| Kenmore:385.16524000 (Sewing Machine) | | Viewed 789 time(s) | | Review rated Helpful by 3 people Very Helpful by 5 people | | Reviewed by: | pakrk | 
 | About pakrk | | OR USA | | Member since: 11/22/05 | | Reviews written: 8 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 1 people | | sewing machines reviewed: 2 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 1/4/13 12:05 PM | | Had this machine for: | 2 months | | Recommended? | Yes | | Online Merchants: | Amazon.com | Features
- Needle Threader
- Drop-In bobbin
- Free Arm
- Adjustable Stitch Length and Width
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This machine was given to me by my MIL as a pass through from a women in her retirement village. I would estimate that it probably cost approximately $200 when new. I couldn't find much information about it on the web. It did not have a foot control but one was easily purchased from searspartsdirect.com for about $45, including shipping. It came with a generic carrying case but I imagine did not come with a case when new.
A manual is available as a pdf download at no charge from Sears. However, not all the details in the manual match the machine I have even though the model number matches. I wonder if this particular machine is an earlier version of the model in the manual. Has anyone else ever encountered this?
It has 10 utility stitches, 10 stretch stitches, 4 decorative stitches and a 4 step buttonhole. Maximum stitch width is 6.5mm, maximum stitch length is 4mm. It is double-needle capable.
It is a portable machine with a recessed handle and weighs approximately 15 pounds. It is approximately 16.25" L x 7" W x 11.5" H.
It has snap-on feet; I can't be sure what feet came with it originally, but the little tool box has a straight, decorative, buttonhole, blind hem and zipper feet. The tool box contains the other usual accessories: thread post, screw driver, seam ripper lint brush/pick.
This machine was made in Taiwan and seems very solid, doesn't feel plasticky (is that a word?!) at all. It runs quiet even at high speeds.
I especially like the extra markings on the harp; the measurements go out to 2-3/8" on the right and to 5/8" on the left. VERY helpful.
I think this would make a great machine for a beginner or for someone who doesn't want/need a lot of fancy stitches. I had originally thought I would test the machine out and then pass it on but after using it for my Christmas projects, I think I'll keep it & use it for my travel machine. What pakrk does not like about this machine
No needle up/down - I really miss this.
ETA: The review automatically says that the online merchant is Amazon.com. This is incorrect and I could not find a way to change it. I was unable to find this machine available for sale at any online merchant. I would imagine this machine to only be available from your aunty's closet or the second-hand store. :)
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6 Comments
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Nice machine. I remember those, and they weren't that far back! Nice Kenmore, and too bad no more Kenmores. Thanks for the review, and happy sewing.
1/4/13 1:43 PM
I bought this machine in 1994 and then gave it to my son. It was a nice machine, I liked the 4 step buttonhole and how sturdy the machine felt. My son still has it and hems his new pants.
1/4/13 1:59 PM
Nice review. Add yourself to the list of happy Kenmore owners. They were definitely good value machines and its too bad they are no longer sold.
1/4/13 7:56 PM
I drooled over that machine at Sears back in the day. Always regretted not buying it. Someday I will fall over one at a thrift store and it will be mine!
1/4/13 10:22 PM
Thanks for the review. You will enjoy using this machine. The Janome-made Kenmores are so reliable and easy to use.
1/6/13 9:35 PM
Nice detailed review; thank you. It sounds like you will get some good use out of this machine. "Plasticky" sure is a word - in my book at least, and an all-too-common occurrence.
1/8/13 5:06 PM