Bernette London 7, London 8, My City, My Bernette Instruction Manual

Instruction Manual

London 7

8London

When using an electrical appliance, basic safety precautions should always be followed,
including the following:

Read all instructions before using this sewing machine. Keep the instruction at a suitable place
close to the machine, and hand it over if you give the machine to a third party.

1. An appliance should never be left unattended when plugged in.

2. Always unplug this appliance from the electric outlet immediately after using and before
cleaning.

1. This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical,
sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been
given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for
their safety.

2. Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when this appliance is used
by or near children and infirm persons.

3. Use this appliance only for its intended use as described in this manual. Use only
attachments recommended by the manufacturer as contained in this manual.

4. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.

5. Never operate this appliance if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, if
it has been dropped or damaged, or dropped into water. Return the appliance to the nearest
authorized dealer or service center for examination, repair, electrical or mechanical
adjustment.

6. Never operate the appliance with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the
sewing machine and foot controller free from accumulation of lint, dust, and loose cloth.

7. Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the sewing
machine needle.

8. Always use the proper needle plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break.

9. Do not use bent needles.

10. Do not pull or push fabric while stitching. It may deflect the needle causing it to break.

11. Switch the sewing machine off ("O") when making any adjustments in the needle area, such
as threading needle, changing needle, threading bobbin, or changing presser foot, and the
like.

12. Always unplug sewing machine from the electrical outlet when removing covers, lubricating,
or when making any other user servicing adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual
(pull power plug).

13. Never drop or insert any object into any opening.

14. Do not use outdoors.

15. Do not operate where aerosol spray products are being used or where oxygen is being
administered.

16. To disconnect, turn all controls to the off ("O") position, then remove plug from outlet.

DANGER

WARNING

To reduce the risk of electric shock:

To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or injury to persons:

Safety Instructions

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1

Safety Instructions

SERVICING OF DOUBLE-INSULATED PRODUCTS

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

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. Replacement
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.

This sewing machine is intended for household use only.

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.

Do not dispose of electrical appliances as unsorted municipal waste, use separate
collection facilities.

Contact your local government for information regarding the collection systems
available.

If electrical appliances are disposed of in landfills or dumps, hazardous substances
can leak into the groundwater and get into the food chain, damaging your health and
well-being.

When replacing old appliances with new ones, the retailer is legally obligated to take
back your old appliance for disposal at least for free of charge.

Do not view directly with optical instruments
Class 1M LED product

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

LED RADIATION

17. Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.

18. If the supply cord fixed with foot controller is damaged, it must be replaced by the
manufacturer or its service agent or a similar qualified person in order to avoid a hazard.

19. Never place anything on the foot control.

20. This sewing machine is provided with double insulation (except U.S.A / Canada). Use only
identical replacement parts. See instructions for Servicing of double-insulated products.

2

Attention:

All rights reserved

This sewing machine is intended for household use only. If used intensively or commercially,
regular cleaning and especially 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.

For technical and product improvement reasons, the sewing computer's features, parts and
accessory are subject to unannounced changes and alterations at any time. The accessory
included can differ from country to country.

3

Safety Instructions

4

Contents

Safety Instructions 1

Contents 4

Machine Overview 5

Machine Setup 8

Important Sewing Information 21

Display Explanation &
Operating Instructions 24

Stitches Overview 32

Detail of the Machine 5

Accessories - model London 7 6

Accessories - model London 8 7

Connecting the Machine 8

Foot Control 8

Sewing Table 9

Push-Push Top cover 10

Stitch selector wheel 10

Winding the Bobbin 11

Inserting the Bobbin 13

Threading the Upper Thread 14

Needle Threader 16

Replacing the Needle 17

Thread Cutter 17

Thread Tension 18

Adjusting Presser Foot Pressure 18

Changing the Presser Foot 19

Two-Step Presser Foot 20

To Raise or Drop the Feed Dog 20

Presser Foot Application Chart­model London 7 22

Presser Foot Application Chart­model London 8 23

24

Information on the LED Display 25

Function Buttons 28

General Operating Principles 30

Needle, Fabric, Thread Selection Guide 21

Buttons Explanation - model London 8

Basic Sewing Procedures 35

Special Functions 62

Maintenance 79

Trouble Shooting 80

Appendix 82

Useful Skills 35

Straight Stitches and Needle Position 37

Zigzag Stitches 37

Stretch Stitch 38

Overcasting Stitches 39

Blind Hem 40

Button Sewing 41

Buttonhole Stitching 42

Eyelet Stitch 45

Darning Stitch 46

Zipper Insertion 48

Invisible zipper insertion 50

Narrow Hemming 51

Cording 52

Satin Stitch Sewing 53

Quilting 54

Fagoting 56

Scallop Stitch 56

Gathering 57

Smocking 58

Free Motion Darning,
Embroidery and Monogramming 59

Walking Foot 61

Mirror Stitch Pattern - model London 8 62

Twin Needle Sewing - model London 8 63

Memory - model London 8 65

Warning Functions 78

Cleaning 79

Replacing the LED Lamp 79

Trouble Shooting Guide 80

Flow Chart Normal Mode 82

Flow Chart Memory Mode 83

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2

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8
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21
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Detail of the Machine

