Kenmore 385.11608 / 385.12814 Sewing Machine Owner's Manual

• Covers 1980s-era Kenmore 385.11608 and 385.12814 center-needle, low-bar zigzag sewing machines
• Official Sears publication detailing operating procedures, maintenance schedules, and setup specifications
• Complete 83-page PDF featuring high-quality threading schematics, shuttle race assembly drawings, bobbin insertion drawings, and comprehensive parts lists including P/Ns
• Includes the original accessory kit breakdown for the complete 385-series build
• Details critical components including the take-up lever, bobbin winding spindle, darning plate, clutch knob, needle clamp screw, top thread tension control, and free arm
• Explains stitch applications including blind hemming, satin stitch, three-step zigzag, stretch stitch balance, shell stitching, bar tacking, applique, and buttonholes

Operational and Maintenance Reference

This document is an essential reference for anyone servicing or operating the Kenmore 385.11608 and 385.12814 sewing machines. It details the complete workflow from initial setup—covering foot control integration and power switch procedures—to fabric-specific tension adjustments utilizing the Fabric, Needle, Thread and Stitch Length Chart. You get clear explanations of stitch selector functions, length controls, and needle replacement. By providing precise factory baselines for balancing stretch stitches and setting top thread tension, this manual prevents fabric puckering and skipped stitches directly at the bench, saving valuable diagnostic time when switching from lightweight silks to heavy denim. The manual provides expert guidance on utility and stretch stitching across various fabric weights, making it a reliable daily reference for your workbench.

Technical Specifications and Routine Care

Maintaining these units requires accurate reference data. The manual outlines specific cleaning procedures for the feed dogs and shuttle race areas. To help avoid an expensive trip to a repair shop, it provides step-by-step instructions for completely dismantling the shuttle hook assembly to clear severe thread jams, alongside a dedicated Performance Problems Chart for accurate troubleshooting of mechanical knocking noises, broken needles, and irregular feeds. You will also find clearly identified lubrication point diagrams for the face cover plate and underside assembly, which are critical for long-term machine care. Always disconnect the machine from power before performing any internal cleaning, lubrication, or part replacement to prevent accidental injury. All service data shown here serves as a precise reference point for setup and maintenance. Qualified technicians and this original OEM documentation are your authoritative sources for hands-on repair work.