Those who want to know how to use Kenmore sewing machine can try two steps first. Then, we’ll also talk about the setup for this brand. And if you’re curious, this article will review what to expect with the quality of a Kenmore sewing machine.

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Besides proper usage, maintenance plays a significant role in the longevity of a sewing machine. This includes lubrication to keep the moving parts from getting worn down quickly. Please read about how to oil a Kenmore sewing machine as well.

How Do You Use A Kenmore Sewing Machine For Beginners?

Step 1. Prepare the machine

Read the manual of the specific model you have, as these instructions are for the Sears Kenmore 385
Study the illustrations in the manual to identify each part and control of the sewing machine
Check if you’re using the correct needle and threads for the material you’re sewing
Place a piece of scrap fabric under the needle for testing
Check if the thread ends are drawn to the machine’s rear for four inches and hold onto them for the first four stitches of the seam

Step 2. Test the machine

Adjust the sewing machine stitch length and tension according to the fabric type
Check if you have the bulk of the material to the left of the needle, while the right edge is on the seam marking
Start sewing at a slow pace by putting slight pressure on the foot control
Get a feel with the speed control by pressing the foot control harder
Sew in reverse at the beginning and end of each seam
Never pull on the fabric during sewing to avoid altering the feeding

How Do You Set Up A Sears Kenmore Sewing Machine?

Turning the machine on

Turn off the power switch
Check if you have a 110 to 120 volt AC outlet
Connect the machine plug into the three-prong outlet, then insert the power supply plug into the outlet
Push the power switch to turn the machine on

Adjusting the pressure

Locate the pressure control dial inside the race cover plate
Adjust the dial to the setting mark according to the project you’re doing
The dial should be set to 3 for most sewing projects, but learn more about the presser foot pressure as well

Changing the presser foot

Raise the needle and presser foot
Press the button on the back of the foot holder to snap off the presser foot
Place the new presser foot under the holder, where its pin lies under the groove of the former
Lower the holder to lock the foot in place, and you should hear it sound to indicate it’s secured

Changing the needle

Turn the needle clamp screw towards you to loosen it
Pull the needle downward
Check if your replacement needle is suitable for your project
Push the new needle into the clamp as far as you can with its flat side facing away from you
Tighten the needle clamp screw with a large screwdriver

Removing the bobbin

Slide the hook cover plate release button to the right
Take out the bobbin

Winding the bobbin

Disengage the clutch by pulling its knob away from the machine
Draw thread from the spool and guide it around the thread guide on the bobbin winder
Insert the thread into the bobbin hole inside out
Put the bobbin to the winding spindle
Push the bobbin to the right to secure it in place
Hold the thread end as you press on the foot control
Stop after winding several times and cut the thread close to the bobbin
Press on the foot control and finish winding
Move the spindle to the left and cut the thread
Re-engage the clutch

Adjusting the tension

Move the tension control knob to the higher number to tighten the tension and a lower number to loosen it
The tension is too loose if the top thread shows underneath the fabric and too tight if the bobbin thread shows at the top of the fabric

Selecting and modifying the stitch

Move the stitch selector control according to the stitch you want
Adjust the stitch width and stitch length dials suitable to the setting for your specific sewing project

How Do You Thread An Old Kenmore Sewing Machine?

Refer to the manual of the specific old Kenmore model you have
Run the thread through the first hook and down into the tension knob
Push the loop up and around the hook
Release the hook, then bring the thread up to the lever and down into the clip and needle thread clip
Thread the needle eye
Pull at least an inch of thread away

For more tips about threading, here is a tutorial on how to thread a Kenmore sewing machine.

Are Kenmore Sewing Machines Good?

Kenmore sewing machines are good even though sewists do not think of them at the same level as Brother or Singer, especially with vintage models. However, these machines are among the best ones to get if you’re looking for a lower-level sewing machine.

Conclusion

And that’s it! To recap how to use Kenmore sewing machine, you need to set it up correctly and use the dials to adjust various settings according to the project you’re doing. It should be easy since some Kenmore manuals are readily available online.

We hope this was a helpful read. Leave us a question if you have any.

How To Use Kenmore Sewing Machine: Complete Guide