Sponsors
Sponsors
Moderated by Sharon1952, EleanorSews
Posted on: 4/13/07 5:38 AM ET
I am not sure which one to get? Is sewing sewing perfectly spaced tucked pleats with fabric, ribbon or lace easier on the universal ruffler? Can someone help me? I can't decide which foot to choose.
Posted on: 4/13/07 6:35 AM ET
What type or model machine will you be using it on? A bit more info will get better answers.
Are you talking about 2 different ruffler feet or a ruffler and a gathering foot?
Are you talking about 2 different ruffler feet or a ruffler and a gathering foot?
Posted on: 4/13/07 7:04 AM ET
OK, I went to the Sears website .
The difference appears to be the method of attachment to the sewing machine. If your Kenmore was made in the last 10 or 15 years, it is a low shank machine and the $21.99 one or any generic, low shank ruffler will probably work just fine. I use a White (brand) low shank ruffler that I picked up at joanns for $7 on sale with my Kenmore 19606.
I've never tinkered with one of the new-fnagled universal ruffler with it's funky attachment system - might be nice. It sounds & looks like it might snap on? - little screw adjustment on the back to move the foot foreward and side ways to line things up perfectly?? I dunno for sure??
------
The difference appears to be the method of attachment to the sewing machine. If your Kenmore was made in the last 10 or 15 years, it is a low shank machine and the $21.99 one or any generic, low shank ruffler will probably work just fine. I use a White (brand) low shank ruffler that I picked up at joanns for $7 on sale with my Kenmore 19606.
I've never tinkered with one of the new-fnagled universal ruffler with it's funky attachment system - might be nice. It sounds & looks like it might snap on? - little screw adjustment on the back to move the foot foreward and side ways to line things up perfectly?? I dunno for sure??
------
http://blog.sew-classic.com/
www.Sew-Classic.com
www.Sew-Classic.com
Posted on: 4/13/07 2:11 PM ET
In reply to fasttimes
If you have one of the Janome made Kenmores with the model number beginning with the manufacturer number 385 you might need the Universal Ruffler for top loading bobbins and the wider seven piece feed.
The Sears site is a bit confusing when it comes to choosing which ruffler to purchase. If you go to the Janome site on line it suggests the Universal Ruffler for top loaders and it also shows 2 other rufflers, 1 for front loading bobbin machines and the other is for the large quilter models 6500 and the 6600 with Acufeed.
-- Edited on 4/13/07 2:12 PM --
The Sears site is a bit confusing when it comes to choosing which ruffler to purchase. If you go to the Janome site on line it suggests the Universal Ruffler for top loaders and it also shows 2 other rufflers, 1 for front loading bobbin machines and the other is for the large quilter models 6500 and the 6600 with Acufeed.
-- Edited on 4/13/07 2:12 PM --
Posted on: 4/13/07 2:28 PM ET
OK, I took a look at this again, later ing the day and a bit more alert.
The universal ruffler will "snap" on to your machine- hence the higher price.
The "Kenmore Ruffler for Vertical and Horizontal Sewing Machines " is the other one- it is a low shank screw-on ruffler.
Even if your machine takes snap on feet, you can use a screw on ruffler. Just unscrew the ankle (part the the feet snaps on to) and screw in the ruffler. This would be the same way that you would attach a walking foot.
------
The universal ruffler will "snap" on to your machine- hence the higher price.
The "Kenmore Ruffler for Vertical and Horizontal Sewing Machines " is the other one- it is a low shank screw-on ruffler.
Even if your machine takes snap on feet, you can use a screw on ruffler. Just unscrew the ankle (part the the feet snaps on to) and screw in the ruffler. This would be the same way that you would attach a walking foot.
------
http://blog.sew-classic.com/
www.Sew-Classic.com
www.Sew-Classic.com
Posted on: 4/13/07 4:21 PM ET
In reply to SewClassic
I assume both the snap on and the screw on will accept the wide 7 peice feed dogs of the newer Kenmores being they say they will fit both the horizontal and vertical bobbin?? I was confused by the Sears site so I compared the rufflers to the rufflers on the Janome site, being I might want a ruffler for my Kenmore also. The only ruffler on the Janome site that said to fit the top loaders is the Universal ruffler. That is the one I would probably purchase for my 19365. What Kenmore model is the ruffler being purchased for? Maybe calling a Sears Service Center with the Kenmore model number will help to decide which ruffler is best. If the machine has wide feed it would not be good to purchase a ruffler that is too narrow for the feed even though straight stitch is used for rufflles and pleats.
Posted on: 4/13/07 5:57 PM ET
In reply to Betakin
I can't say for certain that the "universal ruffler" is specially design for the wider feed dogs. It seems that the Janome sight suggests that "universal ruffler" for several machines that do not have the SFS feed system or 7 mm stitch width.
I can say that the other ruffler on the Janome site is a left needle position only ruffler. I prefer the center needle position rufflers as that is the default position on my machine.
I pulled out the manual for my 19606 to see what ruffler is listed as compatible with that machine
It listed part number 941620000 which is the same part number as the "Kenmore Ruffler for Vertical and Horizontal Sewing Machines" Hmmm, the mystery continues!

