Getting your Kenmore sewing machine model 385 ready to sew starts with threading it right. This guide helps beginners put the threads where they need to go, from winding the bobbin to getting the thread through the needle. Knowing how to thread your machine stops many sewing problems before they even start. Follow these steps carefully to get your machine working smoothly.
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Preparing Your Kenmore 385
Before you start threading, make sure your machine is set up. Find a flat, stable place to work. Plug in your machine. Make sure you have your thread spools and an empty bobbin. It’s also good to have the Kenmore 385 manual nearby. It can show you pictures specific to your machine model. Get comfortable. Have good light so you can see clearly.
What You Need
- Your Kenmore 385 sewing machine
- A spool of thread
- An empty bobbin (check your manual for the right size)
- Scissors to cut thread
- Maybe a small brush to clean lint
Safety First
Turn off the power switch when you are threading. This stops the needle from moving by accident. Keep your fingers away from the needle area unless you are guiding the thread. Take your time. There is no rush.
Kenmore 385 Bobbin Winding: Getting Thread on the Bobbin
First, you need a full bobbin. The bobbin holds the lower thread. Sewing machines need both upper and lower thread to make a stitch. Winding a bobbin on the Kenmore 385 is simple.
Locating the Bobbin Winder
Find the bobbin winder on your machine. It is usually on the top or front. It has a small spindle that sticks up. It also has a little stop lever next to it.
Steps for Bobbin Winding
- Place the Thread Spool: Put your spool of thread on the spool pin. This is a little pin sticking up, usually on top of the machine. Some machines have a horizontal pin. Use the spool cap that fits your spool size. This keeps the thread from jumping off.
- Guide the Thread: Look for thread guides near the spool pin. These are little hooks or slots. Guide the thread through the first thread guide. This keeps the thread path correct. Your manual shows the exact path for Kenmore 385 bobbin winding.
- Go to the Tension Disc: Find the bobbin winding tension disc. This disc applies a little pressure to the thread. This makes the bobbin wind evenly and not too loose. Wrap the thread around this disc according to your machine’s marks. It often goes between two metal plates.
- Thread the Bobbin: Take the end of the thread. Put it through one of the small holes in the edge of the empty bobbin. Push the thread through from the inside of the bobbin to the outside. Pull a few inches of thread through.
- Place Bobbin on Winder: Put the bobbin onto the bobbin winder spindle. Push it down firmly. Make sure the thread end coming out of the hole is on top. Hold this thread end for a moment.
- Engage the Winder: Slide the bobbin winder spindle over to the right. It should click into place. This connects it to the machine’s motor. The little stop lever will be next to the bobbin.
- Start Winding: Turn on the machine’s power. Gently press the foot pedal. The bobbin will start to spin fast. The thread will wrap around it. Let it wind a few times, holding the thread end you pulled through the hole.
- Cut the Thread End: After a few turns, you can stop and carefully snip off the thread end you were holding.
- Fill the Bobbin: Keep pressing the foot pedal. The bobbin will fill with thread. The winder stop lever will stop the winding when the bobbin is full. It does this by pushing the bobbin spindle back to the left.
- Finish Winding: Once the winder stops or the bobbin is full enough for you, take your foot off the pedal. Turn off the machine’s power. Slide the bobbin winder spindle back to the left.
- Remove the Bobbin: Lift the full bobbin off the spindle. Cut the thread connecting it to the spool. Your bobbin is now wound and ready.
Winding the bobbin correctly is step one for good sewing. Make sure the thread winds on smoothly and evenly. If it winds messy, rewind it.
Inserting Bobbin: Placing the Lower Thread
Now you have a wound bobbin. You need to put it into the machine. This is about inserting bobbin into its spot. The Kenmore 385 likely has a front-load or top-load bobbin case. Check your manual if you are not sure.
Locating the Bobbin Area
For a front-load bobbin, open the cover on the front of the machine, below the needle plate. You will see a metal bobbin case. For a top-load bobbin, there is a clear cover on the needle plate. Slide or flip this open.
Steps for Inserting the Bobbin (Front-Load)
- Get the Bobbin Case: Open the front cover. You will see the bobbin case inside the machine. It is usually black metal. There is a small latch on the case. Use the latch to pull the bobbin case out of the machine.
