Bernina Bernette b37 User manual

Instruction Manual

3
Table of Contents
NAMES OF PARTS 6
Names of Parts 6
Standard Accessories 7
Extension table 7
Sewing Table and Accessory box 8
Stitch overview 8
GETTING READY TO SEW 9
Connecting the Power Supply 9
Controlling Sewing Speed 10
Machine Operating Buttons 11
Attaching and removing the presser foot holder 13
Dropping or Raising the Feed Dog 14
Changing the needle 14
Fabric and Needle Chart 14
Bobbin Winding and Inserting 15
Threading the Machine 18
Needle threader 19
Drawing up the Bobbin Thread 20
LCD display 21
Setting Mode 22
Adjusting the Thread Tension for a Straight Stitch 23
Adjusting the Needle Thread Tension for a Zigzag Stitch 24
BASIC SEWING 25
Straight Stitch sewing 25
Straight stitch 27
Securing stitch 27
Locking Stitch 27
Stretch Stitch 27
Triple straight stitch 28
Sculpture Stitch 28
Saddle Stitch 28
Zigzag 29
3-step zigzag 30
Stretch Overlock 30
Overlock Stitches 30
Various Kinds of Buttonholes and Their Uses 31
Standard Buttenhole 32
Adjusting the Stitch Width and Density for Buttonholes 34
Round-End Buttonhole 35
Keyhole Buttonhole 35
Stretch Buttonhole 35
Buttonhole with cord 36
Darning program 37
Bartack 38
Eyelet 38
Zipper Sewing 39
Blindstitch 41
Button Sewing 42
Attaching Elastic 43
DECORATIVE STITCHING 43
Vari-Overlock (Scallop seam) 43
Appliqué 44
Scallop Stitch 44
Smocking 45
Patchwork Piecing 46
Fagoting 46
Quilt Stitch 47
Satin Stitches 47
Fringing 48
Drawn work 48
Cross stitch 49
Decorative Stitches 49
Decorative Stitch Combinations 50
Balance 50
CARE OF YOUR MACHINE 51
Cleaning the Hook Race and Feed Dog 51
Installing the Bobbin Holder 51
Problems and Warning Signs 52
Troubleshooting 53
Stitch pattern 54
Overview 54

4
IMPORTANT
WARNING!
DANGER!
To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock or
injury to persons:
1. The machine mustn’t be used by children
under 8 or by people with reduced physical,
sensory or mental capabilities or if there is a
lack of experience and knowledge how to
operate the machine. Unless they have been
given instruction concerning the use of the
machine and the involved risks by a person
who is responsible for their safety.
2. Do not use this machine as a toy. Close
attention is necessary when this machine is
used by children, near children or people
with reduced sensation.
3. Use this machine only for its intended use
as described in this manual. Use only acces-
sories recommended by the manufacturer.
4. Children should be supervised to ensure
that they do not play with the machine.
5. Never operate this machine if it has a dam-
aged cord or plug, if it is not working prop-
erly, if it has been dropped or damaged, or
dropped into water. Return the machine to
the nearest authorized dealer or service
centre for examination, repair, electrical or
mechanical adjustment.
6. Never operate the machine with any air
openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings
of the machine and the foot control free from
accumulation of lint, dust, and loose cloth.
7. Keep fingers away from all moving parts.
Special care is required around the
machine needle.
8. Always use the proper stitch plate. Using
the wrong stitch plate can result in needle
breakage.
9. Do not use bent needles.
When using an electrical machine, basic safety
precautions should always be followed, including
the following:
Please read the instruction manual carefully
before using this machine.
Keep the instruction manual at a suitable place
with the machine and hand it over if you give the
machine to a third party.
When the machine is not in use or left unat-
tended, always disconnect the machine from
the power supply system. Unplug it from the
outlet.
10. Do not pull or push the fabric while sewing.
This can result in needle breakage.
11. Switch the machine off (“O”) when making
any adjustments in the needle area, such
as threading or changing the needle,
threading the bobbin, or changing the
presser foot, and the like.
12. Always unplug the machine when perform-
ing cleaning or maintenance worksuch as
replacing the sewing light or when making
any other user maintenance adjustments
mentioned in the instruction manual (dis-
connect the power plug). Cleaning and
maintenance work must not be carried out
by children without supervision.
13. Never drop or insert any object into any
openings.
14. Use this machine only in dry and protected
areas. Never operate the machine in a
damp or wet environment.
15. Do not operate the machine where aerosol
spray products are being used or where
oxygen is being administered.
16. To disconnect, turn the power switch to
(“O”)(off), then remove the plug from the
outlet. Do not unplug by pulling the cord,
instead grasp the plug to pull it from the
outlet.
17. If the supply cord of the foot control is
damaged, it must be replaced by the manu-
facturer or an appropriate service agent or
a similar qualified person in order to avoid
endangerment.
18. Never place anything on the foot control.
19. The machine may only be used in combi-
nation with a foot control of the type YC-
485-EC-1 (100-240 V area).
To reduce the risk of electric shock:
1. Never leave the machine unattended when
it is plugged in.
2. Always unplug this machine from the elec-
tric outlet immediately after using and
before cleaning.
3. LED RADIATION: Do not look directly at
the LED using an optical instrument.

