Kenmore 1357 User manual

Kenmore
INSTRUCTIONS
ZIG • ZAG SEWING MACHINE
MODEL 1357/1525/1660/1947
60278

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•Parts List ' , ................................ 48, 49:

1. Shuttle cover 12. Face cover plate
2. Base front cover 13, Take-up lever
3. Base 14, Upper thread guide
4. Zigzag stitch needle plate 15, Special stitch dia!
5, Front cover release button 16. Stitch width control
6. Presser foot 17. Special stitch modifier and
7. Thread guide buttonhole control
8, Needle clamp screw 18. Reverse stitch lever
9. Thread guide 19. Stitch length control
10. Top thread tension control 20, Feed dog control
11, Face cover thread guide 21. Free arm
22. Support leg

@
(Flat-bed type)
23. Electric cord receptacle
24. Nomenclature plate
25. Light and power switch
26. Clutch knob
27. Hand wheel
28. Bobbin winder
29. Spool pins
30. Bobbin winder tension disc
31. Pressure regulator
32. Presser foot lever
33. Thread cutter
34. Presser foot thumb screw
35. Feed dogs
36, Base release button
37. Needle plate
38, Guide pin hole
39. Hand hole cover plate
3!

INSTALLING MACHINE (Free-arm type)
/:.
,
To install the machine in cabinet, position
machine head on cabinet platform so that
holes on bottom of machine match those
on board. Insert washers and screws and 3.
tighten into place. (Fig. 1)
A separate base and cover is available to
carry the machine when needed. The
base must be removed wl_n machine is
used. 4.
To install machine in carrying case, set
machine into base, with word FRONT in
base facing you. (Fig, 2)
Place cover on machine with word
"SEARS" on handle facing you. The case
slopes in the same direction of the ma-
chine. (Fig. 3)
Push the speed control plug onto three-
prong connector. Plug machine cord into
any 110-120 volt wall outlet, Turn on
power by pushing light and power switch,
(Fig, 4)
Spool pins are packed in accessory box.
Screw thread spool pins in place securely
with a screw driver. Position nylon discs
as shown in illustration.
,4

INSTALLING MACHINE (Flat bed type)
Loosen the two hinge screws under
holes in the rear edge of the machine
bed.
2. Raise hinge pins in the cabinet or
case. Slip machine head onto pins.
3, Tighten hinge screws securely.
4. Push the speed control plug onto
three-prong connector under the
bed plate. Lower machine head to
front cabinet flap.
1
,
Plug machine cord into any 110-120
volt wall outlet, Turn on power by
pushing light and power switch.
Spool pins are packed in accessory
box, Screw thread spool pins in
place securely with a screw driver.
Position nylon discs as shown in
illustration.
5

CONVERTING TO FREE-ARM SEWING
i•.°
I. Remove the base from the machine
by pushing the release button (if
applicable) and pulling the base to
the left. (Fig, 1, 2)
2. To replace the base, simply slide it
along the free arm to its original
position. (Fig. 1)
Note: Base cannot be removed or
replaced unless shuttle cover is
closed.
6

WINDING THE BOBBIN
®
1. Release clutch by turning clutch
knob toward you.
2. Draw thread from spool through
bobbin winder tension disc as
shown.
3. Pull end of thread through hole in
bobbin as shown.
4. Place bobbin onto bobbin winder
shaft with end of thread coming
from the top of the bobbin. Push
bobbin winder latch against bobbin
until it clicks. Holding onto end of
thread, start machine. When bobbin
is slightly filled, snip off end of
thread.
5. Start machine. Wind thread until
bobbin winder latch releases.
6. Tighten clutch knob and remove
bobbin.
7

THREADING THE BOBBIN CASE
,
,
Remove base front cover by push-
ing the release button on the left
side. Open the shuttle cover.
Raise needle to its highest position
by rotating hand wheel toward
you.
3. To remove bobbin case from shut-
tie, pull open latch of bobbin case.
4. Pull bobbin case straight out of
shuttle,
5. Insert bobbin into bobbin casemak-
ing sure thread is coming from
bobbin as shown.
°
7_
8.
Pull thread through slot of case as
shown.
Pull thread under tension spring.
Holding latch open, position case
into shuttle, and release latch. Case
should lock into place when latch
is released.
8

