Kenmore 38517026590 sewing machine Parts

Your Kenmore sewing machine’s model number is printed on the machine’s nomenclature plate. For Kenmore model 38517026590, the owner's manual explains that the model and serial numbers are recorded from that plate (and the model number is shown there when ordering parts or service).

Where to look on the machine

Check these common locations first (they match how Kenmore typically labels 385-series machines):

• The back of the sewing machine on a small identification plate
• The base/bed area near the power cord connection
• The underside of the machine (tip the machine carefully and support it)
• Inside the front or side cover area (if your machine has an access door)

What the model number looks like

Kenmore sewing machine model numbers are usually formatted like this:

• 385.XXXXX (often shown with a dot)
• Sometimes printed without the dot, like 385XXXXX

For this model family, you may see it written as 385.17026 on documentation, which corresponds to the full model 38517026590 used for parts lookup.

What you see	What it means	What to use for parts
385.17026	Model series shown in the manual	38517026590
Serial No. (varies)	Unique ID for your specific machine	Not used to find most parts

Why it matters

Using the exact model number helps us match the correct parts list and diagrams for your Kenmore sewing machine, especially for items like the drive belt, motor, needle bar components, and electrical parts.

Quick tips before you write it down

• Unplug the machine before tilting or inspecting underneath.
• Write down both the model number and serial number for your records.
• If the plate is worn, use a bright light and take a close-up photo to zoom in.

Last updated: February 2026

On the Kenmore 38517026590 electronic sewing machine, the main parts include the stitch controls (selector, length, width), threading and tension components, bobbin-winding parts, needle area parts, and the power and foot control system. For the exact names and locations, use the 38517026590 owner's manual.

Main parts you will see on this model

These are the key components called out for the Kenmore 38517026590:

• Reverse stitch control
• Stitch selector; stitch length control; stitch width control
• Thread spool pin; upper thread guide; take-up lever; top thread tension control
• Bobbin winding spindle; push-pull clutch; hand wheel
• Needle clamp; presser foot; presser foot lever
• Needle plate; hook cover plate; hook cover plate release button
• Drop feed lever; free arm; extension table (accessory storage box)
• Light and power switch; plug connector; foot control

Quick “what it does” guide

Part	What it’s for	When you adjust it
Stitch selector and length/width controls	Chooses stitch type and size	When changing stitch style or fabric type
Take-up lever and tension control	Feeds thread smoothly and balances stitches	When thread loops, breaks, or looks uneven
Bobbin winding spindle and clutch	Winds the bobbin and switches between winding and sewing	When winding a new bobbin
Presser foot and presser foot lever	Holds fabric down for consistent feeding	When changing fabric thickness or feet
Needle plate and hook cover plate	Supports fabric and provides access to the hook/bobbin area	When cleaning lint or clearing jams

Safety notes when working around the needle area

We follow these basics any time we thread, change a needle, or access the bobbin area:

• Switch the machine off ("0") before threading the needle, changing the needle, threading the bobbin, or changing the presser foot
• Unplug the machine before removing covers or lubricating
• Use the proper needle plate for the machine
• Do not use bent needles
• Do not pull or push fabric while stitching

Why it matters

Knowing the correct part names helps you use the right control (stitch length vs. width, tension vs. take-up) and makes troubleshooting faster when the machine locks up, the fabric will not feed, or stitches look uneven.

Last updated: February 2026

Kenmore sewing machine model 38517026590 does not have a single “model year” printed in the documentation; this model is part of the long-running Kenmore 385 series, so the exact year depends on the serial number and production run. Use the identification guidance in the 38517026590 owner's manual to locate the model and serial plate.

How to identify the year more precisely

We date Kenmore 385-series machines by using the serial number (and sometimes the prefix format) from the nomenclature plate, not just the model number.

• Unplug the sewing machine before inspecting or cleaning around the plate.
• Find the nomenclature plate (ID plate) on the machine (the manual points to its location).
• Write down the full model number and serial number exactly as shown.
• Keep that information with your records for parts lookup and service history.
• Use the serial number when comparing against Kenmore 385-series production timelines.

Where to find the model and serial number

The manual explains that the model and serial number are on the nomenclature plate and are referenced early in the booklet.

