I'm loving these videos! I have three vintage machines (and used to have a newer one), and nothing sews like my 1931. I've tried to give my other machines a chance, but I end up doing everything on this one. It's an amazing machine with beautiful stitches and it can sew through pretty much anything. (I usually have a teflon zipper foot on it).
I LOVE Kenmore machines. I'm looking for a ruler foot for mine. Ty for caring for these old machines that are truly workhorses and works of engineering art
Fantastic to see and hear it stitching. I was wonder if anyone created Lexan pieces to allow those super fast cameras to capture the physics of it in glorious slow motion.
Great question John. I recall having seen such a display for dishwashers and washing machines so, who knows? If they did have them, Sears back then would have had the clout and cash to make it happen for sure.
Another great video. There are so many great Kenmore sewing machines out there. They see really well but often get overlooked compared to Singers and other brands. My only complaint is that they don't fit into a singer cabinet (without modification) because of the square corners.
Your point regarding the machine dimensions and Singer cabinets is true. There were 'some' Kenmore models that were more like Japanese Clones that could fit into a Singer Cabinet, but the square corner shape of most Kenmore machines were based off of the White company's specs. It was one brand that could challenge Singer in sales and so they could afford not to sign onto the Singer dimensions. Most other brands made machines to fit Singer tables though.
Love seeing all your work with these old kenmores. I picked up a 158.14300 at a goodwill recently. I was delighted to discover the carrying case lid hides a little table that attaches to the base of the case. I wonder what other little features these machines could include that might go missing over time? Also- how do you feel about restoring plastic yellowing? The carrying I have could use a makeover to compliment the machine, but I’m worried about damaging it.
I understand the urge to try to bring the plastic on that case back to its original state and there are videos on youtube (not mine) that show various methods. Just know that the yellowing is a symptom of the plastic degrading (mostly due to sunlight or other environmental exposures) and cleaning can often make things worse even if the yellow goes away. Plastic is something I would focus on conserving with just basic cleaner and keep it from being damaged/cracked in you can. Also, don't pick it up by the handle. Always lift from the bottom of the case and ignore the handle. It will extend the life of your case and help to keep you from dropping your machine.
I am surprised that the old Kenmore's seem to be well thought of these days. I bought my Kenmore 158.1760 sewing machine new in 1974 and it seems to be the same as the 1931. Mine looks a little better than your 1931 though I've used it continuously until my sis gave me a Viking Emerald 118 a few years back. I sewed my and my children's clothing, using it for quilting and many projects through the years.. I am currently oiling and greasing the machine to use it for quilting a quilt, though I hesitate to take the tension apart and hope it will test out okay. I also have a 1963 Kenmore in a cabinet that was my mother's with all of the cams also. It also looks almost the same. While the Viking has some nice newer features that I like, it cannot be used for actual quilting (no walking foot including the one made by Viking will fit this machine). The Viking has no access for oiling, etc and it must be taken in for any maintenance, etc. I put a drop of oil under the bobbin case anyway and that's that.
So nice to hear your comforting voice again. You have inspired me to open up my mom’s old Kenmore 158.1813 and sew myself a garment from fabric that has some polyester in it, lol. It’s such a beast. Question: Do the numbers to the right of the decimal point specify any kind of order such as a higher number indicating a later model?
You are very astute Margie. Yes, that is what they indicate. I don't go over those in videos because I don't have an index or reference to ensure that I know exactly which models those numerical extensions refer to. Makers of all sorts of items often do this when a model is related to those that came prior, but the new model has a new feature or slight change. This is also indexed by the serial numbers issued.
Sure. Go to the "Videos" tab and then in the search bar, use keyword Kenmore and you should see quite a few videos to search for. This is one of my favorite multi-stitch models to restore so there are lots of videos here showcasing them.
Wow, well that's a 'loaded question' Lala. There are MANY differing opinions on that topic. What I will say is that I find Rotary style shuttle hook machines are best at 'fine sewing' such as that required for couture fashion/wedding gowns etc. along with quilting. For heavyweight materials, I prefer Oscillating Hook/shuttle design in a machine and a side loading bobbin. I find that the Singer 15-91 is likely the strongest home sewing machine ever made. Having said that, lots of folks have sewed heavy materials with Kenmores like you see in this video along with Berninas due to each having a double belt/reduction pulley setup. Anyone else care to share your thoughts to Lala's question?
I have a few of these. Plus a few kenmores that are a bit older. I have mostly figured out how to fix them myself, but am struggling with one of the 8 stitch units. The needle shank is not in the center position when dials are on straight stitch and then the other stitches dont work. Cant figure out how to get it recentered. Any hints?