THREADING OF TOP THREAD
Place thread on spool pin as shown
with thread coming from the back of
the spool. Draw thread through the
top thread guide, Holding the spool
stationary with right hand, pull the end
of the thread between the tension discs
as shown. Pull the spring wire loop up
and past the top hook until the thread
can be slipped into the hook (See Fig.
2). When the thread is released, the
spring wire loop will return to position
(See Fig. 3) with thread in proper place.
Release spool of thread and continue to
thread machine exactly as shown.
Needle must always be threaded in
direction as shown in Fig. 4.
Hold needle thread loosely in left hand
and rotate hand wheel toward you one
complete turn. Bring bobbin thread up
by pulling upper thread. (Fig. 5),
9

ONTROLS
STRAIGHT STITCHING ADJUSTING TOP THREAD
TENSION '
STRAIGHT STITCHING
The good looking appearance of your
stitching is largely determined by the
balanced tension of both top end bobbin
threads. The tension is well balanced
when these two threads 'lock' in the
middle of layers of fabric you are
sewing.
If, when you start to sew, you find that
the stitching is irregular, you will need to
adjust the tension control.
Make any adjustments with presserfoot
'down'.
1. If the threads are locking on the top
surface with the top thread lying flat,
the top stitch is too tight. Tension
can oe decreased by turning the
tension control to lower numbers.
2, If the reverse is happening with the
threads on the underside of the
_b_;c, the tension is too loose. This
can be corrected by turning the
tension control to higher numbers.
ZIGZAG STITCHING
The top thread may appear on the
bottom depending on the thread, fabric,
type of stitch and sewing speed, but the
bobbin thread must never appear on the
top of the fabric.
ADJUSTING BOBBIN
THREAD TENSION
Increase
puckers: BOBBIN THREAD TENSION REQUIRES
ADJUSTMENT LESS FREQUENTLY
THAN THE TOP THREAD TENSION.
If the tension is well balanced, but the
fabric puckers badly, both top and
bobbin thread tensions may be too tight
and have to be adjusted.
When adjusting the tension on the
bobbin case, make only slight adjust-
ments with a srewdriver.
10

STITCH WIDTH CONTROL
This control regulates the width of the
stitch you select. THE HIGHER THE
NUMBER-THE WIDER THE STITCH.
You may vary your zigzag stitch width
by adjusting this control to the setting
you desire.
This control must be on Red Dot in
order to do straight stitching. Turn only
the outer rim of this control to set the
stitch width. The center of the control
dials the special stitches the machine is -
ca pable of sewing ......
STITCH LENGTH CONTROL ......._.... ,i_:
_: : '.... :1 'i :::i :-L _.
The stitch length control regulates the :_ ,_ _
length of the stitch you select. THE
HIGHER THE NUMBER-THE SHORTER
THE STITCH,
The number on stitch length control
indicates the approximate number of
stitches per inch. The stitch setting you
use will be determined by the thickness
of the fabric you are sewing.
A longer stitch setting should be used
for thicker fabric or more layers of fabric.
The middle range of the control is the
10-12 stitch per inch range which is the
most commonly used.
Abasting stitch is made by using the
longest possible stitch setting-6 stitches
per inch. The red marking ==. on the
contro_ is the setting used for the
shortest stitches such as in Satin
Stitching.
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REVERSE STITCH CONTROL
It is best to begin and end seams with a
few stitches taken in rpverse. This is
called back tacking. Back tacking
fastens the ends of the seams firmly and
prevents raveling.
When reverse stitching is needed, turn
the control clockwise and hold there
during sewing. The fabric will imme-
diately start feeding backwards and
seam will be fastened.
-SPECIAL STITCH MODIFi-
ER AND BUI"rONHOLE
CONTROL
This control gives you the means of
varying the stitches on the Special
Stitch Dial. When the pointer is turned
to the Red Dot, the machine sews
forward only. When the pointer is
turned to the White Dot, the forward
designs are varied by the machine
sewing in a forward and reverse manner.
Carefully read directions given in the
next section of the book in order to
accomplish the various stitches
correctly.
This control is also used in making
buttonholes (Model 1525 only). Detailed
instructions are given in the next section
of the book.
12

