Kenmore 158.1040 sews!
 

I finally got the 3/4 sized Kenmore machine to sew a zz! Thanks to everyone who kept encouraging me to keep at it. I finally got the Tri-Flow oil and that seemed to be what she was waiting for. But she's going to have to stay a dedicated ss for now until I find a zz plate for the machine. She weighs in at about 15lbs and sews a pretty stitch.

I just picked up a 158.1030 a few days ago and got it sewing great. I like these Kenmores, they're very cute. The only negatives I see are that the case is really, really tight and even though I shut it up properly, it still manages to scrape against the bottom of the machine when I close it:< Also, at least with my machine, putting in the bobbin can be tricky. It has to make a loud snap, or it will make a rat nest. And it can take some fiddling to get that bobbin case in just right.

I didn't know there was a SS plate for this series? Mine has the zz plate, so I'm good to go.

Yes, mine only had the ss plate. You have the clam shell case with roses? They are very cute machines and sew very well. Just wish I could find the zz plate also.

Yes, I've got the embossed case. But, it's the tighest fitting case I've ever seen on a machine. Too bad about the plate. I wonder if there are any generics that would work?

I don't think so. It's only about 1"X1.5" and is an insert that snaps into place. I'm thinking if I could find the right set up of feed dogs, I might get a machinist to cut it down to my plate size. Just thinking.

Granny, could you post a photo of the plate? Or is there a part # on it somewhere?

Kenmore plate
 

Here's a pic of the insert and the throat area that it goes in. The number for it is 34887. I'm also looking for the accessory box #33278. Thanks for you interest and input.

I have one of these and love it for classes. I saw an accessory drawer recently on the bay, so maybe another one will come up.

Oh, I hope so! Guess I better start looking more often.

I have a 158.1050 with only a zigzag plate. But I have a full-sized 158.1946 with both plates. They are the same size. So keep looking at attachments on Ebay, for all 158 series machines.

I went and checked my machines, both manuals give 38295 for the zz plate and 38296 for the ss plate. I have a .pdf copy of the replacement manual that covers the 1020-1050 machines and it lists the same part numbers. so I would guess these numbers would *probably* fit the 1040 as well. Here is on on the bay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-KENMORE-...item43b44bf4d6