Complete Guide: How To Use A Kenmore Sewing Machine Model 385

Here is a complete guide on how to use your Kenmore Sewing Machine Model 385. This guide will walk you through everything from setting up your machine to basic troubleshooting. Getting started with your Kenmore 385 is simple when you follow these steps. You can easily learn how to thread the machine, wind the bobbin, pick stitches, and fix common small issues. This guide is like your own Kenmore 385 sewing machine manual, made easy to read.

How To Use A Kenmore Sewing Machine Model 385
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Setting Up Your Kenmore 385 Machine

Get your sewing space ready first. Find a flat, stable spot for your machine. Make sure there is a power outlet nearby.

Knowing Your Machine Parts

Look over your Kenmore 385. Find the main parts. This helps you follow the steps later.

Here are some key parts:

Spool pin (holds the thread spool)
Thread guides (direct the thread)
Tension dial (controls thread tightness)
Take-up lever (moves thread up and down)
Needle clamp (holds the needle)
Presser foot (holds fabric down)
Feed dogs (move fabric forward)
Bobbin winder (winds thread onto a bobbin)
Bobbin case (holds the bobbin, usually under the needle plate for this model series)
Stitch selector dial (lets you pick your stitch)
Stitch length dial (changes stitch size)
Handwheel (turns the machine manually)
Power switch (turns machine on/off)
Foot pedal (controls speed)

Having a Kenmore 385 parts list can be helpful if you need to order anything later. Even a basic list helps you name the parts you see.

Putting the Needle In (Inserting Needle Kenmore 385)

Putting the needle in right is important. A bent or dull needle causes many problems.

Here is how to put in a needle:

Turn the handwheel towards you. Stop when the needle bar is at its highest point.
Turn the power switch off.
Loosen the needle clamp screw. Use a small screwdriver if needed.
Take out the old needle.
Get a new needle. Sewing machine needles have a flat side and a round side at the top.
Hold the new needle. The flat side must face the back of the machine.
Push the needle up into the needle clamp as far as it will go.
Tighten the needle clamp screw firmly. Do not overtighten it.
Make sure the needle is straight. It should point down into the center of the needle plate hole.

Using the right needle size for your fabric is also key. Read your Kenmore 385 sewing machine manual to see what needle sizes work best for different fabrics.

Getting the Bobbin Ready (Winding Bobbin Kenmore 385)

The bobbin holds the lower thread. You need to wind thread onto it before you sew.

Follow these steps to wind a bobbin:

Place a spool of thread on the spool pin.
Guide the thread to the bobbin winder tension disc or guide. This ensures thread is wound tight. Your machine has a special spot for this.
Put an empty bobbin onto the bobbin winder spindle. Push the spindle towards the right (usually) to make it ready to wind.
Wrap the thread end around the bobbin a few times by hand. Push the thread end into the slot on the bobbin if it has one.
Hold the thread end.
Gently press the foot pedal. The bobbin will spin and wind thread.
Keep winding until the bobbin is full. Do not overfill it. The winder usually stops when full.
Cut the thread.
Push the bobbin winder spindle back to the left.
Take the full bobbin off the spindle.

You now have a ready bobbin for your machine.

Putting the Bobbin In

The Kenmore 385 often has a front-loading bobbin case.

Here is how to put the bobbin in the bobbin case:

Open the bobbin case cover. This is usually a small door on the front of the machine below the needle plate.
Get the bobbin case. Take it out if it’s inside.
Hold the bobbin. The thread should come off the bobbin in the right direction. For most machines like the Kenmore 385, the thread should come off clockwise when the bobbin is in the case. Imagine a “P” shape with the bobbin.
Put the bobbin into the bobbin case.
Pull the thread tail into the slot on the bobbin case edge. Then pull it under the tension spring until it comes out the small opening.
The thread should move smoothly when you pull the tail.

Putting the Bobbin Case into the Machine

Now put the bobbin case with the bobbin back into the machine.

