instruction manual for kenmore sewing machine model 385

Kenmore 385 Sewing Machine⁚ A Comprehensive Guide

This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions and tips to help you get the most out of your Kenmore 385 sewing machine. Perfect for both beginners and experienced sewers, this manual covers everything you need to know from setting up to mastering your sewing machine and all its features.

Introduction

Welcome to the world of sewing with your Kenmore 385 sewing machine! This manual is your comprehensive guide to unlocking the full potential of your machine, whether you’re a seasoned seamstress or a curious beginner. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to know to set up, thread, and operate your Kenmore 385, from basic sewing techniques to advanced stitch selection and troubleshooting tips.

The Kenmore 385 is a versatile machine, offering a range of stitches and features to meet your various sewing needs. Whether you’re tackling simple repairs, crafting intricate designs, or embarking on ambitious projects, this manual will guide you through every step of the way.

We encourage you to take your time, read through the manual carefully, and refer to it as needed. With a little practice and the right tools, you’ll be creating beautiful and durable projects in no time. Happy sewing!

Setting Up Your Kenmore 385

Setting up your Kenmore 385 sewing machine is a straightforward process that will prepare you for sewing success. Before you begin, ensure you have a clean and well-lit workspace. Follow these simple steps to get your machine ready⁚

1. Unpack the machine⁚ Carefully remove your Kenmore 385 from its packaging. Keep all accessories, such as the foot pedal, power cord, and instruction manual, in a safe place for future reference.
2. Locate the power cord⁚ Connect the power cord to the machine and plug it into a standard electrical outlet.
3. Position the machine⁚ Place the machine on a flat, stable surface, ensuring it’s level to prevent wobbling during operation.
4. Adjust the sewing table⁚ Some Kenmore 385 models come with a built-in sewing table. Adjust the table height and position to ensure comfortable sewing.
5. Install the needle⁚ Insert the appropriate needle for your fabric type into the needle clamp. Consult your instruction manual for recommended needle sizes and types.
6. Attach the presser foot⁚ Select the appropriate presser foot for your project and attach it securely to the presser foot holder.
7. Thread the machine⁚ Follow the threading instructions outlined in the next section of this manual.
8. Wind the bobbin⁚ Wind the bobbin with the correct thread, following the instructions provided in this manual.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you’re ready to start sewing! Remember to always consult your instruction manual for specific guidance on setting up and operating your Kenmore 385.

Threading the Machine

Threading your Kenmore 385 sewing machine correctly is crucial for smooth and consistent sewing. While the process may seem intricate, with a little practice, it becomes second nature. Follow these steps for proper threading⁚

1. Raise the needle⁚ Turn the handwheel towards you to raise the needle to its highest position. This allows for easier threading.
2. Wind the thread⁚ Take your spool of thread and place it onto the spool pin. Ensure the thread is wound clockwise around the spool pin.
3. Guide the thread⁚ Guide the thread from the spool pin through the thread guide on the top of the machine. This guide helps control the thread flow.
4. Thread the take-up lever⁚ Move the thread from the thread guide down to the take-up lever. The take-up lever is the small arm that moves up and down as you sew. Thread the lever from right to left.
5. Thread the needle⁚ From the take-up lever, thread the needle from front to back. Pass the thread through the needle hole from the front of the needle, making sure the thread goes from right to left.
6. Pull the thread⁚ Pull the thread gently through the needle to ensure it is threaded correctly.
7. Check for tension⁚ Gently pull on the thread to check for proper tension. The thread should move smoothly, but not too loosely or tightly.

Remember, if your thread breaks or tangles while sewing, re-thread the machine following these steps. Always refer to your Kenmore 385 instruction manual for specific threading diagrams and any model-specific adjustments.

Winding the Bobbin

A properly wound bobbin is essential for smooth and even sewing. Before you start winding, make sure you have the correct bobbin for your Kenmore 385 model. Here’s a step-by-step guide to winding your bobbin⁚

1. Prepare the bobbin⁚ Take an empty bobbin and place it on the bobbin winder spindle. Ensure the bobbin is seated securely and the bobbin winder is in the correct position.
2. Thread the bobbin winder⁚ Thread the bobbin winder by guiding the thread from the spool pin through the bobbin winder thread guide. This guide helps control the thread flow during winding.
3. Engage the bobbin winder⁚ Engage the bobbin winder by pressing the bobbin winder arm down. This action activates the winding mechanism.
4. Wind the bobbin⁚ Press the foot pedal to start the machine. The bobbin winder will automatically wind the thread onto the bobbin. Continue winding until the bobbin is full.
5. Stop winding⁚ Once the bobbin is full, release the bobbin winder arm. The machine will stop winding.
6. Remove the bobbin⁚ Gently remove the bobbin from the bobbin winder.
7. Check the bobbin⁚ Inspect the wound bobbin for any unevenness or loose threads. If necessary, rewind the bobbin.

Always check your Kenmore 385 instruction manual for specific diagrams and any model-specific variations in the bobbin winding process. A properly wound bobbin ensures smooth sewing without thread tangles or breaks.

