Bernina 475 QE User manual

BERNINA 475QE
User Manual

Welcome
3
Dear BERNINA customer
Congratulations! You have decided on BERNINA and therefore on a product which will delight you for years.
For more than 100 years our family company has attached greatest importance to satisfied customers. As for
me, it is a matter of personal concern to offer you Swiss development and precision at the height of
perfection, future-orientated sewing technology and a comprehensive customer service.
The BERNINA 4-series consists of several ultramodern machines, whose development not only focused the
highest demands on technique and the ease of use but also considered the design of the product. After all
we sell our products to creative people like you, who do not only appreciate high quality but also form and
design.
Enjoy the creative sewing on your new BERNINA 475 QE and keep informed about the various accessories at
www.bernina.com. On our homepage you will also find a lot of inspiring sewing instructions, to be
downloaded for free.
Our highly trained BERNINA dealers will provide you with more information on service and maintenance
offers.
I wish you lots of pleasure and many creative hours with your new BERNINA.
H.P. Ueltschi
Owner
BERNINA International AG
CH-8266 Steckborn

Table of Contents
4
Table of Contents
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ................. 7
Important information ........................................ 10
1 My BERNINA ........................................................ 12
1.1 Introduction ........................................................... 12
1.2 Welcome to the world of BERNINA ........................ 12
1.3 Overview Machine ................................................. 14
Overview front controls .............................................. 14
Overview front ............................................................ 15
Overview sideways ...................................................... 16
Overview back ............................................................ 17
1.4 Supplied accessories ............................................... 18
Overview accessories machine .................................... 18
Use of the power cable (only USA/Canada) ................. 19
Overview presser feet ................................................. 19
1.5 Overview User Interface ......................................... 22
Overview functions/visual information ......................... 22
Overview System settings ............................................ 22
Overview selection menu sewing ................................ 23
Software operation ..................................................... 23
1.6 Needle, Thread, Fabric ............................................ 25
Overview Needles ....................................................... 25
Example for needle description ................................... 27
Thread selection ......................................................... 27
Needle/thread combination ......................................... 28
2 Sewing preparation ............................................ 29
2.1 Before using the machine for the first time ............. 29
2.2 Connection and Switching on ................................ 29
Connecting the foot control ....................................... 29
Connecting the machine ............................................. 29
Attaching the knee lifter of the Free Hand System ...... 30
Attaching the touchscreen pen (optional accessory) .... 30
Switching the machine on .......................................... 30
2.3 Foot control ........................................................... 31
Regulating the speed via the foot control .................... 31
2.4 Spool pin ............................................................... 31
Retractable spool pin .................................................. 31
Horizontal spool pin .................................................... 32
2.5 Feed dog ................................................................ 33
Adjusting the feed dog ............................................... 33
Instruction for adjusting the feed dog ......................... 33
2.6 Slide-on table .......................................................... 33
Using the slide-on table ................................................ 33
2.7 Presser foot ............................................................. 34
Adjusting the presser foot position via the knee lifter
of the Free Hand System .............................................. 34
Changing the presser foot sole ..................................... 34
Changing the presser foot ............................................ 35
Having the presser foot displayed in the User Interface . 35
Adjusting the presser foot pressure .............................. 36
2.8 Needle and stitch plate ........................................... 36
Changing the needle .................................................... 36
Selecting the needle in the User Interface ..................... 37
Selecting the needle type and the needle size ............... 37
Adjusting the needle position up/down ........................ 38
Adjusting the needle position left/right ......................... 38
Needle stop up/down (permanent) ............................... 38
Changing the stitch plate ............................................. 38
Selecting the stitch plate in the User Interface .............. 39
2.9 Threading ............................................................... 39
Threading the upper thread ......................................... 39
Threading the double needle ........................................ 42
Threading the Triple Needle ......................................... 43
Winding the bobbin thread .......................................... 44
Threading the bobbin thread ........................................ 44
Instruction how to thread the bobbin thread ................ 46
3 Setup Program ..................................................... 47
3.1 Sewing settings ....................................................... 47
Adjusting the upper thread tension .............................. 47
Adjusting the maximum sewing speed ......................... 47
Programming securing stitches ..................................... 47
Programming the button «Securing» ........................... 48
Programming the button «Quick reverse» .................... 48
3.2 Selecting personal settings ...................................... 49
3.3 Activating the audio signals .................................... 50
3.4 Machine settings ..................................................... 50
Selecting a language .................................................... 50
Adjusting the screen brightness .................................... 51
Reviewing the total number of stitches ......................... 51
Registering details of the dealer ................................... 51
Saving Service data ...................................................... 52
Back to default setting ................................................. 53
Deleting user data ........................................................ 53
Calibrating the Buttonhole Foot#3A ............................ 53

