Kenmore 385.12490 i have a kenmore 10 sewing machine model # 385.12490 it will not zig zag correctly the needle stays all the way to the left and will not pull itself to the right. i feel it is missing a spring to hold the zig zag arm against the zig zag cam but cannot figure out where one would go

SOURCE: Kenmore 1560 Sewing Machine

Be sure TOP control shows zig-zag. Flip top right bar from red to black or black to red on side of machine facing you. You can then change the widths by changing the numbers on that same circle control.

SOURCE: can't tighten clutch on Kenmore zig zag sewing machine.

The clutch has fallen off the shaft. Remove the very small screw in the clutch release screw to remove the clutch release. Place the clutch(round thing with ears on it) back on the shaft with the center ears pointing towards the outside. Put the clutch release screw back on. Tighten it to make sure it works
properly. Put the small screw back in the clutch release screw and test it again. If it will not tighten or release properly, remove the clutch ,rotate it180 degrees and try it again.This should solve your problem.
sewman7

SOURCE: Stitching Problem

adjust the stitch width to "0". If it still needs adjusting, somehting is sticking in the pattern mechanism

SOURCE: no zig and cotton keeps breaking

Make sure you have a new sharp needle installed for both problems and sometimes you need a particular kind of needle for the fabric. Also some machines don't deal well with 100% cotton thread. For some reason it gets caught up in the machine somewhere and breaks. Gutterman and Metrosene make excellent although slightly more expensive threads. Coats and Clark thread is good too. They make an all cotton thread but it doesn't come in as many colors. If you have the old spools of cotton thread from Walmart, just use them for topstitching if you need the color. Other wise, use them for hand stitching or throw them away. One more thing that I can think of off hand, one of my machines does not like lining fabric. For some reason the thread breaks if I stitch really fast. If you have to use that thread, you may try sewing slowly. One more thing, when was the last time your machine was serviced? This can make a huge difference if it's been awhile and you use the machine a lot. Good luck. Hope any of this helps.

SOURCE: New home 692 sewing machine will not sew zig zag even with knobs in correct position, any clues?

the cam or gear that controls the zig zag could be damaged or
worn, I suggest the machine be checked