OWNER'S MANUAL S_FA/RS SEWING MACHINE MODELS 385. 385. 385. 12708 12710 12712 or 385.
SEARS CANADA INC. Dear Customer: You have just invested in a very fine please pause for a moment and care for your Specific instructions machine. read this booklet Before which using your contains new instructions Kenmore machine, on how to operate machine.
TABLE SECTION 1. 2. PREPARE THE MACHINE 3 3_4 4 FOR SEWING Set Up the Machine ......................... 5_7 • Plug in the Machine and Switch on the Power ....... S • Foot Control Use .......................... 5 • Setting Spool Pins .......................... 6 • Adjust the PresserFoot Lever .................. 6 • Thread Cutter ............................ 6 • Free Arm Sewing: the Removable Extension Table . . . 7 • Accessories Storage Box ' 7 • Change the PresserFoot ......................
SECTION A Portable Case or Cabinet is Available Locate and Identify 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 anywhere. Take-up Lever Bobbin Winding 1.
SECTION 1.
SECTION 2. PREPARE THE MACHINE FOR SEWING Set Up the Machine Plugin the Machineand Switch on the Power Foot Control Use Power supply plug switch Power Power _1 _[_ supply light / Foot control Power swltch Plug connector 4, Push the light on the power Machine plug SAFETY and power and sewing switch to turn light, Before machine, inserting be sure the the plug power into your switch is OFF. 1. 2. 3. Check your outlet to be sure it is a 110 to 120 Volt AC outlet.
SECTION 2. PREPARE THE MACHINE Setting Spool Pins FOR SEWING Adjust • the Presser Foot Lever Thread Cutter t Spool pin Normal position up __._ Jtter positior High position P position 'Presser lever foot J The spool pins are used for holding the spools of thread when feeding thread to the machine. To use, pull up the spool pins. for storage. Push down The Presser Foot Lever raises and lowers your presser foot.
SECTION Set Up the Machine • 2. PREPARE (Continued) THE MACHINE Choose the Needle Free-Arm Sewing: the Removable Extension Table • Accessory Storage Box • Q \ • Change the Presser Foot FOR SEWING and Thread To Change the Needle ( ! _",_"k Needle clamp screw •-._ / ,_i Flat side away from you To Remove the (for free-arm 1. 2. Extension Table The sewing) Grip the table with your and thumb, as shown, Pull gently to the left. index finger the Extension (for flat*bed 1.
SECTION 2. PREPARE THE MACHINE FOR SEWING Fabric, Needle, Thread FABRIC II _- , 1 L- i r Lightweight : Batiste, Dimity, Chiffon, Silks, Fine Lace, Organza, Crepe, Taffeta, Voile, Organdy Medium Your choice of needle and thread depends on the fabric you are sewing. rn the needle envelope, you will find the following needles: Blue (11 ) ......... Orange (11) ........ Red (14) .......... Purple (16) ........ Green (18) Replacement ........ Kenmore color-coded for stretch fabrics.
SECTION 2. PREPARE THE MACHINE FOR SEWING Prepare the Bobbin • To Removethe BobbinCasefrom the Machine • Wind the Bobbin Release clutch by turning the clutch knob inside the hand wheel Remove the the machine left. Open pulling by the down from To remove bobbin case from shut- pulling it to the tle, pull open latch of bobbin case. shuttle cover by extension table the embossed part on Pull bobbin shuttle. toward you to stop the needle from moving while you wind the bobbin.
SECTION 2. Wind the Bobbin PREPARE THE MACHINE FOR SEWING (Continued) J Draw thread from spool through bobbin winding tension disc as shown. Pull end of thread bobbin as shown. through hole in Place bobbin onto bobbin winding spindle with end of thread coming from the top of the bobbin. Push bobbin winding spindle to the right until it clicks. Holding onto end of thread, start machine, When bobbin is slightly filled, snip off end of thread. Wind thread until winder stops.
SECTION 2. PREPARE THE MACHINE FOR SEWING Prepare the Top Thread • Thread the Needle ILuLf_ 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. 2. The numbered steps above follow on the illustrations. Dotted lines show places where loops and then is pulled tight. the numbers the thread Draw thread into thread guide using both hands.
SECTION 2. PREPARE THE MACHINE FOR SEWING Pick Up the Bobbin Thread ! 1. Raise presser foot thread loosely handwheel lever. Hold in left hand toward top 2. and rotate Bring bobbin thread up by pulling top thread. you one complete turn. If you cannot pick up bobbin thread 1. Is needle threaded 2. Is thread tangled 3. Are 3 to 4 inches of thread coming from 4. Is thread from shuttle 5. Is bobbin 6.