Here is how:

Turn the handwheel towards you until the needle is up high.
Open the bobbin cover door.
Hold the bobbin case by its latch or finger.
Slide the bobbin case onto the center pin in the bobbin area.
Make sure the bobbin case finger fits into the notch at the top of the bobbin area.
Push the bobbin case in until it clicks or locks into place.
Leave the thread tail hanging out. Close the bobbin cover door.

The lower thread is now set up.

Guiding the Upper Thread (Threading Kenmore 385)

Threading the upper part of the machine correctly is very important. Wrong threading causes stitches to look bad or bird’s nests of thread.

Follow these steps for Threading Kenmore 385:

Turn the handwheel towards you. Make sure the take-up lever is at its highest point.
Turn the power switch off.
Put a spool of thread on the spool pin.
Guide the thread through the first thread guide. This is usually at the top of the machine.
Pull the thread down along the path on the machine. Many machines have numbers or lines to show the path.
Guide the thread through the tension area. This is usually between two discs.
Continue guiding the thread up to the take-up lever. Hook the thread into or through the hole of the take-up lever.
Bring the thread back down. Guide it through the guides on the machine arm and near the needle.
Thread the needle. Put the thread through the eye of the needle from front to back. Leave a thread tail about 6 inches long.
Pull the thread tail under the presser foot and towards the back of the machine.

Your machine is now threaded.

Getting Both Threads Ready

You need the bobbin thread to come up so you can start sewing.

Here is how:

Hold the upper thread tail lightly with your left hand.
Turn the handwheel towards you slowly.
Watch the needle go down and back up. As it comes up, it will catch the bobbin thread.
A loop of the bobbin thread will appear.
Use the tip of scissors or tweezers to pull this loop up through the hole in the needle plate.
Pull the bobbin thread tail out.
Pull both the upper thread and the bobbin thread tails under the presser foot and towards the back of the machine.

Both threads are now ready to start sewing on your fabric.

Picking Your Stitch (Kenmore 385 Stitch Selector)

The Kenmore 385 lets you choose different stitches. The stitch selector dial is how you do this.

Look at the dial. It has pictures or numbers for stitches.
Turn the dial to the stitch you want.
Common stitches include straight stitch and zigzag stitch. Your machine may have more decorative stitches.

For basic sewing, you will use the straight stitch. The zigzag stitch is good for finishing edges or sewing stretchy fabric.

Setting Stitch Length and Width

Most Kenmore 385 models have controls for stitch length and sometimes stitch width.

Stitch Length: This dial changes how long each stitch is. A shorter stitch is stronger. A longer stitch is good for gathering fabric or basting (temporary stitches). For most sewing, a length between 2 and 3 is common.
Stitch Width: This dial mainly controls the zigzag stitch. It makes the zigzag wider or narrower. For straight stitch, it might move the needle position (left, center, right).

Try sewing on a scrap piece of fabric first. See if the stitch looks right. Adjust length and width as needed.

Adjusting Thread Tightness (Kenmore 385 Tension Adjustment)

Getting the right tension is key for good stitches. Tension controls how tight the upper and lower threads pull together.

The tension dial is usually on the front of the machine. It has numbers.
Numbers show how tight the tension is. Higher numbers mean tighter tension.
Look at your stitches on the fabric scrap.
- If the upper thread lies flat on the top, but the lower thread makes loops on the bottom, the upper tension is too tight. Lower the upper tension number.
- If the lower thread lies flat on the bottom, but the upper thread makes loops on the top, the upper tension is too loose. Raise the upper tension number.
- Perfect tension looks the same on both sides. The threads meet neatly inside the fabric.
Adjust the tension dial one number at a time. Sew a line on your scrap fabric after each change. Keep doing this until the stitch looks good on both sides.
The correct tension can change based on your thread, needle, and fabric.

Getting Kenmore 385 tension adjustment right takes practice. Don’t be afraid to try different numbers.

Starting to Sew

Now you are ready to sew on your project.

Put your fabric under the presser foot. Line up the edge of the fabric with a guide line on the needle plate if you need a straight seam.
Lower the presser foot lever. This holds the fabric firmly against the feed dogs. You must lower the foot to sew properly.
Hold the thread tails behind the machine for the first few stitches. This stops them from getting tangled.
Gently press the foot pedal. The machine will start to sew.
Guide the fabric gently with your hands. Do not push or pull the fabric hard. The machine’s feed dogs move the fabric for you.
Sew your seam.