- Put Bobbin in Case: Hold the empty bobbin case in one hand. Pick up your wound bobbin. Look at how the thread comes off the bobbin. For most machines, the thread should come off in a certain direction. The Kenmore 385 manual will show this. It is often clockwise or counter-clockwise. Let’s assume for now it’s clockwise if you look at the bobbin from the top.
- Guide Thread into Slot: Put the bobbin into the bobbin case. The thread end should be coming off the top right side (if winding clockwise). Find a small slot on the edge of the bobbin case. Pull the thread into this slot.
- Pull Through Tension Spring: After the first slot, the thread must go under a small flat spring on the bobbin case. This is the bobbin tension spring. Pull the thread firmly. You should feel a little resistance. The thread goes under this spring and maybe through another small loop. This puts tension on the lower thread. This tension must be right for good stitches.
- Re-insert Bobbin Case: Hold the bobbin case by its open latch. The bobbin should stay inside. Push the bobbin case back into its place inside the machine. It should slide in smoothly. Make sure it clicks or locks into place. Let go of the latch. Leave about 4-6 inches of thread hanging out of the case.
- Close the Cover: Close the front cover door. The lower thread is now in the machine.
Steps for Inserting the Bobbin (Top-Load)
- Open the Cover: Slide open the clear cover plate on top of the needle plate.
- Place the Bobbin: Pick up your wound bobbin. Look at how the thread comes off. For top-load bobbins, the thread usually needs to come off counter-clockwise (forming a ‘P’ shape with the thread).
- Drop Bobbin In: Drop the bobbin into the bobbin holder area.
- Guide Thread: Find the thread path grooves around the bobbin holder. Guide the thread into the first groove. Pull it along the path. It will go under a small metal piece (this is the lower thread tension).
- Pull to the Side: Pull the thread along the path until it reaches the cutting blade (if your machine has one) or the edge of the needle plate area. Leave about 4-6 inches of thread sticking out.
- Close the Cover: Slide or flip the clear cover plate back into place. The lower thread is now ready.
Getting the lower thread placed correctly with the right tension is key. If the bobbin is in wrong or the thread is not in the tension spring, your stitches will not look right.
Upper Thread Path: Guiding the Top Thread
Now let’s put the top thread into the machine. This is the upper thread path. It starts at the spool and goes all the way to the needle. Follow the path marked on your machine or shown in your Kenmore 385 manual.
Starting Point: The Spool Pin
Your spool of thread should already be on the spool pin from when you wound the bobbin. Make sure the spool cap is on to keep the thread steady.
Following the Upper Thread Path Steps
- First Thread Guide: Take the thread from the spool. Find the first thread guide. This might be a small hook or loop near the spool pin. Thread the thread through it. This keeps the thread from snagging on things.
- Down the Channel: Most Kenmore 385 machines have a channel or groove on the front of the machine. Pull the thread down this channel. It usually goes straight down the right side of the machine face.
- Around the Bottom: At the bottom of the channel, the thread path turns. Guide the thread around this turn, often a U-shape.
- Up the Channel: Now guide the thread back up the channel on the left side. You are guiding it upwards towards the top of the machine again.
- Reach the Take-Up Lever: As you pull the thread up, you will come to the take-up lever. This is a part that moves up and down while sewing. It has a hole or hook in it. The take-up lever must be at its highest point to thread it. Turn the handwheel on the side of the machine towards you to move the take-up lever all the way up.
- Thread the Take-Up Lever: Guide the thread through the hole or over the hook on the take-up lever. This is a very important step. If you miss the take-up lever, your machine will make very loose stitches or bird’s nests of thread.
- Down to the Needle Area: After going through the take-up lever, the thread goes back down towards the needle. There are usually more thread guides along this path. These are often small hooks or clips right above the needle.
- Final Thread Guides: Guide the thread through any remaining thread guides just above the needle. There is usually one right on the needle bar. This keeps the thread in line with the needle eye.
Following these steps guides the upper thread correctly through the machine’s path. Each guide and turn helps set the sewing machine tension and lets the take-up lever do its job.