SECTION 2. PREPARE THE MACHINE FOR SEWING Adjust the Top Thread Tension Choose Top side of fabric the Correct The best tension Setting Tension: will depend on; the stiffness and thickness --~ the number of fabric --- the type of stitch mark Top _hread of the fabric layers The top thread is too loose.
SECTION 2. PREPARE THE MACHINE FOR SEWING Reverse Stitch Control For Zigzag Stitch In a correct zigzag stitch, the bobbin threads will not show on the top side of fabric and the top threads will show slightly on the bottom side. See below for the correct appearance, To match this appearance, adjust the top tension. Top tension Top tension Too Tight Too Loose Top side of Fabric Top Just Right side of Fabric Top side of Fabric To reverse stitch, hold down this control during sewing.
SECTION 2. PREPARE THE MACHINE FOR SEWING Stitch Selector Model 12714 Settlng mark // _ StitchSelector L m • Stitch Selector / The stitch stitch regular Straight, Stretch types Stitches "_ not of stitches / ___ (t rack stretch Zigzag and Utility Buttonhole NOTE: control "q STRETCH _ only but also regulates zigzag and rick The different If CHI] _"'"_ selector you select, mD determines the stitch the width for stitches. are designated Stitches by color. are red.
SECTION2. PREPARETHE MACHINEFOR SEWING Adjusting Stretch Stitch Balance Stitch Length Control 0 j Setting mark 2 4 l t ' J i 1/ / Setting mark t '///_L- I i Stitch Length \ / I I .I [ I \ i I I II I \ i/I \ Tl_'2_titch Length o--I12--3 _l t_4_ I II I J t Till \ .=1 // tting mark Stitch Length Control Stitch Length Control The stitch stitche length control regulates the length of stitch, and also has a stretch To select Stretch setting.
SECTION 2. PREPARE THE MACHINE FOR SEWING Stardng To Sew Now that you are familiar with the controls on your machine and with the accessories provided Kenmore sewing machine. Below are some good habits to follow each time you sit down to sew: for the machine, you are ready to start to sew with your new 1. Inspect the needle, it should be straight, properly set and sharp on the point. It should be the correct size for the fabric and thread being used.
SECTION 3. LEARN THE STITCHES Straight Stitches Straight Stitch Use the Seam Guides Set the Machine Stitch Stitch selector 1 Top thread tension control 2 to 6 Cornering Stitch length control red The 1. x_ z°n_ 2. 3. Straight foot Raise the presser foot, Raise the position. Place to Zigzag foot the 8. edge of the fabric plate guide next line on the (5/8" is At the end of the seam, you may want needle to its highest a stitching needle 7. 9. to reverse to lock the stitch.
SECTION Topatitching 3. LEARN THE STITCHES Left Needle Position set the Machine Stitch Stitch Stitch selector selector I Top thread tension control 2 to 6 Stitch length control red zon Here's How 1, 2. Lower the presser foot. Keep of the fabric the right edge of the Evenly guide the to the edge next presser foot.
SECTION Straight 3. LEARN Stitches THE STITCHES (Continued) • Sew in a Zipper Fabric Preparation: Set the Machine Put the gether per right sides of the fabric to- and sew to the end of the zip- opening, Use the reverse Stitch Stitch Zipper 1/S") selector teeth Zipper to lock tape the stitches. Sew the length zipper at "4" opening and top with thread stitch tension at "3", Top thread tension control 3 to S Stitch length control 2 To Sew: 1. Fold 4.
SECTION3. LEARNTHE STITCHES Right side "'-, f / 8. Open the zipper. 9. Lower the presser 10. foot and stitch Close the fabric right zipper and turn the 11. side up. the rest of the seam. 12. 13. INVISIBLE ZIPPER AND CORDrNG INVISIBLE ZIPPER Adjust the foot so the needle is sewing through the center hore of the foot and one groove of the foot is riding on the teeth of the zipper as shown. Follow the zipper manufacturer's instructions.
SECTION 3. LEARN THE STITCHES Straight Stitches (Continued) Usethe DarningPlate • Darning Set the Machine Stitch Stitch Top thread tension control 1 to 4 Sometimes to control when you sew, you selector Stitch length control any number adjust) want the fabric youself. Here's How The Darning Plate covers the feed dogs 1. so that they do not touch the fabric.
