1990s–2000s Kenmore 385.12618 Sewing Machine Owner's Manual (P/N 742-800-168)

The Sears owner's manual for the Kenmore 385.12618 series (1990s–2000s) covers setup, sewing, and routine care of this 18-stitch mechanical sewing machine. It carries document code 742-800-168.

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• Threading and bobbin setup: Threading diagrams, bobbin winder spindle operation, bobbin case removal and insertion, handwheel clutch use, and bobbin winder stopper adjustment.

• Stitch controls and tension: Straight- and zigzag-stitch tension adjustment, stitch selector zones, stitch length control, reverse sewing, and stretch stitch balance.

• Presser feet and sewing: Needle and presser foot changes, zipper sewing, darning plate use, and four-step buttonholes with the sliding buttonhole foot.

• Machine care: Needle plate removal for feed dog cleaning, shuttle removal and reassembly, light bulb replacement, and illustrated lubrication points.

• Troubleshooting: Symptom, cause, and page-reference charts for broken threads, needle breakage, skipped stitches, puckering, feed problems, distorted patterns, and noisy operation.

The illustrated setup instructions make this a useful reference for home sewers who are learning the machine or handling routine maintenance.

Setup, Needles, and Accessories

The setup section covers power connection, foot control operation, and conversion between free-arm and flat-bed sewing. It identifies the YC-482P foot controller for the covered model family.

Threading diagrams trace the thread path through the thread take-up lever and needle-bar thread guide. Bobbin winding views cover the spindle and handwheel clutch, while the needle and thread chart matches fabric weights and types to suitable needles, including denim, leather, and stretch fabrics.

The illustrated accessory list supplies repair part numbers for the shuttle hook, bobbin case, presser feet, needle clamp, and darning plate. It also distinguishes optional attachments from accessories supplied with the machine.

Stitch Settings and Sewing Applications

Instructions for straight, zigzag, utility, decorative, and stretch stitches pair selector positions with stitch length, needle thread tension, and the appropriate presser foot. Applications include topstitching, blind hems, applique, monogramming, overcasting, and elastic attachment.

Separate tension illustrations compare correct, tight, and loose stitches on both sides of the fabric, alongside adjustment of the thread tension dial. The stretch stitch balance section explains how fabric type can require changes to the balance between forward and reverse stitches.

The straight-stitch instructions flag a needle-breakage risk when the straight stitch foot is used with an off-center needle position. Buttonhole instructions cover stitch density and the markings on the sliding foot.

Shuttle Care and Fault Checks

Shuttle assembly drawings show removal and refitting of the shuttle and shuttle race cover, including their relationship to the shuttle driver and pointed hook. Lubrication point views identify the areas behind the face cover and in the shuttle area; the text also gives cleaning and oiling intervals.

For broken bobbin thread, the troubleshooting chart identifies threading, lint buildup, and bobbin condition as possible causes and points to the relevant instructions. This helps focus the checks before repair work or parts replacement is considered.

The manual covers owner maintenance and basic fault checks. Internal mechanical repair, timing adjustments, and electrical wiring diagrams are outside its scope.

Before starting any hands-on work or accessing internal components, always ensure the equipment is completely disconnected from the power supply to prevent accidental injury.

PDF Languages and Included Pages

This is a single printable 83-page PDF in English, Spanish, and French: 72 pages of operating and reference content, eight preliminary pages, one front cover, one intentionally blank page, and one Sears service-information back page. All are included in the stated total.