Kenmore 117.959
This machine is the fairly common Kenmore 117.959 Rotary. Like it’s less common sibling (Kenmore 117.95 Rotary), it was introduced by Kenmore in 1948 and manufactured in the USA by the White Sewing Machine Company.
Bobbin case and bobbins
The Kenmore 117.959 rotary, along with all the rest of the Kenmore 117 series rotary machines use the older style White rotary “wishbone style” bobbin case, and standard White rotary bobbins*. I’ve added a couple of photos showing the White rotary bobbin alongside the more common Class 15 and Class 66 bobbins.
* Note: The White sewing machine company made many rotary hook sewing machines that used different types of bobbins, but if someone says “White rotary bobbin”, they mean the bobbin this machine uses.
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 117.95 Rotary
The rather rare Kenmore model 117.95 Rotary looks much like it’s more common sibling at first glance. It’s most obvious difference is the color, but it also features a side clamp presser foot and different hook race cover.
Specifications
| Brand | Kenmore |
| Series | 117 |
| Model | 959 |
| Model Number | 117.959 |
| Introduced | 1948 |
| Manufacturer | White SMC |
| Machine Body | All Metal |
| Drivetrain & Gears | All Metal |
| Color | Dark Brown |
| Motor Mount | External |
| Foot Type | Rotary/Top Clamp |
| Hook Type | Rotary |
| Bobbin Type | White Rotary |
| Bobbin Case | White Rotary Wishbone style |
| Belt | Friction Drive |
