Sewing Knits on Kenmore 1755
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| Kenmore 1755 158.17550 |
Yes, ANOTHER blog post about sewing knits on vintage Kenmore sewing machines, but model 1755, this time. This particular model is 158.17550, built in March of 1971 (713 , the vertical numbers engraved in nomenclature plate are year, and month) takes low shank presser feet, so it is easy to find a walking foot, ruffler, and roller foot.
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| Completed stitching, all sewn on 1755 |
With center homing needle, most generic low shank snap on presser feet should also work on this machine, just test by turning the handwheel, before sewing, to be sure needle does not hit the foot, during the stitching cycle.
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| 1755 with accessories |
My hubby has a pair of new sweat pants he needed shortened, but he also wanted the pockets deeper, so his cell phone and keys won't fall out, when he sits down.
I cut pocket extensions from old tshirt sleeves, so it is the same type of jersey knit as the original pockets.
Multistitch zigzag is my favorite knit stitch, it can be made shorter, or longer, by adjust stitch length.
TIP- when sewing knits, ballpoint needles, and ballpoint pins are best, to avoid damaging knit fabrics, or use wash away Quilters or Basting Tape. It comes on a roll, with wax paper backing, so you apply it in the seam allowance, right along the seam line, thenpull off the backing paper, lay the other fabric on top, in the correct position for sewing.
Sew your seam, it will not shift, during sewing, and helos prevent knits from stretching out of shape, while sewing.
Schmetz 130/705 H-S size 11 STRETCH needles (yes, coverstitch stretch needles! No skipped stitches!)
Lower presser foot pressure by pressing outer ring, allow center post to pop up, then gently press center post back down, just barely, so it does engage presser foot pressure, but not heavy pressure. This helps knits feed better, without stretching it out.
Stitch width 4
Multi stitch zigzag
(Straight stitch inside zigzag stitch, on pocket inner side)
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| 1755 underside 1.2 amp motor oddly, this individual machine has 1 long belt, instead of the dual belt pulley that even the SearsPartsDirect site shows the 1755 should have. It still works GREAT! Previous 1755 models I have owned and worked on, had the dual belt system, with self adjusting pulley in the middle. |
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| Kenmore lift to help raise this incredibly heavy, strong metal sewing machine. Be very careful of lift and spring, it is STRONG, can break bones! |
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| Class 15 vertical front loading bobbin system, with quick release system for quickly fixing thread jams. |
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| 14 C cams Chainstitch adapter and needleplate 2 screwdrivers Twin needle Needlethreader Adjustable zipper foot Satin stitch zigzag foot Straight stitch foot |
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| Parts illustration in manual. Notice 1755 has the reversible zigzag to straight stitch needleplate insert, pop out bobbin coverplate, the lift and spin insert, to change from zigzag to straight stitch (or insert chainstitch plate) |
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| Small box has original needle threader metal buttonholer gear plate is with presser feet and 14 stitch cams |
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| Buttonholer is dial a buttonhole and chainstitch adapter also included, in small golden harves plastic case with clear cover Original strafoam and packaging still here! |
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| Gorgeous refinish on this Kenmore table |
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| Rear view of 1755 notice the stitch modifier is located here, for adjusting reverse in stretch stitches and buttonholes. |
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| Accessories came in original packaging band, to bundle them |
There is more information on model 1755, in a couple of my other blog posts, and posts about sewing on model 1753 also apply to the 1755, they are almost identical. Use the magnifying glass at the top of blog, to search for model number, or specific key words.
