Editor’s note: This review was originally written in 2014. We have revised and updated this post in 2022. Sears stopped selling Kenmore in 2012, but Janome took over the 385 line and made them under the Janome brand from then on. We have curated a list of devices by Janome that are most similar to Kenmore machines, which includes the Janome 2212, Janome Sewist 721, and Janome MOD-15. All of these are the bestselling basic beginner-friendly sewing machines.
On a recent visit to Eve and Dave’s Sewing Center in Ft. Lauderdale, I had an opportunity to review a Kenmore 385-15202400 sewing machine. This straight and zigzag stitch electronic sewing machine was manufactured circa 2003 and sews like a brand new machine.
Kenmore 385 Overview
Kenmore 385 is a confident and assured electronic sewing machine that only sews in straight and zigzag patterns. As proper instructions, a manual is given that shows how to fix the front-loading bobbin and even clean the bobbin housing. The Kenmore 385-15202400 sewing machine is straightforward and easy to use thanks to these characteristics. The Kenmore 385-15202400 has a dial on the front that can be used to easily change the stitch length and width. It is a wonderful addition to any sewing space or fundamental sewing tasks. It is unfortunate that this machine is not produced anymore.
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
- Great for beginners
- Not too many features
Kenmore 385 – At A Glance
The Kenmore 385-15202400 is white with the buttonhole and zigzag stitch patterns stenciled on front along a pattern selection dial underneath and two lavender dials which control the stitch length and width settings.
There is also a large lavender reverse stitch button on the lower right hand side as well as a numerical threading guide, a manual tension adjustment dial and a front loading bobbin.
The on board accessories case can be removed to reveal the free arm and the needle plate has seam guides etched on both sides on the needle, making it easy to sew large and small items with ease.
Features
- Easy stitch selection
- On board thread cutter
- Manual tension adjustment
- Adjustable stitch length and width
- Seam guides on both sides of the needle
- One 4 step buttonhole
Working on the Kenmore 385-15202400
The numerical threading guide and easy to use bobbin winder are so simple a child in elementary school can master the process in just a few tries. There is a guide inside the drop down door that gives explicit directions on how to clean the bobbin housing and insert the front loading bobbin.
The stitch selection process is even simpler. A turn of the dial beneath the pattern selection graphic gets you to the desired stitch with ease.
Lengthening or widening stitches with the stitch length and width adjustment dials on front of the Kenmore 385-15202400 couldn’t be simpler and you couldn’t find better stitch quality.
Fabrics that work with Kenmore 385
| Fabrics that work | Fabrics that don’t work |
|---|---|
| Natural fibers / cotton-linen-wool | Leather / Suede |
| Fine fabrics / silk-satin-taffeta | Fur |
| Knits (medium to heavyweight only) | Reptile skin |
| Synthetic fabrics / blends -rayon-polyester | Canvas / Twill |
| Upholstery | Plastic / Rubber |
| Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers |
Accessories with Kenmore 385
- 4 presser feet
- Straight stitch
- Satin stitch
- Zipper
- Buttonhole
- Extra bobbins
- Spare needles
- Lint brush
- Seam ripper
- Screwdriver
Maintenance
| Activities | After each use | Monthly | Annually | As needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean race hook and feed dogs | Yes | No | No | No |
| Wipe head with soft dry cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Wipe head with soft damp cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Lubricate | No | No | No | Yes |
| Service by repair professional | No | No | No | Yes |
Tying Off The Loose Ends
The Kenmore 385-15202400 is one of those sewing machines that is ideal for a child of elementary school age. It is also a great sewing machine for the senior citizen who likes to sew but is not interested in the multitude of features available on newer sewing machines. It can do all of the basic things that are needed to make clothes and accessories or decorations for the home. It is a solid sewing machine that doesn’t offer much in the way of stitch options or features, but does an excellent job nonetheless.
It is a good, solid workhorse that would be an excellent addition to any sewing room for basic sewing tasks. I found this one at Eve and Dave’s Sewing Center in Ft. Lauderdale. I also found one on e-bay for anyone who doesn’t want to make the trip to sunny South Florida but still wants to acquire this great basic no-frills sewing machine.
