BEST VINTAGE KENMORE SEWING MACHINE
Some of the best vintage Kenmore sewing machines outperform current machines in specific tasks, which may surprise you. For example, one of Kenmore’s best vintage sewing machines, the Kenmore 30, is an affordable, high-quality machine that can do zigzag stitches. Depending on your requirements, vintage sewing machines can offer significant advantages over modern ones.
While they don’t have as many stitch options or automatic features as their modern counterparts, they outperform them in several aspects. This is one of the reasons why many modern sewers prefer to use older equipment. So if you don’t need or desire the computerized capabilities of modern sewing machines, you may want to consider some exceptional vintage versions prized for their beauty and longevity.
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HISTORY OF KENMORE SEWING MACHINES
Best vintage Kenmore sewing machines. Kenmore models had a big impact on the history of sewing because Sears Roebuck sold them. The company designed a large mail order catalog that could appeal to the farmers and settlers of rural America. In case you’re imagining a flimsy glossy copy of People Magazine that you can easily slip into your purse, think again! At the beginning of the 20th century, Sears had a catalog of more than 500 pages.
Everything contained in the Sears catalog can potentially be seen by every consumer in the country. Because of this, the Sears Kenmore brand quickly became very popular. Sears had its first model Kenmore sewing machine from 1913-1919. This pedal model was on sale for only $6.75! You’d probably spend that amount on a cup of coffee at Starbucks now, but in the early 20th century, the price would be equivalent to about $180 today.
However, World War I interrupted production of household items such as sewing machines, causing Sears to temporarily cease production. The company resumed profitable business in the 1930s and in 1933 introduced some of its most popular Kenmore electrical brands. Beginning in 1933, Sears sold machines made by White. Some of these models were marked and sold as white sewing machines. However, some of them were marked with the Sears Kenmore brand.
THE FIVE BEST KENMORE SEWING MACHINES
Although best vintage Kenmore sewing machines are somewhat rare and almost out of production, they are still popular with many old-timers or seasoned sewing professionals. If you’re a Kenmore type and would still like to have one vintage option, check out my Top 3 Kenmore Sewing Machines and choose the one that fits your needs.
Kenmore 158.1340
As you’ve probably heard or read, the Kenmore sewing machine has a reputation for exceptional performance and quality. They used to be the most sought after brands of sewing machines from the 1940s to the early 1990s. Past glory continues to speak for this brand with the Kenmore 158.1340. Talk about it as a solid mechanical sewing machine and you wouldn’t be wrong. Despite the fact that this machine was produced in the 80s, it surpassed many of its peers in its characteristics. Stitch options are available on the front panel as well as the stitch selector. To change the stitch, just switch left or right. The definition of a stitch is nothing but perfection and precision.
FUNCTION
- 6 built-in stitches
- Free arm
- 3 coil pins
- Large reverse stitch button
- Bulb
- One Step 4 buttonhole
- Double needle option
- Patch board
- Heavy Duty Metal
Kenmore Sewing Machine 385-15202400
The robustness of this Kenmore sewing machine’s features earned it a spot on this list. An electronic sewing machine with only a straight and zigzag stitch that does it with confidence and assurance. The numerical threading guide will help you get started and you will have no trouble winding the bobbin. You will get proper instructions on how to clean the bobbin case and even how to install the front loading bobbin. These features make the Kenmore 385-15202400 a straightforward and simple sewing machine. Adjusting stitch length and width couldn’t be easier with the wheel located on the front of the Kenmore 385-15202400. A great addition to any sewing room or basic sewing projects.