Threading Needle: The Final Step
You are almost done! The last part is getting the thread through the eye of the needle. This seems easy, but it can be tricky sometimes.
Getting Ready to Thread the Needle
Make sure the machine’s power is off. Lower the presser foot lever. This helps open the tension discs slightly. Cut the end of your thread cleanly. A clean cut makes a nice point. Cutting the thread at an angle can also help.
Steps for Threading the Needle
- Position the Needle: The needle needs to be at its highest point. Turn the handwheel towards you to bring the needle all the way up.
- Hold the Thread: Hold the thread end between your thumb and first finger. Keep the very tip ready to go through the eye.
- Look Closely: Look at the needle’s eye. Sewing machine needles have a flat side on the back. The eye is a small hole. On Kenmore 385 machines, you typically thread the needle from the front to the back. Check your manual if you are unsure.
- Push Through the Eye: Carefully push the tip of the thread through the eye of the needle from the front.
- Pull Thread Through: Once the tip is through, grab it from the back (or wherever it comes out). Pull about 6-8 inches of thread through the needle eye.
- Place Thread: Pull this thread tail under the presser foot. Then pull it towards the back of the machine.
Some Kenmore 385 machines might have a needle threader. This is a small device that helps push the thread through the eye. If yours has one, follow the instructions in your Kenmore 385 manual for how to use it. Using a needle threader can save your eyes!
Bringing Up the Lower Thread
You have the upper thread through the needle. You have the bobbin (lower thread) in its place. Now you need to bring the lower thread up so both threads are on top of the needle plate, ready to start sewing.
Steps to Bring Up the Lower Thread
- Hold the Upper Thread: Hold the tail of the upper thread that you pulled under the presser foot and to the back. Keep a gentle hold on it.
- Turn the Handwheel: Turn the handwheel on the side of the machine towards you. Watch the needle go down into the needle plate hole. It goes down and grabs the bobbin thread.
- Needle Comes Up: Keep turning the handwheel slowly towards you. The needle will come back up. As it comes up, it should bring a loop of the bobbin thread with it.
- Pull the Loop: The loop of bobbin thread will be visible on top of the needle plate. It will be caught by the upper thread. Use your finger, tweezers, or scissors tips to pull this loop towards you.
- Pull Out the Bobbin Thread: As you pull the loop, the end of the bobbin thread will come through the needle plate hole. Pull it gently until you have about 6-8 inches of the lower thread tail.
- Position Both Threads: You now have two thread tails (upper and lower) coming from under the presser foot. Pull both threads under the presser foot and towards the back of the machine. Make sure they are lying flat.
Now both threads are ready to form stitches.
Checking Sewing Machine Tension
Sewing machine tension is how tight the upper and lower threads pull against each other when they form a stitch. If the tension is correct, the stitches will look the same on both sides of the fabric. If the tension is off, the stitches will look bad. Correct threading is the first step to good tension.
Signs of Bad Tension
- Upper thread loops on the bottom: Upper tension is too loose, or lower tension is too tight. Or, the upper thread is not in the tension discs or missed the take-up lever.
- Lower thread loops on the top: Lower tension is too loose, or upper tension is too tight. Or, the bobbin is not put in the case correctly, or the thread is not in the bobbin case tension spring.
What Affects Tension
- How you threaded the machine (most common problem)
- The type and weight of thread
- The type and weight of fabric
- Settings on your machine (tension dial)
Testing the Tension
After threading, take a scrap piece of the fabric you plan to sew. Use the same thread.
- Put the fabric under the presser foot.
- Lower the presser foot lever.
- Sew a short straight line.
- Look at the stitches on the top and bottom of the fabric. They should look the same. The threads should lock in the middle of the fabric layers.
If the stitches are not right, first check your threading again very carefully. Make sure the upper thread is in the take-up lever and the tension discs. Make sure the bobbin is in correctly and its thread is under the bobbin case tension spring.
If threading is perfect, you can then adjust the tension dial on your machine. Small changes are best. Turn the dial to a higher number for more upper tension, lower number for less.