Stopping and Finishing

When you reach the end of your seam:

Stop pressing the foot pedal.
Turn the handwheel towards you until the needle is up high.
Raise the presser foot lever.
Pull the fabric out from under the presser foot towards the back.
Cut the threads. Most machines have a thread cutter on the side or back. Or use scissors. Leave thread tails about 4-6 inches long for next time.
To lock stitches at the start and end of a seam, sew backward a few stitches. Your machine likely has a reverse lever or button. Press and hold it to sew backward. Sew forward again to finish.

Taking Care of Your Machine (Cleaning Kenmore Sewing Machine Model 385)

Keeping your machine clean helps it run smoothly. Lint and dust can cause problems.

Cleaning Kenmore sewing machine model 385 regularly is a must.

Here are cleaning steps:

Turn off the power switch. Unplug the machine.
Remove the needle and presser foot.
Open the bobbin cover area.
Take out the bobbin case.
Remove the needle plate. You may need a screwdriver.
Use a small brush (often comes with the machine) to remove lint and dust from the feed dogs and the bobbin area.
Clean around the bobbin hook area. This is where the bobbin case sits. Lint collects here a lot.
You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a small hose end to suck up lint. Do not use canned air, as this can push lint deeper into the machine.
Put the needle plate, bobbin case, presser foot, and needle back on.
Wipe the outside of the machine with a soft, dry cloth.

Check your Kenmore 385 sewing machine manual for oiling points. Older mechanical machines often need a drop of sewing machine oil in certain spots after cleaning. Follow the manual’s directions carefully.

Fixing Small Problems (Troubleshooting Kenmore 385 & Common Problems Kenmore 385)

Even with good care, problems can happen. Many Common problems Kenmore 385 users face have simple fixes. This section helps with Troubleshooting Kenmore 385 issues.

Skipping Stitches

Check the needle: Is it bent? Is it dull? Is it in all the way? Is the flat side facing the back? Put in a new needle correctly.
Check the needle size: Is it right for your fabric? A needle too big or too small can cause skips.
Check threading: Is the machine threaded right? Is the thread in the take-up lever? Rewind and rethread the machine carefully.
Check tension: Is the tension way off? Adjust tension.

Thread Breaking

Check threading: Is the thread caught anywhere? Is it going through all the guides? Rethread the machine.
Check tension: Is the upper tension too tight? Lower the tension number.
Check the needle: Is the eye rough? Is the needle bent or dull? Change the needle.
Check the thread path: Is there lint or a snag somewhere the thread runs? Clean the machine.
Check thread quality: Is the thread old or poor quality? Use good quality thread.
Check bobbin winding: Is the bobbin wound unevenly or too loosely? Rewind the bobbin.

Bobbin Thread Looping (Bird’s Nest on Fabric Bottom)

This is almost always an upper threading issue.
Check upper threading: Is the thread in the tension discs? Is it in the take-up lever? Rethread the upper part of the machine completely. Make sure the presser foot is up when you thread the tension discs.
Check tension: Is the upper tension too loose? Raise the upper tension number.

Upper Thread Looping (Loops on Fabric Top)

This is usually a bobbin issue.
Check bobbin case: Is the bobbin in the case correctly? Is the thread through the tension spring on the case?
Check bobbin case tension: The small screw on the bobbin case sets its tension. This usually does not need changing. If you think it’s the problem, check your Kenmore 385 sewing machine manual for how to test and adjust bobbin case tension. It’s best to avoid changing this screw unless needed.
Check upper tension: Is the upper tension too tight? Lower the upper tension number.

Fabric Not Moving

Check the presser foot: Is it down? You cannot sew if the presser foot is up. Lower the foot lever.
Check stitch length: Is the stitch length set to zero? Set it to a number above zero.
Check feed dogs: Are the feed dogs lowered? Some machines have a way to drop the feed dogs for free motion sewing. Make sure they are in the up position. Check your manual.
Check for jammed thread: Is there a big knot of thread under the needle plate? Clean out the bobbin area.

