Kenmore Sew/Embroidery Machine?

Question

I just found a Kenmore sewing/embroidery machine model #
385.19001, does anyone know anything about this machine? I need to know if there is a way to download designs from my computer to the machine. It is computerized and has several built in designs, I'd like to make my own designs and scan them into the machine if this would be possible. I'm new to embroidery and would like to hear from someone with more knowledge than me. Thanks

Answer 1

I've searched the internet for the Kenmore 385.19001 and found Kenmore 19001...I will assume they are the same model.



This seems to be an older model as the reviews are dated from 2001 to 2004. Is it a used machine? Are you buying it from Sears? Is there a warranty? Ask these questions before spending money.



The majority of the reviewers felt the machine was great and had no real complaints, especially when it came to pricing. However, I note that while some people loved their machines they felt that there was little or no support from Sears. NOT a good sign, especially if it is an older model they no longer sell...(As a matter of fact, I can't find it on their website) See: Epinions.com: http://www0.epinions.com/hmgd-Sewing_Machines-Kenmore-Sewing_Machines-Kenmore_19001_White_Kenmore_Computerized_Sewing___Embroidery_Machine/display_~reviews



The other complaint was the size of the embroidery field. This may or may not bother you, you will have to determine how you feel about small hoop sizes. I did not see anything about the sizes of the hoops so I don't know how restrictive it is.



Talk to Sears about this machine. Ask them HOW the computer communicates to the sewing machine. Was it by using a reader/writer box or did it connect directly? Is there software for the computer? Is the software used in the 19001 still supported by Sears or is it outdated? (Important question!) Can you design your own embroidery on the software and download it onto the sewing machine? If so, how? If Sears cannot answer these types of questions, you will know for sure whether or not Sears still supports this particular product. They should have some history of this machine to share with you. Can you get parts? Do they sell specialized presser feet that fit it?



The reason I am stessing Sears support of this machine is that my mother purchased a top of the line machine from them and I bought a lower end model. We both wanted to have our machines cleaned and serviced (my mother had some timing issues) and Sears turned us away and said they no longer supported our machines because they were too old. (Mom's was about 15 years and mine was about 10.) I sure hope that Sears has changed their policies since then, but the damage was done and we never purchased another machine from them again. A dealer fixed our machines and they ran beautifully for years after Sears refused. Guess where we bought our new machines??? Yes, the dealer who fixed our Kenmores when Sears would not. Again, I hope Sears has changed their policy but the reviews lead me to think their support is still lacking.



In short, the people liked their machines and were happy with them even though a few felt that customer support was lacking. If you call Sears and ask them about the machine you are interested in, you can judge whether or not the support is adequate enough for you.

Answer 2

Support Kenmore Sewing.com

Answer 3

Francois:



Yes there is. I had instructions for it once...but can t find them. I find Sears useless for any information. They don t seem to have anyone with knowledge about the use of the machines. My machine, like yours is older technology, but it still works fine. I don t use it often and can t remember exactly how to make the designs in the Easy Import program. I know designs are created in Easy Import and then taken into the Easy Edit when there are larger. I hope you have better luck with Sears providing information.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.



RE:

Kenmore Sew/Embroidery Machine?

I just found a Kenmore sewing/embroidery machine model #

385.19001, does anyone know anything about this machine? I need to know if there is a way to download designs from my computer to the machine. It is computerized and has several built in designs, I'd like to make my own designs and...

Answer 5

is there a way i can program my own artwork to embroider on the 19000?

Answer 6

I have this machine, actually 2 of them. Love this Janomi supported machine. I am however having an issue with one and getting a computer error. Very worried this is the end for it. I am going to try to find a Janomi doctor instead of going through Sears!

Answer 7

You are not alone regarding your purchase and boycott! I, too, purchased a 19000 embroidery machine from Sears. I found that their service and knowledge was not adequate to sell these machines. The last time I used it, a fuse blew in the middle of an embroidery design. I carefully wrapped it up (because the embroidery arm was extended) and took it in for service. It cost $80 to change a fuse. The next time I used the machine, the embroidery hoop did not sit flush on the machine bed. I was over 3 months trying to tell the store manager that my machine did not come back the same! Meantime, I could not use the embroidery function. Sears took the machine back, assessed that the embroidery arm got bent during shipping and cause over $2000 damage. They eventually replaced the machine with the 19005 model. It's ok, but I lost the 80 decorative stitches; however, I did gain upgraded technology. So updated that when I needed help, the staff had no idea what I needed or what I was talking about! In addition, I had to spend $75 on a cable to connect the reader/writer to the new machine so I could use the memory cards. I thought Sears should have covered that cost but they refused. I have boycotted Sears ever since. That was over 10 years ago.

Answer 8

I have on 12 floppy discs some .sew patterns. i'd be happy to send (have converted them to CD). to convert non sew patterns you need the Easy Edit and Kenmore PC Link software, plus the PC link attachment. think you can find those available on the net.

Answer 9

You need a R/W 19000 and a computer. Sears still sell these for about $200 or they did recently. I had this machine once and might can help some. It did beautiful work. Don T

Answer 10

i also couldn't find the exact model number you refered to. so i'll tell you what i do know about kenmore machine. they are made by janome for sears. janome is an excellet machine. yes there is a way that you can make your own designs and put them on your machine. you will have to buy additional equipment to do this. is the machine an embroidery only machine or a sewing and embroidery machine? as far as getting service for the machine if it is a used machine anyone that services janome machines can service this machine for you because the only difference is the name listed on the machine. if you have any other questions please feel free to e-mail me. i belong to many yahoo groups that are for machine embroidery. if i can't answer your questions i'm sure i can direct you to a yahoo group that can.



good luck.