Basic Sewing Techniques

Once you have your Kenmore 385 sewing machine set up and threaded, you are ready to start sewing! Here are some basic sewing techniques to get you started⁚

1. Straight Stitching⁚ This is the most fundamental stitch and is used for a variety of sewing tasks. To sew a straight stitch, select the straight stitch setting on your machine and lower the presser foot. Guide the fabric under the needle, keeping the fabric flat and even. Slowly guide the fabric through the machine, maintaining a steady pace.
2. Backstitching⁚ Backstitching is used to secure the beginning and end of your stitches. To backstitch, sew a few stitches in reverse by pressing the reverse button on your machine. This creates a strong knot that prevents unraveling.
3. Zigzag Stitching⁚ Zigzag stitching is useful for creating decorative edges, securing seams, and preventing fabric from fraying. Select the zigzag stitch setting on your machine and adjust the width and length of the stitch as needed. Guide the fabric through the machine as you would with a straight stitch.
4. Sewing Curves⁚ When sewing curves, it is important to guide the fabric slowly and smoothly. Keep the fabric taut and avoid pulling or stretching the fabric as you sew. For sharp curves, you may need to stop and pivot the fabric.
5. Sewing Corners⁚ To sew corners, stop sewing just before the corner. Lift the needle and pivot the fabric 90 degrees. Lower the needle and continue sewing.

Practice these basic techniques on scrap fabric before working on your project. Remember to always consult your Kenmore 385 instruction manual for specific guidance and tips on using your machine for various sewing tasks.

Stitch Selection and Adjustments

The Kenmore 385 sewing machine offers a variety of stitch options to suit your sewing needs. To select a stitch, simply turn the stitch selector dial to the desired stitch. The machine’s instruction manual provides a detailed chart illustrating each stitch and its corresponding number. This chart also outlines the recommended stitch settings for different types of fabric.

You can adjust the stitch length and width to suit your project. To adjust the stitch length, use the stitch length dial located near the stitch selector. For wider stitch lengths, turn the dial towards the “L” (longer) setting. For narrower stitch lengths, turn the dial towards the “S” (shorter) setting. The stitch width can be adjusted by turning the stitch width dial, typically located near the stitch length dial.

Experiment with different stitch lengths and widths on scrap fabric before working on your project. Always consult your Kenmore 385 instruction manual for specific guidance on stitch selection and adjustments for different fabric types and sewing techniques.

Remember that the correct stitch selection and adjustments are crucial for achieving professional-looking results.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While the Kenmore 385 sewing machine is known for its reliability, you may encounter some common issues during use. The machine’s instruction manual provides helpful troubleshooting tips to address these problems. For instance, if your machine is not sewing properly, check the needle for damage or bending. Ensure that the needle is inserted correctly and that the correct needle type is used for your fabric.

If your machine is skipping stitches, check the tension settings. The upper tension dial regulates the tightness of the upper thread, while the bobbin tension adjusts the tightness of the bobbin thread. Adjust these tensions until you achieve a balanced and even stitch. Additionally, ensure that the bobbin is properly wound and inserted, and that the bobbin case is clean and free of lint.

If your machine is making unusual noises, inspect the belt for wear or damage. If the belt is worn, it may need to be replaced. Also, check the motor for any signs of overheating. Finally, if your machine is not feeding fabric smoothly, clean the feed dog mechanism and ensure that the presser foot is properly lowered.

Always consult your Kenmore 385 instruction manual for detailed troubleshooting steps and guidance on addressing specific problems. If you are unable to resolve an issue, contact Sears or a qualified sewing machine technician for assistance.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for keeping your Kenmore 385 sewing machine in optimal condition. The instruction manual provides detailed guidelines for proper cleaning and care. Start by unplugging the machine and removing the needle, presser foot, and any other accessories. Use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust and lint from the machine’s exterior and interior.

Next, clean the bobbin case and shuttle race. Use a small brush and a lint-free cloth to remove any accumulated lint or debris. You can also use a sewing machine oil to lubricate the bobbin case and shuttle race. For the feed dog mechanism, use a small brush and a damp cloth to remove lint and debris. Avoid using excessive water or harsh cleaning agents.

The instruction manual also recommends lubricating the machine’s moving parts with sewing machine oil. Apply a few drops of oil to the bobbin case, shuttle race, needle bar, and other moving parts. Avoid over-lubricating, as this can attract dust and lint. After cleaning and lubricating, reassemble the machine and test it to ensure it is working properly. By following these simple steps, you can extend the life of your Kenmore 385 sewing machine and keep it running smoothly.

Using Special Features

The Kenmore 385 sewing machine is equipped with various special features that can enhance your sewing experience. The instruction manual provides detailed instructions on how to use these features effectively. One such feature is the “ultra-stitch” function, which ensures uniform stitches for professional-looking results. The manual explains how to adjust the stitch length and width to achieve the desired stitch quality for different fabric types.

Another useful feature is the “sew-by-color” option. This feature allows you to select different stitch settings based on the color of the thread being used. The manual provides recommended stitch settings for various thread colors, ensuring optimal results for your projects. Additionally, the Kenmore 385 boasts a full rotary shuttle, which contributes to smooth and consistent sewing performance. The instruction manual guides you on how to properly thread the bobbin and shuttle for optimal operation.

By familiarizing yourself with these special features and following the instructions provided in the manual, you can unlock the full potential of your Kenmore 385 sewing machine and create beautiful and intricate projects with ease.