Help picking a machine
 

did you contact Sear's and ask them where to find needles or if a universal needle will work. I think it is rare that a machine will not use a universal needle. However if you are thinking about buying a new machine- I just bought a Brothers straight stitch. It does not do any fancy stitches but for quilting you usually do not need any. I love it! It stitches 1500 stitches /min and is classified as a light industrial. It has a larger throat making FMQ easier. I got it at Amazon for $600 with free shipping and no tax. amazon is a authorized dealer so the warranty if honored. Others on this board give it a good review and I did try it out at a shop.

I know it is hard to figure out which machine is best for you to buy. I think you should write down all of the features you would love to have on the machine and figure out how much you can afford to spend. That will give you somewhere to begin from. If it is possible, go and sew on some that are for sale and see how they fit you. Remember, some machines are expensive and everything about them is expensive. The extra feet, bobbins, servicing, ect. Check all of that out too.

I do know the hancock fabric store sells some nice models if you have that store there in north carolina. Someone mentioned that they just got a nice one from them by buying on line. But, remember, the machine will need servicing every now and again, so try and buy one from a local dealer.

I looked on-line and found a free download manual http://www.scribd.com/doc/17471766/K...78601786117862. I didn't see anything about there being a special needle so unless you really want to buy a new machine, I'd either call your local sewing machine shop or email Schmetz to see if their standard needles will work. Just a thought.

I used universal needles on my Kenmore. You might want to check on that.

Now I have heard all reasons for needing a new sewing machine....but beause the needle doesn't fit is the best one.....lol

Universal needles like "Schmetz" should work in your machine. Does Sears not sell needles anymore for Kenmore machines.?? I used to buy them there but I now have Janome machines which make Kenmores for Sears.

My mom had that machine, she used universal needles.

I have 3 different mfgr's machines and they all take any machine needle.
I got rid of all my Universals, not a sharp enough point.
I am devoted to Superior Threads titanium needles #12 or #10 for very fine thread. I think they are the best machine needles on the market and they last forever.
http://www.superiorthreads.com

The only difference that I am aware of in needles is industrial (round shaft) and domestic (flat on one side). Universal is just a type of tip like, ball, stretch, denim, metallic, quilting, embroidery, etc. Here is a link that may be helpful: http://www.superiorthreads.com/educa...e-right-needle

If you want an excuse to buy a new machine, though, you never saw this post--wink, wink--LOL:thumbup:

I have an old singer that takes a "different" needle. It is a shorter needle than the "regular " needles carried just about anywhere. I can find them on line. My machine takes a singer 206 needle. Schmetz does make that needle but you need to know how to convert to the Schmetz sizing ( they make hundreds of different needles).
There was a time I too thought I was out of luck if my last needle broke or got dull. It will take a bit of work but you can get needles.
First make sure your machine really requires a specific special needle. When was the machine built? If you have any issues a good Sew and Vac or reputable repair person can help you find /source your needles ( if it is required).
Just a note : universal needles do not refer to the machines it will fit, it is refering to the fabrics it can be used on. A universal needle is for sewing on knits as well as cottons. The point is not the same as a needle intended for quilting. For general sewing they are just OK... buying the proper needles for specific fabrics can make a noticable difference in some stitches.
You may want to give this source a call
http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/sea...d=Kenmore+1782
http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/sea...x?find=Kenmore

I have 2 Kenmore machines. Buy needles at Sears, use Organ brand, Schnetz brand when on sale at Hancock and never had any problems with them. If you are not sure, take your machine into a sewing service center and they should be able to help you decide what type to use as well as doing a check-up for your new to you machine. Pretty soon she will be a trusted member of your quilting family.

Kenmores are great machines! I have a model 158.13571 that I bought new in the late 70s. I've sewing everything from shirts to jeans, drapes to couch cover, and it sews just about anything I can get under the presser foot. Once you become accustomed to it, you will love this machine.

As to your question, my guess is that a Schmetz sharp needle should work.

SCHMETZ Household Needles should work in your Kenmore 1782 sewing machine.

The standard sewing machine needles work in virtually all home sewing machines since about 1970 or so. 15x1 is the exact designation, but Universal is sometimes used. That size should fit your machine too.

I have a Kenmore that is 35 yrs old. love it and I get my replacement needles at joann's and the work well. You can also go to Sear's web site and order them, some stores still have a very small sewing machine dept with some supplies

I think you should buy a new machine x