Coodoo

There is a Kenmore 158.15251 that is available nearby. Seems to be in good shape and the stitches look nice for the pictures posted. They are asking $80.

This is a basic 158 I think. Does anyone have an opinion about this model and what it is worth?

I still am interested in Singer 503a. How do these 2 machines compare? Are parts available for both and would one be easier to maintain?

Thanks for all the help.

miriam

You are comparing apples and oranges. The Kenmore does stretch stitches and the 503 does decorative so it would depend on what you plan to sew. Either one is a good machine. Prices may vary depending on where you live and what machine you are looking at as well as condition.

Coodoo

Okay, thanks.
I am going to take a look at the Kenmore. It is being sold by a tech guy and he says it is in really good shape. He will show me how to oil it and he has a manual for it too.

When you say the Kenmore does stretch stitches, that is in addition to regular fabric stitches, correct? I don't know what I will be sewing down the line, maybe quilts? I mostly need a machine now for mending, some alterations, hemming, etc... I would like to try some new things, maybe crafts.

miriam

If it has been teched out and he gives you a warranty it is an excellent deal. Yes they both do straight and zigzag. The 503 can not to the reverse stitches used in stretch stitches. The Kenmore may or may not do a few decorative stitches. Both are capable of doing hemming - the 503 would have to have the hemming disk. The Kenmore has it built in. Actually the two machines would be good companion machines because the Kenmore does more utility type stitches and the 503 is capable of doing nice decorative stitches.

Coodoo

I bought this Kenmore 158.15251. It is very clean, looks like new, serviced and ready to go! This one has 10 different stitches. The seller printed out the manual for me...nice guy.

Thanks to all the members here for all the helpful posts, especially Miriam.

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Wintersewer

It looks great....good choice!!! It's low shank so you should have your choice of almost any foot you want. Did it come with any feet?

Coodoo

It came with a zipper foot and another one that I can't identify.
Thanks for your advice Wintersewer. I really needed a direction and confirmation about these Kenmores. I would never have known they were good machines. This one was made in Japan.

Mickey2

$80 for a serviced machine in hardly used condition? It's well worth the money, a sought after model often go for double the amount here. It's the stitch patterns in white on the machine only some vintage models have, and stretchy stitches can be handy some times. I payed around $80 dollar for my 201, and it's a straight stitcher only. After I bought mine I have seen them go for much less, but the average seems to be around $60.