Kenmore 385.1822 Model Munching up fabric from bottom. Not feeding through. The metal parts on bottom of fabric not sticking up high enough?

There are most likely some numbers missing from the model number you provided. Usually, there is a 3-digit beginning number, ie 115, 385, 401...

I am unable to find model information based on your number, but you can most likely get a user's manual through Sears or try searching the internet (Make Model manual), ie:

Kenmore Sewing Machine Manuals Instruction and Repair Manuals

Sewing machines generally have two ways to disable feed dogs. One way is a lever or knob on the machine itself that physically "drops" the feed dogs so they are below the needleplate. The feed dogs will continue to operate but since they are below the sewing surface, they will not have an effect on the fabric movement. The other way is an accessory that attaches to the needleplate which covers the feed dogs and creates a flat sewing surface.

Another item that is important for free motion quilting is a darning foot or free motion foot. These presser feet are physically shorter in height than a standard presser foot. This means the darning foot, when lowered, does not apply "pressure" to the fabric when it is lowered. It, instead, provides leeway between the presser foot and the fabric so there is room to manually maneuver the fabric while stitching.

You'll just need to CONFIRM that the presser foot shank is correct for your machine (low shank, high shank, slant shank).

There are probably a multitude of designs available for your machine, either Kenmore or generic brands. Once you've determined your machine's shank, it would be a personal decision as to the design you'd prefer, which could be metal or plastic, closed, open, or clear see-thru as well as various shapes, round, oval, etc. There are also some feet that are spring-loaded so they "hop" while you stitch, or feet that are solid.

These are examples of different darning/free motion presser feet.

Darning Foot Low Shank 4021

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Amazon com Tinksky Sewing Machine Open Toe Metal Quilting Embroidery...

Free motion Darning Quilting Sewing Machine Presser Foot Fits All Low...

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First, verify that the stitch length is set high enough that the feed dogs should be pulling the fabric to create a stitch.

If you have not recently oiled the machine, the feed dog mechanism may be stuck due to old oil that has solidified. Pick up some liquid Tri-Flow Synthetic Lube. While gently rocking the handwheel, apply a couple drops everywhere that metal rubs against metal. Do NOT oil rubber, leather, or synthetic parts!!! Don't forget to hit the spots under the sewing surface, ie the feed dogs, bobbin area, etc. Also, move the levers and selectors and hit those with a couple drops of oil. If things are still a bit sluggish, you can apply hot air from a handheld hairdryer at the interior of the machine. The heat will help loosen things.

P.S.--I picked up a frozen Pfaff 260 at the thrift store for $25. Used the above method to get things loose and now it sews beautifully!!!

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Be sure you have the stitch length set high enough that the fabric will actually move instead of sewing mostly in one spot.

One other thing to check is the presser foot applying enough pressure to the fabric so that the feed dogs can grab the fabric? On the top left side of the machine, there is probably either a dial or a push-type button. That would most likely be the pressure adjustment. The tighter that is set, the harder the pressure the presser foot will apply and the more the feed dogs will grab the fabric.

Check that the feed dogs are in the "up" position so they will pull the fabric through the machine. Are the feed dogs actually moving forward, raising above the needle plate, pulling toward the back of the machine, and then dropping below the needleplate before moving forward again? If not, then the problem could be with the feed dogs.

Your machine appears to be a mechanical model. If so, it could be the machine needs a good over-all cleaning and oiling--a couple drops of fresh, good quality sewing machine oil every place that metal rubs on metal (no plastic parts, belts...). Feed dogs are frequently affected when the sewing machine does not receive regular maintenance.

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If it's an oldie (mechanical), then you can probably remove the top, slowly hand-rotate the handwheel and apply a couple drops of fresh, good quality sewing machine oil every place that metal rubs on metal. Do Not oil plastic, cams, or belts! You may see oil ports (little holes located near joints) where you can apply oil.

