Comments on: Sewing Machine Mystery

By: Marie

Marie — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 02:54:21 +0000

I’ve got about a dozen Kennies, I imagine the “4″ referrs to something on the machine…number of stitch types, needle positions, etc. I can’t see well enough the other markings on the machine but that’s what I think. Any of my Kennies that have marks like that refer to something on/in the machine. For example an ‘Ultra 6′ referrs to the 6 stitches the Ultra 6 has.

By: Brantlea

Brantlea — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:55:20 +0000

I too have an old Kenmore, 158.1946 and I just found a few good resources, there are 2 yahoo groups that are all for vintage Kenmore users-
OldKenmoreSewingMachines and VintageKenmoresSew

I also had been searching for the original manual and bought one from SewConsult.com but it was total garbage, it was NOT the original manual, not even close. I just ordered an authorized reproduction from http://sewing-machine-manuals.com

By: Amie

Amie — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:59:11 +0000

The 4 stands for the number of stitches. 158 is the series, 1970’s -1980’s. I have one that I use for purses and I take it to Florida each fall. It sews good but it’s kinda loud even after I oil it. But, it’s a great machine! Have fun with your new2u toy ) Amie

By: Debbie

Debbie — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:30:10 +0000

My machine is a 27 year old Kenmore still going strong. I hope your new machine works out as well as mine has!

By: Becky

Becky — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:02:15 +0000

Hi Alissa! Great gift! At least it will be a great gift if it sews as good as my Kenmore that I have now had for 32 years. It is metal and you can’t beat the stitches. It was never professionally serviced either. I sewed on it just the other day and the stitches were wonderful. I have 3 more Kenmores now and they are all awesome. Good luck with yours!!

By: Allison

Allison — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:43:37 +0000

I just got an old Bernina that sews slowly, and after talking to Bernina fixers they said its usually the foot pedal that is the problem. So hopefully that’s your problem since its an (somewhat) easy fix!

By: Raven

Raven — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:15:47 +0000

Hey Alissa, I am an old sewing machine addict as of 4 months ago. The old ones are just sooooo rad!! Check out ismacs.net I think, google ismacs and see what you find. the people at the site are very helpful and someone could tell you something. Good luck!

By: Alissa

Alissa — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:02:32 +0000

Hi Shea! The four is definitely part of the original labeling. No idea what it is there for since it’s not the model number but oh well. Jacquie was nice enough to send me the link that has the manual!

By: Shea

Shea — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:55:02 +0000

Here’s something I wonder… I am a teacher and wonder if the ‘4′ on the machine looks like it was added later on? Could it have been a machine in a Home Ec (FACS) classroom at one time? Maybe you have ‘Machine Number 4′!

By: Amy (badskirt)

Amy (badskirt) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:26:30 +0000

You may also want to check the sewing machine reviews from SMS from a few months ago. You may find an owner or two there, if you are lucky!