5 Best Kenmore Sewing Machines [2021]

Last updated on October 17th, 2021 at 02:01 pm

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Kenmore-606-Sewing-MachineEven though Kenmore sewing machines are a bit scarce and hardly still manufactured, they are still the darling of many old timer or experienced sewing professionals.

If you are the Kenmore type and would love to still have one vintage option, check out my 5 best Kenmore sewing machines and pick anyone that suit your needs.

Review of the Best Kenmore Sewing Machine

Kenmore 158.1340 – Mechanical Sewing Machine

Kenmore-158-sewing-machine

Just like you must have heard or read, Kenmore sewing machine is reputed for exceptional performance and quality engineering.

Used to be the most sought after sewing machine brands from the 40’s to the early 90’s.

The past glory continues to speak for this brands with the Kenmore 158.1340.

Talk of this as a solid mechanical sewing machine and you won’t be wrong.

Despite this machine being manufactured in the 80’s, it was ahead of many of its peers in terms of features. The stitch options are there for you to see at the front panel, and also at the stitch dial.

There are features that made Kenmore 158.1340 a highly sought after sewing machine by many home sewer.

Top of the list is the bright light bulb that illuminates the entire work-space. Threading and bobbin are so easy, even a 7 years old will comfortably carry it out.

Just switch to the left or the right in order to change the stitch. The stitch definition is nothing but perfection and accuracy. 

The Bad!!

One thing you will dislike about this Kenmore mechanical sewing machine is having to remove the work table to access the front-loading bobbin. This can slow down your work. 

In conclusion. the Kenmore 158.1340 sewing machine is a workhorse that is easy to handle and used in learning. 

 

 Features Recap:

  • 6 Built-in Stitches
  • Free Arm
  • 3 Spool Pins
  • Large Reverse stitch button
  • Light Bulb
  • One Step 4 Buttonhole
  • Twin Needle Capability
  • Darning Plate
  • Heavy Duty Metal

Kenmore 385-15202400 Sewing Machine – Simple to Use

Kenmore-385-sewing-machine

The robustness of the features of this sewing machine by Kenmore earned it a place on this list.

A straight and zigzag stitch only electronic sewing machine that does it job with confidence and certainty. The numerical threading guide will get you started and you will find no hassles with winding the bobbin.

You are adequately tutored with a guide on how to clean the bobbin housing and even fixing the front-loading bobbin. These features have made Kenmore 385-15202400 a straight forward and simple sewing machine.

Just below the pattern selection graphic, that’s where you’ll find the dial to change the stitch option.

Adjusting the stitch length and width couldn’t be simpler either with the use of a dial located at the front of Kenmore 385-15202400. A great addition to any sewing room or basic sewing tasks. 

Even though it lacks all the bells and whistles like other sewing machines, it nonetheless performs excellently with its limited features.

This Kenmore sewing machine will be appreciated by users who are not technologically skilled in handling advanced sewing machines. 

Features Recap:

  • Straight and Zigzag Stitch
  • Easy Stitch Selection Dial
  • On Board Thread Cutter
  • One 4-Step Buttonhole
  • Adjustable Stitch Length and Width
  • Manual Tension Adjustment
  • Dual Seam Guides
  • Front Loading Bobbin

Kenmore Elite Embroidery and Sewing Machine


Intricately designed to be a sophisticated sewing machine that can sew and deliver clean embroidery for professional users.

A perfect combo for a professional in dire need of an advanced sewing machine that can also be used for embroidery.

Equipped with 30 built in embroidery design this Kenmore sewing machine can also deliver up to 951 stitches per minute. The 2 monogram fonts of the machine can be further used in two sizes.

For on-screen embroidery design editing, a 4.7 inch LCD screen is available at your disposal

At a speed of 650 stitches every minute, you can get that sewing job done quickly. An instructional DVD is provided to serve as a guide for using the machine. In the DVD, there are additional embroidery designs. 

What else can you desire out of an embroidery machine? A stallion that is ready to push you to bring out the creative and excellent part of you.

