Kenmore 385.11607 - Manual (Page 10)

SECTION 2. PREPARE THE MACHINE FOR SEWING
® Fabric, Needle, Thread and Stitch Length Chart
Your choice of needle and thread depends on the fabric you are
sewing.
In the needle envelope, you will find the following color-coded
needles:
Blue (11) .......................................for stretch fabrics.
Orange (11)...................................for lightweight fabrics.
Red (14)........................................ for medium or medium-heavy
weight fabrics.
Purple (16).................................... for medium-heavy weight fabrics
and decorative topstitching on these
fabrics. (This needle has a larger
thread hole for thicker topstitching
thread.)
Green (18) ....................................for heavy weight fabrics and
decorative top-stitching on these
fabrics.
Replacement Kenmore needles are available at your nearest Sears
store.
• Check the Needle
1. Look for barbed or blunt point.
2. A damaged needle can cause permanent snags or runs in
knits, fine silks and silk-like fabrics.
Always buy a good quality thread. It should resist tangling and
be strong, smooth and consistent in thickness.
FABRIC
NEEDLE
SIZE AND
COLOR
THREAD SIZE
RECOMMENDED
STITCH LENGTH
SETTING
Lightweight:
Batiste, Dimity, Chiffon,
Silks, Fine Lace, Organza,
Crepe, Taffeta, Voile,
Organdy
11-ORANGE
Polyester Core/Cotton
Wrap
Fine Mercerized Cotton
Silk A
2
(12 stitches per
inch)
Medium Weight:
Cotton, Cotton Blend,
Percale, Gingham,
Shantung, Pique,
Seersucker, Satin, Knit,
Suitings, Linen,
Wool Crepe, Leather
14-RED
50 Mercerized Cotton
Polyester Core/Cotton
Wrap
Silk A
2-2.5
(10-12 stitches
per inch)
Medium Heavy Weight:
Corduroy, Denim, Wool,
Sailcloth, Wool Flannel,
Gabardine, Velvet,
Leather
14-RED
or
16-PURPLE
50 Mercerized Cotton
Mercerized Heavy-Duty
Polyester Core/Cotton
Wrap
Silk A
2-3
(8-10 stitches
per inch)
Heavy Weight:
Coating, Upholstery
Cotton Duck, Heavy
Twills, Canvas
18-GREEN
Heavy Duty Mercerized
Cotton
Polyester Core/Cotton
Wrap
Silk A 3
(8 stitches per
inch)
Decorative top-stitching
on all types of fabric
16-PURPLE
18-GREEN
Buttonhole Twist
(Use as top thread only)
3-4
(6-8 stitches
per inch)
Stretch Fabric:
Polyester Double Knit,
Nylon Tricot, Jersey,
Stretch Terry, Spandex,
Ciré Tricot
11-BLUE
(STRETCH
FABRIC
NEEDLE)
Polyester Core/Cotton
Wrap
50 Mercerized Cotton
2-2.5
(10-12 stitches
per inch)
8