Table of Contents
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4 System settings ................................................... 55
4.1 Calling up the Tutorial ............................................ 55
4.2 Calling up the Creative Consultant ......................... 55
4.3 Using eco mode ..................................................... 55
4.4 Calling up the Help ................................................ 55
4.5 Cancelling any alterations with «clr» ...................... 55
5 Creative sewing ................................................... 56
5.1 Overview selection menu sewing ............................ 56
Selecting a stitch pattern ............................................ 56
5.2 Regulating the speed ............................................. 56
5.3 Adjusting the upper thread tension ........................ 56
5.4 Editing stitch patterns ............................................ 57
Changing the stitch width .......................................... 57
Changing the stitch length ......................................... 57
Correcting the balance ............................................... 58
Programming pattern repeat ....................................... 58
Mirror image of stitch patterns ................................... 59
Quick reverse .............................................................. 59
Permanent Quick reverse ............................................ 59
5.5 Combining stitch patterns ...................................... 59
Overview Combi mode ............................................... 59
Creating Stitch pattern combinations .......................... 60
Saving a stitch pattern combination ............................ 60
Loading a stitch pattern combination .......................... 60
Overwriting a stitch pattern combination .................... 60
Deleting a stitch pattern combination ......................... 61
Editing a single stitch pattern ...................................... 61
Deleting a single stitch pattern .................................... 61
Adding a single stitch pattern ..................................... 62
Mirroring a stitch pattern combination ........................ 62
Securing a stitch pattern combination ......................... 62
Programming pattern repeat ....................................... 62
5.6 Administering stitch patterns .................................. 63
Saving settings of stitch patterns ................................. 63
Saving stitch patterns in personal memory .................. 63
Overwriting stitch patterns from the personal memory 63
Loading stitch patterns from the personal memory ..... 63
Deleting stitch patterns from the personal memory ..... 64
5.7 Securing ................................................................. 64
Securing a seam with the button «Securing» .............. 64
5.8 Height Compensation of uneven layers .................. 64
5.9 Sewing Corners ...................................................... 65
6 Practical stitches .................................................. 66
6.1 Overview Practical Stitches ..................................... 66
6.2 Sewing straight stitch .............................................. 68
6.3 Securing with the automatic Securing Program ....... 69
6.4 Sewing in the zipper ............................................... 69
6.5 Sewing both sides of the zipper from bottom to top
................................................................................ 70
6.6 Sewing Triple Straight stitch .................................... 71
6.7 Sewing Triple zig zag .............................................. 72
6.8 Manual darning ...................................................... 72
6.9 Automatic darning .................................................. 74
6.10 Reinforced darning, automatic ................................ 75
6.11 Finishing edges ....................................................... 75
6.12 Sewing Double overlock .......................................... 76
6.13 Narrow edgestitching .............................................. 76
6.14 Wide edgestitching ................................................. 77
6.15 Edgestitching using the seam guide (optional
accessory) ............................................................... 77
6.16 Sewing hem edges .................................................. 78
6.17 Sewing blind hems .................................................. 78
6.18 Sewing visible hems ................................................ 79
6.19 Sewing flat joining seams ........................................ 80
6.20 Sewing basting stitches ........................................... 80
7 Decorative stitches ............................................... 81
7.1 Overview Decorative Stitches .................................. 81
7.2 Bobbin-Play ............................................................. 82
7.3 Sewing cross stitches .............................................. 83
7.4 Pintucks .................................................................. 83
Pintucks ....................................................................... 83
Overview Pintuck Feet .................................................. 84
Working with cord ....................................................... 84
Sewing Pintucks ........................................................... 85
8 Alphabets ............................................................. 86
8.1 Overview Alphabet ................................................. 86
8.2 Creating lettering .................................................... 86
9 Buttonholes .......................................................... 88
9.1 Overview Buttonholes ............................................. 88
9.2 Making use of the height compensation tool .......... 89
9.3 Using the compensation plate ................................. 89
9.4 Marking buttonholes .............................................. 90
9.5 Cord ....................................................................... 91

