Kenmore bobbin case

A while back I had a 1940's Pfaff that could not be repaired after dropping and the bobbin case and bobbins fit the old singer and I didn't have a problem sewing. Barbara in FL

These bobbin cases are standard and fairly easy to find, you might even find one at your local Joann's. I'm sure that Sears has them or any sewing machine repair shop will have one and they are usually very inexpensive.

Judie

I did stop by a local sewing machine shop on my way to dr appointment. He had a bobbin case says should work, and told me to bring it back if it doesn't. BTW he is an authorized Janome dealer, so I gently asked about trade-ins, thinking maybe if he had a good deal I might consider a simple Janome. He only sells new. Says he keeps the trade-ins for parts ;( Oh, and he told me $60 to service my FW ;((

G> G> > I just found that the new-to-me Kenmore 158.1400 has not bobbin case.

There's not much to do to service a FW provided the machine is sewing just fine (the belt is fine and otherwise it needs no adjustments) -- do you have the manual for the machine? Everything you need to do is listed there.

-Irene

( Oh, and he told me $60 to service my FW ;((

Okay, Ginger. Here's what I think - and like my sainted little mama, the facts will not sway my opinion. Kenmore = Sears. Sears does not 'make' sewing machines (or washers, dryers etc.) Very, very probably your new-to-you Kenmore SM is a Singer. Therefore, the Singer bobbin case will likely do just fine in the Kenmore. I think I'd sneak it in the SM, test it very gently by turning the handwheel and see how the stitching goes. You ought to be able to test it like that without doing any harm. IMHO of course. Polly

I think the machine is from the 70s, maybe earlier. Don't know if there is a way to get their manufacturing info, like sinder does.

Thanks, Polly, I will try that tomorrow. Just finished sewing for the day, just now [after 10PM here]. Working on stuff for Ms Flutterby has me gearing up to get going, so this Kenmore hopefully will go with me to the retreat next weekend, and have a name by end of the weekend.

G> Okay, Ginger. =A0Here's what I think - and like my sainted little mama, t= he

Ginger,

Most of the Kenmore models with the 158 prefix were manufactured by either Jaguar or Jaguar Maruzen and the 1040's are 1972 - 1977. I believe these are all Japanese machines and they are very nice machines, I have a few here that will be looking for new homes.

If you want to know more about your machines you may want to check out the yahoo group called vintagekenmoresewing. You can find quite a lot of information and help there, and also I believe there is a manual you can download.

Judie

It's correct that Sears didn't build any of their own machines, even from the start. There were several different manufacturers. The different model number prefix indicate which one. the complete model number which includes three digits before a period-that is the supplier code.

For example if those first three digits are 340.XXXX, then it is Necchi-built. The earliest machines badged "Kenmore" were made by White. These all bear "117." as their supplier code, followed by the model number. Some of these were actually made by Gritzner-Kayser in Germany when Sears wanted ZZ and White had none of their own to offer.

Other manufacturers included Chrysler, through its New Process Gear division. These have the supplier code 120.xxx. Other series were

148.xxx, 149.xxxx, and 158.xxxxx This one, I believe, was made by Jaguar, later called Maruzen. There have been others since.

-Irene

Since the Kenmore sewing machines have been made by Janome for the last 15+ years you may even want to check with a dealer of Janome for the replacement parts. It has worked for me in the past. juliasb

Okay. Just this one time I'll let the facts affect my opinion but don't expect me to be so easy-going all the time. Polly