Then access the bottom part of the machine and do the same there. Be sure to oil the feed dog mechanism. Apply a drop of oil to the outside of the shuttle.

Move the dials and levers and oil those mechanisms too.

Be sure to run some scrap fabric through the machine in case there is excess oil.

If things are a little sluggish, direct heated air from a handheld hair dryer into the internal mechanics (top & bottom).

Cleaning and oiling your machine frequently will keep it (and you) happy and healthy!

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If you change the number of your stitch length it will automatically adjust the feed dogs. If it is still a problem then you will need it adjusted. Insure that your pressure foot is placing enough pressure that causes the feed dogs to pull the material forward. To adjust the feed dogs there are different ways to be adjusted. I wouldn't suggest you try to adjust the height of the feed dogs.

This could be a couple things. First it could be your presser foot pressure is not high enough or the presser bar is sticking and not pushing on the fabric properly. Second it could be broken feed gears. To check this remove the needle and foot and place a finger on the feed dogs. Then turn the hand wheel and feel if the feed dogs are still moving with the pressure of you holding them down. If the stop moving the you most likely have a broken gear or two. The first problem could be resolved by adjusting the setting of the needle bar pressure or oiling the bar if sticking. The second one needs a sewing machine repair person,

Difficult to say. Obviously, if you have the stitch length set high enough (at least 2.5 or higher) so the feed dogs should pull the fabric through the machine, then something is definitely off. If it were a purely mechanical machine, sometimes old oil has dried and "glues" the mechanical movement together so the parts seize. This happens in the older mechanical machines when they are not treated to regular cleaning and oiling. If this is the case, your machine could benefit from a professional cleaning and oiling. However, if a part is worn or broken, parts replacement could be required.

The other thing to consider is what kind of fabric you are sewing. If it is light-weight fabric like chiffon, sometimes the presser foot pressure adjustment needs to be increased. This applies more pressure between the presser foot and feed dogs so the feed dogs can grip the fabric better. Try stitching on different weights of fabric and see if there is any difference. Most machines do have a pressure adjustment. You just need to know where to look for it on your particular model. It's usually placed at the top left side of the machine and could be a "plunger" type, a screw that is tightened or loosened, or on newer machines, a dial. On older machines, sometimes it is under the top cover at the top of the presser foot bar.

What Pressure Adjustment on Sewing Machine

Aaaak! Is this a sewing machine or serger? This diagram may help:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/515451119836350686

or the manual:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=7&ved=0ahUKEwiyptPa_Y7YAhUE32MKHXU7AVoQFghOMAY&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.managemylife.com%2Fmmh%2Flis_pdf%2FOWNM%2FL0306427.pdf&usg=AOvVaw3vM9XD3zy4mkPrWoKcHNQa

Some of the presser feet snap into position where they flex. Check that yours is fully snapped in. If not, they will be too low and the fabric won't feed. They sometimes will appear to be right when not quite in place.

Also check that the needle plate is down in position. Sometimes they will not seat and hold things up too high AND the little pushers can't reach the fabric bottom.

A common malady with Kenmore sewing machines. The feed system needs lubrication and perhaps some solvent cleaning to loosen sticky pivot points. If you are adventurous, you could take off the bottom and oil all the moving parts. Or take it to a service person.

hi! there if your feed dog does not move the fabric forward or backward,if this is so try to run machine w/o the fabric check if feed dog move on cycle,the teeth should be moving upward and downward rotation pushing action on your fabric,the teeth should come out to the plate slot of feed dog.if not adjust upward, and adjust also the presser foot of needle.if your feed dog is not moving when machine running,thre is a mechanical disengage or loosen in shuttle assymble and feeder dog mechanism they link together ubder the machine,as the shuttle move on one stroke the feeder also move also with the needle.Chesk the adjustment and link mechanism.in addition to this try to clean feed dogs by brush chips thread and fabrics sometimes stored on mechanism of feed dogs and shuttle.