Free Kenmore Rotary Sewing Machine Manual 171 969

The Kenmore Rotary Sewing Machine Model 171 969 is a versatile mechanical sewing machine featuring a rotary hook system, built-in stitches, adjustable stitch length and width, reverse stitching capability, free arm design, and multiple presser feet. This manual covers safety guidelines, machine features, setup instructions, operation procedures, maintenance tips, and troubleshooting for optimal performance.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Instructions 3. Machine Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Basic Sewing Operations 7. Stitch Selection 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Accessories 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Rotary hook system, stitch selection dial, tension control, bobbin winder, free arm, built-in light, reverse stitch lever.

Feature	Description
Rotary Hook System	Smooth bobbin mechanism for consistent stitching
Stitch Selection Dial	Select from multiple built-in stitch patterns
Tension Control Dial	Adjust thread tension for different fabrics
Bobbin Winder	Automatic bobbin winding system
Free Arm Design	For sewing cuffs, sleeves, and other tubular items
Built-in Light	Illuminates sewing area
Reverse Stitch Lever	Reinforce seams at beginning and end
Presser Feet	Multiple feet included for different applications
Stitch Length Control	Adjustable from 0-4mm
Stitch Width Control	Adjustable zigzag width

Safety Instructions

Important safety precautions for proper machine operation.

Always unplug machine when not in use and before cleaning or maintenance.
Keep fingers away from moving parts and needle area during operation.
Do not use damaged power cords or plugs.
Ensure proper ventilation around machine.
Use only recommended accessories and parts.

WARNING! Never operate with damaged power cord. Keep machine away from water and heat sources.

Machine Setup

Initial setup and preparation for first use.

Place machine on stable, flat surface at comfortable working height.
Connect power cord to electrical outlet.
Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.
Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide thread through bobbin winder tension, press bobbin onto winder shaft.
Thread machine: Follow numbered threading guide on machine.
Insert bobbin: Remove bobbin case, insert bobbin with thread unwinding counterclockwise.

CAUTION! Ensure machine is unplugged during needle and bobbin installation.

Specifications

Model: Kenmore 171 969 Rotary Sewing Machine
Stitch Types: Straight, zigzag, blind hem, stretch stitches
Stitch Length: 0-4mm adjustable
Stitch Width: 0-5mm adjustable
Bobbin: Class 15 transparent bobbin
Needle: Standard domestic 15x1 needles
Power: 120V AC, 60Hz
Weight: Approximately 15 lbs
Warranty: 25-year limited warranty

Controls and Functions

Main controls and their functions for machine operation.

Front Panel: Stitch selection dial, stitch length control, stitch width control, reverse stitch lever, bobbin winder.

Threading Path: Follow numbered guides from spool pin to needle. Tension discs: Between tension dial and take-up lever. Presser Foot Lever: Raises and lowers presser foot. Handwheel: Manual control of needle position (turn toward you only).

Basic Sewing Operations

Step-by-step guide for basic sewing tasks.

Raise presser foot and place fabric under needle.
Lower presser foot and hold thread tails.
Press foot controller to begin sewing.
Use reverse lever at beginning and end of seams.
Guide fabric gently; don't push or pull.
Raise needle to highest position before removing fabric.

Tip: Practice on scrap fabric to test stitch settings before starting project.

Stitch Selection

Available stitches and their applications.

Straight Stitch: Basic sewing, topstitching (position 1)
Zigzag Stitch: Finishing edges, appliqué, stretch fabrics
Blind Hem Stitch: Nearly invisible hems on garments
Stretch Stitch: For knit fabrics and elastic materials
Buttonhole Stitch: Automatic 4-step buttonholes
Decorative Stitches: Multiple pattern options available

WARNING! Always test stitch on scrap fabric. Adjust tension as needed for different fabrics.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance for optimal performance.

Daily: Brush lint from bobbin area and feed dogs. Weekly: Oil hook race and moving parts with sewing machine oil. Monthly: Clean tension discs with soft brush.

CAUTION! Unplug machine before cleaning. Use only sewing machine oil. Do not use household oils.

Accessories

Included accessories and their uses.

Accessory	Use
All-Purpose Foot	General sewing
Zipper Foot	Installing zippers
Buttonhole Foot	Creating buttonholes
Blind Hem Foot	Hemming garments
Seam Ripper	Removing stitches
Brush	Cleaning lint
Extra Bobbins	Additional thread colors
Needles	Replacement needles

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread breaking	Incorrect threading/tension	Rethread machine; reduce tension; check for burrs on needle
Skip stitches	Wrong needle/damaged needle	Replace needle; ensure correct needle type for fabric
Bobbin thread bunching	Incorrect bobbin threading	Remove and rethread bobbin; check bobbin case
Machine won't run	Power/mechanical issue	Check power connection; clean and oil machine
Uneven stitches	Tension issues	Adjust upper and bobbin tension; rethread completely

Service: For technical support, contact authorized Kenmore service center.