Sears 385.1883 - Manual (Page 50)

Reverse Stitch Control
To reverse stitch, hold down this control
during sewing.
Release to sew forward again.
Now that you are familiar with the controls on your machine and with the accessories provided for the machine, you
are ready to start sewing with your new Kenmore sewing machine. Below are some good habits to follow each time
you sit down to sew:
1. Inspect the needle. It should be straight, properly set and sharp on the point. It should be the correct size tor the
fabric and thread beirtg used. Do not be afraid to change your needle frequently. Many of the new fabrics made
of synthetic blends tend to dull needles more easily than fabrics made of natural fibers.
2. Before placing the material on the machine, see that the ends of the threads have been drawn about 4 inches to
the rear of the machine. Hold onto threads during the sewing of the first 3 or 4 stitches of the seam.
3. Test the machine sfilch on a scrap of the fabric you plan to use. The fabric should be double thickness. Adjust
the machine lor the length of stitch and tension suitable to the fabric.
4. Fabric should be placed under the presser foot with the bulk of the material to the left of the needle and the right
edge of the material placed on the 5/8" seam marking on the needle plate when making a simple seam .
5. Run the machine at a slow even speed. The more pressure you put on the foot control, the faster the machine
will sew.
6. Fasten each seam by back tacking, sewing a few stitches in reverse.
7. Always finish sewing each seam with the needle at its highest point.
8. Guide the fabric gently with your hand in front of the needle. Never pull or hold the fabric in such a way that the
normal feeding is altered.
9. When turning the hand wheel manually, always turn it toward you.
Starting To Sew
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