Kenmore 385.11608 / 385.12814 Zigzag Sewing Machine Owner's Manual

This Sears owner's manual covers the 1980s-era Kenmore 385.11608 and 385.12814 center-needle, low-bar zigzag sewing machines, with operating instructions and routine maintenance procedures.

Search and navigation: The PDF has searchable OCR text, although recognition errors can prevent exact-word or model-number matches. No embedded PDF bookmarks are included.

• Threading and bobbin setup: Upper-thread routing, bobbin winding, winding-stop adjustment, bobbin-case insertion, and bobbin-thread pickup, supported by threading and insertion drawings.

• Stitch and tension controls: Fabric, Needle, Thread and Stitch Length Chart; needle replacement; top-thread tension comparison drawings; stitch selection and reverse-stitch control.

• Utility sewing: Straight and zigzag stitching, blind hemming, satin stitch, three-step zigzag, shell stitching, bar tacking, applique, buttonholes, and darning-plate use.

• Model 385.12814 stretch stitches: Stretch stitch balance, straight stretch, rick-rack stretch, overcast stretch, serging or pine leaf stitching, and feather stitch.

• Routine care: Feed-dog cleaning, shuttle removal and reassembly for cleaning, light-bulb replacement, and lubrication diagrams for face-cover, arm-cover, and underside areas.

• Troubleshooting and repair parts: Performance Problems Chart for skipped stitches, thread breakage, puckering, fabric feed, and shuttle jams; illustrated parts identification with part numbers.

Suited to owners using these machines at home, the booklet explains basic controls and stitch formation before covering routine care.

Threading, Tension and Stitch Selection

The component views identify the take-up lever, bobbin winding spindle, clutch knob, needle clamp screw, top thread tension control, and free arm. Setup coverage includes foot-control operation, the power switch, presser-foot changes, and removal of the extension table for free-arm work.

The fabric chart links needle color and size with thread choice and stitch-length settings. Tension drawings compare correctly balanced straight and zigzag stitches with overly tight or loose results.

Model Differences and Sewing Applications

Separate stitch-selector and stitch-length-control illustrations distinguish the two models. The stretch-stitch section applies to the 385.12814 and explains how forward and reverse stitch lengths are balanced.

Buttonhole coverage includes stitch-density adjustment and the sliding buttonhole foot. Zipper work extends to invisible zippers and cording; the manual identifies low-bar zipper-foot accessory 6757 for those applications.

Needle-area cautions address needle and fabric damage from changing the stitch selector while the needle is engaged in the fabric.

Shuttle Care and Troubleshooting

Shuttle race drawings identify the driver, pointed hook, race cover, and retaining levers for removal, cleaning, and reassembly. Oiling diagrams cover access behind the face cover plate, under the arm cover plate, and beneath the machine; maintenance intervals distinguish normal use from frequent sewing.

The Performance Problems Chart links knocking and jamming to thread or lint in the shuttle area. That gives owners a specific routine-care fault to check before seeking more extensive repair.

Coverage centers on operation and routine care. It does not include internal timing adjustments, motor overhaul, or electrical wiring diagrams.

Always disconnect the machine from power before performing any internal cleaning, lubrication, or part replacement to prevent accidental injury.

Accessories and Repair Parts

Alongside the original accessory illustrations, the parts list identifies the shuttle (532096007), bobbin case (647515006), and bobbin-winder rubber ring (647018004). Optional accessories are marked separately, including the walking foot and ruffler; this is a selected repair-parts list, not a complete machine parts catalog.

Printable PDF and Included Pages

English, French, and Spanish appear within one printable 83-page PDF. The total includes 76 pages of machine identification, setup, sewing instructions, troubleshooting, and care; a two-page parts list; and five pages comprising the front cover, customer introduction, safety instructions, contents, and original warranty.