Table of Contents
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Using cord with the Buttonhole Foot#3 ..................... 91
Using cord with the Buttonhole Foot with Slide#3A ... 92
9.6 Sewing a test sample ............................................. 93
9.7 Determining the buttonhole length with Buttonhole
Foot#3 .................................................................. 93
9.8 Determining the buttonhole length with the
Buttonhole Foot with Slide#3A .............................. 94
9.9 Sewing the manual 7-step buttonhole with the
Buttonhole Foot#3 ................................................ 94
9.10 Sewing the manual 5-step buttonhole with the
Buttonhole Foot#3 ................................................ 95
9.11 Sewing a buttonhole automatically with the
Buttonhole Foot with Slide#3A .............................. 96
9.12 Cutting the buttonhole open with the seam ripper . 97
9.13 Cutting open buttonholes with the buttonhole
cutter (optional accessory) ...................................... 98
9.14 Sewing on buttons ................................................. 98
9.15 Sewing eyelets ....................................................... 99
10 Quilting ................................................................ 100
10.1 Overview Quilt Stitches .......................................... 100
10.2 Quilting, Securing Program .................................... 101
10.3 Sewing handlook quilt stitches ............................... 101
10.4 Guiding the quilt work freely .................................. 102
11 BERNINA Stitch Regulator (BSR) (optional
accessory) ............................................................. 103
11.1 BSR mode 1 ........................................................... 103
11.2 BSR mode 2 ........................................................... 103
11.3 BSR function with Straight stitch No. 1 ................... 103
11.4 BSR function with Zigzag No.2 .............................. 103
11.5 Sewing preparations for quilting ............................ 103
Attach the BSR presser foot ........................................ 103
Changing the presser foot sole ................................... 104
11.6 Using the BSR mode ............................................... 104
11.7 Securing ................................................................. 105
Securing in BSR1 Mode with the button «Start/Stop» . 105
Securing in BSR2 mode ............................................... 105
12 Care and maintenance ........................................ 106
12.1 Firmware ................................................................ 106
Checking the firmware version ................................... 106
Updating firmware ..................................................... 106
Recovering saved data ................................................ 107
12.2 Machine ................................................................. 107
Cleaning the display .....................................................107
Cleaning the feed dog .................................................108
Cleaning the hook .......................................................108
Lubricating the hook ....................................................109
Cleaning the thread catcher .........................................111
13 Errors and faults ................................................... 112
13.1 Error messages ........................................................ 112
13.2 Troubleshooting ...................................................... 115
14 Storage and disposal ........................................... 118
14.1 Storing the machine ................................................ 118
14.2 Dispose of the machine ........................................... 118
15 Technical data ...................................................... 119
16 Overview stitch patterns ..................................... 120
16.1 Overview Stitch patterns ......................................... 120
Practical stitches ...........................................................120
Buttonholes .................................................................120
Decorative stitches .......................................................120
Quilt stitches ................................................................121
Index ..................................................................... 123

Important safety instructions
7
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Please be aware of the following basic safety instructions when using your
machine. Before using this machine, read instruction manual carefully.
DANGER
To protect against electric shock, the following instructions must be observed.
• Never leave the machine unattended when it is connected to the power
supply.
• Immediately after use and before cleaning, switch off the machine and
disconnect the power cable from the outlet.
In order to protect against injury, the following instructions must be adhered to.
• Do not look directly into the LED lamp with optical instruments
(e.g.magnifying glass).
• If the LED lamp is damaged or defective, have the LED lamp checked or
repaired at your local authorized BERNINA dealer.
• Switch off the machine before working in the needle area.
• Before starting the machine, close all covers.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock or injury to persons, the following
instructions must be observed.
General facts
• This machine may only be used for the purpose described in this instruction
manual.
Working environment
• Do not use the machine outdoors.
• Only use the machine in dry rooms.
• Do not use the machine in a humid area.
• Do not use the machine in rooms where aerosol products (sprays) are being
used.
• Do not use the machine in rooms where oxygen is dispensed.
Technical condition
• Never use the machine when it is damp.
• Do not use the machine if it is not working properly.

