Kenmore 385.1884180 Sewing Machine Owner's Manual (P/N 652800122)

Sears Kenmore owner's manual for the 385.1884180 sewing machine, Part No. 652800122. This English-language Sears Canada edition covers the center-needle, low-bar machine; the original publication was printed in Taiwan.

Text search and navigation: Most pages have searchable OCR text, although recognition errors can affect searches. The Care Free Stitching sheet has no searchable text, and the file has no embedded PDF bookmarks.

• Threading and bobbin setup: Needle threading, bobbin winding with the push-pull clutch, bobbin installation and pickup of the lower thread.

• Stitch and fabric settings: Top thread tension, presser-foot pressure, stretch stitch balance and needle position, supported by fabric and stitch selection charts.

• Presser feet and buttonholes: Foot-holder removal, snap-on foot changes, built-in buttonholes and the separate buttonhole attachment with round-end and keyhole templates.

• Troubleshooting: The Performance Problems Chart covers skipped stitches, broken threads, puckering, fabric feed problems, machine jamming and knocking noises.

• Routine care: Light bulb replacement, bobbin-holder removal and reinstallation, hook-race and feed-dog cleaning, and illustrated oiling points.

The instructions are suited to owners learning this machine's controls and carrying out routine care, with illustrated threading and setup guidance that starts with the basics.

Machine Setup and Stitch Selection

Labeled machine views identify the bobbin winding spindle, thread take-up lever and face cover plate. Threading and bobbin-installation illustrations support the setup instructions, which also explain the two speed ranges and free-arm sewing for circular garment areas.

The Fabric, Needle, Thread and Stitch Length Chart matches fabric weights to color-coded needles and suitable threads. The Practical Stitch Chart brings together presser feet, tension ranges, stitch width and length settings, applications and page references.

Stitch-length controls use color-coded zones for utility, decorative, buttonhole and stretch work. Tension illustrations compare loose, tight and balanced stitching, with guidance for different fabric thicknesses and multiple layers. Stretch stitch adjustment addresses distorted patterns.

Presser Feet, Buttonholes and Garment Repair

Presser-foot guidance runs from zipper installation and satin stitching to blind hemming and use of the overedge foot for overcasting and serging. The darning plate is covered for darning, embroidery and button sewing; three-step zigzag and stretch patching provide options for garment repair.

Decorative sections cover smocking, shell stitching, fagoting and geometric or stretch patterns, with settings and application drawings for each.

Buttonhole coverage distinguishes the built-in system with its sliding buttonhole foot from the attachment system. The latter uses round-end templates 213504005 and 213505006, plus keyhole template 213506007, with base-plate setup and stitch-density adjustment instructions.

The straight-stitch section warns that using the wrong needle position with the straight foot can break the needle.

Troubleshooting and Routine Care

The Performance Problems Chart pairs each symptom with probable causes and corrections. It distinguishes issues such as a disengaged push-pull clutch, thread caught in the hook race and lint in the bobbin holder, helping owners narrow down feed or noise problems before arranging repair work.

Cleaning instructions cover needle-plate and bobbin-holder removal, followed by reinstallation drawings showing the locating marks and stopper. Oiling guidance gives the maintenance interval and identifies the points behind the face cover plate; lubrication is limited to those points.

The illustrated parts list provides accessory and replacement-item numbers. Internal machine overhaul, timing procedures and electrical repair are outside the scope of this owner's manual.

Always disconnect the machine from its power source before performing mechanical checks, clearing jams, or replacing components to prevent accidental activation.

PDF Contents and Included Reference Sheets

One printable, 75-page PDF contains the 68-page main section, a front cover and introduction (2 pages), three reference sheets (setup, Care Free Stitching and Practical Stitch Chart), a warranty page and a back cover. All seven additional pages are already included in the total.