Kenmore 17921 manual

Kenmo?e SEWING MACHINE MODEL 17921 55d7c/[...]

Sears, Roebuck and Co. Dear Homemaker: You have just invested in a very fine zigzag sewing machine. Before using your new Kenmore machine, please pause for a moment and carefully read this booklet which contains instructions on how to operate and care for your machine. Specific instructions are given on threading, tension adjustments, cleaning, oil[...]

YOUR SEWING PLACE IS ALWAYS READY WITH SEARS KENMORE SEWING FURNITURE Sewing machine cabinet is available at your nearest Sears retail store or through our general catalog. Whenever you're ready to sew, so is your sewing plaCe, Another option.., buy a Carrying Case... then your Kenmore goes anywhere, can be stored anywhere.[...]

TABLE OFCONTENTS = . KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE Machine identification .............................................. 2 - 3 Setting up your machine ........................................... 4 - 5 Foot control, Light/power switch, Electronic needle control, Maximum speed control, Accessory box Parts list ..........................................[...]

1. KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE IDENTIFICATION CHART Top thread tension control Bobbin winder tension disc Slotted take-up levew Foldaway carrying handle Built-in buttonhole control Bobbin winder shaft Bobbin winder latch Threading channel Stitch width dial Face cover Check spring Thread guide__ Needle clamp screw .... Presser foot Needle plate , [...]

.J[ Telescoping spool pin _ ,, ,, .............. i Hand wheel/ _ _'_nm_'- push-pull clutch Nomenclature Light/power swit_ Rear thread guide Swing-away spool pin Presser foot lever Presser foot lock Thread cutter Foot control Electric cord rece; Foot pedal Foot control -._----- Buttonholer! accessory box Cord receptacle Pedal lock knob _&a[...]

Light/power Fig. 1 Foot Pedal Iock._nob pedal It Fig. 2 SETTING UP YOUR MACHINE . . . . Install your Kenrnore sewing machine in a Kenmore cabinet, case or set the machine on a sturdy flat surface. Your Kenmore sewing machine has been thoroughly oiled at the factory. Be sure to wipe off the needle plate area and bed plate carefully before sewing a g[...]

5. ELECTRONIC NEEDLE CONTROL Your machine is electronically controlled to stop with the needle in the up position every time you remove pressure from foot control. NEEDLE UP/DOWN SWITCH If you wish the machine to stop with the needle in the down position (as in turning a corner), push the left switch. A red light will appear showing you that the ma[...]

PARTS LIST (Use only genuine Kenmore replacement parts and accessories.) All parts listed herein may be ordered from any Sears, Roebuck and Co. store or service center. WHEN ORDERING REPAIR PARTS, ALWAYS GIVE THE FOLLOWING INFOR- MATION: 1. PART NUMBER 2. PART DESCRIPTION 3. MODEL NUMBER shown on the nomen- ctature plate. (See page 3 for location.)[...]

OTHER VITAL ITEMS Zigzag Needleplate (No. 57860) Narrow Hemmer ( N o. 29396) Straight Stitch Needleplate (No. 57861 ) Edge Stitcher (N o. 29306) Bobbin Winder Rubber Ring (No. 1913) Bobbin Winder Tension Disc (No. 39619) i _. Light Bulb Foot Control (No. 6797) (No. 57544) Feed Cover 2 Spool Pin Caps Nylon Disc Adjustable Plate Large - No. 55503 (No[...]

SPOOL PINS AND CAPS Telescoping spool pin Nylon Spool cap Swing the Primary Spool Pin into position at the back of the machine as shown above. Place a spool of thread on the pin and place the appropriate size spool cap over the thread. A second telescoping spool pin is provided for bobbin winding and for a second thread when sewing with a double ne[...]

WINDING THE BOBBIN O l ® . . Place thread on Telescoping Spool Pin. Draw thread through Rear Thread Guide and Bobbin Winder Tension Disc as indicated. Pull end of thread through any hole in bobbin; place bobbin on Bobbin Winder Shaft with end of thread coming from top of bobbin as shown above. . . ® Push Bobbin Winder Latch against bobbin until i[...]

THREADING THE BOBBIN CASE ® ® ® ® 1. Remove accessory box. 2. Remove bobbin cover plate by lifting up the front. 3. Insert bobbin into bobbin case making sure bobbin rotates counter clockwise. 4. Pull thread through slot (A) and then to the left. 5. Pull thread through slot (B) and leave about 4 inches of thread. 6. Replace bobbin cover plate a[...]