Machine Is Jammed or Won’t Turn

Check for tangled thread: Look under the needle plate and in the bobbin area. Look around the handwheel shaft. Cut away any tangled thread.
Check the handwheel: Some machines have a clutch on the handwheel. You turn this knob to disconnect the needle when winding a bobbin. Make sure it is turned back to connect the needle for sewing.
Check for big problems: If the machine still won’t move after checking these things, do not force it. It may need repair.

For issues not covered here, or for more detailed steps on specific Kenmore 385 parts list items or adjustments, always refer back to your Kenmore 385 sewing machine manual. It has pictures and steps specific to your model.

Choosing Fabrics and Thread

Use thread meant for sewing machines. Good quality polyester or cotton thread works well for most projects. Match thread weight to your fabric.

Choose fabrics that your machine can handle. The Kenmore 385 is a strong machine often good for many fabrics. But very thick layers or very delicate fabrics might need special care, needles, or machine settings.

Using Different Stitches

Your Kenmore 385 stitch selector likely offers more than just straight and zigzag.

Straight Stitch: Use for seams. You can change length for different fabrics.
Zigzag Stitch: Use for finishing edges to stop fraying. Also good for sewing stretchy fabrics. You can change width and length.
Other Stitches: Your machine might have stitches for buttonholes, blind hems, or simple decorations. Look at the stitch selector dial. Practice these on scrap fabric to see what they do.

Changing the Presser Foot

Most Kenmore 385 machines let you change the presser foot. Different feet help you do different sewing tasks (like putting in zippers, making buttonholes, or sewing specific hems).

How to change the foot:

Turn off the machine.
Raise the presser foot lever.
There is usually a small lever or button on the back of the presser foot holder. Press it to release the foot.
Place the new foot under the holder.
Lower the presser foot lever slowly. The holder should snap onto the pin or bar on the new foot.
Lift the lever to check the foot is secure.

Refer to your Kenmore 385 sewing machine manual to see what feet came with your machine and how to use them.

Learning More

This guide covers the basics. Your Kenmore 385 sewing machine manual is the best place for full details on your specific model. It will have detailed diagrams for Threading Kenmore 385, Winding bobbin Kenmore 385, and showing Kenmore 385 parts list items. It also gives more tips on Kenmore 385 tension adjustment and fixing Common problems Kenmore 385 users find. Don’t lose your manual! If you don’t have it, look online. Many old manuals are available as free downloads.

Sewing takes practice. Don’t worry if your first stitches aren’t perfect. Keep using your machine, try different projects, and you will get better.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: My Kenmore 385 is skipping stitches. What should I do first?

Check your needle. Make sure it is new, not bent, put in correctly (flat side back), and is the right size for your fabric. Incorrect needle setup is a very common cause of skipping stitches.

Q: Why is thread bunching up under my fabric?

This often means the upper thread is not in the tension discs correctly. Rethread the machine completely. Make sure the presser foot is lifted when you thread through the tension area. Also check that the thread is correctly in the take-up lever.

Q: How often should I clean my Kenmore 385?

Clean your machine after every few projects, or any time you finish a project that created a lot of lint (like sewing with flannel or fleece). Cleaning the bobbin area and feed dogs often helps prevent many problems.

Q: Do I need to oil my machine? Where?

Many older mechanical Kenmore 385 models need oiling. Check your specific Kenmore 385 sewing machine manual. It will show you exactly where to put a drop of sewing machine oil. Do not use other oils. Oil after cleaning, but do not over-oil.

Q: Where can I find a Kenmore 385 parts list or manual?

You can often find scanned copies of old Kenmore manuals online for free. Search using your exact model number (it might be on a plate on the back or bottom of the machine). For parts, look on online sewing machine parts stores. Knowing the exact model number is important for finding the right parts.

Using your Kenmore 385 can be a rewarding experience. It’s a sturdy machine built to last. By following these steps for setting up, threading, sewing, cleaning, and basic troubleshooting, you can keep your machine running well and enjoy sewing many projects.