Important safety instructions
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• Do not use the machine if a cable or the plug is damaged.
• Do not use the machine if it has been dropped, damaged or has fallen into
water.
• If the machine is damaged or does not work properly, have the machine
checked or repaired by your local authorized BERNINA dealer.
• Keep all ventilation openings of the machine and the foot control free of
lint, dust and loose cloth.
• Do not use the machine if the ventilation openings are blocked.
Accessories and Supplies
• Only use the accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
• Always use the original BERNINA Stitch Plate.
An incorrect stitch plate can result in needle breakage.
• Use only straight needles of good quality.
Bent or damaged needles can cause needle breakage.
• This machine is double-insulated (except for USA, Canada and Japan).
Use only identical replacement parts. See instructions for servicing of double-
insulated products.
• To lubricate the machine, only use oil recommended by BERNINA.
Safety instructions
• While operating the machine, all protective inserts must be in place and all
covers must be closed.
Appropriate use
• The machine may be used, cleaned and maintained by children older than
eight or by people with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or if
there is a lack of experience and knowledge as long as they have been given
instructions.
• Furthermore, these persons must be supervised while working with the
machine, and/or they must know the safe operation of the machine and be
aware of the resulting hazards.
• Children are not allowed to play with this machine.
• Special care should be taken when the machine is operated by or in the
presence of children.
• Only use the machine with the supplied power cable.
• USA and Canada only: Do not connect power plug NEMA 1-15 to circuits
exceeding 150 volt-to-ground.
• Only use this machine with the supplied foot control of type SR-1.
• Never insert any objects into any openings of the machine.

Important safety instructions
9
• Do not place any objects on the foot control.
• While sewing, guide the fabric gently.
Pulling and pushing the fabric can cause needle breakage.
• Keep fingers away from all moving parts.
• Special care is required in the needle area.
• For activities in the needle area - such as threading the needle, changing the
needle, threading the looper or changing the presser foot - switch off the
machine.
• To switch off, set the power switch to «0».
• When protective covers are removed, when the machine is oiled or when
other cleaning and maintenance operations mentioned in this instruction
manual are carried out, switch off the machine and disconnect the power
plug from the outlet.
• Pull the plug out of the outlet by pulling on the plug. Do not pull on the
cable.

Important information
10
Important information
Availability of the instruction manual
The instruction manual is supplied with the machine.
• Keep the instruction manual safe at a suitable place near the machine to have it at hand in case that you
need to look up something.
• If you pass the machine to a third party, always include the instruction manual.
• The latest version of the instruction manual can be downloaded at www.bernina.com
Proper use
Your BERNINA machine is conceived and designed for private household use. It is intended for sewing fabrics
and other materials as described in this instruction manual. Any other use is not considered proper. BERNINA
assumes no liability for consequences resulting from improper use.
Equipment and scope of delivery
Example images are used in these operating instructions for the purposes of illustration. The machines shown
in the images and the accessories shown therefore do not always match the actual items included with your
machine. The supplied accessory can vary depending on the country of delivery. You can acquire any
accessories mentioned or shown that are not included in the scope of delivery as optional accessories from a
specialist BERNINA dealer. Further accessories can be found at www.bernina.com.
For technical reasons and in order to improve the product, changes may be made to the equipment of the
machine and the scope of delivery at any time and without prior notice.
Maintenance of double-insulated products
In a double-insulated product, two systems of insulation are provided instead of grounding. No grounding
means is provided on a double-insulated product nor should a means for grounding be added to the
product. Servicing a double-insulated product requires extreme care and knowledge of the system and
should only be done by qualified service personnel. Only original spare parts should be used for service and
repairs. A double-insulated product is marked with the words: «Double-Insulation »or «double-insulated».
The symbol may also be marked on the product.
Environmental Protection
BERNINA is committed to the protection of the environment. We strive to minimize the environmental impact
of our products by continuously improving product design and our technology of manufacturing.
The machine is labeled with the symbol of the crossed-out wastebin. This means that the machine should
not be disposed of in household waste when it is no longer needed. Improper disposal can result in
dangerous substances getting into the groundwater and thus into our food chain, damaging our health.
The machine must be returned free of charge to a nearby collection point for waste electrical and electronic
equipment or to a collection point for the reuse of the machine. Information on the collection points can be
obtained from your local administration. When purchasing a new machine, the dealer is obliged to take back
the old machine free of charge and dispose of it properly.
If the machine contains personal data, you are responsible for deleting the data yourself before returning the
machine.