As a combo sewing and embroidery machine, professionals will find this admirable. 

 

Features Recap:

  • 650 Stitches Per Minute
  • 30 In Built Embroidery Designs
  • 951 Stitch Functions
  • Instructional DVD with 20 additional embroidery designs
  • Patented Embroidery Carriage Arm
  • On-Screen Embroidery Editing
  • Full Color 4.7” LCD Screen
  • 2 Embroidery Monogram Fonts
  • Auto Drop Feed Dog System
  • Five Styles Automatic Buttonhole
  • Start/Stop Button
  • Needle Up/Down Button


Kenmore 606-stitch Sewing Machine – A Dream for Quilter’s

Kenmore-606-Sewing-Machine

Kenmore is not just made for entry-level users but also caters for professionals. This is one machine built for an ultimate quilting experience.

The ergonomic design allows for good posturing, coupled with advanced computerization that brings out the best for every quilter.

Equipped with 606 built in stitches which can further be upgraded to deliver 768 stitch functions. Monogramming on Kenmore 606 is made possible with 3 fonts type in two sizes, a feature that will put smile if you even need to perform a monogramming task.

If you refer to the stitch length as mega you are right, the width is adjustable to as wide as 7mm.

Freehand quilting is made simpler – the drop feed dog lever makes it happen. You have all the buttons to push to start or stop the machine, control the needle up and down movement, or even place the machine in reverse stitching.

With the bright LCD screen, you have a close view and control of this advanced quilting machine. You can even go ahead to design your own stitch via the LCD screen. 

Every sewing professional will find this machine amazing, but professional quilters will find this more useful. 

 

Features Recap:

  • 606 Built in Stitches
  • 768 Stitch Options
  • LCD Screen
  • Start/Stop Button
  • 3 Monogramming Fonts
  • 7mm Maximum Stitch Width
  • Drop Feed Dog Lever
  • Presser Foot Lifter Sensor
  • 5 Pattern Combination
  • Multiple Needle Position
  • Needle Up/Down Button
  • LED Light

Kenmore 19106 Sewing Machine – Budget Friendly Alternative


Time to stop throwing away clothes, you can mend and sew all by yourself with the right sewing machine.

Kenmore 19106 is a great budget sewing machine for a wide range of purposes. Multiple layers of fabrics will be easily sewed by this simple and straightforward  Kenmore sewing machine.

A very quiet sewing machine with 42 stitch options capable of producing quality stitches on different fabrics.

Even though there is just three fixed option for stitch length and width, this sewing machine is still good for basic and mid-range sewing tasks.

Built with a sturdy aluminum frame this sewing machine can handle heavy fabric with ease. The 6 built in utility stitches should be adequate for your use. Who needs a lot of built in stitches this day?

In addition, you have a quick drop in bobbin all to yourself and an easy threading mechanism for a swift work. 

The Bad!!

On the downside, the bobbin winder could be quite loud, and the machine is not fast enough for professional use. 

Nonetheless, considering the price and compared to others in it range, this is a good buy. 

 

Features Recap:

  • 6 Built in Stitches
  • 42 Stitch Option
  • Sturdy Aluminum Frame
  • Heavy Duty Motor
  • 14 lbs. weight
  • Free Arm
  • Horizontal, Top Drop in Bobbin
  • Drop Feed Lever
  • 4 Step Buttonhole


Final Verdict

Even though most Kenmore sewing machines have been discontinued, there is still quite a handful that is still on sales.

In any event, you cannot make up your mind on the one that suits your needs, I’ll do it for you.

Kenmore 158.1340 is best for entry level users who are looking to avoid sophisticated sewing machines to learn the art. Kenmore Elite, on the other hand, is the exact opposite – A combo sewing and embroidery machine meant for only professionals who are more confident in sewing.

With Kenmore 19106 Sewing Machine, you won’t be hurting your bank account. This is a budget-friendly alternative that does not sacrifice affordability for quality.

That’s it about Kenmore Sewing machines.