cotton Wrap

50 Mercerized Cotton

2 (12 stitches per

inch)

2--2.5

(10-12 stitches

per inch)

2--3 (8-10 stitches

per inch)

(8 stitches per

inch)

3-4

(6-8 stitches

per inch )

2-2.5 (10-12 stitches

per inch)

To Change Your Needle

r I,_I S_dl, :l';va V

f KL_rII

/_}LJ

NOTE:

Raise the needle bar to its highest poi_ tion by turning the hand wheel towar4

you ....

1. Loosen the needle clamp screw by turningl{ toward you.

2. Remove the needle by pulling it downward.

3. Insert the new needle into the needle clamp with the flat side away from you.

4. Push the needle up as far as it will go.

5. Tighten the needle clamp screw firmly with the large screwdriver from your accessory storRt

box.

Prepare the Bobbin

• To Remove the Bobbin from the Machine

SECTION !2; _PREPARE YOUR MACHINE FOR SEWING

• Wind the Bobbin

1 Gently push down on the bobbin cover plate and slide

it towards you.

2. Set aside.

3. Lift c)ut the bobbin, as shown.

Bobbin windingspindle

1. Put your spool of thread onto spool pin. with the thread winding in the direction shown.

2. Pull the clutch away from the machine to stop the needle from moving while you winding the bobbin.

3. Draw thread from spool through bobbin winder tension disc as shown,

4. Place the threaded bobbin on the bobbin winding spindle so that the thread comes out on top.

5. Push the bobbin winder spindle to the right until it clicks.

6, Holding onto end of thread, depress the foot control.

7. When the bobbin is slightly filled, stop the machine and clip the thread coming from

the bobbin.

8. Slowly start the machine again and wind the thread until the bobbin stops.

9. Push the bobbin winder spindle to the left and clip the thread.

10. Remove the bobbin. 1I. Push in the clutch for normal sewing operation.

SECTION 2. PREPARE YOUR MACHIN6;.!P-O_fNG

Prepare the Bobbin (Continued)

• Insert the Bobbin into the Bobbin Holder

1. Put the bobbin into the bobbin holder so that the thread feeds

counter clockwise (left).

2. Pu(( about 4 inches of thread toward you through the tension

slot @.

Threading

3. Then pull the thread clockwise toward the back of the machine

through the slot _

• Threading chart is located behind the face cover plate.

Sbde the bobbin cover plate whil

pushing it down slightly over t_

bobbin. Allow about 4 inchesl

thread to show above the nee_ plate.

Prepare Your Top Thread

• Thread Your Needle

_ _r_

--0--

The numbered steps above follow the numbers on the illustrations.

Dotted lines show places where the thread loops and then is pulled tight.

SECTION 2. PREPARE YOUR MACHINE FOR SEWING

Raise take-up lever to its highest position by turning hand wheel toward you. Raise presser foot lever.

Place spool on spool pin as shown, with thread coming from the back of the spool.

1. Draw thread into thread guide using both hands.

2. While holding thread near spool, draw thread down into the tension area and then around the check spring holder.

3. Firmly draw thread up and through take-up lever from right to left.

4. Draw thread down and slip it through the thread guide.

5. Thread then is slipped into needle bar thread guide.

6. Thread needle from front to back. NOTE: You may want to cut the end of thread with sharp scissors for easier needle threading.

SECTION 2. PREPARE YOUR MACHINE FOR_SEWING

Prepare Your Top Thread (Continued)

• Pick Up Your Bobbin Thread

Raise presser foot lever. Hold

needle thread loosely in left hand and rotate handwheel toward

you one complete turn.

2. Bring bobbin thread up by pulling

top thread.

3. Pull both threads under and to the

back of the presser foot, leaving 4

to 6 inches of thread clear.

+ 49 hidden pages