SECTION 3. LEARN THE STITCHES Zigzag Stitches Basic Zigzag Set the Machine Stitch Stitch selector Top thread tension control 2 to 5 Stitch length control red Here's How There are many ways to sew a zigzag stitch. Consult the specific variations for detailed directions. Satin Stitch p. 24 Applique Work p. 25 Bar Tacking p. 25 Button Sewing p. 26 Overcasting p. 27 Zigzag foot Three-step zigzag p.
SECTION 3. LEARN Zigzag Stitches THE STITCHES (Continued) Satin Stitch Zigzag Set the Machine Stitch width : Close to 0 Stitch selector 2 Top thread tension control 1 to 4 Stitch length control 0.5 to 1 Stitch length: > > > Satin stitch foot The Stitch and Its Uses The Satin stitch is a versatile used decorative stitch, but and often it can also be used to overcast a raw edge (for example, blankets, linens, tablecloths and napkins). The Satin stitch in applique.
SECTION Applique 3. LEARN THE STITCHES Bar Tacking Set the Machine Stitch Stitch selector Top thread tension control 1 to 4 Stitch length control 0.5 to 1 Set the Machine Stitch Stitch selector Top thread tension control 1 to 4 Stitch length control 0.5 to 1 r , i i J Baste (or joiner) applique Stitch sure Satin stitch foot fuse around the with iron-on pieces on the the needle applique falls along fabric This stitch is similar fabric.
SECTION 3. LEARN THE STI,TCHES Zigzag Stitches (Continued) • Sewa Button Set the Machine Stitch Stitch selector Top thread tension control 1 to 4 Stitch length control any number (not Use the darning Zigzag foot plate 1. Set the stitch 2. Align selector both holes hole of the button 3, Darning plate 26 for button foot of the the just above the right 5. Set the stitch button just below Lower Sew about I c_ at " comes 4, sewing and turn (see p. 22).
SECTION • 3. LEARN THE STITCHES Overcasting Stitch Set the Machine Stitch Stitch lop thread tension control 1 to 4 selector Stitch length control 1 to 2 Helpful Hints Zigzag foot Start overcasting about 1/8" inside the raw corner of your seam. If you start right at the edge, the fabric will bunch up and the stitches will become tangled. The Stitch and Its Uses This zigzag variation is very useful in garment construction and in finishing raw edges of any sewing project.
SECTION 3. Zigzag Stitches LEARN THE STITCHES (Continued) Three-Step Zigzag Lace Work Set the Machine Stitch Stitch Set the Machine selector Stitch Stitch selector k Top thread tension control 1 to 4 Stitch length control 0.
SECTION 3. LEARN THE STITCHES Blind Hemming 1/4" Set the Machine Stitch Stitch selector Light Weight Fabric (Regular) top thread tension control 1 to 4 1/4" Stitch length control 1 to 3 Heavy Weight Fabric Zigzag foot There are two blind wider and will "give" 1. Finish 2. Measure, NOTE: Set the Machine Stitch Stitch selector 3. 4. 5. Place garment Top thread tension control 1 to 4 _ After NOTE: up your weight the material should (Stretch) turn The blind machine.
SECTION 3. LEARN THE STITCHES Zigzag Stitches (Continued) Box Stitching Shell Stitching (Models 12712 and 12714) (Model 12714 only) Set the Machine Set the Machine Stitch Stitch selector Top thread tension control 3 to g Stitch length control 1to 2 Stitch Stitch selector Top thread tension control 1 to 4 Stitch length control 1 Here°s How 1. Use For best effect: this stitch to join heavy weight interlining. -- set the stitch length as you Overlap desire.
SECTION Stretch 3. LEARN THE STITCHES Stitches Straight Stretch • Rick-Rack Stretch Set the Machine Stitch Set the Machine Stitch selector Stitch Stitch selector III Ill Top thread tension control 2 to 6 Stitch length control yellow Top thread tension control 1 to 4 position position _k_ stretch Stitch length control yellow stitch _k_ Y_J stretch stitch L_J The Stitch and Its Uses Sew on stretch fabrics in any area that you might use a zigzag stitch.
SECTION 3. LEARN THE STfTCHES Stretch Stitches {Continued) Smocking Overcast Stretch Set the Machine Stitch Stitch selector Top thread tension control 1 to 4 Stitch length control yellow stretch stitch position Stitch Stitch selector Top thread tension control 1 to 4 Stitch length control yellow position _._ L_J Here's How stretch stitch L_J Zigzag foot Place the raw edge of the fabric to the LEFT of the needle as shown.
