Kenmore 385.15516
User Manual
You can still view or download the manual for this machine for free from Sears: Kenmore 385.15516
As you would expect the Kenmore 385.15516 is lightweight and portable, but it’s also surprisingly smooth running.
The Kenmore 385.15516 has nine distinct stitch patterns, though I’m quite sure it was marketed as having at least 18. It also has a One-Step button hole.
Bed extension and storage
The bed extension opens up allowing you to store things, you can also remove the bed extension to reveal the free arm.. Unfortunately you can’t get to the bobbin case without removing the bed extension, which is a poorly thought out design.
Bobbin access and not so obvious feed drop lever
This is a traditional class 15 bobbin machine it also features a feed drop although it’s fairly well hidden and I just happened to find it.
Under the plastic exterior
Like most modern sewing machines the plastic shell conceals a cast metal frame. I don’t know what kind of metal it is, but I’m guessing it’s an aluminum alloy, but that’s just based on my observation and nothing more.
Removing the plastic shell isn’t too complicated, but there are a couple of tricks you should know.
- There are two dust hole covers to the right of the carry handle, these holes are for making adjustments to the machine and don’t need to be removed when removing the outer shells. Note: the dust covers were quite delicate on mine, I chipped one of them when using my fingernail to pry it up.
- There’s a hole under each leg of the handle, in that hole is a Philips head screw. Do not remove these screws, simply back each one out by one turn. The case is slotted to fit under the screw heads.
Plastic in the drivetrain
It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that this machine include some plastic gears and the stitch cams and cam drive is made of plastic. This isn’t 1950’s plastic though, It’s modern plastic designed for the job that it does.
The only plastic drivetrain part that I have any real concern about is the hook drive gear. Lent gets built up between the teeth of the gear and acts as a wedge, clean and lubricate this gear with clear synthetic grease regularly.
Specifications
| Brand | Kenmore |
| Model | Kenmore 385.15516 |
| Manufactured By | Janome |
| Made In | Taiwan |
| Hook Type | Oscillating |
| Bobbin | Class 15 |
| Bobbin Case | Class 15, “1 o’clock” position finger |
| Needle System | 15×1 |
| Foot Type | Low Shank |
| Construction | Mixed |
| Construction Drivetrain | Mixed |
