| Kenmore:19606 (Sewing Machine) | | Viewed 791 time(s) |
11 more reviews for this machine | Review rated Helpful by 1 people Very Helpful by 6 people | | Reviewed by: | scram415 | 
| | About scram415 | | CA USA | | Member since: 11/7/12 | | Reviews written: 6 | | Sewing skills:Beginner | | sewing machines reviewed: 5 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 2/11/13 4:32 PM | | Approx price paid: | $250 | | Had this machine for: | 1 month | | Recommended? | Yes | | Online Merchants: | Amazon.com |  | Features
- Computerized
- Needle Threader
- Needle Up/Down Setting
- Embroidery Stitches
- One step buttonhole
- Drop-In bobbin
- Free Arm
- Adjustable Stitch Length and Width
- Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure
- Adjustable Needle Position
- Auto Threading
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Discuss Sewing Machines with PR members Sewing Machine Forum | | What scram415 likes about this machine
I haven't had this machine very long but I have put enough mileage on it that I think I could write a pretty comprehensive review.
I hit the jackpot when I found this machine. I had my heart set on getting one of these but Kenmore stopped selling these machines a few years ago. I was able to find a "like new" machine with all the unused accessories on eBay for $250! It was a floor model overstock and the shipping was free. The bidding started at a dollar. I actually set my alarm clock so I could grab it at the last minute, without jacking up the price in a bidding war. (yes, I am that person).
Right out of the box, I was able to figure out how to operate this machine. The 606 stitches are broken down into 3 groups + 3 fonts for letters and numbers. You find the stitch you want, presss the mode button until you get to the correct category and press the 2 digit stitch number. I didn't need a manual to figure it out. Because this is my first TOL machine, I have only needed to refer to the manual when learning how to sew an automatic buttonhole with the sensor foot.
The feet it came with were such a cut above the lower end machines I have. Although the pedal is still that generic lightweight plastic of my lower end Janomes, this pedal is wide enough for my foot. It also doesn't slide around on the carpet as much.
I decided to get this machine to compliment my other two Janomes. Like this machine, my Kenmore 285 22 stitch is made by Janome. Between all my other machines, I didn't have a single decorative stitch. This machine has 606 onboard stitches for my use.
One of the most important things for me to take into consideration when choosing a machine is how well it free motion quilts. Before I bought this machine, I had no idea what I was missing. Maybe it's the speed regulating switch but I am just thrilled with how easy it is to get even stitches on both sides of my quilts. I can't stress how well I can quilt when using this machine. The needle down feature is everything I dreamed it would be. The only drawback (see below) is the harp size.
Like my 90's era 385 22 stitch, this machine is so quiet in any speed below the top speed.
This is my first TOL machine and I just love it. What scram415 does not like about this machine
The harp size leaves much to be desired when quilting a decent size quilt.
The needle/plate is situated in towards the back of the machine. I have found that putting the 100 page + manual under the font end of the machine to tilt it ever so slightly, has helped me see a little better.
The mongram stitches aren't the greatest. I have found that using regular Gutterman thread is better than the fancy embroidery thread. This seems to be the most common complaint among the other reviews I have read.
Even in extreme slow motion, the bobbins are not the most uniform I have ever seen. I will usually plug in my Janome HD-1000 to get a consistent bobbin.
The last thing I have noticed is that the machine has all these adjustable needle positions. When I am sewing on zippers, I like to put the fabric under the presser foot and then adjust the needle position. The needle positions are not clear when looking at the stitch legend. The may be because I am used to more simple machines that have just 3 needle positions. | *LOGIN to add a comment to this review
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Sounds like a great "find"! Enjoy.
2/11/13 6:56 PM
So glad to hear it free motions well. :) I am glad you got it. :) That's what it's all about. No sense bidding up. Good for you!
2/11/13 8:03 PM
I have this same model and I also love it. My biggest complaint is minor and that is that the lighting is only so-so. I had a nice Elna twenty years ago, and this model is like that Elna only better. I have only fmq'd on this machine and I am glad to find out that it is good for that, it makes me feel better about my quilting!
2/11/13 10:48 PM
Congrats on your new machine. I use some of the dec stitches on it in place of having to go to the coverstitcher...it makes super-fancy coverstitched hems for knit tops. Yes, the light needs improvement. Happy sewing!
2/12/13 3:21 PM
My son's girlfriend just got this machine from her gma, I have been helping her learn to sew on it, and I love it! Mine is also a Kenmore, but manual and not so many stitches. Great deal you got, way to go. I love kenmores.
2/15/13 8:33 AM
Congrats on your new machine from another Janome/Kenmore fan! I have the equivalent of the Kenmore 19233 215 Stitch machine and love it.
2/20/13 10:10 AM