Kenmore Sewing Machine 15516 Instruction Manual

The Kenmore Sewing Machine 15516 is a versatile household sewing machine featuring multiple stitch patterns, adjustable stitch length and width, built-in buttonholer, free arm capability, automatic needle threader, drop feed for darning and quilting, built-in light, and reverse stitching. Powered by 120V AC, 60Hz. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Stitch Selection 7. Threading & Bobbin 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Accessories 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Sewing head with free arm, Bobbin case, Presser foot, Stitch selection dial, Tension control, Built-in light, Foot pedal, Power cord.

FeatureDescription
Stitch patternsMultiple built-in stitches including straight, zigzag, decorative
Automatic buttonholerOne-step buttonhole function
Free arm capabilityRemovable extension table for sewing sleeves and cuffs
Automatic needle threaderEasy threading mechanism
Drop feedFor darning, quilting, and free-motion sewing
Reverse stitchReinforce seams with reverse stitching
Stitch length controlAdjustable from 0-4mm
Stitch width controlAdjustable up to 5mm for zigzag stitches
Built-in lightIlluminates sewing area
Power switchTurns machine on/off

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable surface.

  1. Remove machine from packaging: Lift carefully from carrying case.
  2. Attach power cord: Connect to machine and wall outlet.
  3. Install foot pedal: Place on floor in comfortable position.
  4. Attach extension table: Snap into place for flat sewing surface.
  5. Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during operation. Unplug when not in use.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; follow setup steps.

  1. Thread machine: Follow threading diagram from spool to needle.
  2. Wind bobbin: Place empty bobbin on winder, thread through tension disc.
  3. Insert bobbin: Drop bobbin into case with thread pulling counterclockwise.
  4. Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired pattern.
  5. Test sew: Use scrap fabric to test stitch and tension settings.

CAUTION! Always turn hand wheel toward you. Never force the machine.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on front and side of machine.

Front Panel: Stitch selection dial, Stitch length control, Stitch width control, Reverse stitch button, Bobbin winder.

Side Controls: Tension dial (0-9), Presser foot pressure dial, Drop feed lever, Light switch.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select straight, zigzag, stretch, or decorative stitches. Tension: Adjust for different fabric types (lower for stretch, higher for woven). Presser Foot: Adjust pressure for thick or thin fabrics.

Stitch Selection

10 built-in stitches for various sewing applications.

  1. Straight stitch: For basic sewing (length 2.0-2.5mm recommended)
  2. Zigzag stitch: For finishing edges and stretch fabrics
  3. Blind hem stitch: For nearly invisible hems
  4. Stretch stitch: For knit and stretch fabrics
  5. Decorative stitches: Multiple patterns for embellishment
  6. Buttonhole stitch: Automatic one-step buttonhole

Tip: Always test stitch on scrap fabric before sewing project.

Threading & Bobbin

Proper threading ensures smooth operation.

  1. Upper threading: Raise presser foot, follow numbered path from spool pin to needle.
  2. Use needle threader: Push lever down and through needle eye.
  3. Bobbin winding: Place spool on pin, thread through guides to bobbin.
  4. Insert bobbin: Open slide plate, drop bobbin in with thread clockwise.
  5. Bring up bobbin thread: Hold upper thread, turn hand wheel toward you.

WARNING! Ensure presser foot is raised when threading to open tension discs.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

  1. Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs.
  2. Weekly: Oil hook race and moving parts with sewing machine oil.
  3. Monthly: Clean tension discs with folded fabric or dental floss.
  4. As needed: Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing.

CAUTION! Unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance.

Accessories

Included accessories for various sewing tasks.

AccessoryUse
All-purpose footGeneral sewing
Zipper footInstalling zippers
Buttonhole footMaking buttonholes
Darning/embroidery footFree-motion work
Seam ripperRemoving stitches
BrushCleaning lint
Extra needlesVarious sizes and types
Empty bobbinsAdditional thread colors

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Complies with safety standards for household sewing machines. Copyright © Kenmore; trademarks of Sears Brands, LLC. For support, visit www.kenmore.com or contact 1-800-469-4669. Made for household use only.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Thread breakingIncorrect threading/tensionRethread completely; reduce tension; check for burrs on needle.
Needle breakingBent needle/wrong sizeReplace needle; ensure correct size for fabric; don't pull fabric.
Skipped stitchesDull needle/incorrect needleReplace needle; use ballpoint for knits, sharp for wovens.
Bobbin thread bunchingIncorrect bobbin threadingRethread bobbin; ensure bobbin case is clean.
Machine won't runPower/foot pedalCheck power cord; ensure foot pedal is plugged in; check fuse.

Service: 1-800-469-4669; www.kenmore.com

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