1999 Kenmore 385.16644 Overlock Sewing Machine Owner's Manual (P/N 788800090)

The 1999 Kenmore 385.16644 Overlock 2/3/4D owner's manual (P/N 788800090) covers machine setup, stitch selection, tension adjustment, and routine maintenance. Its repair coverage is limited to owner maintenance and component replacement; internal timing adjustment, motor overhaul, and electrical wiring diagrams are not included.

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• Threading and conversion: Illustrated needle and looper paths, spreader installation, and adjustment of the lower looper pre-tension setting slider and changeable thread guide.

• Stitch and fabric settings: Thread and needle chart, stitch length and differential feed adjustment, presser foot pressure, and separate needle and looper tension diagrams.

• Knife and needle plate: Cutting width adjustment, upper knife engagement and replacement, and needle plate setting knob and chaining finger positions.

• Sewing techniques: Rolled and narrow hems, picot edging, decorative flatlock, blind hems, pintucks, braiding, curved edges, elastic application, and gathering.

• Routine maintenance: Needle and presser foot replacement, feed dog and knife-area cleaning, light bulb replacement, and illustrated oiling points.

• Troubleshooting: Performance Problems Chart covering skipped stitches, thread and needle breakage, puckered seams, uneven feeding, poor cutting, and failure to run.

The guide suits owners learning to set up this serger and perform routine care, with explanations of threading paths and controls before the stitch-specific settings.

Thread Paths, Tension, and Fabric Handling

Separate lower looper, upper looper, and needle threading illustrations show the paths through the telescoping thread guide bar and tension discs. The threading chart identifies each path by its named color code.

Correct- and incorrect-tension stitch views distinguish needle tension problems from looper imbalance. The Performance Problems Chart links symptoms to likely causes and relevant pages, helping you check threading and needle condition before deciding whether repair is needed.

The thread and needle chart groups lightweight, medium-weight, heavyweight, and knitted fabrics. Individual stitch sections add application-specific settings; the differential feed explanation also describes how stitch length affects the maximum feed adjustment.

Hems, Decorative Work, and Accessories

Rolled-hem setup differs from narrow hemming in its lower looper pre-tension setting and thread tensions. Garment examples cover lace application, stretch waistbands, and sleeve preparation; some operations also require a conventional sewing machine.

The repair parts list identifies the upper knife and spreader, plus optional accessories such as the blind stitch foot and elastic attachment. It provides part numbers and distinguishes standard accessories from separately ordered items; it does not provide dedicated installation guides for every optional attachment.

Upper Knife Replacement and Machine Care

The upper knife replacement views identify the holder, stopper pin, fastener, and blade relationship. Cleaning instructions cover access to the feed dog, while the oiling illustrations locate the specified lubrication points.

Running over a pin or another hard object can damage both cutting knives. The safety section also warns that the wrong needle plate can cause needle breakage.

Unplug the machine before cleaning, lubrication, or user servicing, and consult an authorized service center for internal electrical or mechanical repair.

Selected Presser Foot and Knife Settings

These are two selected settings from the manual's adjustment and maintenance sections. For normal sewing, the presser foot pressure illustration places the adjusting screw 2 mm below the top of the machine.

The upper knife replacement section specifies an overlap of 0.8–1.5 mm past the lower knife edge, measured with the upper knife at its lowest position.

Printable PDF and Page Breakdown

One printable PDF contains English, Spanish, and French text. The 114-page total comprises 105 pages of operating instructions, maintenance, and troubleshooting; seven preliminary pages covering safety, warranty, specifications, and contents; and the front and back covers. All are included in that total.