Using the Presser Foot Lever
The presser foot is the part that holds the fabric flat against the feed dogs (the teeth that move the fabric) while you sew. The presser foot lever lifts and lowers this foot. You must lower the presser foot before you start sewing.
Why Use the Lever?
- Holds Fabric: It keeps the fabric from moving around while the needle is stitching.
- Engages Tension: On many machines, lowering the presser foot also closes the upper tension discs. If the foot is up, the tension discs are open, and the upper thread will be very loose. This causes terrible stitches.
Where is the Lever?
The presser foot lever is usually on the back of the machine head, just above the needle area. Push it down to lower the foot. Lift it up to raise the foot.
Always lower the presser foot before you begin sewing. Always lift it after you stop sewing to remove your fabric.
Deciphering Your Kenmore 385 Manual
Your Kenmore 385 manual is a valuable tool. It shows the exact thread path for your specific model. It explains all the parts and settings.
How the Manual Helps with Threading
- Pictures: It has clear pictures or diagrams showing where the thread goes.
- Part Names: It names all the thread guides, tension discs, and levers.
- Bobbin Details: It shows exactly how the thread should come off the bobbin for your machine.
- Troubleshooting: It often has a section about common problems like bad stitches and what might cause them (often threading issues).
Keep your Kenmore 385 manual handy. Refer to it if you get stuck or if your stitches do not look right.
Common Threading Problems and Fixes
Even when you follow the steps, sometimes things go wrong. Here are common issues related to threading and how to fix them.
| Problem | Possible Cause | How to Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Top thread breaks often | Needle bent/wrong size/not in right way, Upper tension too high, Thread snagging, Machine needs cleaning, Missed a thread guide | Change needle, Check needle direction (flat side back), Lower upper tension, Check thread path for snags, Clean lint, Re-thread carefully following all guides |
| Bobbin thread breaks often | Bobbin wound too loose/uneven, Bobbin case in wrong, Lower tension too high, Wrong bobbin size | Re-wind bobbin smoothly, Take out and re-insert bobbin case/bobbin, Check bobbin case tension spring, Check bobbin size |
| Loops on bottom of fabric | Upper thread tension too loose, Upper thread not in tension discs, Missed take-up lever, Presser foot up while sewing | Re-thread upper path carefully, Make sure thread is seated in tension discs, Make sure thread is in take-up lever, Lower presser foot before sewing |
| Loops on top of fabric | Lower thread tension too loose, Bobbin case not threaded right, Wrong bobbin type | Check bobbin case threading (thread under spring), Check bobbin winding, Check bobbin type |
| Machine is noisy or jams up | Thread caught somewhere, Lint build-up in bobbin area | Re-thread both upper and lower threads, Clean under needle plate and bobbin area |
| Stitches are not even or skipped | Wrong needle for fabric, Needle bent, Threading issues | Change needle (use ballpoint for knits, sharp for woven), Check/Replace needle, Re-thread completely |
Most sewing problems for beginners come from incorrect threading. Go back to the start, take both threads out, and re-thread step-by-step. Make sure the presser foot is up when threading the upper path (until you get to the needle), and down when sewing.
Grasping the Role of Thread Guides
The thread guides are not just there for decoration. Each hook, clip, or slot in the upper thread path plays a role.
Why Guides Matter
- Control Thread Path: They make sure the thread follows the correct route through the machine.
- Help Tension: They help the tension discs and take-up lever control the thread flow smoothly.
- Prevent Tangling: They keep the thread from getting caught on machine parts or tangling up.
- Align for Needle: The guides just above the needle ensure the thread goes into the needle eye correctly.
Always make sure the thread passes through all the thread guides shown in your Kenmore 385 manual. Missing even one can mess up your stitches.
Keeping Your Machine Clean
Lint and tiny bits of thread can build up in your machine, especially around the bobbin case and feed dogs. This lint can affect how smoothly the thread moves. It can mess up your tension and cause problems.
Cleaning Tips
- Use a Brush: Your machine came with a small brush. Use this to gently sweep away lint from the bobbin area and under the needle plate.
- No Canned Air (Usually): Blowing compressed air can push lint deeper into the machine parts where you can’t get it out. It’s often better to brush. Check your manual for cleaning advice.
