The model 385.12102 Kenmore Sewing Machine Binds up and stops

SOURCE: Kenmore Sewing Machine model # c877.15

I have an old Kenmore and here are the directions from my manual: 1. Draw thread from spool through bobbin winder tension discs. 2. Wind thread around an empty bobbin several times. 3. Place bobbin onto bobbin winder shaft with thread coming from rear of bobbin. Push bobbin winder latch against bobbin until it clicks. 4. Release clutch by turning clutch knob toward you. Start machine.

SOURCE: instructions for theading a Sears Kenmore Sewing machine model 158.14000

all machines thread the same. TTN tension,take up, needle.
Beginning with the spool, guide the thread through the thread guides to the tension assembly. Pull the thread through the tension assembly and test it to make sure the tension is working correctly.
(To do this test,adjust your tension setting to normal or medium or 5 or something in the middle. Raise the presser foot and pull the thread through the tension. It should pull easily!! Lower the presser foot and pull the thread. It should pull noticeably harder.) If it passes this test, continue up through the take up lever,then down through the thread guides to the needle. Make sure your needle is fully inserted and turned the correct way.( If you load your bobbin case from the left side,the needle rule is normally FLAT to the RIGHT is RIGHT. There are some exceptions. If you have a newer style drop in bobbin or your bobbin case loads in the front then the rule is FLAT to the BACK.

To wind the bobbin, guide the thread around the thread guide on
the left top of your machine, then to the bobbin winder. Wind the thread around the bobbin several times, place the bobbin on top of the bobbin winder, push it against the wheel and press the foot pedal. It should stop winding when the bobbin is full or you take your foot off the control

Sewman7

SOURCE: need help to thread our sewing machine.

you really must get a manual for this machine.
You can find manuals online for a small price.
At one time some sites had them for free, but I haven't been able to find many recently. sewusa.com has some older ones for free. but not many. you could try the kenmore site as well, if not I'd try to search on dogpile.com (sewing machine manuals)
Just so you know, your manual is the MOST important tool for any sewing machine, and its worth a couple of bucks to get it.

SOURCE: kenmore sewing machine model 385 16764

There's a website called managemyhome.com which is sponsored by Sears. It's free to join. Go to the Home Manager column and choose Owner's Manuals from the drop down menu.

You can type in the brand name (Kenmore) and model number of your machine. Not all of them are in there but, I did find the one for the 1950280 question. It's a pdf file.

For the 38516764 question, please double check your model number. I received either no response or a Kenmore Elite dishwasher manual in response to my query.

SOURCE: Manual for Kenmore sewing machine, model 385.12812690

So far I've only been able to find this page. It's $8.00 to download. Considerably cheaper than a new machine!

http://www.sewconsult.com/kenmore_instruction_manual_385_oce_type1.htm

Hope it helps.