Kenmore 1230 / 1240 / 1250 Sewing Machine Instruction Manual (P/N 52917)

This Kenmore instruction manual, Part No. 52917, covers the 1230, 1240, and 1250 Zig-Zag sewing machines. It explains machine setup, sewing adjustments, routine maintenance, and performance troubleshooting. Internal timing adjustment and complete mechanism overhaul fall outside this instruction book’s scope.

• Threading and bobbin setup: Bobbin-case removal and insertion, bobbin winding, upper-thread routing through the take-up lever, and top and bobbin tension adjustments.

• Stitch and feed controls: Stitch length, stitch width, reverse stitching, presser-foot pressure, feed-dog control, and model-specific special-stitch controls.

• Sewing applications: Garment construction, buttonholes, zipper application, satin stitching, applique, darning, and freehand writing and monogramming.

• Performance troubleshooting: Symptom, probable-cause, and correction tables for irregular or skipped stitches, thread breakage, puckering, poor feeding, and shuttle jams.

• Cleaning and lubrication: Feed-dog cleaning, shuttle removal and reassembly, and illustrated oiling points under the top cover, inside the face cover, and underneath.

• Parts identification: Illustrated accessory and replacement-parts references, with part numbers for presser feet, the bobbin case, shuttle, belt, and sewing light.

The illustrated threading and control instructions make this book suited to home sewists learning to operate and maintain these mechanical machines.

Stitch Controls and Model Differences

Working on a 1240 or 1250? Both have the Special Stitch Variegator, while the Special Stitch Dial belongs to the 1250. The sewing instructions distinguish the controls and settings used on each model, helping you match the directions to the equipment fitted to your machine.

Straight Stretch and Rick-Rack Stretch apply to the 1240 and 1250. Blind hemming, the dedicated mending stitch, Maxi Stitch Stretch, and Feather Stretch are identified for the 1250.

Regular and invisible zipper applications have separate illustrations showing zipper-foot positioning. The same section explains the foot’s use for cording. Darning and freehand lettering have their own setup guidance.

Tension Checks and Performance Problems

Illustrations for Threading of Top Thread and Adjusting Top Tensions show the thread path and the appearance of overly tight or loose stitching. The tension-balance check goes beyond dial settings by explaining how the upper and bobbin threads behave in a test seam.

The Needle, Thread and Fabric Chart groups materials by weight and application, including synthetic knits and stretch fabrics. The accessory section explains the Q-Needle and shows needle installation and presser-foot selection.

The Checking Performance Problems tables connect symptoms with probable causes and corrections. Machine jamming and knocking noise are linked to thread caught in the shuttle. The needle-breakage entries identify pulling fabric, incorrect needle installation, and a loose presser foot as possible causes of broken needles.

Cleaning, Lubrication, and Parts

The Parts of the Shuttle Assembly illustration identifies the shuttle race, race cover, shuttle, retaining levers, and shuttle driver. Cleaning instructions include removal and replacement of the shuttle components, with their assembly orientation shown.

Separate oiling illustrations cover the top-cover and face-cover areas, followed by Oiling Underside. Unplug the machine before cleaning, oiling, or replacing the sewing-light bulb.

The parts section links 17 numbered illustration references to a replacement-parts list. It includes the bobbin-winder rubber ring and sewing-machine belt, along with accessories and commonly replaced sewing components.

A Preview of Stitch and Seam Settings

A small selection of the manual’s operating data shows how its sewing instructions are presented. The zigzag section specifies stitch-width control positions 2–5; these are dial positions, not physical width measurements.

The seam-guide section identifies the 5/8-inch line on the needle plate for guiding garment seams.

PDF Text Search and Included Pages

Search and navigation: The PDF has a partially usable OCR text layer. Recognition is incomplete on several control and chart pages, and the tension-check page has no searchable text. There are no embedded PDF bookmarks. Some illustration headings and fine details are faint and benefit from zooming.

One printable, English-language PDF contains 47 pages total: 44 pages of operating instructions, troubleshooting, maintenance, and parts information, plus the front cover, contents page, and rear publication/order page. Those three additional pages are already included in the total.