Kenmore 385.19233 Sewing Machine Owner's Manual (P/N 842-800-079)

• Exact model coverage: Covers Sears/Kenmore sewing machines in the 385.19233XXX series, with XXX defined as suffix numbers 000 through 999. The manual also identifies the matching YC-542 foot controller.
• Document identity and file structure: Sears/Kenmore owner's manual with cover code 842-800-079. The file is a 393-page PDF containing the same 131-page trilingual manual three times; English, Spanish, and French instructions are included.
• Computerized operation and programming: Maps the LCD, function touchpad, direct and numbered pattern selection, three operating modes, needle up/down control, auto-lock and reverse functions, stitch-width and stitch-length keys, language selection, memory, cursor, and editing controls.
• Machine setup and fabric matching: Explains power and foot-control connections, bobbin winding and insertion, upper threading, needle-threader use, thread-tension correction, needle installation, feed-dog control, and selection of needles and threads for specific fabric weights.
• Garment and decorative sewing procedures: Covers automatic and specialty buttonholes, zipper insertion, blind hemming, darning, bartacking, button sewing, quilting, applique, patchwork, smocking, fagoting, scallops, pintucks, twin-needle work, monograms, and programmed stitch combinations.
• Care and troubleshooting: Includes hook-race and feed-dog cleaning, bobbin-holder reassembly, light-bulb replacement, accessory identification, and a fault chart for thread or needle breakage, skipped stitches, puckering, feeding problems, poor buttonholes, noise, and failure to run.

This illustrated owner's manual is suited to 385.19233-series owners who are comfortable following machine-setup and sewing procedures; it is not written as a shop repair manual.

Machine Setup and Computerized Controls

The setup section covers the horizontal and auxiliary spool pins, bobbin winder, drop-in bobbin, upper threading path, needle threader, and methods for balancing straight and zigzag stitch tension. The control-panel instructions explain Mode 1 direct selection, Mode 2 utility and decorative patterns, and Mode 3 letters and numbers. The LCD identifies the selected pattern, required presser foot, stitch width, stitch length, and active mode.

Up to 50 patterns can be stored in memory. Separate instructions show how to review a combination with the cursor keys, delete an incorrect stitch or character, insert letters or spaces, and finish a programmed sequence with an auto-lock stitch. The machine interface can be set to English, Spanish, or French.

The specification table lists 215 stitch functions and 167 built-in stitches, including monograms, plus a one-step buttonhole system. Maximum stitch settings are 5 mm in length and 7 mm in width. Machine dimensions are 410 x 185 x 290 mm, with a net weight of 8.5 kg. A detailed needle chart matches sizes 9/65 through 18/110 with fabrics ranging from chiffon, jersey, and leather to denim, sailcloth, canvas, and upholstery material.

Sewing Applications and Accessories

The buttonhole coverage goes beyond the standard one-step pattern. Illustrated procedures address square, rounded-end, keyhole, stretch, knit, and corded buttonholes, including width and density adjustment. The manual also explains automatic darning with repeat-size memory, programmable bartacks, left- and right-side zipper-foot positioning, blind-hem guide adjustment, free-motion basting, and heavy-fabric starting with the leveling button on Foot A.

Decorative sections cover sat