I really like your videos about Kenmore machines. My first machine was a Kenmore 10 model 158.12511 but I'm not sure if this is all metal or not. Have you ever worked on one? I also picked up a model 1703 model 158.17033 that came with 20 plastic cams. Not sure if this one is all metal either. The foot petal gets very hot and I'm not sure what causes that problem. Thanks for covering these great older machines!
The 1703 should be all metal. Just be extra gentle with the reverse switch as they are not very robust. As for the 12511 model, I've not ever worked on one, but it appears to have been made AFTER the 1941 series and so it is possible that there are at least a few plastic bits inside.
Thank you. I will have to check inside the 12511 model to see if anything is plastic. Both machines sew good stitches so I hope to keep them in service for years to come.
Hi there, I've succeeded getting my hands on a Kenmore 158.17033 for $25. Does it differ in quality compared with the 158.1941? Will it produce the same quality stitch? Thanks. Howard
The 1352 was most likely produced in Taiwan and produced after the 1941 was out of production. It is a great machine with lots of high quality parts. Be careful of the top knob stitch selector as its gears are plastic and can strip.
Hi, I'm new to vintage sewing machines, but I just recently purchased a Kenmore 117.552 and I would love to ask you some questions about it. Please contact me when you have a chance. Thanks in advance, Joe S.
Hello, can you recommend me a vintage sewing machine to sew thick denim or many layers of denim? No any of my Singer or White have a good space between the foot presser and teeth :(
Hi Karen. It really depends on what you goals are. First, how many (average) layers are you needing to sew? Also, how much volume of sewing are you doing? (Is this for the occassional home project or for more production quantity?
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage I want to make jeans for me and my husband with all the overstitched seams just like a Levis type with 5 pockets, is not for mass production or fast, I like to enjoy my projects going slow more focus in the details. Thanks for reply :)
I'm loving these videos! I have three vintage machines (and used to have a newer one), and nothing sews like my 1931. I've tried to give my other machines a chance, but I end up doing everything on this one. It's an amazing machine with beautiful stitches and it can sew through pretty much anything.
(I usually have a teflon zipper foot on it).
That is awesome!
Great and such informative information. Thank you
I LOVE Kenmore machines. I'm looking for a ruler foot for mine. Ty for caring for these old machines that are truly workhorses and works of engineering art
You can pick up a generic version and modify it for your machine.
When will it be advertised for sale
I’m a fan of all the Kenmore 158. series machines
Fantastic to see and hear it stitching. I was wonder if anyone created Lexan pieces to allow those super fast cameras to capture the physics of it in glorious slow motion.
Great question John. I recall having seen such a display for dishwashers and washing machines so, who knows? If they did have them, Sears back then would have had the clout and cash to make it happen for sure.
Another great video. There are so many great Kenmore sewing machines out there. They see really well but often get overlooked compared to Singers and other brands. My only complaint is that they don't fit into a singer cabinet (without modification) because of the square corners.
Your point regarding the machine dimensions and Singer cabinets is true. There were 'some' Kenmore models that were more like Japanese Clones that could fit into a Singer Cabinet, but the square corner shape of most Kenmore machines were based off of the White company's specs. It was one brand that could challenge Singer in sales and so they could afford not to sign onto the Singer dimensions. Most other brands made machines to fit Singer tables though.
I do not have this model but I do have one similar to it that uses cams and I love my Kenmore machines. I have several of them
That's my machine and I love it
Love seeing all your work with these old kenmores. I picked up a 158.14300 at a goodwill recently. I was delighted to discover the carrying case lid hides a little table that attaches to the base of the case. I wonder what other little features these machines could include that might go missing over time?
Also- how do you feel about restoring plastic yellowing? The carrying I have could use a makeover to compliment the machine, but I’m worried about damaging it.
I understand the urge to try to bring the plastic on that case back to its original state and there are videos on youtube (not mine) that show various methods. Just know that the yellowing is a symptom of the plastic degrading (mostly due to sunlight or other environmental exposures) and cleaning can often make things worse even if the yellow goes away. Plastic is something I would focus on conserving with just basic cleaner and keep it from being damaged/cracked in you can. Also, don't pick it up by the handle. Always lift from the bottom of the case and ignore the handle. It will extend the life of your case and help to keep you from dropping your machine.
