Kenmore 385.15358 Sewing Machine Owner's Manual (P/N 743-801-324)

The Kenmore 385.15358 owner's manual, P/N 743-801-324, covers machine setup, sewing techniques, stitch adjustments, and routine maintenance. The care section limits disassembly to the operations it describes.

PDF Search, Navigation, and Page Count

Text access and illustrations: An OCR text layer supports keyword searches, but recognition gaps mean some visible words are not searchable. There are no embedded PDF bookmarks. A diagonal watermark crosses many pages; small illustration details are easier to examine when enlarged.

One printable, 89-page PDF contains English, Spanish, and French instructions. The total includes the cover, 12 preliminary pages, one blank page, and one closing supplementary page.

Threading, Stitch Setup, and Machine Care

These selected highlights outline the main topics rather than reproduce the complete contents. Additional instructions cover spool pin adjustment and using the built-in thread cutter.

• Threading and bobbin setup: Step-by-step instructions for bobbin case removal, winding and insertion, using the built-in needle threader, and adjusting upper and bobbin thread tension.

• Straight sewing and hems: Straight stitching, topstitching, zipper insertion, and rolled hem sewing, with presser foot selection and illustrated fabric preparation.

• Utility and decorative stitches: Blind hems, stretch stitch patterns, knit stitching, shell tuck applications, smocking, box stitching, and decorative satin stitch setups.

• Mending and embellishment: Overcasting, multiple zigzag stitches, applique, bar tacking, monogramming, darning, and lace work, including use of the drop feed dog mechanism.

• Automatic buttonholes: Buttonhole foot setup, button sizing, stitch density adjustment, and the selector reset needed for repeated buttonholes.

• Care and fault finding: Feed dog cleaning, shuttle removal and reassembly, lubrication, light bulb replacement, and troubleshooting charts with references to related instructions.

This manual suits home sewers who need illustrated guidance on machine setup and routine care, including owners learning to use its stitch controls.

Machine Setup and Stitch Quality

The component guide identifies the thread take-up lever, thread tension dial, bobbin winder spindle, and needle clamp. Instructions also cover removing and attaching the presser foot holder and extension table, including access to the free-arm bed for cuffs and sleeves.

The power connection section identifies YC-482J and TJC-150 foot controllers for the stated machine series and explains foot-controlled sewing speed.

Threading sequence views, bobbin winding illustrations, and straight- and zigzag-tension drawings provide a baseline for evaluating stitch quality before considering mechanical repair. The needle-to-fabric chart distinguishes needle choices for delicate fabrics, knits, denim, leather, and upholstery materials.

Damaged needles can leave permanent snags or runs in knits and fine silks. The manual connects needle condition and selection with fabric handling rather than treating every stitching problem as an internal mechanical fault.

Twin Needle and Buttonhole Handling

The optional twin needle section explains separate thread paths and the restricted stitch selector range. An unsuitable selector position can make the twin needle strike the needle plate or presser foot and break.

Buttonhole illustrations show the relationship between the slider and spring holder. A gap between them can produce rows of unequal length, giving owners a specific setup issue to check when comparing a test buttonhole with the illustrated result.

Routine Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Shuttle assembly diagrams identify the shuttle hook, race cover, driver, and retaining levers for removal and reinstallation during cleaning. Lubrication drawings show the points behind the face cover and in the shuttle area; excess oil can stain fabric.

The troubleshooting charts connect thread breakage, broken needles, skipped stitches, puckering, poor fabric feeding, and a machine that will not run with possible causes and relevant manual sections. They support checks of threading, needle condition, lint buildup, and clutch engagement.

Always verify the unit is disconnected from mains power before removing covers or inspecting internal mechanisms.

Needle Threader and Button Size Examples

The needle threader guidance specifies #11–#16 needles or a blue-tipped needle, with thread sizes 50–90. These limits help distinguish suitable needle and thread combinations for the threading aid.

The automatic buttonhole foot's holder accepts buttons up to 1" (2.5 cm) in diameter, defining the button size limit for the illustrated buttonhole method.