Important information
11
Explanation of symbols
DANGER Designates a danger with a high risk which can lead to serious injuries or even death unless it is avoided.
WARNING Designates a medium-risk hazard which can lead to serious injuries if not avoided.
CAUTION Designates a low-risk hazard which can lead to minor or moderate injuries if not avoided.
NOTICE Designates a hazard which can lead to material damage if not avoided.
Tips from BERNINA quilt experts can be found next to this symbol.

My BERNINA
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1 My BERNINA
1.1 Introduction
The purposes of your BERNINA 475 QE are sewing and quilting.Delicate silk or satin fabrics as well as heavy-
weight linen, fleece and denim can be sewn without any problems with this machine. A wide range of
practical as well as decorative stitches and buttonholes are at your disposal.
In addition to this instruction manual, following Help Programs are provided at any time to give you useful
advice and support how to operate your BERNINA 475 QE.
The Tutorial provides information and explanations on different sections concerning sewing and the various
stitches.
The Creative Consultant informs you about decision support for sewing projects. After entering the choice
of fabric and the intended sewing project, suggestions concerning the suitable needle or the appropriate
presser foot are displayed.
The Help Program provides information about individual stitch patterns, functions and operations in the
User Interface.
Further information
In addition to this instruction manual for your BERNINA 475 QE, further information products are enclosed.
The current version of your manual as well as many other information about the machine and the accessories
can be found on our website https://www.bernina.com
1.2 Welcome to the world of BERNINA
Made to create, this is the slogan of BERNINA. Not only with our machines do we support you in the
implementation of your ideas. In addition to the offers listed below, we offer you lots of suggestions and
instructions for your future projects as well as the opportunity to exchange ideas with other sewing, quilting
and embroidery enthusiasts. I wish you lots of pleasure.
BERNINA YouTube Channel
On YouTube we offer a wide range of how-to videos and support concerning the most important functions
of our machines. You can also find detailed explanations many presser feet, meaning that your projects will
be a complete success.
https://www.youtube.com/BerninaInternational
Available in English and German.
inspiration – the sewing magazine in the online shop
Are you looking for ideas, sewing patterns and instructions for great sewing projects? In this case, the
BERNINA magazine «inspiration» is exactly what you need. Three times a year, inspiration offers fantastic
sewing and embroidery ideas. From seasonal fashion trends to trendy accessories and practical tips to
original decorations for your home or cute sewing ideas for children.
The magazine is available in English, German, Dutch, and French.
In our online shop you can purchase "inspiration" as an e-magazine or as a print version, either as individual
issues or as a subscription. Furthermore, there are many individual downloadable cutting patterns to
discover! Please have a look at https://www.bernina.com/inspiration

My BERNINA
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BERNINA Blog
Subtle instructions, free cutting patterns and embroidery motifs as well as many new ideas: All this you can
find in the weekly blog of BERNINA. Our experts give useful tips and explain step by step how you can
achieve the desired result. In the community you can upload your own projects and exchange experiences
and ideas with other sewing and embroidering enthusiasts.
https://www.bernina.com/blog
Available in English, German, Dutch and French.
BERNINA Social Media
Follow on social networks to learn more about events, thrilling projects as well as tips and tricks all about
sewing, quilting and embroidering. We keep updated and we are happy to show you one or two highlights
from the world of BERNINA.
https://www.bernina.com/social-media

