sears kenmore sewing machine manuals 117 959 free

The Sears Kenmore 117.959 sewing machine is a versatile household sewing machine designed for various fabric projects. This model features multiple stitch patterns, adjustable stitch length and width, built-in buttonholer, free arm capability, reverse stitching, and variable speed control. Below are key sections covering operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Machine Setup 3. Basic Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Stitch Selection 7. Maintenance & Cleaning 8. Troubleshooting 9. Accessories 10. Warranty Information

Features at a Glance

Key components: Free arm design, built-in stitch patterns, reverse stitch function, drop feed dogs, built-in buttonholer, variable speed control.

Feature	Description
Stitch Patterns	Multiple built-in stitches including straight, zigzag, and decorative
Stitch Length Control	Adjustable from 0-4mm
Stitch Width Control	Adjustable from 0-5mm
Buttonholer	One-step automatic buttonhole
Free Arm	Removable extension table for sewing cuffs and sleeves
Reverse Stitch	Reinforce seams with reverse stitching
Drop Feed Dogs	For free-motion sewing and darning
Variable Speed	Foot pedal controls sewing speed
Thread Tension	Adjustable upper thread tension
Bobbin System	Front-loading bobbin with clear cover

Machine Setup

Unpack and inspect all components. Place on stable surface at comfortable height.

Power connection: Plug power cord into wall outlet (120V AC).
Needle installation: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.
Bobbin winding: Place thread on spool pin, thread through bobbin winder, place bobbin on winder shaft.
Threading: Follow numbered threading guide on machine.
Foot attachment: Select appropriate presser foot and attach to presser bar.

WARNING! Always unplug machine when changing needles or performing maintenance.

Basic Operation

Power on machine; test on scrap fabric first.

Thread machine: Follow threading diagram precisely.
Insert bobbin: Place bobbin in case with thread unwinding counterclockwise.
Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired pattern.
Adjust settings: Set stitch length and width as needed.
Begin sewing: Place fabric under presser foot, lower foot, press foot pedal.
Reverse stitching: Hold reverse button/l lever to reinforce seams.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from moving needle. Always use proper needle for fabric type.

Specifications

Model: Kenmore 117.959
Stitch Patterns: 10+ built-in stitches
Stitch Length: 0-4mm adjustable
Stitch Width: 0-5mm adjustable
Buttonhole: One-step automatic
Bobbin: Front-loading class 15
Needle System: 130/705 H household
Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz
Speed: Variable up to 800 stitches per minute
Weight: Approximately 15 lbs

Controls and Settings

Main controls: Stitch selection dial, stitch length dial, stitch width dial, reverse stitch lever, bobbin winder.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select straight, zigzag, stretch, or decorative stitches.

Stitch Length: 0-4mm adjustment for stitch density.

Stitch Width: 0-5mm adjustment for zigzag and decorative stitches.

Reverse Stitch: Press and hold lever to sew backwards.

Thread Tension: Adjust dial for balanced stitches (higher numbers for tighter tension).

Stitch Selection

Available stitch patterns and their applications:

Straight Stitch: Basic sewing, topstitching (length 2.0-2.5mm)
Zigzag Stitch: Seam finishing, appliqué (width 2-4mm)
Stretch Stitch: Knits and stretch fabrics
Blind Hem: Nearly invisible hemming
Decorative Stitches: Multiple pattern options
Buttonhole: Automatic one-step buttonhole

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

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

Daily: Brush lint from bobbin area and feed dogs.
Weekly: Oil moving parts as per manual instructions.
Monthly: Clean race hook and surrounding areas.
Needle replacement: Change needle after 8-10 hours of sewing.

CAUTION! Unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance. Use only sewing machine oil.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread breaking	Incorrect threading/tension	Rethread completely; adjust tension; check for burrs on needle.
Needle breaking	Wrong needle/bent needle	Replace needle; ensure proper installation; check for hitting pins.
Uneven stitches	Tension issues	Adjust upper and bobbin tension; rethread both upper and lower.
Machine jams	Thread buildup	Remove bobbin case; clean race hook area; rethread carefully.
Skip stitches	Wrong needle/dull needle	Replace with correct needle type; ensure proper needle size for fabric.

Reset: Unplug for 5 minutes if electronic issues occur.

Accessories

Standard accessories included: Assorted presser feet, bobbins, needles, seam ripper, brush, screwdriver.

Zigzag Foot: General purpose sewing
Zipper Foot: Installing zippers
Buttonhole Foot: Automatic buttonholes
Blind Hem Foot: Invisible hemming
Darning Foot: Free-motion sewing

Warranty Information

Limited warranty coverage for parts and labor. For service, contact Sears Service Center or authorized repair facility. Keep original receipt for warranty claims. For support, visit www.kenmore.com or contact 1-800-469-4669.