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Introduction
If you visit the major appliance department of almost any Sears store, you’ll find the Kenmore brand name on several items, including refrigerators, freezers, stoves, dishwashers, washing machines and clothes dryers.
A visit to the household appliances department, however, where small electrical appliances are sold, will reveal lots of national brand names.
Unfortunately, Kenmore sewing machines are not among them. While that may be true in the 21st Century, many people remember the time when Kenmore was one of the most popular sewing machine brands on the market.
A Little Bit of History
Kenmore is a private brand that was available exclusively at Sears stores. Although Kenmore sewing machines were made by other companies, the name Kenmore held a place of honor in countless sewing rooms across America.
Nobody really cared that most Kenmore sewing machines were made by little known manufacturers like the National Sewing Machine Company, their only concern was that the name Kenmore represented quality. The first Kenmore sewing machine was introduced in 1913.
For a while, the Kenmore name was set aside, but re-activated in 1934. It has been going strong since then, and has continuously maintained a reputation for excellence and quality through the years.
Kenmore Sewing Machines in the 21st Century
Today’s Kenmore sewing machines are actually made by the Janome Corporation. Although the Kenmore line is not as extensive as the line bearing the Janome brand name, Kenmore sewing machines and sergers are representative of everything a home sewer could want when it domes to quality workmanship and a dependable addition to any sewing room.
I was more than a little bit surprised when I visited a Sears store recently and found sewing machines by several manufacturers, but no Kenmores.
Kenmore sewing machines are not even listed on sears.com. It is possible, however, to find new Kenmore sewing machines on amazon.
Finding Replacement Parts for Your Kenmore Sewing Machine
When it comes to servicing newer Kenmore sewing machines, finding replacement parts is a breeze. Since being taken over by Janome, parts for current Kenmore sewing machines are readily available. Taking care of a vintage Kenmore sewing machine, however, is another story altogether.
Although vintage Kenmore sewing machines have a track record of being dependable and providing high quality service for many, many years, there seems to be one significant drawback.
Since Kenmores were manufactured by several different companies over the years, finding replacement parts may be a bit of a challenge.
My advice is to take your Kenmore to your local sewing machine repair professional whenever you find it necessary to replace even the most insignificant part.
If, however, you are like several people I know who like to baby their vintage machines, you have probably taken the time to learn how to make most routine repairs on your Kenmore yourself.
Taking on the maintenance and repair of your vintage Kenmore sewing machine, however, means that you are on your own when it comes to finding replacement parts. The good news is you can find some replacement parts by visiting the Sears website.
You might be able to find the part you need by entering your model number or parts number on this web page. Sites like amazon.com are also very reliable sources for Kenmore replacement parts. You can even find Kenmore sewing machines for sale on amazon.
Replacement Parts for Your Vintage Kenmore Sewing Machine
However, if yours is a vintage Kenmore, a more reliable source for replacement parts might just be an independent vendor that specializes in sewing machine parts.
If you are unable to locate replacement parts for your vintage Kenmore in your local area, the internet is a good place to look.
After receiving several e-mail inquiries from site visitors in search of replacement parts for their older Kenmore sewing machines, I decided to do a little indepth research of my own.
I came across an impressive list of replacement parts for vintage Kenmore sewing machines at a site called Sewing Parts Online.
This site has the most comprehensive listing of available replacement parts for practically every sewing machine brand that ever existed.
When you land on the Kenmore page, you are given a list of model numbers to choose from. When I clicked model number 158.4180, for example, I was taken to a page that offered both empty and pre-wound bobbins, foot pedals, light bulbs, needle plates, shuttle hooks and slide plates for sale at very reasonable prices.
Since I did not actually place an order, I have no way of knowing if all of the items listed are in stock or if they are on back order.
Having said that, my opinion is if their actual available inventory is even 85% of what their website lists, anyone in search of a hard to find part for their vintage Kenmore should be able to locate it there.
As a disclaimer, I must also state that I have no personal experience with Sewing Parts Online. As indicated earlier, inquiries from people looking for replacement parts for their own vintage Kenmore sewing machines prompted me to initiate an online search.
So far, my research has revealed that Sewing Partings Online appears to be the most reliable site for these rare but necessary machine parts.
After visiting several other pages on this website, I am inclined to believe that Sewing Parts Online is possibly the most reliable source for replacement parts to fit just about any vintage sewing machine, regardless of the brand name or manufacturer.
Do You Have a Source for Vintage Sewing Machine Parts?
If you are aware of another source for vintage sewing machine parts or if you have ever used Sewing Parts Online or are aware of anyone who may have done business with them, and feel comfortable sharing your experience… either positive or negative… please let us know by entering your comments below. Your input and feedback is always appreciated.
Not only would I be very interested in learning more about this resource and any others that may be out there, I am certain other readers would like to know more about where to find replacement parts for their vintage sewing machines as well.
Happy Stitching.
If you are an advanced sewist, have a look at our best sewing machines, best sewing books and best sewing magazines posts and if you are looking to get a mechanical, heavy duty, quilting or industrial sewing machine, have a look at some of our great articles. If you are a beginner sewist, review our best sewing books for beginners, best sewing machines for beginners and best sewing machines under $200 to get started.
For brand related articles, check Best Bernette | Best Bernina | Best Brother | Best Husqvarna Viking | Best Janome | Best Juki | Best Singer |
For best accessories, check Best Chairs | Best tables | Best tracing paper | Best machine oils | Best scissors and shears | Best presser feet | Best needles | Best sewing kits |
Happy Stitching.
I guess my Kenmore Model #158.904 is so old I’m unable to find a replacement needle plate. 🙁 Let me know if you’ve any other suggestions….I’ll try a local sewing repair, but do not have much hope.
