Kenmore 385.17628 Sewing Machine Owner's Manual (P/N 756-800-002)

This Sears, Roebuck and Co. owner's manual covers setup, sewing, and routine maintenance for the Kenmore 385.17628 sewing machine. The back cover bears document code 756-800-002.

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• Threading and bobbin setup: Bobbin winding and insertion, needle threading, needle replacement, and removal and attachment of the foot holder and presser feet.

• Stitch adjustment: Needle-thread tension for straight and zigzag stitches, presser-foot pressure, stretch-stitch balance, and stitch-selector, width, and length controls.

• Sewing techniques: Zipper sewing, quilting, blind hemming, darning, decorative stitching, and fabric-specific needle selection.

• Buttonhole systems: Built-in automatic, manual, and corded buttonholes, pitch-balance adjustment, and setup of the separate optional template attachment.

• Owner maintenance: Light-bulb replacement, bobbin-holder cleaning, needle-plate removal, hook-race and feed-dog cleaning, and illustrated oiling points.

• Troubleshooting: A condition/cause/reference chart for thread and needle breakage, skipped stitches, puckering, uneven feeding, distorted patterns, and noisy operation.

The illustrated setup and care instructions make this manual suited to home sewists handling everyday adjustments and upkeep, without assuming machine repair training.

Machine Setup and Operation

The power-connection section specifies the YC-482J foot controller for model 385.17628XXX, with XXX representing 000 through 999.

Bobbin-winding illustrations identify the bobbin winder spindle and explain the push-pull clutch. Threading views trace the path through the check spring holder and thread take-up lever.

The pressure adjusting lever and presser foot lifter are explained for handling different fabrics. Needle and foot-holder replacement views identify the needle clamp screw and presser bar.

Stitch Selection and Garment Repair

The stitch selector's color-coded zones distinguish utility, geometric decorative, buttonhole, and stretch patterns. The Selecting Needle and Thread chart matches fabric weight and type to needle styles and sizes.

Tension illustrations compare correct, tight, and loose stitching. The feed balancing dial addresses stretched or compressed patterns, while darning and embroidery sections explain use of the drop feed lever.

The quilter guide and zipper foot have dedicated setup illustrations. Blind hem, overedge, and satin stitch foot applications sit alongside smocking, serging, and fagoting instructions.

With straight stitch foot H, an incorrect needle-position setting can cause a strike and broken needle. The overedge foot C also has a specified stitch-width range to prevent needle or foot damage.

Buttonholes and Optional Attachments

The automatic buttonhole foot R sizes the buttonhole from the button in its holder. Manual buttonholes use foot B. How to Adjust Buttonhole Stitch Balance explains the buttonhole pitch balance adjusting lever and unequal stitch density between the sides.

The separate optional attachment uses a guide plate, base plate, and templates. Its Buttonhole Style and Size reference identifies round-end templates 213-504-005 and 213-505-006 and keyhole template 213-506-007.

Twin Needle Stitches covers the optional twin needle, additional spool pin, divided thread paths, and permitted stitch-width zone.

Cleaning and Troubleshooting

Cleaning the Hook Race and Feed Dogs shows bobbin-holder removal and refitting, including the triangle alignment marks and stopper position. Oiling instructions identify the lubrication points behind the face cover.

The Troubleshooting chart links symptoms to causes and the relevant instruction pages. For a repair assessment, this helps separate threading, tension, or feed-setting problems from faults that remain after the documented owner checks.

Internal timing adjustment, motor repair, and electrical circuit diagrams are outside this owner's manual's scope.

The maintenance instructions require the machine to be unplugged before cleaning, oiling, or parts removal.

Printable PDF and Included Pages

One printable, 109-page PDF contains the English, Spanish, and French instructions. The total includes the front and back covers, eight preliminary pages, and one intentionally blank page within the numbered section.