Help w/ Kenmore 385

My daughter's Kenmore 385 sewing machine which is only a couple of years old, won't work and I can't figure it out. It just simply is not sewing, you go a couple of stitches and the threads are just loose although the needle goes through the fabric...I took the bobbin apparatus apart down to as far as it would let me go and cleaned it out, but no go. Any advice???? Thanks!

Reply to
fleuette
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Without more info it's hard to know what to suggest. But here are some troubleshooting sites:

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-------------- You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.=20

--Mae West=20

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Reply to
IMS

Awesome sites, thanks!!!

Reply to
fleuette

Maybe it is just the tension. Barbara in SC and now FL

Reply to
Bobbie Sews Moore

Could someone tell me when this sewing machine was manufactured? My brother bought this model at a yard sale Saturday for $25. It came in it's original box, manual, all feet, and power cord. It did not have it's bobbin case, but no problem, we bought one at Sears on Sunday for less than $4. It's handwheel, however, will not budge. He's going to take it apart and do a thorough cleaning and then will most likely take it to the repair shop. Just interested in knowing it's age.

But one thing that does puzzle me is the gigantic buttonhole attachment. I haven't seen one like that in years. Am I wrong in thinking newer machines all have the small, rather simple, attachments now for sewing buttonholes?? Just curious to know.

Reply to
itsjoannotjoann

Are both threads loose...or is it just the upper thread that's looping under the fabric?

gwh

Reply to
G. Wayne Hines

------------------------------------- After bringing it for repairs twice, I discovered a design flaw. The thread slips out of the take-up lever eye and therefore there is no more tension. The solution: open the side door and put the thread back into the eye. The repair guy said that to keep this from happening, make sure you stop sewing with the take-up lever up, over the top of the machine. Personally, I think they should recall the machines and replace this part. My son suggests a drop of crazy glue to close the eye, which would make threading the machine slightly more difficult.

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Reply to
Bobbi

What about using a bit of eraser or something similar that would slide onto the takeup lever and prevent the thread from sliding out?

-Irene

Reply to
IMS

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