What you need	Where it’s listed	Why it matters
Model number (38517026590)	Nomenclature plate	Identifies the correct parts diagrams and adjustments
Serial number	Nomenclature plate	Narrows down the production run and approximate year
Machine type notes	Manual description	Helps match correct needles, feet, and settings

Why it matters

Knowing the approximate year helps when you are matching compatible items like presser feet, bobbins, light bulbs (15-watt type), and when troubleshooting electronic features that changed across different 385-series generations.

Related troubleshooting help

If you are trying to date the machine because it is showing a code or acting up, our DIY resources can help you diagnose symptoms first: Kenmore 385 error codes.

Last updated: February 2026

Yes. The Kenmore sewing machine model 38517026590 is a center-needle, low-bar machine, which uses low-shank presser feet for standard snap-on and screw-on attachments. For the exact presser-foot and accessory guidance for your machine, use the 38517026590 owner's manual.

How to confirm it on your machine

We use “low shank” to describe the presser-foot bar height and how most feet are designed to fit.

• Raise the presser foot lever to lift the presser foot bar.
• Remove the presser foot and look at the presser-foot holder (ankle).
• If the distance from the bottom of the presser-foot holder to the screw is relatively short, it is a low-shank setup.
• If your machine uses common Kenmore 385-series snap-on feet, those are typically low shank.
• Match the attachment style (snap-on vs. screw-on) to the foot you are buying.

What “low bar” means vs. “low shank”

The manual describes this model as a low bar machine; in practical parts terms, that aligns with low-shank presser feet for most accessories.

Term you see	What it refers to	What to buy
Low bar	Presser-foot bar height/design	Low-shank feet (most common fit)
Low shank	Presser-foot shank/ankle height standard	Low-shank snap-on or low-shank screw-on feet

Why it matters

Buying the correct shank type prevents poor fit, needle strikes, uneven feeding, and skipped stitches, especially with specialty attachments like a walking foot, zipper foot, or quilting guide.

If a foot still does not fit

• Confirm the foot type: snap-on vs. screw-on.
• Make sure the presser-foot holder is installed correctly and tightened.
• Recheck needle position and stitch width (wide zigzag settings can hit some specialty feet).
• Use the accessory section in the 38517026590 owner's manual to match the correct style.

Last updated: February 2026

Kenmore sewing machines (including the Kenmore 38517026590) are discontinued; Sears sold Kenmore-branded machines for many years, but new Kenmore sewing machines are no longer being manufactured or sold as a current product line. For model-specific operation, maintenance, and identification details, use the owner's manual.

What “Kenmore” means for sewing machines

Kenmore was a Sears house brand; different manufacturers produced machines for Sears over time. That is why Kenmore model families (such as many 385-prefix machines) can share some design traits but still use different internal parts and adjustments.

What you can rely on for your 38517026590

• Your machine is a center needle, low bar sewing machine (a key fit detail for presser feet and attachments).
• The model and serial number are on the nomenclature plate on the back of the machine.
• Routine care steps like cleaning and lubrication are covered in the manual.

How to date a Kenmore sewing machine (practical approach)

Because production spanned multiple manufacturers and eras, the most accurate way to place your machine in time is to use identifiers on the machine itself.

• Record the full model number (38517026590) and serial number
• Check the manual cover and model listing for the model family
• Compare features (stitch selector style, electronics, case style) to the manual diagrams
• Use the serial number as your primary “timestamp” reference

Quick reference: discontinued vs. still supported

Topic	What to expect	What to do next
New machine production	Kenmore sewing machines are discontinued	Maintain and repair the machine you have
Parts availability	Many wear items remain available over time	Match parts by model number and diagrams
Service information	Still usable and model-specific	Follow cleaning, oiling, and adjustment steps in the manual

Why it matters

Knowing Kenmore sewing machines are discontinued helps you focus on the right next step: identify your exact model and serial number, then use model-matched diagrams and instructions so you get compatible parts (especially for feed system, needle bar area, and electrical components).

If your machine is displaying a fault or beeping, start with the Kenmore 385 error codes guide to narrow the failure to a specific system.

Last updated: February 2026