5
In a double-insulated product, two systems of
insulation are provided instead of grounding. No
grounding means is provided on a double-insu-
lated 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. Replace-
ment parts for a double-insulated product must
be identical to those parts in the product. A
double insulated product is marked with the
words «DOUBLE INSULATION» or «DOUBLE
INSULATED».
The symbol may also be marked on the
product.
All rights reserved
For technical and product improvement reasons, the machine‘s
features, parts and accessory are subject to unannounced
changes and alterations at any time. The accessory included can
differ from country to country.
SERVICING OF DOUBLE-
INSULATED PRODUCTS
SAVE THESE INSTRUC-
TIONS!
20. The sound pressure level during normal
operation is lower than 75dB(A).
21. This machine is provided with double insu-
lation (except U.S.A/Canada). Use only
identical replacement parts. See instruc-
tions for Servicing of double-insulated
products.
EUROPE ONLY:
This appliance may only be used by children over eight
and by persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental
capabilities or by persons who lack experience and knowl-
edge of how to operate the machine under supervision,
after instruction on how to use the equipment safely and
once they have understood the potential dangers. Children
shall not play with the appliance. Cleaning and user main-
tenance shall not be made by children without supervision.
OUTSIDE OF EUROPE (EXCEPT FOR THE USA
AND CANADA):
This appliance may only be used by persons (including
children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capa-
bilities or by persons who lack experience and knowledge
of how to operate the machine under supervision and after
instruction on how to use the equipment safely by a person
responsible for their safety.
Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not
play with the appliance.
PLEASE NOTE:
If the machine is stored in a cold room, it should be brought
to a warm room about one hour before use.
Please note that on disposal, this product must be
safely recycled in accordance with relevant National
legislation relating to electrical/electronic products. If in
doubt please contact your retailer for guidance. (Euro-
pean Union only)
WARNING:
This machine is intended for household use only. If used
intensively or commercially, regular cleaning and espe-
cially attentive care is required.
Signs of wear and tear owing to intensive or commercial
use are not covered automatically, even if they occur within
the warranty period. The decision on how to deal with any
such cases rests with the local authorised servicing staff.

6
Names of Parts
Sewing table (accessory box)
Stitch plate
Needle Threader
Thread cutter
Head cover
Thread take-up lever
Thread tension
Spool pin
Spool disc large
Bobbin winder spindle
Bobbin winder stopper
Hole for second spool pin
Value set buttons
Cursor buttons
LCD display
Slide speed control
Needle stop up/down button
Auto-lock button
Reverse sewing button
Start/stop button
Drawer for stitch overview
Bobbin cover
Presser foot (Zigzag foot)
Presser foot holder
Needle clamp screw
Needle
Bobbin cover release button
Power cable connection
Foot control connector
Power switch
Handwheel
Carrying handle
Thread guide
Presser Foot Lever
Buttonhole lever
Free arm
Feed dog lever
Foot control
Power cable*
Balance
NAMES OF PARTS
*The power cable included may differ from the illustration.
PLEASE NOTE:
To carry the sewing machine, hold the carrying handle with
your hand, and support the sewing machine with the other
hand.
Design and specifications are subject to change without
prior notice.