Kenmore alternatives
You might or might not be aware of the fact that Kenmore in itself has discontinued its sewing machines. It does sell other devices but you will not be able to find sewing machines under this brand anymore, although preloved Kenmore products are available on Ebay and similar sites.
Kenmore’s models under their 385 line was taken over by Janome, a Japanese company specializing in sewing machines for decades. So if your’re looking for Kenmore features, Janome has it. So here are the products that you can find with close resemblance to Kemore 385-15202400
The Janome 2212 is a simple mechanical sewing machine with no extras. It is very similar to the Kenmore 385 machine we have reviewed before There are two stitches: one for selecting the stitch itself and another for selecting the stitch size, as opposed to a large variety of pre-programmed push-button stitches. On the one hand, this reduces the quantity of stitches you have to use. On the other hand, you can adjust the stitch size far more precisely with the dials than you can with a computerized machine. For the user, what does this mean? Well, the Janome 2212 is a great tool for learners due to its simplicity and approachability. It is nearly identical to the schoolmate S-3105, which targets the market for school home economics. And it excels in this regard.
Read our detailed Janome 2212 sewing machine review here
The Sewist 721 from Janome is based on the Kenmore 385 line of sewing machines, so it doesn't have any fancy features. In general, you can choose from 19 stitching styles and 21 stitch options, plus the standard 4-step buttonhole. Both the 5mm stitch width and the 4mm stitch length are non-customizable. Sewing speed runs up to an impressive 820 stitches per minute. This machine is perfect for you if you are a novice or even an expert sewer, since it has exactly the right features to make you appreciate sewing even more. You won't have to spend hours learning how to operate this machine; simply pull it out of the box, thread it, and you're ready to sew. It may be used for repairing, crafts, fashion sewing, or home décor.
The MOD-15 is yet another Kenmore 385 inspired entry level model that covers all the basics without going into a lot of fancy frills. The model number itself very much makes it clear that it has 15 built-in stitches. There is also a single four-step buttonhole within the stitches. Bobbin replacement is made simple by top drop-in bobbin. It's a good thing Janome gave the bobbin a clear cover so you can see the thread supply. Presser foot changes are simple with a snap-on design. With its free arm, the Janome MOD-15 can stitch sleeves and cuffs. Simply take off the extension table for accessory storage, then stitch sleeves and cuffs with ease. A drop feed lever is available to perform free-motion quilting. But to get to the drop feed lever, you have to take the accessory storage container off.
Being an entry-level mechanical sewing machine, the MOD-15 is uncomplicated. Despite the lack of an automated needle threader, even a novice can easily set up and thread the machine. For a beginner machine, the stitch quality is excellent. Additionally, there are 15 built-in stitches available for you to pick from, giving you a lot of options. There are many attractive stitches available. The winding of bobbins is similarly simple.
This device from Janome was made just to make life easier around the house, and it costs very little. It even comes in a plethora of interesting color variants, if that is something that interests you. This model by Janome is extremely basic. It has 10 inbuilt stitches, which include straight, zigzag, and two needle positions. It comes with a free arm, an accessory storage unit, and an easy reverse future. To top it off, it is just 5 pounds and barely a hassle to carry around. It comes with well-elaborated diagrams to aid threading, and the drop-in bobbin comes with a clear cover to make setting up easier. Overall, this is a machine that is compact and durable and does not boast any fanciness at all.
These are some easy alternatives to Kenmore machines. Sears sold sewing machines under the brand name Kenmore, as you might already be aware of. Kenmore did not specialize extensively in sewing machines. Most of these machines were extremely basic, well-suited for beginners or the occasional household emergency.
If you are looking for beginner-friendly machines, check out our curated list of the best mechanical sewing machines for beginners. If you’re not a beginner, Best Mechanical Sewing Machines or Best Sewing Machines Under $200 might interest you. In fact, we even curated a list of the Best Sewing Machines Under $100, if you are looking to save a big buck.
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