------
I can say that the other ruffler on the Janome site is a left needle position only ruffler. I prefer the center needle position rufflers as that is the default position on my machine.
I pulled out the manual for my 19606 to see what ruffler is listed as compatible with that machine
It listed part number 941620000 which is the same part number as the "Kenmore Ruffler for Vertical and Horizontal Sewing Machines" Hmmm, the mystery continues!

------
http://blog.sew-classic.com/
www.Sew-Classic.com
www.Sew-Classic.com
Posted on: 4/14/07 3:27 AM ET
In reply to SewClassic
I have a piece of paper given to me by the Service center also stating that the ruffler for my machine is 941620000P. I have the Kenmore foot brochure stating:
the model # 97701 for 21.99 for vertical, horizontal and electronic computerized machines
In the other Kenmore brochure it has this #97701 same foot listed along with the #97773 Universal Ruffler at $27.95 fits all (vertical, horizontal, computerized and embroidery models
and the #9306 at $24.99 for Embroidery models 19000, 19001, and 19010.
I was also told by a tech at the service center that the service center uses different numbers for the feet than the brochure has or the foot numbers given on line. BTW, some of the Elna feet can also be used on the Janomes and Kenmores since Janome also makes Elna. It's enough to make one goofy, so I would get the Universal foot being it also seems to be the newest and fits all.
the model # 97701 for 21.99 for vertical, horizontal and electronic computerized machines
In the other Kenmore brochure it has this #97701 same foot listed along with the #97773 Universal Ruffler at $27.95 fits all (vertical, horizontal, computerized and embroidery models
and the #9306 at $24.99 for Embroidery models 19000, 19001, and 19010.
I was also told by a tech at the service center that the service center uses different numbers for the feet than the brochure has or the foot numbers given on line. BTW, some of the Elna feet can also be used on the Janomes and Kenmores since Janome also makes Elna. It's enough to make one goofy, so I would get the Universal foot being it also seems to be the newest and fits all.
Posted on: 4/17/07 3:32 PM ET
In reply to Betakin
I was at Sears buying a carpet cleaner and just HAD to take a look at the sewing machines and related goodies.
LO AND BEHOLD!! They had the snap-on, "universal" ruffler. Curiosity got the best of me and I bought it just so I could check it out.
AND THE RESULTS ARE:
Upon visual inspection of the foot's contact with the feed dogs, it did not appear to have any wider contact area than my generic, low-shank ruffler.
However, as it came, out of the box, it did not line up with the 19606's center needle position. SOOOOOO, I loosened a screw on the right side of the foot (remember the old adjustable zipper feet- this ruffler has an adjustment like that), and lined the hole of the foot up with the needle, and then tightened up the screw.
If you have a Kenmore or Janome with the 7 piece feed dogs, I would anticipate that you will need to make this adjustment to the foot, or remember to adjust the needle position on your machine BEFORE trying to sew with it. Otherwise, you will have a needle foot collision- OUCH!
------
LO AND BEHOLD!! They had the snap-on, "universal" ruffler. Curiosity got the best of me and I bought it just so I could check it out.
AND THE RESULTS ARE:
Upon visual inspection of the foot's contact with the feed dogs, it did not appear to have any wider contact area than my generic, low-shank ruffler.
However, as it came, out of the box, it did not line up with the 19606's center needle position. SOOOOOO, I loosened a screw on the right side of the foot (remember the old adjustable zipper feet- this ruffler has an adjustment like that), and lined the hole of the foot up with the needle, and then tightened up the screw.
If you have a Kenmore or Janome with the 7 piece feed dogs, I would anticipate that you will need to make this adjustment to the foot, or remember to adjust the needle position on your machine BEFORE trying to sew with it. Otherwise, you will have a needle foot collision- OUCH!
------
http://blog.sew-classic.com/
www.Sew-Classic.com
www.Sew-Classic.com
Posted on: 4/17/07 3:45 PM ET
In reply to SewClassic
Interesting Jenny. So is the needle adjusted to left or right? If left, I think being this is a Universal ruffler.. there are some Kenmore machines that have the left needle position, including some Janomes that is their regular postion. This is important info so one does not whack a needle and maybe knock their machines out of time.
I have never had a ruffler. I use my serger for all of my ruffles and shirring etc. If and when I need to make pleats I will break down and buy a ruffler after all these years. I am unsure as to which brand of my 3 machines I will purchase the ruffler for. I am sure the Janome or Kenmore will be least expensive but now I want to check out the Pfaff and Viking rufflers to see if they have to adjust the needle position.
I have never had a ruffler. I use my serger for all of my ruffles and shirring etc. If and when I need to make pleats I will break down and buy a ruffler after all these years. I am unsure as to which brand of my 3 machines I will purchase the ruffler for. I am sure the Janome or Kenmore will be least expensive but now I want to check out the Pfaff and Viking rufflers to see if they have to adjust the needle position.
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns
Fancy Frocks Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics






