This introductory electronic machine provides an opportunity to experience electronic functions while maintaining mechanical operation. This machine also includes blanket stitch capability and a convenient ergonomic design.
Average Customer Rating:
4.5 out of 5
45 of 51 (88%) customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Excellent Buy,March 18, 2007
By icewolffrom So happy and grateful in Indiana...
Quality
55
Features
55
Performance
55
Appearance
55
Durability
55
"If you sew, do NOT pass this machine up! This is a true workhorse, capable of doing more sewing than you can imagine. I have made quilts, jackets, curtains, purses and many fabric art projects on this machine. The needle up/down feature is worth the price of the machine! You can also sew at variable speed from "turtle" to "rabbit". If you do applique, especially with small pieces, the speed feature is absolutely wonderful! Plus, you can use this machine right out of the box. I was sewing withing 10 minutes after unpacking this machine. At 21 lbs this machine will NOT "walk" off your table. It does not skip with silk or heavy denim. You can adjust the presser foot for ALL types of fabrics. You can drop the feed dog for free hand stitching, especially helpful in quilting and fabric art. I have found NOTHING about this machine that I do not like! The light is bright, the work area is great. The needle threader is fast and efficient. If you are looking for a really great mechanical machine, that is more than worth the price, this one is for you! If you are a just beginning to sew, do not hesitate to buy this machine, it will "teach" you how to operate it. If you are seasoned at sewing, you will also love all the amazing features this machine has. I appreciate the Kenmore name. My first Kenmore lasted 40 years, (well actually, it is still working great) but I wanted a new machine, and I am so glad I chose this 16231! As an experienced seamstress, and fabric artist I promise that you will really appreciate this machine..."
Kenmore Sewing Machine LOVE IT !!!!,November 22, 2006
By rubywinklesfrom COLORADO
Quality
55
Features
55
Performance
55
Appearance
55
Durability
55
"I have searched for a very long time for a good quality sewing machine and I found one, Finally! My order came in on time. I already used this machine on demim, and it had no problem going thru the thickness of the material. What I like best of this machine is the slow and fast control where you can control the speed and the up down needle postion of the sewing machine. GREAT IDEA!!!Another wonderful option this machine has is the pressure foot control that is hidden inside ,just behind the light.WOW! Great Idea once again The needle threader is a eye saver for me. For the money this machine is a good investment. .I am very happy with its silent sewing, stable function and its features..It does not bounce off the table like those light weighted ones. I give it a Five Stars!!"
Sturdy with great features,July 1, 2009
By Rhonda1966from Holland, MI
"I almost didn't get this machine because of the 90 warranty on the website-as a previous reviewer stated it is not just 90 days. I had first bought the computerized 110 stitch machine but there were problems with the tension. I returned it and got this machine. I can tell that this machine is more precise in its stitches and functions. I used it to zig zag an edge on a quilt and it did an awesome job! The needle threader is great. I REALLY love the start and stop button. The feed dog is very strong. So far it has more than met my expectations."
Super Sewing Machine,May 2, 2009
By wheelchairgrannyfrom Boise, Idaho
"This machine is PERFECT for me!!! I am in a wheelchair, and I don't have the use of my legs, so I needed a machine that did not require the use of a foot pedal. This machine has surpassed my highest expectations! Way to go, Kenmore! I have had several machines, over the years, but have never been dissappointed by a Kenmore, and this one is certainly no exception! Thank you, Kenmore, for coming up with a sewing machine that meets my needs, as well as the needs of the disabled community at large!!"
basic workhorse,April 12, 2009
By susiek57from Aurora, Illinois
"I purchased this machine last year after my Singer Creative Touch 1030 bit the dust (I bought it in Nov 1979). My favourite feature of this machine is the speed control. I can put it on "turtle" when I am doing delicate work, or on "bunny" when I have the need for speed. Having the turtle speed on this has enabled me to teach my granddaughter to sew. She can tromp on that pedal all she wants, but it will only go so fast. I also like the needle down feature, as this lets you stop the machine with the needle in the fabric. Great for turning corners and the like. My only beef with this machine is that the zipper foot does not let you get really close to the zipper coils. I should have kept the zipper foot from my old Singer. More accessories should be available for this machine."
Great machine AND warranty,April 2, 2009
By Kara123from ohio
"I almost did not buy this machine because Sears web site mistakenly has the warranty listed as only 90 days when in fact it is 25/10/5/2/90. Several other machines are also listed like this on the website; I believe it is an error. Anyway, this is a great running, nice featured machine! It is easy to use and has all the basics-plus several additional nice touches like a needle threader, start/stop, spped control, and several decorative stiches. Don't let the web warranty information keep you from buying the machine. The manual clearly outlines the warranty and it is NOT just 90 days."
Great Machine!,March 30, 2009
By DJCruzfrom Santa Cruz, CA
"I love all the features on this machine. The multi-speed and the needle position are favorites so far. I haven't had the chance to use all the features yet.
The threader was working great but it cracked somehow and now it's inop -- I'll have to see how to get it replaced. It was great to have before it broke."
Love this machine,March 4, 2009
By Fluffmomfrom Atlanta, Ga.
"I was looking for a basic machine with a few extras. This machine sure fits the bill. Smooth running, easy to use, has features found on more expensive machines. It has enough decorative and stretch stitches to do most anything with out the huge price tag. The great reviews on this machine helped me make the choice, they were right. I love making my pups clothes and a few for myself as well, not to mention home deco things."
Easy to Use,February 23, 2009
By Mendergalfrom Montara, CA
"I mostly do repairing of jeans and coveralls for my husband, so I wanted a machine to easily handle heavy denim and twill fabrics. So far this Kenmore has filled the bill quite well! It's also very nice to have a quiet machine, and one that's simple to thread and operate. My first sewing machine 40 years ago was a hand-me-down Kenmore. I've had two Singers and a Pfaff since then, but I'm pleased to go back to Kenmore. I recommend this machine for anyone who wants an easy-to-use, moderately-priced quality piece of equipment and doesn't want/need to have an electronic sewing machine."
Great machine, wish I had a local repair shop.,February 18, 2009
By kentuckydiapermakerfrom Fort Knox, KY
"I love this machine. It's my first upgrade, and I am able to sew diapers, jeans and satin with no problems. It comes with a great assortment of feet, too. I am very unhappy with the repair service at my local Sears store thus far. If I had a local repair shop, I would be much happier. I would buy this machine again, and I would recommend it to a friend. It's a workhorse!"
great machine!,January 22, 2009
By persigabbyfrom houston, tx
"this was the 2nd kenmore i bought. i own 5 sewing machines, including one that was my grandmothers. but i only use 4 of them. 3 are kenmore, one is singer. but i'll never buy another brand other than kenmore again. kenmore is the best hands down.
a little tip that is not in the book! the start/stop button will NOT work unless you unplug the foot. didn't know that til just recently, a year after i bought it. a sales lady at sears told me just the other day when i bought my newest kenmore. but this is a great sewing machine. i've made countless pairs of capris pants, curtains, sachets, etc etc on this machine and never missed a beat. it is fantastic. very quiet too.
just keep the kenmores oiled and cleaned and they will last for eons.
but i strongly suggest to get any model of a kenmore. kenmore is the best and i have 3 of them and keep buying them.
i'll never buy another sewing machine unless its a kenmore. i have had other singer machines and they just don't hold up. kenmore is like a rock. very dependable...again, just keep them oiled & cleaned."
Best sewing machine,January 12, 2009
By sewsweetfrom Florida
"This is the best sewing machine I have used. I have been sewing for 40 years!!! I also sold sewing machines and worked in a fabric store. My mom bought a fancy $1000 machine and it is still sitting in the closet after trying to get the stitch right! I LOVE this machine. If you make quilts, you will enjoy the speed adjustment and up down needle position. Don't hesitate to buy this."
"After reading the overview, specs and great reviews on this machine I decided to go to the local sears and make a purchase back in December 08. After 2 days of being in the box I decided to test it out. This a lovely machine, its sturdy and has a lot a great features for the price and it quiet as a mouse when sewing. The problem I had with the machine was adjusting the tension. The tension knob was definitely not doing its job. After several attempts at re-reading the instructions, rethreading the machine, changing the needles, changing the bobbin. The tension was still not adjusting properly. The next day I returned it back to the store and spoke with the manager regarding the issues. I convinced her to set the machine up and test it for herself and could not get the adjust right. She offered me the last one that was left in stock to replace it. I was apprehensive because in my mine I thinking its probably sometime of manufacturing defect and If it didnt work I didnt want to have to make the trip back to the store to return it. I told her is she can demonstrate to me that the other one was working I would take it. Sure enough when she open that one and set it up. We experienced the same problem. No matter what she did it wouldn't adjust properly ( basically we were trying to tighten the stitch it was just too loose). and it seem like more she turn it to a higher number the looser the stitch got. She eventually gave me a refund and apologized. Which I was able to use and order another Kenmore which is working just fine........."
Kenmore sewing machine,December 5, 2008
By Delorisfrom New Holstein, WI
"I purchased recently the Kenmore model 16231 drop-in bobbin machine. Only took me 10 minutes to set it up and then I was sewing. It's quiet, doesn't bounce around and very easy to use. My next project will be a quilt."
Great Machine!,November 10, 2008
By FaithJoyfrom Michigan
"This sewing machine works wonderfully. I've owned this machine over 5years and I have yet to find something I can't do with this machine... This machine is a workhorse, it has taken a beating and is still going strong... This machine is for everyone from beginners to seasoned seamstresses. I have had no major issues that weren't user error. I'm not the type of person to keep up on the upkeep of my machine and I'm surprised how wonderfully this machine is running after 5 years with no tune up... Defiantly worth the money... I would buy this machine again. I recommend it to anyone who's looking for a sewing machine, at any skill level."
"this machine is easy to use but had 2 uncomfortable features..the reverse is push botton and has to be held while reversing and the bobbin winding mechanism is adjstable and adjusts too easily, so can adjust to allow bobbin to overfill, unintentionally."
Very good machine for reasonable price,September 3, 2008
By Anonymousfrom MA
"I am really pleased with the features and versatility of the machine, as well as how well it sews over a range of materials. I would highly recommend it."
Love it!,September 2, 2008
By Raacheelfrom New Hampshire
"I bought this machine nearly a year ago and I use it every day! It works wonderful and I've never had a problem with it! The needle threader is a delight to use. I've made quilts, purses, clothing, and more with this machine, and it has most definitely paid for itself! Though I wish they had the 74 stitch machine out at the same time for I do not use all of the stitches. Now I'm thinking aobut buying the Kenmore serger to go along with it!"
This is a great value!,September 1, 2008
By Anonymousfrom Arlington, MA
"I teach many beginners. This machine has some great features which help beginner sewers. A speed control which allows you to set the maximum speed, from "turtle" slow to "hare" fast. The needle stops in the correct position when it is up, so that eliminates many problems new sewers encounter. The controls are easy to use and the selection of presser feet is really good. Sears also has a large selection of presser feet which fit this machine. I used to recommend a machine, from a sewing machine dealer, also made by Janome, but this one is cheaper and has better features. I have sewn on many machines, in my 37 years of sewing and last 10 years of teaching, plus I own 17 sewing machines. This machine is the best one I found to recommend to my students searching for a new machine, whether they are beginning or just searching for a newer model with more features."
Pleasant surprise, great machine,July 10, 2008
By KittyBfrom Boston, MA
"My expensive Elna was in the shop (again). I purchased this sewing machine as a back-up. What a great machine...it sews heavy home dec fabric, quilting cottons, and everything in-between. I am sorry I invested in a more expensive machine before I tried this one. This will definitely become my primary sewing machine and I recommend it to experienced sewing enthusiasts as well as novices."