FEATURES
- Straight and zigzag stitch
- Easy stitch selector
- On-board thread trimmer
- One 4-step buttonhole
- Adjustable stitch length and width
- Manual voltage setting
- Double seam guides
- Front loading coil
Kenmore 606 Stitch Sewing Machine
Kenmore is not only for beginners but also for professionals. This is a machine made for the ultimate quilting experience. The ergonomic design allows for good posture combined with advanced computer automation to bring out the best in every quilter. Equipped with 606 built-in stitches that can be further upgraded to provide 768 stitch functions. Monogramming on the Kenmore 606 is possible with 3 font types in two sizes, a feature that will bring a smile if you even need to do a monogram job. If you talk about the stitch length as mega, you are right; the width is adjustable up to 7mm wide. Quilting by hand is easier – the feed lever makes it possible. You have all the buttons to start or stop the machine, control the movement of the needle up and down, or even switch the machine to reverse sewing. With a clear LCD display, you have a detailed view and control of this advanced quilting machine. You can even design your own stitch via the LCD screen.
FEATURES
- 606 Built-in stitches
- 768 Stitch options
- LCD screen
- Start/Stop button
- 3 Monogram fonts
- Maximum stitch width 7 mm
- Drop Feed Dog Lever
- Presser foot lift sensor
- 5 Combination of patterns
- Multiple needle position
- Needle up/down button
- Led light
FEATURES OF BEST KENMORE VINTAGE SEWING MACHINES
Here are some great features of the best vintage Kenmore sewing machines, why many current sewers are still using the old machines.
- Durability
Unlike modern but cheap machines, vintage sewing equipment was skillfully produced by manufacturers. So you can expect many of them to last a long time due to their sturdiness.
- Heavy construction
There are many antique models that you can use for heavy sewing. So a vintage sewing machine can be an excellent choice if you need to sew a lot of denim, leather or other heavy fabrics.
- Simplicity
Some sewers prefer the simplicity of vintage machines to the complexity of multi-stitch digital ones. In addition, old sewing machines are usually easy to operate.
- Environmental friendliness
Some vintage sewing machines work without electricity, making them ideal for use in areas where power is not available. They are also environmentally friendly as they do not pollute the environment.
- Beauty
The best vintage sewing machines are almost always much more attractive than their modern counterparts. So, in addition to their practical purpose, they can serve as a conversation piece in your home.
The Kenmore 30, formally called the Kenmore 385, is one of the best vintage sewing machines. It’s affordable, high quality, and can zig zag. So keep reading if you want to know more about Kenmore and other vintage sewing devices.
HOW MUCH IS AN OLD KENMORE SEWING MACHINE
Best Vintage Kenmore sewing machines typically sell for between $100 and $500, depending on the collectible. So generally, vintage sewing machines are not worth a significant amount. But that’s why they’re usually the best choice for people looking for a more affordable option.
Kenmore machines were an inexpensive choice for home sewers. However, they never claimed to be the ultimate or best machine ever built. However, during the 1970s they built several models with metal parts, making them slightly more expensive, but more durable and often still useful today.
The value of a vintage Kenmore machine is usually determined by the make, model, and year of manufacture. However, the owner and the collector’s desire to purchase the device are usually additional factors in the value of an old Kenmore machine. For some, their Kenmore is significant and holds sentimental meaning. These people would charge extra for their Kenmore machines. If a collector shows interest in purchasing the device, they will depreciate the value of the sewing machine to make a profit.
As you may have heard or read, Kenmore sewing machines are known for being good sewing machines. They provide excellent performance and quality engineering. From the 1940s to the early 1990s, these were the most sought-after brands of sewing machines.
Although Kenmore sewing machines are becoming increasingly rare and no longer available on the market, they remain a favorite of many seasoned seamstresses. So if you’re interested in keeping a vintage Kenmore, take a look at these two excellent devices and choose the one that best suits your needs.
CONCLUSION
Some collectible best vintage Kenmore sewing machines sell for high prices, but most cost between $50 and $500. With this factor in mind, if you are a sewing enthusiast, you probably value these antique devices more for their durability than their collectability. You may have heard or read that Kenmore sewing machines are known for their superior performance and quality construction. As a result, from the 1940s to the early 1990s, they were the most sought-after brands of sewing machines.