Ultra Stitch Kenmore sewing machines, are excellent models, ranging from 6 stitches, 8 Stitches, 10 Stitches, to 12 Stitches (these are the ones I've serviced, and used, over the years). Lightweight, with a cast aluminum frame, and plastic outer panels, help make these easy to take to classes, or when traveling, but you want to sew. These do have some plastic mechanical parts, including plastic gears and cams, which is why I sell them so cheap, despite having serviced them. They are excellent beginner machines, just not heavy duty, in any way, if you want them to last.
 |
Ultra Stitch 12 (zoom in on photo to see stitches better) Notice this model has the pull out clutch handwheel style, not all Ultra Stitch models have the pull out style handwheel clutch, the Ultra Stitch 10 in lower photos has an old style handwheel with the standard clutch knob.
|
 |
| Ultra Stitch 12 with accessories and sewn out stitch samples |
In order to keep weight down, the freearm table insert is plastic, with a fold up leg. These machines do not have the option for the cast aluminum freearm base table, though many inexperienced Kenmore fans and collectors, constantly misinform others, claiming "those important parts are missing", No, those parts do not fit the Ultra Stitch series!
 |
| Ultra Stitch 12 |
While the Ultra Stitch is an excellent sewing machine, I do not recommend doing heavy sewing, like leather, or really tough canvas, Sunbrella, because even if it sews them for a while, the mechanical parts seem to be lighter weight, thinner, as well. There are plastic parts in some of these models, which is why I sold them so inexpensively, even though they were serviced. Those with accessories, sold for slightly more.
 |
| Ultra Stitch 12 inside top of machine, not nearly as strong and sturdy, as the all metal models |
 |
| Comparing the lightweight Ultra Stitch models to a Kenmore 1755 model all metal inside, much heavier machine, flatbed, with built in metal cams, plus takes cams for extra stitches. 40+ lbs. (This photo is of the mint green and white model 1755, not an Ultra Stitch, it is here for comparison to the size and materials the inner workings are made of. ) |
 |
| Ultra Stitch 10 with accessories and pedal |
 |
Ultra Stitch 10 (Ignore threading, my grandbabies like to play with machines on the shelves, and the red thread was irresistible! Notice, this model has a "old style" handwheel and clutch setup, you can tell, because it isn't the pull out clutch release style of handwheel, like the Ultra Stitch 12 in the top photos.
|
The number one reason people get rid of Ultra Stitch machines, is the tension unit will break off, with the tiniest bump, and cannot be put back together. If it were possible to purchase the center tube for the tension release mechanism, it would be easily fixed, but you usually have to purchase an entire new tension unit, which run about $15, in 2021.You CAN just buy a replacement Kenmore tension unit, and have a perfectly good working machine.
 |
| Industrial tension unit on the left, can be used, if you can't find a Kenmore one, but you are better off finding a vintage Kenmore tension unit with the correct configuration, to ensure you thread it correctly, so you can get even stitches. |
 |
| Kenmore Free arm Carry Cases notice the shaping on the bottom of 2 of these tables, and positions of screw holes. The other 2 bases are just flat, for any model sewing machine, and do not have holes to attach the machine to. |
 |
| The Ultra stitch is the second one up on the right side of shelves. These are models I sold in the $30 to $45 range, when everyone needed sewing machines to sew masks for Covid-19. |
 |
| Kenmore Ultra Stitches waiting to be repaired, notice 2 are missing their tension units, due to the easy breakage issue I mentioned above. The far left machine also does not keep the bobbin door shut anymore, due to the plastic plate on the underside, has a flat metal spring (inside the machine) pressing against it, which is what snaps the door shut. As the plastic ages, it becomes brittle, and will break, where the metal spring presses against it. You can keep the door shut, with a piece of tape, fold the end over, for easy opening and closing of the door, using the tape. |