THREADING TOP THREAD , Fig. 1 [ ° =.'_/ In'_ ' = III llF . .i • i._ _._, ili ........ - i !-i_ :i i_ol Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Raise slotted take-up lever to its highest position. Place thread spool onto spool pin. Place appropriate spool cap over the spool of thread. Draw thread through rear thread guide (A) and into threading channel (B) [...]

® / PICKING UP BOBBIN THREAD 1. Raise presser foot lever. Hold needle thread loosely in left hand and push,!_eedle up/down switch two times or rotate hand wheel toward you one complete turn. 2. Bring bobbin thread up by pulling upper thread. ® / . Pull both threads under and to the back of the presser foot, leaving 3 to 4 inches of thread cle[...]

CONTROLS THREAD TENSION CONTROL STRAIGHT STITCHING The good looking appearance of your straight stitching is, mainly determined by the balanced tension of the top thread and bobbin thread. The tension is well balanced when the two threads lock in the middle of the layers of fabric when straight stitching. You can achieve balanced tension by regulat[...]

Stitch indic&toa m ..... == ANVV_ alp ._--,_=,;'.o-=,. ,_ V-V-V-V" =.t ,,.t""%_ =. (--,,_'_ •,,, U.UJ_LLt •i, _.-3. _ I1: _-6 ! ...... iJ _ __ eleclrorr_c Stitch selector STITCH SELECTOR AND INDICATOR 1. To select a stitch, be sure needle is out of fabric at its highest position. Push the stitch selector in and out [...]

STITCH LENGTH CONTROL The stitch length control regulates the length of the stitch_you select. THE HIGHER-THE NUMBER-THE SHORTER THE STITCH. Turn only the, outer rim of this control to set the stitch length. The number on stitch length control indicates the approximate number of stitches per inch. The stitch setting you use will be determined by th[...]

BUTTONHOLE CONTROL This control is used in making bar tacked buttonholes with two control settings. Detailed instructions are given on page 51. PRESSURE REGULATOR Presser foot pressure is vital for straight seams, uniform stitch length, even handling of both layers of fabric. To adjust pressure; use Pressure Regulator which is situated inside the f[...]

SEAM GUIDES Seam guides are printed on needle plate, at both sides of needle, to help you line up the fabric and keep it straight. The standard seam width is 5/8". So these lines are emphasized, easy to follow. Also the cross iines are "cornering guides" to help when turning a square corner 5/8" from the fabric edge. (For detail[...]

ACCESSORIES I I II I 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. Kenmore needles are color-coded by size for your convenience (See chart on next page). Never use a bent needle or one with a dull point. The exact length of your needle is shown at left. Be s[...]

NEEDLE, THREAD AND FABRIC CHART FABRIC LIGHTWEIGHT: Batiste. Dimity, Chiffon. Silks, Synthetic Jerseys. Fine Lace. Organza. Crepe, Taffeta. Voile, Organdy MEDIUMWEIGHT: Cotton, [" Cotton Blends. Percale. Gingham. ! Shantung, Pique. Seersucker. !' Satin. Knits. Vinyl. Suitings. Linen, Wool Crepe. Leather MEDIUM HEAVYWEIGHT: Corduroy, Denim[...]

Needle clamp Presser foot screw Presser bar. clamp Presser bar Presser foot arm Screw (A) Fig. 1 EVEN FEED FOOT The even feed foot moves top and bottom material together evenly and enables you to sew hard-to-sew fabrics without sliding nor slipping and with perfect matching. Use it for sewing leather, ultra suede TM, shiny fabrics (vinyls, patents [...]

EDGESTITCHER This one attachment helps you join fabric edges ...insert lace ...do seam piping ... simplifies blind hemming as well as "French'" seams. Slots numbered 1 to 5 serve as sewing guides: Slot 1 will guide fabric to be joined to lace. All you have to do is place the lace in slot 2. Slot 4 will guide piping being joined to fa[...]

, ;_, !luu!!._ fl, _., I!UUi,,_ II A B Fig. 1 @ @ Bobbin case Bobbin case stopper Fig. 3 I NEEDLE PLATES You are provided with two needle plates: A. Needle plate with wide oval hole for all zigzag stitching. B. Needle plate with round hole for regular straight stitching and straight stretch sewing. CHANGING NEEDLE PLATE ° , 3. , Raise needle to it[...]

CARING FOR THE MACHINE CLEANING THE FEED DOGS WITH A BRUSH To insure the best possible operation of your machine, it is necessary to keep the essential parts clean at all times. Remove bobbin cover plate and needle plate. Using a small brush, remove the lint that accumulates in and around the feed dogs and shuttle area. dogs Shuttle CLEANING AND OI[...]

