20 Most Recent Kenmore 12102 Questions & Answers

Knobs left to right - Needle position = Center, Length to something reasonable (try 3 to start), Width - hold the knob in and turn it to other than 0.

How much what cost?

http://sewusa.com/Threading_Diagrams/Threading_Pages/Kenmore_Sewing_Machine_Threading/kenmore_385_12102_Threading_diagram.htm Complete manual: http://www.shopyourway.com/manuals/140735

Welcome to FixYa!

Loose bottom stitches come from the top, not the bottom. Seems weird, but that's the way sewing machines work.

The dial tension should be set at the mid range and make absolutely sure that you have the machine threaded correctly. Both things will cause a sloppy bottom stitch.

Thanks!

If you find my solution helpful, I'd appreciate a FixYa rating....

Unplug the machine and remove the needle plate so that the bobbin case if fully exposed. Lift out the bobbin case and the cup that it sets in will be visible. Locate the "hook" on this cup. It is a finger with a sharp point at the upper edge of the cup. The hook is what grabs the thread from the needle while sewing.

• Thread the needle.
• Turn the handwheel by hand.
• Watch the hook as it approaches the needle from right to left.

If the hook passes by the needle AFTER the eye of the needle is above it, you timing has slipped and the machine must be taken in for repair.
If the hook catches the thread from the needle, put everything back together and try threading again.

Look in the manual first, it has ALL the info you need...or have a look at this link:http://www.sewusa.com/Sewing_Machine_Threading_Diagrams.htm

I just discovered that you can go to www.managemylife.com and under manuals, put in 385.12102 and you can have a free copy of your maual. Hooray, this is a great find because normally you have to pay for it. Happy New Year. Good luck

Broken or slipping Belt running off handwheel is most likely UNPLUG MACHINE FIRST !!
remove side cover, tighten motor adjustment to slightly slack like car fanbelt (not tight, some "give" is needed).
If you cannot easily open the case, take it to Service Centre or you WILL break casing clips.

The dial at the top right hand of machine ,turn it fron 0 to 1-5 for zigzag

Make sure the stitch is set to a sewing stitch, (not a buttonhole stitch).
Set the stitch length dial to a longer stitch.
Make sure you have you feed dogs set to the "up" position.

CALL MECHINE SERVER

its not easy sewing left handed is it? i think that oil has got into the switch and you have lost forwards drive now,,give it a good wiggel about till it clears it out, if it was working ok the last time you used it its just got a bit sticky thats all,,,i hope you used a light oil?