SECTION Serglng or Pine Leaf Stretch Stitchin Models 12712 and 12714) Stitch Top thread tension control 1 to 4 Set the Machine selector Stitch Stitch length control yellow Stitch Top thread tension control 1 to 4 position _ stretch LEARN THE STITCHES Elastic Stretch Stitch (Model 12714 only) Set the Machine Stitch 3.
SECTION 3. LEARN THE STITCHES Buttonholes Sat the Machine Stitch Stitch selector B Top thread control tension 1 to 5 Stitch length blue zone contro _== 1. a. Carefully mark the buttonhole length on your garment. b. Change to the sliding buttonhole foot. Sliding buttonhole foot NOTE: turn c. Lower the presser foot. NOTE: the dial Always make a practice buttonhole on a scrap of fabric you plan to use to find the more suitable stitch length. 34 garment. ing running toward you.
SECTION . ...... : " : c- ,.£; = I? ; ; : : ? r P_ Set the stitch selector at _Jz 5. a. Set the stitch selector m at I_ " 6. a. Set the stitch selector at r_ m b. Sew 4 to 6 stitches. c. b. Sew until marking Stop sewing at the right stitch. c. you reach the back of the buttonhole. Stop sewing at the right LEARN THE STITCHES t ) 4. a. 3. b. Sew4 c. Stop to 6 stitches. sewing at the left m 7.
SECTION 4. PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS CHART What to Do When PROBLEM PROBABLE Incorrect Choose correct size needle for thread and fabric, Rethread machine, Tighten upper thread tension. tension. Pulling fabric. Loose presser foot, Do not pull fabric; Reset presser foot. Unevenly wound bobbin, Nicks or burrs at hole of needle plate. Rewind Replace Pulling fabric. Incorrect size needle. Do not pull fabric; guide it gently. Choose correct size needle for thread Reset needle. Reset presser foot.
SECTION PROBLEM 4. PERFORMANCE PROBABLE CAUSE PROBLEMS CORRECTION Incorrect size needle. Bent or blunt needle. Incorrect setting of needle. Tight upper thread tension. Choose correct size needle for thread and fabric. Insert new needle. Reset needle. Loosen upper thread tension. Breaking Upper Thread Starting to stitch too fast. Improper threading. Tight upper thread tension. Incorrect size needle. Sharp eye in needle. Nicks or burrs on shuttle. Nicks or burrs at hole of needle plate.
SECTION 5. CARE FOR THE MACHINE Replacing the Light Bulb Cleaning the Machine To insure that The feed dogs and shuttle your machine operates at its best, you need to keep the essential race areas can attract dust and lint. Your machine parts clean at all times. can become sluggish or knock loudly is caught. Check and clean those areas about If you sew frequently, T clean more every three months under normal use. often. T Clean the Feed Dogs 1.
SECTION5. • CAREFORTHE MACHINE Clean the Shuttle Race This area must about every be kept three free of dust, lint and occasional tangled thread. Clean the shuttle race area months. Center pin of the shuttle Shuttle driver Lever Lever hurtle Lever case To Clean the Shuttle 1. Raise point 2. the 4. needle and remove Push shuttle shuttle 3. Area: bar To Replace to the bobbin race its highest levers aside. race with Position driver out.
SECTION 5. CARE FOR THE MACHINE Oiling the Machine Oil the machine in all areas shown on this page at least once a year; otherwise the machine can become sluggish or will knock loudly. If you use the machine frequently, oil the machine under the top cover about every three months. In case machine is not used for an extended time, oil it before sewing. Use good quality sewing machine oil. One or two drops of oil is sufficient. Remove excess oil, otherwise it may stain fabric.
PARTS LIST 1 All parts listed herein may be ordered from any Sears store or service center. 3 2 4 5 6 WHEN ORDERING INFORMATION: REPAIR PARTS, 1. PART NUMBER 3. MODEL NUMBER ALWAYS GIVE THE FOLLOWING 2, PART DESCRIPTION 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. Ref. No.
INDEX A Accessory storage box ............... Adjusting stretch stitch balance ......... Applique ........................ Arm cover plate .................. 3, 7 16 25 4, 40 Face cover plate .................. Feed dogs ....................... Foot control .................... Free arm sewing .................... H Hand wheel ..................... Bar tacking ...................... 25 Basic zigzag ...................... 23 Blind hemming .................... 29 Bobbin ...................
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SEWING MACHINE Now that you have purchased your Kenmore Sewing Machine, should a need ever exist for repair parts or service, simply contact your nearest Sears Service Center. Be sure to pertinent facts when you call or visit. The model number of your Sewing Machine will be shown on your nomenclature plate on the back of your Sewing Machine. See page 4 for location.