- Clean Often: Clean your machine after big projects or after every few hours of sewing, especially if you use cotton thread which makes more lint.
A clean machine is a happy machine. It will sew better and have fewer threading problems.
Bringing It All Together
Threading your Kenmore 385 sewing machine Model 385 takes a few steps, but each step is important.
- First, wind your bobbin correctly on the bobbin winder.
- Next, insert the bobbin into the bobbin case or holder, making sure the lower thread is under its tension spring.
- Then, follow the upper thread path from the spool pin, through thread guides, down and up the channel, and crucially, through the take-up lever.
- Finally, thread the needle from front to back (check your manual) and pull the thread under the presser foot.
- Bring up the lower thread by turning the handwheel.
- Pull both threads under the presser foot and to the back.
Always remember to lower the presser foot lever before sewing and lift it after. Check your sewing machine tension on a scrap piece of fabric. If stitches are bad, re-thread carefully first. Your Kenmore 385 manual is your guide.
Threading might seem tricky at first, but with practice, it will become quick and easy. Soon, you will be ready to sew!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why does my upper thread keep breaking?
A: This is often because the thread path is wrong, the upper thread tension is too high, the needle is bent or old, the needle is the wrong size for the thread or fabric, or you missed a thread guide, especially the take-up lever. Re-thread carefully, change the needle, and check your tension dial.
Q: My bobbin thread is looping on top of the fabric. What’s wrong?
A: This usually means the lower thread tension is too loose, or the bobbin is not inserted correctly in its case. Make sure the bobbin thread is pulled under the small tension spring on the bobbin case (for front-load) or guided correctly in the top-load area. Check that you used the correct bobbin type for your machine.
Q: Why are there loops on the bottom of my fabric?
A: This is a classic sign that the upper thread tension is too loose, or the upper thread is not threaded correctly. The most common mistake is missing the take-up lever. Make sure the presser foot lever was down when you started sewing. Re-thread the upper path completely, ensuring the thread goes through every guide, especially the take-up lever and into the tension discs.
Q: Does it matter which way the bobbin goes in?
A: Yes, absolutely! The direction the thread comes off the bobbin is crucial for the lower thread tension. For front-load Kenmore 385 models, the thread often comes off clockwise when putting it in the case. For top-load, it’s often counter-clockwise. Your Kenmore 385 manual will show the correct way. If it’s in backwards, the thread won’t pull through the tension spring correctly, and you’ll get loose stitches.
Q: Do I need to use a specific type of bobbin?
A: Yes, sewing machines are made for specific bobbin types (Class 15, Class 66, etc.). Using the wrong size or shape bobbin can cause all sorts of problems, including poor stitch quality and jamming. Always use the bobbin type recommended in your Kenmore 385 manual. They usually came with your machine.
Q: Why won’t the upper thread go through the needle eye?
A: Make sure you cut the thread end cleanly and possibly at an angle. Try using tweezers or a needle threader if your machine has one. Good light helps a lot. Make sure the needle is all the way up and is facing the correct way (flat side usually to the back).
Q: Should the presser foot be up or down when threading?
A: When threading the upper thread path (from the spool to the needle), the presser foot should usually be up. This keeps the tension discs open so the thread can seat correctly inside them. However, always lower the presser foot before you start sewing.
Q: What happens if I miss the take-up lever?
A: Missing the take-up lever is a very common threading mistake for beginners. The take-up lever helps pull the thread and set the tension for each stitch cycle. If you miss it, the upper thread will not have the right tension control, resulting in very loose loops on the bottom of your fabric (a ‘bird’s nest’).
Q: How much thread should I leave under the presser foot before starting?
A: After threading the needle and bringing up the bobbin thread, pull both threads under the presser foot and towards the back of the machine. About 4-6 inches of thread for each is a good amount. This keeps them from getting pulled back through the needle eye or tangling when you start sewing.
Q: My stitches are tight and the fabric is puckering. What is wrong?
A: This often means your sewing machine tension is too high, or the thread is too thick for the fabric/needle. Check that your upper thread is not snagged or wrapped around something it shouldn’t be. Try lowering the upper tension dial setting a little bit and sew on a scrap to test.