Kenmore 117.95
There are two Kenmore model(s) 95 Rotaries. One (117.959) is pretty common, but this (117.95) Model 95 Rotary is the rare one.
In truth they look almost identical. This machine differs from it’s sibling in color and how the presser foot is attached, less obvious is the hook race assembly (see below). As for the color, this machine is Garnet colored and the 117.959 is Dark Brown.
The differences in the hook race cover doesn’t jump out at you, but the race assembly including the covers shown above are different enough that they are not interchangeable. Neither of these hook race covers are unique to the 117.95 and 117.959, but I’ve have not checked to see if the same design can be swapped between other models.
Kenmore must have felt there was some demand for a side clamp “almost” low shank presser foot, but to my knowledge this is the only Kenmore Rotary in the 117 series to feature this attachment method.
An even more rare find is the set of presser feet that go with this machine. They look like regular low shank presser feet, but they’re actually a little taller than standard low shank parts.
It’s possible the side clamp feet that fit this machine also match some other common shank length, but until I find otherwise, these came with this machine and it’s a matching set.
Both machines were manufactured in the USA by the White Sewing Machine Company. The Kenmore 117 series rotaries use the standard White rotary bobbins, but they use the slightly older style Wishbone bobbins used by White SMC on their older Rotary machines.
Related Articles
Kenmore 117 Series Rotary Needle Bar Box
A how-to for removing and reattaching the needle bar box on a 117 series Kenmore rotary machine. This article can also be used as a guide when working on some rotaries labeled White or Domestic.
Kenmore 117 Series Tensioner Removal
A how-to for removing tensioner unit on a 117 series Kenmore rotary machine. Like the needle bar box article, this can also be used as a guide when working on some rotaries labeled White or Domestic.
Adjusting the needle position of a Kenmore 117 series rotary
A guide for adjusting the needle position on a Kenmore 117 series rotary hook sewing machine. If you’ve removed the needle bar box, or messed with the grub screw just below the tensioner then this should help you get the needle to hook spacing corrected.
Kenmore Model 117.959 Rotary
The more common Kenmore model 117.959 Rotary looks much like it’s less common sibling at first glance. It’s most obvious difference is the color, but it also features a traditional top clamp presser foot and different hook race cover.
Specifications
| Brand | Kenmore |
| Series | 117 |
| Model | 95 |
| Model Number | 117.95 |
| Introduced | 1948 |
| Manufacturer | White SMC |
| Machine Body | All Metal |
| Drivetrain & Gears | All Metal |
| Color | Garnet |
| Motor Mount | External |
| Foot Type | Side Clamp, a little taller than Low Shank |
| Hook Type | Rotary |
| Bobbin Type | White Rotary Bobbin – Part No: 744 |
| Bobbin Case | White Rotary Wishbone Style – Part No: 836 |
| Belt | Friction Drive |