Show your machine some love. Pretty is as pretty does.❤
I am surprised that the old Kenmore's seem to be well thought of these days. I bought my Kenmore 158.1760 sewing machine new in 1974 and it seems to be the same as the 1931. Mine looks a little better than your 1931 though I've used it continuously until my sis gave me a Viking Emerald 118 a few years back. I sewed my and my children's clothing, using it for quilting and many projects through the years.. I am currently oiling and greasing the machine to use it for quilting a quilt, though I hesitate to take the tension apart and hope it will test out okay. I also have a 1963 Kenmore in a cabinet that was my mother's with all of the cams also. It also looks almost the same. While the Viking has some nice newer features that I like, it cannot be used for actual quilting (no walking foot including the one made by Viking will fit this machine). The Viking has no access for oiling, etc and it must be taken in for any maintenance, etc. I put a drop of oil under the bobbin case anyway and that's that.
Thanks for sharing. Sounds like you've gotten your money's worth with all the machines in your collection!
So nice to hear your comforting voice again. You have inspired me to open up my mom’s old Kenmore 158.1813 and sew myself a garment from fabric that has some polyester in it, lol. It’s such a beast.
Question: Do the numbers to the right of the decimal point specify any kind of order such as a higher number indicating a later model?
You are very astute Margie. Yes, that is what they indicate. I don't go over those in videos because I don't have an index or reference to ensure that I know exactly which models those numerical extensions refer to. Makers of all sorts of items often do this when a model is related to those that came prior, but the new model has a new feature or slight change. This is also indexed by the serial numbers issued.
WHERE do you have it for sale? I can't find it. Thanks
I have this machine. Do you have videos on how to maintain this machine?
Sure. Go to the "Videos" tab and then in the search bar, use keyword Kenmore and you should see quite a few videos to search for. This is one of my favorite multi-stitch models to restore so there are lots of videos here showcasing them.
What vintage machines are best for light weight or heavyweight materials? By the way I love the show and all the information you share. 🐞 Namaste 🥰
Wow, well that's a 'loaded question' Lala. There are MANY differing opinions on that topic. What I will say is that I find Rotary style shuttle hook machines are best at 'fine sewing' such as that required for couture fashion/wedding gowns etc. along with quilting. For heavyweight materials, I prefer Oscillating Hook/shuttle design in a machine and a side loading bobbin. I find that the Singer 15-91 is likely the strongest home sewing machine ever made. Having said that, lots of folks have sewed heavy materials with Kenmores like you see in this video along with Berninas due to each having a double belt/reduction pulley setup. Anyone else care to share your thoughts to Lala's question?
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage thank you for responding! 🐞
Gorgeous machine and a great job rebirthing her. Very quiet, I could barely hear it.
Glad you enjoyed it
I have a few of these. Plus a few kenmores that are a bit older. I have mostly figured out how to fix them myself, but am struggling with one of the 8 stitch units. The needle shank is not in the center position when dials are on straight stitch and then the other stitches dont work. Cant figure out how to get it recentered. Any hints?
I really like your videos about Kenmore machines. My first machine was a Kenmore 10 model 158.12511 but I'm not sure if this is all metal or not. Have you ever worked on one? I also picked up a model 1703 model 158.17033 that came with 20 plastic cams. Not sure if this one is all metal either. The foot petal gets very hot and I'm not sure what causes that problem. Thanks for covering these great older machines!
I was hoping you would answer my questions if you can.
Thank you.
The 1703 should be all metal. Just be extra gentle with the reverse switch as they are not very robust. As for the 12511 model, I've not ever worked on one, but it appears to have been made AFTER the 1941 series and so it is possible that there are at least a few plastic bits inside.
Thank you. I will have to check inside the 12511 model to see if anything is plastic. Both machines sew good stitches so I hope to keep them in service for years to come.
Hi there, I've succeeded getting my hands on a Kenmore 158.17033 for $25. Does it differ in quality compared with the 158.1941? Will it produce the same quality stitch?
Thanks. Howard
What is the difference betwten this machine and the 158.13520
The 1352 was most likely produced in Taiwan and produced after the 1941 was out of production. It is a great machine with lots of high quality parts. Be careful of the top knob stitch selector as its gears are plastic and can strip.
Hi, I'm new to vintage sewing machines, but I just recently purchased a Kenmore 117.552 and I would love to ask you some questions about it. Please contact me when you have a chance. Thanks in advance, Joe S.
Do u buy them?
Hello, can you recommend me a vintage sewing machine to sew thick denim or many layers of denim? No any of my Singer or White have a good space between the foot presser and teeth :(
Hi Karen. It really depends on what you goals are. First, how many (average) layers are you needing to sew? Also, how much volume of sewing are you doing? (Is this for the occassional home project or for more production quantity?
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage I want to make jeans for me and my husband with all the overstitched seams just like a Levis type with 5 pockets, is not for mass production or fast, I like to enjoy my projects going slow more focus in the details. Thanks for reply :)