KENMORE'S MID PRICED OPTION FOR FANCY STITCHES: Adding Your Own Cam Made Fancy Stitches Less Costly!

[@CatherineKasper-v2h]

In case anybody reading the comments is wondering, my Kenmore 158.1730 has a black metal cam that is supposed to stay in the machine all the time so all the zig-zag and other built in decorative stitches work at the turn of the dial. To use the other cams (type C for this machine just like the ones shown in this video) the black metal cam is removed and the cam for the desired pattern stitch is inserted. I still need to check to see if that second following arm is there though!

[@CatherineKasper-v2h]

Yes, it's there. I have the same machine, model 158.17300. I have every cam they've ever made but for one and they all work just fine.

[@dianabradley8349]

Outstanding piece of information I happen to find out about that on one of my machines strictly by accident most of the time when I get an older Kenmore I don't necessarily have the manual😊 great video thanks

[@gergemall]

Thank you very much. Appreciate your expertise and wisdom from your years of experience.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@JohnKlopp]

Very interesting! I usually buy old straight stitch machines, but good to know if I do buy any multi-stitch. I'm sure the cams are easy to find but I'm curious to see if anybody has already modeled any to be 3D printed. If not, that may be a good project for me. 👍

[@Sabatuar]

Got a Sears Kenmore 158.16520 with its table and accessories for twenty dollars at a garage sale and these videos have been a lifesaver because I have no familiarity with this beast.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Glad the videos help. I would also get a User Manual for this if you don't currently have one. You can search for original paper copies or PDFs are available online.

[@ronalddevine9587]

Always informative, and interesting. Thank you.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

So nice of you

[@1MSally1965]

I have the 158.17033. I have not received it yet but just in case this was extremely helpful!

[@mohammedayub1727]

I need cam disc set for 158-17530 Sears Kenmore

[@brandonsmith-qo7nf]

Thank you so much for this video. I just picked up a kenmore 158.19800 and the cams were missing. Found a set on eBay. Unfortunately I am missing the foot pedal and it seems to be a unique one for that time period. Any chance you have one sitting around to buy? Thank you again.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi Brandon. I don't have any parts for that model, but you might try searching on sites such as Ebay or online sewing retailers who might offer a generic version of the pedal and cord for this machine. Kenmores were sold in very high numbers and so you 'should' be able to find something. It doesnt have to be branded as a Kenmore for it to be compatible as long as you verify with the seller that it will work with your specific model.

[@kenkracko9303]

I have a 158.1515 which is very similar to this 1516. The 1515 has the reverse switch is on the neck instead of the base. As mentioned, with no cam it can only straight stitch and the #1 cam is needed for zig zag. The 1515 originally cam with 9 orange single stack cams and one special cam #121 unique to these machines. #121 is an orange double stack cam which apparently is special only to these machines and it allows them to create a triple reverse stretch stitch which is either straight stitch or zig zag controlled by the width knob. This is an amazing stitch seen on some of the top of the line models. Because these are low shank class 15 machines, I suppose they could use old style Singer or Kenmore low shank attachments. Does anyone know if these machines can use the gear driven Kenmore buttonhole or monogram attachments from the 70s era high end models?

[@ningyang8962]

Could you suggest how to change the belt for this specific machine?

[@sevenwindsinc9693]

What a relief thank you

[@cyncyn747]

Very useful video… I’m still waking my Kenmore up and was wondering about ‘these cams’ I’m hearing so much about. Btw where is the best place to go hunting for some (in addition to eBay/Etsy)… any suggestions?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Another area to search is with those members of Sewing Machine Groups on sites like Facebook. Each brand has its fans and lots of folks in these groups have machines, parts, and accessories to sell. FYI, just be sure you get the CORRECT cams because cam specs changed over the years so just because it is a Kenmore cam does not mean it will be compatible. Cams sometimes have product numbers/serial numbers on them so you might check the manual for your machine as they sometimes had parts lists with codes on them.

[@tomthompson7400]

wasnt there a range of Singers that used those discs too ,, very neat

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Yes, and Singer kept the same cam style for decades before they eventually changed. The Singer cams 'sort of' resemble the one you see me holding in this video but the Singers are not compatible. They were black in color and Singer fans call them 'Top Hat' cams due to their color and shape.

[@elaineyakatan2310]

I have this machine. Since 1975. Still do not know how to use the cams!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Try searching for a user manual which will have directions on how to use cams.

[@gracevalentine1666]

I want this ❤