Dawn, your throat plate is on Ebay in 231Terry’s Store. The part number is 57134. Good luck! Just picked up a vintage Kenmore yesterday for $5. Clean as a whistle.
Hello. Sears Canada still sells Kenmore sewing machines (actually ONLY Kenmore machines) – For reference, it is now November 2014. Any chances these are still the Janome-Kenmore or now the Kenmores are made by someone else?
Thanks!
Hello, Claudio –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
I’m in the US and about as far away from Canada as you can get without crossing a major body of water… South Florida.
Unfortunately, I have not been able to verify whether or not Janome is making the Kenmores sold in Canada. It may be possible for you to find out by reading the fine print on the box – or reading the owner’s manual. If the Sears stores in Canada are like those here in the states, you won’t be able to get inside the box without actually purchasing a machine and taking it home.
Happy stitching.
I want to buy a buttonhole attachment for my Kenmore 1430 sewing machine. I need part numbers 28889, 35114 and 36214, which include the guide plate and cover plate as well as the case. Diana
Since this article was published, I think interest in vintage machines has increased tremendously. Not only Kenmores (my favorite) but Singers, Brother, White and many excellent brands.
I have have a collection of vintage Kenmores, and for the most part they are exceptionally good machines. I can clean them up and maintain them myself; not as well as an expert, but I enjoy it and can do a decent job. I love these old “Kennies”. When they’re maintained properly, which is easy enough to to, they will last for generations. I have one that’s 64 years old and it’s great! It has a 1.5 amp motor, is run by a chain drive and will easily chomp through 8 layers of denim as though it were butter. I took it apart (it’s a very uncomplicated model) cleaned it, lubed it and gave the motor a going over. It’s one heck of a machine. Kenmores, Singers, Whites, Brothers and lots of other vintage models are superb machines.
Parts have become more available recently and you’ll find LOTS of them on ebay. Some people strip down older machines and sell the parts individually. Motors are very easy to find, and foot pedals are very available; I’ve bought several over the past year or two. I’ve had only one piece that I cannot find yet, and that’s a tiny plastic cylinder which holds the thread spool in place on a marvelous little Kenmore 158-1040, But I’m sure I will eventually. In the meantime, I used the one from a non-functioning 1040 that I have as a parts machine.
Sewing Parts Online is an excellent source; I’ve bought there many times. Another great source is Sewing Machines Plus (sewingmachinesplus.com). They both have fair prices and are highly dependable.
I need a sears kenmore needle plate insert for model #158.16010
I have parts for a Kenmore 1918/1815 sewing machine and a Montgomery Ward 1980B sewing machine.
Both were sold to someone who accidentally left all the accessories behind, and were unreachable.
Hola necesito bobina y carrete de la kenmore
Interesante información
Hi there, I am searching for the mounting kit or bolts for a Kenmore 158.1914 sewing machine. Looking to have it mounted to a table but the table has the pieces except the bolts that screw into the bottom of the sewing machine to attach it.
I appreciate any help or suggestions.
Thanks
I have owned my Kenmore since 1974. It’s help me make curtains, many Halloween costumes, stuff toys, and clothing. La Mesa Sew and Vac does a great job keeping it going. I’ve owned 7 vintage singers, sold them all. Thank you National for making a product that last.
I’ve been looking for an owners manual for a sears kenmore 158.173.
I am looking for a spring that controls the presser foot feed motion for a Kenmore model 158.12270. The presser foot will go up and down manually via the switch on the machine, but does not move when pressing on the foot pedal. Any suggestions as to what this spring is called or where I can find one?
Agradecería me pudieran indicar en dónde puedo conseguir el engrane diagonal de 22 dientes para máquina de coser Sears kenmore 385.1764180.
A mi esposa le gusta mucho su máquina, pero ya no funcionó.
Saludos
I am looking for a bobbin cover for a kenmore 158.19800. Also the cams for this machine (if they can be found). I’m not having any luck on my own.
Central Michigan sewing supplies is another very reliable source for vintage sewing machine parts. I’ve used them on many occasions, and will continue to do so. And the one you mention is another source that I use often.
I have used sewing parts online several times for sewing machine parts for both my old Kenmore and a newer H-V. I was very happy with their customer service and the parts I purchased from them. They’re my go-to source for parts. Sadly, they did not have the part I need for my Kenmore 188 4180, a machine I bought in 1989- a workhorse that I absolutely loved sewing with. About 6 years ago, it started going on me- but I really think it could be repaired- but I live in an area where the only sewing machine repair shop closed- and they were terrible! I sent my HV to them for it’s second year maintenance- to keep the warranty valid – and they returned it to me with a base plate from a different machine- which didn’t even fit- and my machine was filled with lint. They also charged me $120 to repair my Kenmore but never touched it. Told me it was fixed. I know my Kenmore can be fixed- it’s not a serious issue. The thread gets stuck in the first thread guide, and in the tension discs and the thread becomes double looped around the thread uptake. My husband cleaned the tension disc assembly but it didn’t fix the issue. I tried looking for a new tension assembly – searched everywhere- and couldn’t find one. It was a $500 machine in ’89- my HV cost less than that 5 years ago- 2018. I would take my old Kenmore over the HV – on the HV’s best day. Three weeks ago, the screw cover on the handwheel popped off on the HV and it started making a gawdawful metal on metal noise even after I immediately lifted my foot off the pedal. So, here I sit- no working machine- right before Christmas. I’ll have to drive 2 hours to find a repair shop that isn’t owned by the same rotten owner from the now closed HV dealer/repair shop.