Kenmore Sewing Manual

The Kenmore Sewing Machine is a versatile household appliance designed for various sewing projects, featuring multiple stitch patterns, adjustable speed control, built-in needle threader, automatic bobbin winding, reverse stitching capability, and easy-to-use controls. Suitable for beginners and experienced sewers alike. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Stitch selection dial, Speed control slider, Built-in needle threader, Bobbin winding system, Reverse stitch button, Presser foot lever, Thread tension dial.

Feature	Description
Stitch selection dial	Select from multiple built-in stitch patterns
Speed control slider	Adjust sewing speed for precision work
Built-in needle threader	Automatically threads needle for easy setup
Bobbin winding system	Automatic bobbin winding with thread cutter
Reverse stitch button	Reinforce stitches at beginning and end
Presser foot lever	Raises and lowers presser foot
Thread tension dial	Adjusts thread tension for different fabrics
Power switch	Turns machine on/off
Light switch	Controls built-in work light
Foot pedal	Controls sewing speed with foot pressure

Machine Setup

Unpack and inspect all components. Place on stable, level surface.

1. Power connection: Plug power cord into wall outlet (120V AC).
2. Needle installation: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side facing back.
3. Upper threading: Follow numbered threading path on machine.
4. Bobbin installation: Place bobbin in case with thread unwinding counterclockwise.
5. Foot pedal: Connect to machine and place on floor.

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

Basic Operation

Power on machine; test functions before starting project.

1. Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired pattern.
2. Adjust stitch length: Use stitch length dial for longer/shorter stitches.
3. Set thread tension: Adjust based on fabric type (usually 4-5 for medium fabrics).
4. Begin sewing: Place fabric under presser foot, lower foot, and press foot pedal.
5. Reverse stitching: Hold reverse button to reinforce stitches.

CAUTION! Always use proper needle for fabric type. Change needle regularly.

Specifications

• Stitch Patterns: 10-20 built-in stitches including straight, zigzag, decorative.
• Stitch Length: Adjustable 0-4mm.
• Stitch Width: Adjustable 0-5mm for zigzag stitches.
• Speed: Variable speed control up to 800 stitches per minute.
• Bobbin: Front-loading drop-in bobbin system.
• Needle: Standard domestic sewing machine needles.
• Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz.
• Weight: Approximately 15-20 pounds.
• Warranty: 25-year limited warranty.

Controls and Functions

Front Panel: Power switch, Stitch selection dial, Stitch length dial, Stitch width dial, Reverse button.

Additional Controls: Thread tension dial, Bobbin winder, Needle position button, Presser foot pressure dial.

Stitch Selection: Straight stitch, Zigzag, Blind hem, Stretch stitches, Buttonhole, Decorative stitches. Tension: Adjust for different fabric weights (lower for lightweight, higher for heavy). Speed: Controlled by foot pedal pressure or speed control slider.

Stitch Selection

Choose appropriate stitch for your project:

1. Straight stitch: Basic sewing, seams (length 2.0-2.5mm).
2. Zigzag stitch: Finishing edges, stretch fabrics (width 2-4mm).
3. Blind hem: Nearly invisible hems on garments.
4. Buttonhole: Automatic 4-step buttonholes.
5. Decorative stitches: Embellishment and decorative sewing.
6. Stretch stitches: For knit and stretch fabrics.

Tip: Test stitch on fabric scrap before starting project.

Threading and Bobbin

Proper threading ensures smooth operation.

1. Upper threading: Follow numbered path, use needle threader if available.
2. Bobbin winding: Place spool on pin, thread through tension disc, wind bobbin.
3. Bobbin insertion: Drop bobbin into case with thread pulling counterclockwise.
4. Bring up bobbin thread: Hold upper thread, turn hand wheel toward you.
5. Thread tension: Adjust dial until stitches appear balanced on both sides.

WARNING! Always raise needle to highest position before threading.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

1. Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs.
2. Weekly: Oil moving parts as per manual instructions.
3. Monthly: Clean entire machine, check for worn parts.
4. Needle replacement: Change needle after every 8 hours of sewing.

CAUTION! Unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance. Use only recommended oils.

Accessories

Included accessories: Various presser feet, Seam ripper, Cleaning brush, Screwdriver, Extra needles, Bobbins, Spool caps.

Accessory	Use
All-purpose foot	General sewing
Zipper foot	Installing zippers
Buttonhole foot	Creating buttonholes
Blind hem foot	Hemming garments
Overedge foot	Finishing fabric edges

Safety Information

Important safety precautions for sewing machine operation:

• Always unplug machine when not in use or during maintenance
• Keep fingers away from moving needle
• Do not sew over pins
• Use proper lighting for visibility
• Keep hair and loose clothing away from moving parts
• Supervise children when near operating machine

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread breaking	Incorrect threading/tension	Rethread machine; adjust tension; check for burrs on needle.
Skip stitches	Wrong needle/damaged needle	Replace needle; ensure correct needle for fabric.
Bobbin thread bunching	Incorrect bobbin threading	Remove and rethread bobbin; check bobbin case.
Machine not feeding fabric	Feed dogs lowered/dirty	Raise feed dogs; clean feed dog area.
Uneven stitches	Incorrect tension	Adjust upper and bobbin tension; rethread.
Machine won't start	Power/foot pedal issue	Check power cord; ensure foot pedal is connected properly.

Service: For technical support, contact Kenmore customer service at 1-800-xxx-xxxx or visit www.kenmore.com