"' A B i i.i '; : "Lz': ! :I I " t' "_ L_L.."_: i / ...................... -'--'LZ----'-'_'..__'_'_LL.J OIUNG UNDER TOP COVER PLATE Remove top cover plate by loosening bNO top screws (A and B) as shown at left. Then place one or two drops of Kenmore sewing machine oil a[...]

OILING IN FACE COVER PLATE Swing face cover plate open and oil points indicated by arrows in illustration. OILING IN END COVER PLATE A drop of oil should be placed through the hole indicated in the end cover plate. CHANGING LIGHT BULB The sewing light is located inside the face cover plate as shown. To replace the bulb, push switch to off, unplug m[...]

CHECKING SUSPECTED PROBLEM PROBABLE CAUSE IRREGULAR STITCHES BREAKING NEEDLE BUNCHING OF THREAD PUCKERING Incorrect size needle. Improper threading. •-.Loose upper thread tension. Pulling fabric. Light pressure on presser foot. Loose presser foot. Unevenly wound bobbin. Nicks or burrs at needleplate opening. Pulling fabric. Incorrect size needle.[...]

POSSIBLY EASY CORRECTION Choose correct size needle for thread and fabric. Rethread machine; check tension spring threading. Tighten upper thread tension. Do not pull fabric; guide it gently. Increase prpssure on presser foot. Reset presser foot. Rewind bobbin. Replace needleplate, or polish off burrs completely. Do not pull fabric; guide it gently[...]

2. STARTING TO SEW 28 Now that you are familiar with the controls on your machine and with the accessories provided for the machine, you are ready to start to sew with your sewing machine. Below are some good habits to follow each time you sit down to sew: , . . Check the needle-it should be straight, properly set and sharp on the point. It should [...]

MACHINE SETTING CHART Buttonhole control " |- ! O Stitch width dial Stitch modifier Needle plate Machine settings are graphically shown in this section for your quick reference. Simply Presser foot Stitch length dial following illustrated charts, select and sew a variety of stitches shown below... Buttonhole Straight stitch Zigzag Straight str[...]

STRAIGHT STITCHING !i ;ui I n * Straight stitch needle plate electronic "!1 3O * Straight foot , Any setting but"0"" *You may use zigzag, straight stitch foot or Q foot, but for best control of fabric, best looking straight stitches and best feeding of fabric use Straight Stitch Foot and Needle Plate. FASTENING A SEAM Be sure bo[...]

REMOVING FABRIC First turn the handwheel toward you until the needle is at its highest position, then raise the presser foot, draw materials to the rear and cut off excess thread with the thread cutter located on the presser bar as shown. TOP-STITCHING This is a seam you may want to show of!! It's on the front side of the garment, possibly at [...]

Regular Basting Free Method TEMPORARY SEWING BY MACHINE Regular basting by machine is easy--simply use straight stitching with longest available length setting. And your machine has a free basting method for very long stitches that sometimes can be used for "marking". electronic o o FREE BASTING METHOD SETTINGS Basting switch - turn on Pr[...]

ZIPPER APPLICATION - CORDING Home-sewn zippers can look as nice as those on expensive ready-mades. We recommend you follow directions, given on zipper package. There are two basic types: conven- tional, and invisible. Your Zipper Foot will assist you v_ith any of these installations. Use these simple settings: For conventional zippers... Your zippe[...]

NARROW HEMMING Attach the Narrow Hemmer to the adjustable holder. Make sure that edge of the fabric is cut straight. Turn a tiny double hem (Vo inch) along edge for about two inches. Place end of this hem under Narrow Hemmer. Hold thread taut '_hile stitching along insid_ edge of hem. Feed fabric gradually into "scroll" in hemmer, gu[...]

ZIGZAG STITCHING Simple zigzag stitching enables you to do many exciting things with your Kenmore sewing machine. Beyond basics, you'll use zigzag stitching to applique, embroider and monogram. Unlike straight stitches, zigzag stitches have a side-to-side width as well as a stitch length. You'll find "recipes" for many zigzag op[...]

36 Satin stitch foot li OVERCASTING Stitch Selector- /VVVV_ Stitch Length - 12 - 8 Stitch Width - 3 - 4 Use Overcast Foot. This is one of the more frequently used zigzag stitches on garment construction. You may want to overcast along the raw edge of each seam allowance or fold the raw edge toward the garment and stitch. Stitch so the needle pierce[...]

