Bernina Bernette b37 - Dropping or Raising the Feed Dog; Changing the Needle; Fabric and Needle Chart

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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.