SPECIAL STITCH DIAL
There are certain types of utility stitches you will use often in your home
sewing, This control enables you to just dial the stitch you need for the
task at hand.
All stitches printed in red on the dial must be sewn with the Special Stitch
Modifier set at the Red Dot.
To make the stitches printed in black on this dial, the Special Stitch Modifier
must be set at the White Dot.
THE RED DOT SETTING
I I
The setting illustrated above is the one used for most of your stitching. At this
setting you may straight stitch, stretch stitch and make a simple zig zag stitch.
As each stitch is dependent upon the settings of your other controls, carefully
read the directions in the next section of the book for the various stitches.
BLIND STITCH AND OVERLOCK STRETCH STITCH <_:_
Blind hems are made by using the setting illustratedc with the Stitch Modifier set
on the Red Dot. When the Modifier is set on the White Dot, overcast stretch
stitching is made.
SPECIAL BOX STITCH AND ELASTIC STRETCH _;_
The setting illustrated is used for special edge finishing and special stretch stitch
for sewing elastic such as sportswear, girdles and other garments that require
stretch. See next section of this book for detailed use of the stitches.
13

SPECIAL MENDING STITCH AND SMOCKING STRETCH :L;8_
You will find that much of your sewing is in the mending category. For this
reason you have been provided with a stitch for the repair of tears. It is _
accomplished with the illustrated setting and the Modifier set at {he Red Dot.
When the Modifier is turned to the White Dot a Smocking Stitch results. For
directions see the next section of this book.
SERGING OR PINE LEAF STRETCH _1_
Serging or pine leaf stretch is used for seam finishing on all types of fabrics. It is
a stitch used in the garment industry. It forms a good looking seam, stitching
and overcasting the edges. This stitch is useful for seaming of swimwear, stretch
ski pants and other types of knit sportswear. "Modifier must be set on the White
Dot.
if Modifier is set on the red dot, a Shell Stitch can be made on nylon tricot.
BUTTONHOLE SETTING
The three settings illustrated are used in making a bar tacked buttonhole.
Detailed instructions are given in the next section of the book.
14

OTHER ADJUSTMENTS OF MACHINE IN SEWING
In addition to the obvious controls of your machine, there are other small
regulators and controls to aid you in using your sewing machine.
PRESSURE REGULATOR
i_i_ii!!iii<i!i_!i'ii_%__:i_!zii<_i_i_i;iii•i_:_'¸','-'_
< iiii!k :: <i
Push down the outer ring of the pressure regulator, This will release the
pressure on the presser foot. (See above).
To increase the pressure, push down inner pin until a suitable pressure is
obtained.
Insufficient pressure may cause poor feeding of the fabric, skipped stitches,
or difficulty in guiding the fabric. If feed dogs or presser foot marks appear
on the fabric, reduce the pressure.
When sewing multiple thickness or heavy fabric, reduce the pressure, Increase
pressure when sewing lighter weight fabrics,
15

Free-arm type) _i_
FEED DOG CONTROL
There are a few times when you want to
control the feeding of the fabric
yourself. Remove the base cover from
the base. Pull down the feed dog control
or turn to the left as shown in Fig. 1.
The fee_l dogs will drop. You may then
determine the movement of the fabric
yourself.
For most of your stitching, the feed dog
control should be in the up position.
Whenever you raise or lower the feed
dogs, be sure to have the presser foot in
the up position.
\
I
Fig:2
sEWING LIGHT
The light and power switch shown in
Fig. 1 and 2 provides the electric current
for the motor as well as for the light.
In order to operate the machine_ this
switch must be on. To turn on the light,
depress the upper side of the switch.
If you are interrupted while sewing and
must leave the machine unattended,
just turn off the switch and the machine
cannot be started accidentally.
The sewing light is located inside the
face cover plate as shown, To replace
the bulb, turn light off, and swing the
face cover plate open. Push up on the
bulb slightly and turn bulb clockwise.
Remove bulb from socket. Push in new
bulb and turn counter-clockwise.
Fig. 3
16