7
Zigzag foot A (set on the machine)
Satin stitch foot F
Buttonhole foot with slide R
Zipper foot E
Button sew-on foot T
Bobbin (x4) (1 set on the machine)
Spool pin felt
Needle set
Second spool pin
Seam ripper (buttonhole opener)
T screwdriver
Brush
Spool disc (Small) (x1) (set on the machine)
Spool disc (Large) (x1)
Spool net
Dust Cover
More information on optional accessories can be found on our
website:
http://www.mybernette.com/accessories
Extension table
• Attaching the table
Pull the table away from the machine.
Spread the legs of extension table*.
Holding the table with both hands and slide it gently to the right.
Adjusting the table height
Turn setscrews of the table legs with a screwdriver (optional).
* special accessory
Standard Accessories
• Dust Cover
Sewing instructions for your own personalized dust
cover are available at:
www.mybernette.com/cover

8
Stitch overview
The stitch overview is stored in the drawer in the lower part
of the sewing machine.
Drawer for stitch overview
Stitch overview
Pull the drawer out with your finger as far as it will go.Turn pages
to refer the stitch overview.
Sewing Table and Accessory box
The sewing table provides an extended sewing area and can
be easily removed for free arm sewing.
Sewing table
Pin
Hole
• Removing Sewing Table
Pull the table away from the machine, as illustrated.
• Attaching Sewing Table
Push the sewing table, inserting the pin into the hole until the
table snaps into the machine. Insert the second spool pin into
the hole .
• Accessory box
The accessories are stored inside the sewing table. Pull the lid
towards you to open the accessory box .
Accessory box
• Free-arm sewing
Free-arm sewing is useful for darning socks and mending the
knee or cuff areas of children’s clothes.

9
GETTING READY TO SEW
Connecting the Power Supply
• Using the foot control
Switch off the power switch . Insert the foot control plug into
the foot control connection . Insert the cable plug into the
power cable connection . Insert the power supply plug into
the wall outlet . Turn on the power switch . The foot control
sign will be displayed when the foot control is connected to
the machine.
Power switch
Foot control plug
Foot control jack
Cable plug
Power cable connection
Power supply plug
Wall outlet
Foot control sign
• Using the start/stop button
Switch off the power switch .
Insert the cable plug into the power cable connection .
Insert the power supply plug into the wall outlet .
Turn on the power switch .
Power switch
Cable plug
Power cable connection
Power supply plug
Wall outlet
Start/stop button
PLEASE NOTE:
The start/stop button does not work when the foot control
is connected.
WARNING:
While in operation, always keep your eyes on the sewing
area, and do not touch any moving parts such as the
thread take-up lever, handwheel or needle.
Always turn off the power switch and unplug from the
power supply:
- when leaving the machine unattended.
- when attaching or removing parts.
- when cleaning the machine.
Never place anything on the foot control.
• Before Using Your Sewing Machine
Before using your sewing machine for the first time, place a scrap
of fabric under the presser foot and run the machine without
thread for a few minutes. Wipe away any oil which may appear.
• Operating Instructions:
The symbol “0” on a switch indicates the “off” position of a switch.
For appliances with a polarized plug (one blade wider than the
other): To reduce the risk of electric shock, this plug is intended
to fit in a polarized outlet only one way.
If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the
proper outlet. Do not modify the plug in any way (U.S.A. and
Canada only).
* Foot control model YC-485EC-1 is used with this sewing
machine.

10
Controlling Sewing Speed
• Slide speed control
Sewing speed can be varied by the slide speed control according
to your sewing needs.
To increase sewing speed, slide the slider to the right.
To decrease sewing speed, slide the slider to the left.
• Foot control
Depress the foot control to start the machine.
The further down you press on the foot control, the faster the
machine runs.
The maximum sewing speed can be varied by the slide speed
control.

11
PLEASE NOTE:
There will be particular functions of the reverse sewing
button
7
14 21 22 when pattern is selected.
Refer to page 26, 36 and 37 for instructions.
• Reverse sewing button
When stitch pattern
1 2 5 6
(01, 02, 05, 06) is selected;
The machine will sew in reverse as long as the reverse sewing
button is pressed. Release the button to sew forward.
When the machine is stopped and foot control is disconnected,
the machine will sew in reverse slowly as long as the reverse
sewing button is pressed. Release the button to stop the
machine.
When any other stitches are selected
If you press the reverse sewing button when sewing any other
patterns, the machine will immediately sew locking stitches and
automatically stop.
• Auto-lock button
When stitch pattern
1 2 5 6
(01, 02, 05, 06) is selected;
Press the auto-lock button to sew a locking stitch immediately.
The machine will automatically stop.
When any other stitches are selected
Press the auto-lock button to sew a locking stitch at the end of
current pattern. The machine will automatically stop.
• Needle stop up/down button
Press the needle stop up/down Button to bring the needle up or
down.
In the case of sewing stop, the needle hold in the desired posi-
tion until the Needle stop up/down button is pressed again.
Machine Operating Buttons
• Start/stop button
Press this button to start or stop the machine.
The machine will sew the left row first. The machine starts run-
ning slowly for the first few stitches, and it then runs at the speed
set by the slide speed control.
PLEASE NOTE:
The machine runs slowly as long as this button is being
pressed.
The start/stop button cannot be used when the foot control
is connected to the machine.

