History of Kenmore Sewing Machines

Kenmore models made a big impact in sewing history because Sears Roebuck sold them. Without delving too deeply into American history, Sears essentially reshaped the way Americans shopped in the late 1800s-early 1900s.

Anything included in the Sears catalog could potentially be seen by every consumer in the nation. Because of this, the Sears Kenmore brand quickly became very popular.

Sears carried its first Kenmore sewing machine model from 1913-1919. This treadle-powered model sold for just $6.75! You probably spend this amount on a cup of coffee at Starbucks now, but in the early 1900s, the price would have been equal to about $180 today.

World War I interrupted the manufacturing of domestic items like sewing machines, though, causing Sears to temporarily halt its production. The company resumed the profitable business again in the 1930s, launching some of their most popular electric-powered Kenmore brands in 1933.

Starting in 1933, Sears sold machines made by White. Some of these models were branded and sold as White sewing machines. However, some of them were branded with the Sears Kenmore brand.

World War II caused another break in production. Sears did not sell any machines from 1942-1948. Following the war, the company continued to sell White models, some branded with the Kenmore brand, until 1958.

In the 1950s, White lost its contract with Sears. Sears applied the Kenmore brand to a new batch of machines manufactured overseas in Japan. These models featured fancy new abilities, like buttonhole making, zig-zagging, and other fancy stitching.

Some people argue that this batch of Sears Kenmore lacked the sturdy quality that had characterized the earlier Kenmores, though.

Singer also briefly made a couple of Sears Kenmore sewing machine models in the 1970s.

Janome was one of the Japanese companies that quickly grew to global prominence during this era. They manufactured Kenmore models for Sears until 2013.

Following bankruptcy in the early 2000s, Sears stopped selling sewing machines under the Kenmore brand.

Where to Buy a Vintage Kenmore Sewing Machine

Old Sears sewing machine Source: mollystevens (4)

The easiest way to buy a vintage Sears Kenmore machine is to search eBay and Craigslist. Because of its focus on arts and crafts, Etsy has some models for sale as well.

If you want a true antique, possibly with an interesting provenance story, you could try visiting antique stores. Just be aware that collectors usually sell more valuable models in good condition but with a higher price tag.

Some sewers report finding old Kenmore models for way cheap at thrift stores, too, though you get no guarantee of workable condition there.

The bottom line is that if you want to buy a vintage or antique Kenmore machine, you need to look in the places you can find old and used things for sale.

What to Know When You Buy Vintage

Kenmore sewing machines aren’t worth a lot of money today, but the silver lining here is that you can often buy a vintage machine cheaply!

Ideally, you should ask the seller for the machine’s model number or examine the machine in person to find this number. That way, you can look up the decade this machine was built.

Once you know what model it is, you can deduce what features the machine has and find out what kind of sewing it can do. You can also make an educated guess that if it was made pre-1970s, its insides are probably metal, not plastic. This means it will be more durable.

Finally, you need to know whether you plan to resell the machine or use it yourself! If you plan to sew with the machine, you need to make sure it works.

How Can You Determine the Value of the Antique?

Once you know the machine’s model number, a quick search on eBay will give you a fair idea of the average price range for this machine.

However, you should also consider the overall condition of the machine before making a purchase. Pretty decals, a pristine paint job, and an unscratched wooden cabinet or table (if it has one) indicate a probability that the machine is worth more money.

Conclusion

You also got some tips for using a vintage sewing machine, including easy repairs to try yourself.

Are you looking into buying a vintage Kenmore machine? Do you have one at home that you want to learn how to use? Leave a comment below to let us know!

Written By: Tania

I'm a sewing enthusiast, and the founder and chief editor here at Silver Bobbin.
Growing up, I loved to explore fabrics and textures, and always had a project in the works.
I enjoy teaching others about my passion. From beginner tutorials to in-depth guides, there's something here for everyone.

Tags MostPopular

Sunday 31st of October 2021

Friday 22nd of October 2021

Kenmore 10 stitches 158 13500 model works good condition how much is it worth

Friday 24th of September 2021

Really nice article on Kenmore Sewing Machines. I have my Moms Green Kenmore 158.1316 from the early 70's I learned to sew on that machine and it still runs. Thank You for a really great read on Kenmore Sewing Machines.

Tuesday 31st of August 2021

I have my Mother’s vintage Kenmore sewing machine. It is 50 plus years old. Still works great!

Wednesday 9th of June 2021

I've owned my vintage machine for over 30 years . I love it's reliability . It has never failed me. I've used it on pretty much every kind of material including canvas and leather. I was very happy to find the rubber replacement parts for my Kenmore rotory # 117-552 still being sold ! Oh happy day.

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Kenmore Sewing Machine: Models, History, Value

Whether you are a home sewer looking for the perfect machine or an antique collector interested in the history of sewing machines, you have probably come across Kenmore brand machines. Over the years, many different Kenmore sewing machine models appeared on the market.

In this article, you will learn about the history, models, and value of vintage Kenmore sewing machines.

• History of Kenmore Sewing Machines
• Why Can’t I Find Kenmore Machines Today?
• Popular Kenmore Sewing Machine Models
• Are Kenmore Sewing Machines Worth Money Today?
• Where to Buy a Vintage Kenmore Sewing Machine
• What to Consider When Buying a Kenmore Sewing Machine
• Can I Use My Vintage Kenmore Sewing Machine?
• Kenmore Parts, Sergers, and Accessories
• Conclusion