NEEDLE PLATE INSERTS
(Free-armtype)
You are provided with two needle
plate inserts:
A. Needle plate with wide oval hole
for all zigzag stitching.
B. Needle plate with round hole
for regular straight stitching and
straight stretch stitch sewing.
CHANGING NEEDLE PLATE
INSERTS
o
,
3.
Raise needle to its highest position
and raise presser foot.
Swing shuttle cover open.
Push a spring under the plate as
shown to release the needle plate
insert.
4. Remove needle plate insert by
placing thumb under edge of plate.
5. Replace the needle plate insert
positioning as shown in Fig. 3.
6. Push needle plate insert down to
lock into place. Reposition the
shuttle cover.
... ,;.
SEAM GUIDES
Seam guides are printed on either side
of the needle plate to aid you in guid-
ing your fabric, THE GUIDE LINE
EXTENDING ABOVE THE RIGHT
SIDE OF THE NEEDLE PLATE IS
THE "ALL IMPORTANT" 5/8" SEAM
LINE.
The cornering guides are convenient
when turning a square corner 5/8"
from the fabric edge. See next
section of this book for directions.
Fi0: 4
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'='=' ACCESSORIES
NEEDLES
Use KENMORE needles, The size of the
needle should conform with the size of
the thread and both should be suitable
to the fabric (See next page).
Never use a bent needle or one with a
blunt point,
Fig, 1, shows you the exact length of
your needle, Be sure you never use one
in your rrkachine that is not this exact
length,
YOU will find among your accessories a
:'Q NEEDLE",._with blue shank, This
special needle is to be used when
sewing certain knits andcertain difficult
synthetic fabrics, If you experience
skipped stitched in any of your sewing,
US8
_1_ _:_: _:;:::;_.k__!,__
PLACEMENT OF NEEDLE
Raise needle bar to its highest position
by turning the hand wheel toward you.
Loosen the needle clamp screw. Hold-
ing the needle with the flat side away
from you, slipthe needle into the needle
bar, When it is in as far as it will go,
tighten the needle clamp screw with a
screwdriver,
If you have a double needle for decora-
tive stitching, it is inserted in the same
manner as the single needle.
18

FABRIC
Lightweight: Batiste, Dimity ,
Chiffon, Silks, Synthetic!Jerseys, •
"Fine Lace, Organza, Cre_e;, _:_-!_!_:.....
Taffetta, Voile, Organdy
Medium Weight: Cotton, Cotton
Blends, Percale, Gingham,
Shantung, Pique, Seersucker,
Satin, Knits. Vinyl, Suitings,
Linen, Wool Ci;epe, Leathi_r :ii
Medium Heavy Weight: Corduroy,
Denim, Woot, Sailcloth;Wool :.
Flannel, Gabardine, •Veivets,
Leather
Heavy Weight: Coatings,
Upholstery, Cotton Duck, HeaVy
Twills, Canvas
Decorative Top-stitching on all
Synthetic Knits andStretch FabriCs:
Polyester Doubie Knits, Nyl0n
Tricot,: Jersey, Stretch Terry_
Spandex, Cire Tricot
BUTTONHOLE GUIDE
(Model 1525, 1947)
You have been provided with a
buttonhole guide to aid you in making
buttonholes. By using this guide, you
will accurately make identical size
buttonholes every time.
The guide just slips onto the regular
zigzag foot as illustrated.
Details in using this attachment are
given in the next section. Follow
those directions carefully for perfectly
formed buttonholes.
iii!!
ii::_: _ _ _ili_
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