APPLIQUEING Settings same as Satin Stitching Select an applique design to be applied to your garment and baste it in place. Satin stitch around the raw edge of the applique completely covering the edge. You may want to do this with a contrasting color of thread. EMBROIDERY Settings same as Satin Stitching Satin stitch can be used to produce many di[...]

LEFT HOLE OF BU TTO N !._ PRESSER FOOT STRAIGHT SEAMLINE ! -- BUTTON BUTTON SEWING Stitch Selector - AAAAA Stitch Width - Adjust to Button Size Use Feed Cover Plate and Clear Plastic Satin Stitch Foot. . 2. . 4. 5. . Position the button on fabric with clear tape. Center the left hole of button between straight seamline and the left edge of needle s[...]

MENDING AND OVERCAST STITCHING (THREE-STEP ZIGZAG) MENDING A TEAR Stitch Length- 0-24 Stitch Width- 3-4 To repair a straight or three-cornered tear, position the tear under the needle in such a way that the stitching catches both sides of the tear. When mending a three-cornered tear, stitch from each end to the center. It is well to use a piece of [...]

BOX STITCH _B S t I 7 I i Stitch Length - 24- 12 Stitch Width- 2- 4 OVERLAPPED SEAM Box stitch is ideal for producing flat overlapped seams on almost any type of fabric and a bolder effect will result from sewing with a contrasting thread. Overlap the raw edges of two pieces of fabric 2" and pin or tack. Place the fabric right side up with the[...]

BLIND HEMMING Blind hemming is a good technique to use on garments, and especially on curtains and drapery hems so that stitches need not show on the front of the fabric. Because your Kenmore has two types of blindstitches built in, blind hemming is easier than you'd expect. It's just a matter of folding.., give it a try! PROCEDURE Stitch[...]

D EDGE ® SCREW GUIDE RIGHT SIDE OF FINISHED HEM Working on wrong side of fabric, fold hem up. Press and pin in place. Then fold hem allowance under.., leaving Vs"' of hem edge extending. Place garment under blind stitch foot with the fold of the garment against guide and slide it by turning screw so that the zigzag just catches the fold.[...]

SCALLOP STITCH PROCEDURE 1. With right sides of fabric together, sew near the folded edge with scallop stitch. 2. Trim allowance to 1/8" or less. Notch curves if necessary. Cut down into points. 3. Turn to right side and push scallops out evenly. If they do not seem even, be sure curves are notched similarly. Fig. 2. 4. Press flat. 43[...]

STRETCH STITCHES .i _-'' _ Jlli I i'!f C ---I Zigzag needle plate Zi, Izag or Q foot 0 1--4 0 See next page. Within yellow zone ® ® i i Stretch stitches, as their names imply, are mainly for use on stretch and knit fabrics such as stretch nylon, stretch towelling, jersey and cotton jersey; and for sewing together knitted garments. [...]

ADJUSTING STRETCH STITCH BALANCE Stitch modifier should be in neutral (notched) position for most materials. Depending upon the type of fabric used, you may need to adjust this control to match forward stitches of stretch sewing with reverse motion stitches. If the stitches are too open, turn the control slightly clockwise; if the stitches overlap,[...]

9= 4= '€ € '€ € 4= == =b =1, RI_KI- RACK STRETCH STITCH Stil_h st= h Sti_h It !_ u: where anethq ;elector- .ength- YellowZone _/idth - Yellow Zone stretch fabrics in any area that you use a zig zag stitch. This stitch can be .s a decorative top stitch as well. ;eful also on lapped or abutted seams you lap one edge of a seam over ;[...]

ELASTIC STRETCH STITCH •Stitch Selector -/kA/k,_ Stitch Length- YellowZone Stitch Width - 2 - 4 Use this versatile stitch to insert elastic in garments. Simply stitch elastic into place, making sure it is evenly spaced. To do this, mark the correct length piece into quarters, then match these markings with center front and side seams. OVERCAST ST[...]

GEl"riNG THE MOST FROM FABRICS THAT GIVE Some stretchy suggestions... Be sure to use the Q SET'"with knits and any synthetic woven fabric -- and zigzag or satin foot as required. Loosely constructed knits sometimes catch over toes of presser foot. To remedy this, wrap short strip of transparent tape around the foot encasing both toes[...]

"Everyday" Stitches with Stretch Applications Use for all-purpose stretch sewing, seam finishing, edge //_/V_iV_ finishing, or attaching stretch laces. PLAIN ZIGZAG -VV'V-V- BLIND HEM • __'¢_'_" ,h_Ww CRESCENT STITCH A good shell stitch for nylon tricot lingerie• Can be use for attaching girdle panels and applying[...]

