sonew88
Beginner
Member since 5/22/12
Posts: 4 |
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Date: 5/24/12 4:59 PM Hi Everyone,
I'm sorta new to sewing and bought a Kenmore 12 Stitch sewing machine off of Craigslist. I've been looking high and low for information regarding the use of this SM, but to no avail.
Does anyone know or have had experience with this machine?
It was made in the early 90's. From what I gather, its a beginner's SM...
Also, would anyone happen to know when Kenmore or any other SM's out there started to become 'plastic'?
PS. I bought this sewing machine for $50..comes with all accessories, original warranty and receipt from the owner.
Your input would be greatly appreciated! |
Mufffet
 
Intermediate
VT USA
Member since 8/14/05
Posts: 8917 |
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Date: 5/24/12 5:38 PM This is not a beginner's machine - it is a very nice solid Kenmore from the good years. You can find a manual in many places, and I believe this diagram will help if you don't have the manual:
Threading and Bobbin
Is this it?
Manual ------
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."
--Dalai Lama
I have sewing machines |
sonew88
Beginner
Member since 5/22/12
Posts: 4 |
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Date: 5/25/12 11:22 AM Actually...its not. It's newer. The model number is 385.815.
Would you happen to know when Kenmore's started becoming plastic?
From what I understand, Kenmore's 385 Models are built by Janome. But I dont' know if that's true.
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Mufffet
Intermediate
VT USA
Member since 8/14/05
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Date: 5/25/12 2:13 PM Your model number will be 385.815something else....like 19110 or 19233...five numbers are used after the 385 to denote the model. For yours then you should be able to find a free manual online at Sears parts. it takes some digging, but if you search by model number you should find a manual there in PDF.Yes, 385 machines are Janome made machines. You will see refurbed Kenmores selling now as Janomes and in other countries you will see they have Janomes which were only sold here as Kenmores.Interesting sewing machine world. When I search 81595 (only 5 numbered model I could find) it gave me a serger! What are the rest of the numbers? ------
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."
--Dalai Lama
I have sewing machines |
Mufffet
Intermediate
VT USA
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Date: 5/25/12 2:20 PM Is this like your machine?
Kenmore 12 stitch machine ------
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."
--Dalai Lama
I have sewing machines |
NhiHuynh
Advanced
CA USA
Member since 1/4/11
Posts: 593 |
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Date: 5/25/12 7:14 PM I have a Kenmore 385.12916890. It's from the late 90s. I was able to find the manual for my machine online Link to manual search. You do need your full model #.
What questions do you have? If yours is anything like mine you won't need a manual to figure it out. Mine is a fairly simple machine with adjustments for stitch type and length.
No idea on when they went to plastic. I think my machine is pretty good quality considering that I used it a couple times a week since the 90s and on occasionally on some very heavy material. If my bf didn't complain about they noise I'd still be using it. (And still do when he's out of the house. sssshhh). |
SunnyAlta
Intermediate
Member since 7/11/10
Posts: 253 |
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Date: 5/26/12 9:51 AM Later 70's, early 80's, at a guess when Kenmores started having plastic pieces. Just one here & there & then more as time went on. |
minasmom
Member since 5/10/08
Posts: 7 |
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Date: 5/27/12 10:49 AM There are 2 support groups you could join on yahoo.com that can answer any questions you have regarding old Kenmore sewing machines.
vintagekenmoressew
and
oldkenmoresewingmachines
Your membership will be monitored in the beginning as this is not a site for people trying to sell machines but for members who love these machines, and share information in support of maintenance and glorification of their wonderfulness. |
sonew88
Beginner
Member since 5/22/12
Posts: 4 |
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Date: 5/28/12 9:59 PM Thanks for your thoughts!
I got my Kenmore 12 stitch and it is really easy to use! It's a pretty solid little machine and is quite heavy - this is good, I think?
Although, I'm not sure about the FEET. I'm pretty novice with that stuff. So far so good. I can't tell if its loud or not. This is my first machine and I'm really happy with it.
I will definitely ask questions if I have any more to ask!
 |
sonew88
Beginner
Member since 5/22/12
Posts: 4 |
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Date: 5/28/12 10:00 PM Nope! But thanks for trying!
I'm just trying this little machine out. |
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