12
• Cursor buttons
Use these buttons to move the cursor .
Press button to move the cursor to right.
Press button to move the cursor to left.
• Value set buttons
Use these buttons to change the set value.
Move the cursor under the digit you would like to change.
Press button to increase the value.
Press button to decrease the value.

13
Presser Foot Lever
The presser foot lever raises and lowers the presser foot.
You can raise the foot about 1/4˝ (0.6 cm) higher than the normal
up position for easy removal of the presser foot, or to help you
place thick material under the foot.
Presser Foot Lever
Normal up position
Highest position
Changing the Presser Foot
Attaching and removing the presser foot
holder
Removing the presser foot
Raise the needle to its highest position by turning the handwheel
counterclockwise. Raise the presser foot, and press the lever on
the back of the presser foot holder.
Lever
Attaching the presser foot
Place the desired presser foot, so that the pin on the foot lies just
under the groove on the presser foot holder.
Lower the presser foot lever to lock the foot in place.
Groove
Pin
CAUTION:
Turn OFF the power switch before removing or attaching
the presser foot holder.
Removing Presser foot holder
Remove the setscrew by turning it counterclockwise with a
screwdriver.
Attaching Presser foot holder
Match the hole in the presser foot holder with the threaded hole
in the presser bar.
Fit the setscrew into the hole.
Tighten the setscrew by turning it clockwise with the screwdriver.
Setscrew
Presser foot holder
Hole
Threaded hole
CAUTION:
Turn OFF the power switch before changing the foot.
Always use the proper foot for the selected pattern.
The wrong foot can cause the needle to break. Each foot
is marked with an identification letter.
Identification letter

14
Changing the needle
Turn OFF the power switch. Raise the needle to its highest
position by turning the handwheel counterclockwise, and
lower the presser foot. Loosen the needle clamp screw
by turning it counterclockwise. Remove the needle from the
needle clamp .
Insert a new needle into the needle clamp with the flat
side to the rear. When inserting the needle into the needle
clamp , push it up as far as it goes. Tighten the needle
clamp screw firmly by turning it clockwise.
To see if the needle is good, place the flat side of the needle
onto something flat (stitch plate, glass, etc.). The gap
between the needle and the flat surface should be consis-
tent. Never use a bent or blunt needle. A damaged needle
can cause permanent snags or runs in knits, fine silks and
silk-like fabrics.
Needle clamp screw
Needle clamp
CAUTION:
Turn OFF the power switch before changing the needle.
Fabric Thread Needle
Fine
Lawn
Georgette
Tricot
Organza
Crepe
Silk #80-100
Cotton #80-100
Synthetic #80-100
#9/65-11/75
Medium
Sheeting
Jersey
Broadcloth
Fleece
Silk #50
Cotton #50-80
Synthetic #50-80
#11/75-14/90
Heavy weight
Denim
Tweed
Coating
Quilting
Silk #30-50
Cotton #40-50
Synthetic #40-50
#14/90-16/100
Fabric and Needle Chart
Use a needle size of 11/75 or 14/90 for general sewing work.
A fine thread and needle should be used for sewing lightweight
fabrics, so the fabric will not be marred.
Heavy fabric requires a needle large enough to pierce the fabric
without the needle thread fraying.
Always test the needle size on a small scrap of the fabric that will
be used for actual sewing.
In general, use the same thread for the needle and bobbin.
PLEASE NOTE:
Three no. 14/90 needles are included in the needle set.
For optimal sewing results, it is recommend using Organ
needles.
PLEASE NOTE:
Use a blue shank needle (available separately) when sew-
ing flexible fabrics, very fine fabrics and synthetic fabrics.
The blue shank needle effectively prevents skipped
stitches.
Dropping or Raising the Feed Dog
The drop feed dog lever is located underneath the free arm bed
on the back of the machine.
To drop the feed dog, push the lever in the direction of the arrow
.
To raise the feed dog, push the lever in the direction of the arrow
, as illustrated, and turn the handwheel toward you.
The feed dog must be up for normal sewing.

