Kenmore 158.1941 - An All-Metal Wonder Machine

So apparently the 158.1941 is one of the last of Kenmore's high-quality, all-metal machines. You've got to hand it to Kenmore, though, they held out at least a decade longer than Singer which rolled out its last all-metal geared machine* in the late 1960s (the early 600 model Touch & Sews.)

Kenmore 158.1941 - a quality, well built, all-metal machine and the end of an era.

A rare all metal American branded free-arm machine

The 1941 has 10 built-in stitches, including reverse stretch stitches (in white) but doesn't take cams.  

Note:  the 158.1760 is exactly the same machine as this one, except that it does take cams. 

Here are the specs for the Kenmore 158.1941

• 1.0 amp motor
• Vertical oscillating hook/Class 15 bobbin 
• Super high shank/Center-homing needle
• Convertible flat-bed to free-arm
• 10 built-in stitches, including reverse stretch stitches
• Presser foot pressure adjustment
• Feed dog drop
• Twin needle stitching
• Dual belt system (gives better torque, eliminates slippage, and maximizes punching power)
• Easy "slot" threading
• Pop out clutch release

What it DOESN'T have:

• L-C-R needle positions
• Integrated buttonhole stitch***
• Cams for decorative stitches**
• Chain stitching**

 

I've gotta say, this machine has some serious chops when it comes to heavy sewing projects.  Looky here...

This is eight layers of denim, and the machine stitches effortlessly - perfect back and front

And the free-arm makes this the perfect machine for hemming jeans.  I didn't even bother to use a hump jumper, and it still sewed right over the seam crossings without skipping a stitch.

It does well with heavy threads - no complaints about stitch quality.

Although I didn't particularly want a super high shank (SHS) machine, I am okay with this one because it did come with all the basic feet.  There are limitations, though. For example, a SHS walking foot or other speciality feet can be hard or impossible to find. 

Basic accessories that came with the machine include a straight stitch needle plate insert, a variety of feet, and Q-needles!

This machine has SHS feet, but one nice thing is that they are very easy to switch out - just pop down that lever in the back and it releases the foot.  Slide the new one in and pop it back up.  (So why do you have to use a SCREWDRIVER to change the needle???)

BOTTOM LINE:  While this is an excellent, high-quality, all metal machine, it does have a few limitations.  It comes with the clumsy Kenmore buttonholer which involves installing a plate with a pinion gear and then attaching the plastic buttonholer guide and inserting a template for your buttonhole sizes.  I've never been crazy about that system, and wish this one had a built-in buttonhole stitch.  

But overall a nice machine, very well built, and sews beautifully - what's not to love?

*the "all-metal" refers to the feed, hook, and top gears, but there were fiber gears in the handwheels of some of these older machines which was almost never an issue

** I have these features on my 1774

*** I have this feature on my 1050