Hello to all,

I am new to this board. I currently own 13 Singer antique/vintage machines, all in working condition and 2 Kenmore machines, both working. I have all the data on my Singers, but can't locate any info on my 156.1281 or 156.1723. On the sites that I have accessed, the numbers go from 148. to 158. and skips over the 156.xxxx model's Any ideas as to why? Thanks in advance for any help.

Rodney
Ponchatoula, La.

Rodney,

I am not familiar with a 156.xxx Kenmore. Please recheck this number. The 148. and the 158. are an indication of where Sears sourced these machines from.

Cathy

Cathy,

On the 156.181 it states made in Taiwan and on the 156.1723 it states made in Japan. I will recheck my S/N's when I get home this afternoon'

Thanks,

Rodney

Cathy-You were absolutely right. I forgot a lesson learned in woodworking "measure twice, cut once". I guess I can apply that logic to s/n's "look twice and write once" And the real numbers are(drum roll, please) 158 1561281 and 158.17530. Thank you so much for your help Rodney.

Rodney,

The chart that I have on my hard drive doesn't list the 158-1561281.
It does say the 158-17530 was made from 1969 to 1970.

I don't have a link to where I got the chart. But most likely from the Sears site.

Joe

Thanks Joe-That one is a Kenmore Ultra-Stitch 12 and is of all metal construction and is quite heavy! Rodney

Rodney,

OK, that list I have doesn't cover all the 158 series machines. I wish it did.

The only thing I know for sure is you can check the J- A or what ever letter and "usually" determine who makes the Japanese machines.
Maruzen / Jaguar made the 158 series machines for Sears, that much I know.

Joe

I also have the Kenmore Ultra Stitch 12 156.1281. I looked at the same list you did. I want a walking foot but I don't know what to get because the model doesn't seem to exist.

Welcome. I think if you look at post #4 Kenmore date of production that Rodney realized that it was a 158.xxxx and yes the ID list does not list a 158.1561. Perhaps your machine was made after 1980 Kenmore's numbering system leaves a lot to be desired. I did find a manual at https://www.searspartsdirect.com/man...-machine-parts which includes similar machines and are not listed in the ID pdf. It looks like they are all low shank machines.

There is a Facebook group for vintage Kenmore sewing machines. I am not a member, but perhaps someone there may have better information.https://www.facebook.com/groups/680558488716580/

I forgot to mention that the manual that I downloaded from https://www.searspartsdirect.com/man...-machine-parts appears to have been printed in 1991.