My BERNINA
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1.3 Overview Machine
Overview front controls
1 Quick reverse 6 Needle up/down
2 Thread cutter 7 Presser foot pressure
3 Securing 8 Upper Multifunction knob
4 Start/Stop 9 Lower Multifunction knob
5 Pattern end 10 Needle left/right

My BERNINA
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Overview front
1 Bobbin cover 7 Thread take-up lever cover
2 Presser foot 8 Thread take-up lever
3 Needle threader 9 Thread cutter
4 Sewing light 10 Needle fixing screw
5 Thread cutter 11 Connection for slide-on table
6 Slide speed control 12 Connection for Free Hand System

My BERNINA
16
Overview sideways
1 Connection for foot control 7 Retractable spool pin
2 Feed dog up/down 8 Air vents
3 PC-connection 9 Handwheel
4 USB port 10 Power switch
5 Spool pin 11 Connection for power cable
6 Bobbin winding unit 12 Magnet holder for touchscreen pen
(optional accessory)

My BERNINA
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Overview back
1 Air Vents 9 Bobbin Winding Unit
2 Connection for Slide-on Table 10 Bobbin Winder Pretension
3 Connection for Darning Hoop 11 Thread Take-up Lever
4 Presser foot lifter 12 Thread Guide
5 Carry Handle 13 Thread Cutter
6 Spool Pin 14 BSR Connection
7 Thread Guide 15 Feed Dog
8 Retractable spool pin 16 Stitch Plate

My BERNINA
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1.4 Supplied accessories
Overview accessories machine
Illustration Name Purpose
Dust Cover To protect the machine from
dust and contamination.
Accessory Bag To store the supplied accessories
as well as the optional
accessories.
Free Hand System (FHS) To raise and lower the presser
foot.
Slide-On Table To increase the sewing surface.
Spool Disc To support the regular
unwinding of the thread from
the spool.
Bobbin for B9 hook
Set of 4.
To wind the bobbin thread.
Foam Pad
1 piece
The foam pad prevents the
thread from slipping, tangling or
breaking on the spool pin.
Seam Ripper To undo seams and to cut
buttonholes open.
Height Compensating Tool To level an angled position of
the presser foot sole when
sliding over thick seams.

My BERNINA
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Illustration Name Purpose
Selection of needles For any common applications.
Screwdriver red (slot) To loosen and tighten slotted
screws.
Brush/Needle Inserter To clean the feed dog and the
looper area.
Sewing Machine Oil To oil the machine.
Power Cable To connect the machine with the
power supply system.
Foot Control To start and stop the machine.
To control the sewing speed.
Use of the power cable (only USA/Canada)
The machine has a polarized plug (one contact is wider than the other). To reduce the risk of electric shock,
the plug can only be plugged into the socket in one way. If the plug does not fit into the socket, turn the
plug. If it still does not fit, contact an electrician to install an appropriate outlet. Do not modify the plug in
any way.
Overview presser feet
NOTICE!Depending on the country where the deliveries are sent to, the contents either include
snap-on presser feet or standard presser feet. The respective standard accessory is shown in the
two following charts. When snap-on presser feet are delivered as standard accessory, a claim to
get standard presser feet for free can't be made. The standard presser feet can be ordered as
optional accessory.

My BERNINA
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Snap-on Presser Feet
Illustration Number Name Purpose Example
#78 Snap-On Shank For securing the
interchangeable snap-
on soles.
#1 Reverse Pattern Sole For sewing different
practical and
decorative stitches.
To sew forward and in
reverse.
#2 Overlock Sole To finish edges in
stretch material.
#3 Buttonhole Sole For sewing
buttonholes.
#4 Zipper Sole For sewing in zippers.
#5 Blindstitch Sole For sewing blind-stitch
hems.
#20 Open Embroidery Sole For sewing
applications and
decorative patterns.
#37 Patchwork Foot For patchwork projects
with 3 mm (1/8 in) or
6 mm (1/4 in) seam
allowances.