15
Bobbin Winding and Inserting
• Removing the bobbin
Gently slide the hook cover release button to the right and
remove the hook cover plate.
Lift out the bobbin.
Hook cover release button
Hook cover plate
Bobbin
• Setting the Spool of Thread
Horizontal spool pin
Lift up the spool pin. Place a spool of thread on the spool pin.
Attach the large spool disc, and press it firmly against the spool
of thread so that the spool rests on the supporter.
Spool pin
Spool
Large spool disc
Supporter
The small spool disc is used with narrow or small spools of
thread.
Small spool disc
Second spool pin
The second spool pin is for winding bobbins without unthreading
the machine.
Insert the second spool pin into the hole.
The second spool pin should point to the bobbin winder tension
disc.
Draw the thread from the spool and pass the thread around the
bobbin winding tension disc as shown.
Second spool pin
Hole for second spool pin
Bobbin winder tension disc
• Spool net
Polyester or bulky nylon threads become loose while unwinding.
To keep consistent feeding of such threads, pull the spool net
over the spool.
PLEASE NOTE:
Use the “J” plastic bobbins for horizontal hook (marked
with “J” ). Using other bobbins, such as pre-wound
paper bobbins, may cause stitching problems and/ or dam-
age to the bobbin holder.

16
• Bobbin Winding
PLEASE NOTE:
Set the slide speed control at its fastest position for bobbin
winding.
Draw the thread from the spool and pass the thread around
the bobbin winding tension disc.
Bobbin winder tension disc
Thread through the hole in the bobbin from the inside to the
outside.
Put the bobbin on the bobbin winder spindle.
Push the bobbin to the right. The bobbin icon appears on
the LCD display.
Bobbin icon
With the free end of the thread held in your hand, start the
machine. Stop the machine when it has wound a few layers,
and then cut the thread close to the hole in the bobbin.
PLEASE NOTE:
For safety purposes, the machine will automatically
stop 1.5 minutes after starting bobbin winding.
Start the machine. When the bobbin is fully wound, it will
stop automatically. Stop the machine and return the slide
speed control position. Shift the bobbin winder spindle to
the left for stitching. Cut the thread as shown.
Remove the bobbin. Cut the thread as shown. Return the
slide speed control position.

17
• Insert the bobbin
Put one bobbin on the bobbin winder spindle. Place a bob-
bin in the bobbin holder with the thread running off counter-
clockwise.
End of thread
Guide the thread into the first notch on the front side of
the bobbin holder.
Notch
Draw the thread to the left, sliding it between the tension
spring blades.
Continue to draw the thread lightly until the thread slips into
the second notch . Pull out about 6˝ (15 cm) of thread.
Notch
Attach the hook cover plate. Check the threading. Refer to
the diagram shown on the hook cover plate.
Threading diagramm

18
Draw the end of the thread around the upper thread guide.
Threading the Machine
• Threading the Machine
CAUTION:
Turn OFF the power switch before threading the machine.
While holding the thread near the spool , draw the end of
the thread down around the check spring holder .
Spool
Check spring holder
Firmly draw the thread up from right to left over the take-up
lever, and down into the take-up lever eye.
Pass the thread through the lower thread guide. Slide the
thread behind the needle bar thread guide on the left.
Thread the needle from front to back, or use the needle
threader.
Raise the presser foot. Press the needle stop
up/down button to raise the thread take-up
lever to its highest position.
Needle stop up/down button

19
CAUTION:
Turn OFF the power switch when using the needle
threader.
PLEASE NOTE:
The needle threader can be used with a #11 to #16 needle
or a blue shank needle. Thread sizes 50 to 90 are recom-
mended.
Needle threader
Lower the presser foot. Raise the needle to its highest posi-
tion. Pull down the needle threader as far as it will go.
Needle Threader
Turn the needle threader away from you so the hook comes
out through the needle eye. Draw the thread around the
guide and under the hook .
Guide
Hook
Turn the needle threader toward you to pull the thread
through the needle eye. Raise the needle threader in the
direction of the arrow, drawing the thread loop through the
needle.
Pull the thread through the needle eye.

20
Drawing up the Bobbin Thread
Raise the presser foot. Hold the needle thread lightly with
your left hand.
Press the needle stop up/down button twice to lower and
raise the needle to pick up the bobbin thread.
Needle stop up/down button
Pull both threads 4˝ to 6˝ (10 to 15 cm) under and behind
the presser foot.