I recently acquired a Kenmore monogrammer for my beloved 158.1774 (one of my favorite machines.) I've been using the Singer counterparts for a number of years now so I was anxious to see how the Kenmore version would stack up. I'll cut right to the chase before getting into the nitty-gritty details
Blue (left) are the Kenmore monograms, Pink is Singer.
If you're deciding which monogrammer(s) you might like to get for your own vintage machines, here is a rundown of how they all work. Honestly, there are pros and cons for each so I'm glad I have both sets!
Let's start with Singer which has TWO versions - the Deluxe Monogrammer which makes 1-1/2" letters and the regular monogrammer which makes 1/2" letters.
On the Singer 401 slant shank sewing machine
For Singer, you need this feed cover plate, and I'll explain why below
This attachment -is powered by a fork over the needle bar*
Deluxe Monogrammer attached to machine, with letter cam inserted.
(Obtaining the cams for this monogrammer is THE biggest consideration before you buy one - they were not sold in complete sets so you'll have to collect the letters you want individually which can be costly and time consuming more on that here)
You have a clear plastic guide to show you the placement of your monogram
And here it goes. The attachment actually moves the fabric around to form the letters, so the feed cover gives it a smooth surface to move freely. As you'll see compared the Kenmore version below, this stitches SO much nicer - a plus on the Singer side.
For tiny letters that go on a cuff, collar, or handkerchief maybe, is the monogrammer that looks more like a buttonholer. It comes with a complete set of cams, unlike the Deluxe Monogrammer.
Placement guide to situate your letters
Similar to using a buttonholer, you put the round cam in the top
Now, on to Kenmore. While the monogrammer itself is standard for this series, it comes with an array of throat plate attachments to accommodate the MANY variations of Kenmore 158 machines. This can be frustrating if you didn't get the one that came with your particular machine and are trying to find one on eBay or Etsy. Sometimes guesswork is involved but I lucked out and found one that fits my 1774.
These come with a full set of templates which make BOTH sizes of letters so that is a plus for Kenmore.
Instead of the placement guides, you insert your fabric in this hoop and the gauge underneath will place the letters in the left-center-right positions.
In my opinion the hoop can be a little awkward since depending on where you are placing your monogram you might not have a big enough area to fit easily inside the hoop. But as you can see, the hoop itself is what makes the fabric move so it's not optional.
With this monogrammer, you just turn the cam around and insert it in the opposite direction to get the smaller size letter - unlike the Singer which requires an entirely separate attachment.
So, that about covers it. Like I said, I'm glad I have both since the letters do look different and also come in different sizes.
Kenmore
Pro: Comes with all letter cams for large and small letters
Pro: No separate letter guides needed
Con: Can be hard to find the version with the correct throat plate for your particular machine
Con: Doesn't make as nice of a satin stitch as the Singer
Singer
Pro: Stitching is superior
Pro: Makes 1-1/2" letters if you want a larger size
Con: Must get TWO attachments for the different letter sizes
Con: It is expensive to collect the letter cams for the Deluxe Monogrammer
UPDATE: Just to throw another element into the mix here, there is a Kenmore branded monogrammer for low shank machines - that is IDENTICAL to the Singer Deluxe Monogrammer - that could be purchased separately. It uses the same cams as the Singer so they are interchangeable. Instead of a flower, it came with a clover. This is great to have on hand to use with any of your low shank machines.
Kenmore low shank monogrammer on Singer Genie
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