BUTTONHOLE MAKING Your Kenmore brings you two buttonhole systems along with several special acces- sories that enable you to solve all your clbthes "closing" problems. _ Your built-in system enables you to sew buttonholes with finished ends (bar-tacked) by simply turning the stitch selector. Only two control settings are required. An impo[...]

BUTTONHOLE MAKING ° BUILT-IN SYSTEM PREPARATION Carefully mark the buttonhole length on your garment. Place the fabric with the buttonhole marked under the buttonhole foot. Pull the guide foot (A) all the way forward so that the index mark (B) is aligned with the graduation (C), with thread to rear. (Reproduction of the identical size buttonholes [...]

52 I I I Less density More density ® A B ADJUSTING STITCH DENSITY Depending upon the fabrics on which you are sewing, or your own preference in button- holes, you may alter buttonhole stitch density by varying the original stitch length setting within the green buttonhole zone. . 2. For more density, turn the dial toward #_O t, " For less den[...]

BuI-rONHOLE MAKING - USING BUTTONHOLE ATTACHMENT 0 1 -- I_ Zigzag needle plate and feed cover plate Buttonhole foot I -°n II ,i!t I Any setting REGULAR WORKED BUTTONHOLE (STRAIGHT, KEYHOLE AND EYE- LET) PROCEDURE Stitch Selector - /VVVV_ Stitch Width - 1 - 1½ Zigzag Needle Plate Feed Cover Plate Buttonhole Foot 1. Raise needle to its highest posi[...]

® . Slip guide plate onto machine so it fits in place with pinion gear in the center of arc hole of template. Be sure guide block is inserted in guide slot. Guide. slot I,H/J i Lil .IJ Guide . Pick up bobbin thread through guide plate by turning hand wheel. Place fabric between presser foot and guideplate. Align marked buttonhole with cut-out of f[...]

PURL-EDGE BUTTONHOLE To add a professional touch to your sewing you will want to make purledged button- holes. These are obtained by sewing a wide buttonhole over a narrow stitched button- hole. ' Choose the correct size for your button, insert the template into the guide plate turning to the narrower of the sizes. Use the same settings as for[...]

Fig. 1 BOUND BUTTONHOLE A template had been provided so that you may sew perfectly sized rectangles each time you make a bound buttonhole. Just follow the directions given below. SETTING Stitch Width - 0 or Stitch Selector ...... Pressure Regulator - 1 or 2 Other settings same as regular worked buttonhole 1. Space buttonholes on garment-mark length[...]

, Fold patch forming lips of buttonhole. Press and baste lips together. (Fig. 5) Fig. 5 5. Stitch across pleats formed by lips of patch. (Fig. 6) Fig. 6 6. After buttonhole has been pressed, baste facing of garment around buttonhole and slash opening in facing same length as buttonhole. (Mark ends of buttonhole with pins for guides). Turn under fac[...]

CHOOSING BUTTONHOLE STYLE AND SIZE Each buttonholing situation will be different so you will want to experiment with your garment, considering fabric and placement of button. Here are some basic applications: Built-in buttonholes (described previously) are ideal for one or two buttons used on waistband or cuff, or for "belt slots." Straig[...]

DECORATIVE EMBROIDERY DESIGNS ,r ...... h ...... ,_ Zigzag needle plate ?? Zigzag or satin foot O 4-1 See next page. I-_ ° i i:, ,ilH ° i Green Yellow patterns patterns Domino Diamond You may get the look and feel of hand embroidery infinitely faster and easier by your machine. Just choose which of the designs you want to sew alone or in combinat[...]

ADJUSTING STITCH BALANCE OF YELLOW PATTERNS When sewing yellow patterns, you may need to make slight adjustment to the stitch modifier to produce perfect designs. If the stitches are too far apart, turn the control slightly clockwise; if they are closer together, turn counter-clockwise. APPLICATIONS Create the loveliest of custom designs-your own p[...]

WARRANTY FULL 30-YEAR WARRANTY ON SEWING MACHINE HEAD For 30 years from the date of purchase, Sears will, free of charge, repair defects in material or workmanship which appear in the sewing machine head. FULL TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT OF SEWING MACHINE For two years from the date of purchase, Sears will, free of charge, repair defe[...]

Now that you have purchased your Kenmore Sewing Machine, should a need ever exist for repair parts or service, simply contact any Sears Service Center and most Sears, Roebuck and Co. Stores. Be sure to provide all pertinent facts when you call or visit. The model number of your Sewing Machine will be shown on your nomenclature plate on the back of [...]