Kenmore Sewing Machine Model 6816 Manual

The Kenmore Model 6816 is a versatile, heavy-duty sewing machine designed for home use. It features a built-in stitch selection system, automatic needle threader, adjustable stitch length and width, multiple presser feet, a drop-in bobbin system, and a free arm for sewing cylindrical items. This manual covers safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting for optimal performance.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Stitch Selection & Functions 8. Threading & Bobbin Winding 9. Maintenance & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main body with free arm, stitch selection dial, handwheel, bobbin case, presser foot, spool pins, and accessory compartment.

Feature	Description
Built-in Stitches	16 utility and decorative stitches including straight, zigzag, and blind hem
Automatic Needle Threader	Simplifies threading of the needle
Drop-in Bobbin System	Top-loading, clear cover for easy monitoring
Adjustable Stitch Length/Width	Control dials for customizing stitch size
Free Arm	Removable flatbed accessory for sewing sleeves and cuffs
Presser Feet	Includes zipper foot, buttonhole foot, and blind hem foot
Stitch Selection Dial	Rotate to choose desired stitch pattern
Reverse Stitch Lever	For reinforcing seams at beginning and end
Tension Control Dial	Adjusts thread tension for balanced stitches
Power & Light Switch	Controls machine power and built-in work light

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect all contents. Place on a stable, level surface.

Remove machine from packaging: Lift by the carrying handle, not the free arm.
Attach power cord: Plug into machine port, then into a 120V AC outlet.
Install foot controller: Plug into machine port, place on floor.
Attach accessory tray: Slide onto free arm if included.
Insert needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to the back, tighten.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during setup. Ensure machine is unplugged when attaching accessories.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; follow steps for initial threading and bobbin winding.

Wind bobbin: Place spool on pin, thread through bobbin winder tension, press foot controller.
Insert bobbin: Drop bobbin into case with thread pulling counterclockwise.
Thread upper needle: Follow numbered guides, use automatic threader if equipped.
Select stitch: Turn dial to desired pattern (e.g., straight stitch).
Test on scrap fabric: Adjust tension and stitch length as needed.

CAUTION! Always start with needle in highest position. Keep hands clear of moving parts.

Specifications

Model: Kenmore 6816
Stitches: 16 built-in patterns
Stitch Length: Adjustable up to 4mm
Stitch Width: Adjustable up to 5mm
Bobbin: Class 15 transparent top-loading
Needle: Standard domestic 15x1 (HAx1)
Speed Control: Via foot controller
Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz
Included Accessories: Zipper foot, buttonhole foot, blind hem foot, seam ripper, needles, bobbins, duster brush
Warranty: 25-year limited warranty

Controls and Settings

Access controls via dials and levers on machine body.

Primary Controls: Stitch Selection Dial, Stitch Length Dial, Stitch Width Dial, Tension Control Dial, Reverse Stitch Lever, Handwheel.

Stitch Length: 0-4mm (0 for darning, 4 for basting). Stitch Width: 0-5mm (0 for straight stitch, 5 for wide zigzag). Tension: 0-9 (4 is normal, lower for lighter fabrics, higher for heavier). Needle Position: Adjustable via stitch width dial for straight stitch.

Stitch Selection & Functions

Select stitch via dial; refer to stitch chart on machine.

Straight Stitch: For seams, topstitching (length 2.5mm recommended).
Zigzag Stitch: For finishing edges, appliqué (adjust width as needed).
Blind Hem Stitch: Use blind hem foot for nearly invisible hems.
Buttonhole Stitch: 4-step process using buttonhole foot.
Decorative Stitches: For embellishments (use stabilizer).
Reverse Stitching: Engage lever at start/end of seam for reinforcement.

Tip: Always test stitch on scrap fabric of same type before sewing project.

Threading & Bobbin Winding

Proper threading is essential for smooth operation.

Upper Threading: Follow numbered path on machine. Use automatic threader by pulling lever down.
Bobbin Winding: Place spool on pin, thread through guide, wind until bobbin is ¾ full.
Insert Bobbin: Drop in with thread exiting to the left. Pull thread under tension spring.
Draw Up Bobbin Thread: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel toward you to bring bobbin thread up.

WARNING! Ensure presser foot is raised when threading upper tension discs.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug machine before maintenance. Clean lint and dust regularly.

Remove needle plate: Use screwdriver to access bobbin area.
Clean feed dogs and bobbin case: Use small brush to remove lint.
Oil sparingly: Use only sewing machine oil on designated points (see diagram).
Wipe exterior: Use soft, dry cloth.

CAUTION! Do not use compressed air; it can force lint deeper. Never oil plastic parts.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread bunching underneath	Incorrect threading or tension	Re-thread top and bobbin; adjust tension; ensure bobbin inserted correctly.
Needle breaks	Wrong needle type, bent needle, or incorrect insertion	Replace with new needle (flat side to back); ensure needle is fully up in clamp.
Machine jams or won't sew	Thread jam in bobbin area	Unplug, remove needle plate, clean out tangled thread.
Uneven stitches	Dirty machine or incorrect thread/needle combo	Clean feed dogs and bobbin area; use same weight thread in top and bobbin.
Machine doesn't power on	Power cord or foot controller issue	Check connections; ensure outlet works; inspect foot controller cord.
Automatic threader not working	Needle not in highest position or threader hook misaligned	Raise needle to highest position; ensure thread passes through hook.

Reset: Unplug for 5 minutes to reset electronic components if applicable.

Service: 1-800-469-4663; www.kenmore.com