1. Spool pin

2. Thread tension dial

3. Thread guide

4. Presser foot pressure screw

5. Slide speed

6. Start/stop button

7. Auto-lock button

8. Needle up/down button

9. Reverse button

10. Thread cutter

11. Needle threader

12. Needle plate cover

13. Sewing table and accessory
box

14. Top cover

15. Hole for second spool pin

16. Bobbin winder

17. Bobbin stopper

18. Bobbin winder pre-tension

19. Pattern group selection button

20. Stitch length button

21. Stitch width button

22. Function button (model
London 8)

23. Memory button (model
London 8)

24. Handwheel

25. Selector wheel

26. Set/disp button

27. Power switch

28. Mains plug socket

29. Foot controller socket

30. Handle

31. One step buttonhole lever

32. Presser foot lever

33. Presser foot

34. Drop feed lever

24

25

26

27

28

30

31

32

33

23

29

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Machine Overview

5

Accessories - model London 7

1. All purpose foot (T)

2. Zipper foot (I)

3. Button sewing foot

4. Buttonhole foot (D)

5. Satin stitch foot (A)

6. Overcasting foot (E)

7. Blind hem foot (F)

8. Spool holder (Large)

9. Spool holder (Small)

10. Bobbin (3x)

11. Spool pin felt

12. Second spool pin

13. Pack of needles

14.

15. Brush/ Seam ripper

16. Screwdriver

17. L-Screwdriver

18. Dust cover

19. S (2x)

20. Darning/ Embroidery
foot

21. Invisible Zipper foot

22. Hemmer foot (K)

23. Cording foot (M)

24. Gathering foot

25. 1/4" Quilting foot

26. Twin needle

27. Walking foot

Edge/quilting guide

pool net

Standard

Optional

(to be purchased individually)

Machine Overview

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E

A

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F

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K

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M

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1. All purpose foot (T)

2. Zipper foot (I)

3. Button sewing foot

4. Buttonhole foot (D)

5. Satin stitch foot (A)

6. Overcasting foot (E)

7. Darning/ Embroidery
foot

8. Blind hem foot (F)

9. Spool holder (Large)

10. Spool holder (Small)

11. Bobbin (3x)

12. Spool pin felt

13. Second spool pin

14. Pack of needles

15. Edge/quilting guide

16. Brush/ Seam ripper

17. L-Screwdriver

18. Screwdriver

19. Dust cover

20. S (2x)

21. Invisible Zipper foot

22. Hemmer foot (K)

23. Cording foot (M)

24. Gathering foot

25. 1/4" Quilting foot

26. Twin needle

27. Walking foot

pool net

Accessories - model London 8

1234

6

T

I

E

A

Standard

7

5

F

98

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10

12

13

14

15 16

Optional

(to be purchased individually)

K

M

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502020.69.03

502020.59.98 502020.70.20502020.59.99

502020.73.08

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502020.76.57

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Machine Overview

502020.79.37

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Before connecting the power supply, make
sure that the voltage and frequency shown

Place the machine on a stable table.

1. Connect the power line cord to the
machine by inserting the 2-hole plug into
the

2. Connect the power line plug to the wall
outlet.

3. Turn on the power switch.

4. The sewing lamp will light up when the
switch is turned on.

on the rating plate is conforming with your
mains power.

mains plug socket.

With the sewing machine turned off, insert
the foot control plug into its connector on the
sewing machine.

Turn on the sewing machine, and then
slowly depress the foot control to start
sewing. Release the foot control to stop the
sewing machine.

Caution:

Always make sure that the machine is
unplugged from power source and the main
switch is on "O". when the machine is not in
use and before inserting or removing parts.

Attention:

Consult a qualified electrician if in doubt as
how to connect the machine to the power
source. Unplug the power cord when the
machine is not in use.

Use only foot controller type C-9000 with
sewing machine model London 7 and
London 8.

Polarized plug information

This appliance has a polarized plug (one
blade wider than the other), to reduce the
risk of electrical shock; this plug will fit in a
polarized outlet only one way. If the plug
does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the
plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified
electrician to install the proper outlet. Do not
modify the plug in any way.

Connecting the Machine

Foot Control

Machine Setup

8

Keep the snap-in sewing table horizontal,
and pull it in the direction of the arrow.

The inside of the snap-in sewing table is
used as an accessory box.

To open, tilt the cover towards you.

Sewing Table

Machine Setup

9

Machine Setup

10

Push-Push Top cover

Stitch selector wheel

Press with your finger on the symbol " "
and the top cover jumps up.

Touch with your finger at the outer rim of the
stitch selector wheel and scroll forward /
backward.

Fold up the top cover.

To close the top cover, fold down the top
cover and press again on the symbol " ".

1. Place the thread and spool holder onto the spool pin.
For smaller spools of thread, place spool holder with the

small side next to the spool or use the small spool holder.

2. Snap the thread into the upper thread guide.

3. Wind the thread clockwise around the bobbin winder tension
discs.

4. Place the thread end through one of the inner holes in the
bobbin as illustrated and place empty bobbin on the spindle.

5. Push the bobbin to right.

Winding the Bobbin

Machine Setup

2

3

4-9

1

Note:

If using special thread which winds quickly off the spool attach a
net to the spool before using and use the larger spool holder.
Eventually reduce the thread tension as well.

11

8. After the bobbin has wound a few turns stop the machine

and cut the thread near the hole of the bobbin. Continue
filling the bobbin until it is full.

The motor stops automatically when the bobbin is full. Stop
the machine. Push the bobbin winder spindle to left.

9. Cut the thread and then remove the bobbin.

Note:

When the bobbin winder is placed on the right, "bobbin
winding position", the machine will not sew and the handwheel
will not turn. To start sewing, push the bobbin winder spindle to
the left "sewing position".

spindle

Note:

When the bobbin winder is pushed to the right, the
machine will display the symbol " "

spindle

6. Hold the thread tail securely in one hand.

7. Press on the foot control or the Start/Stop button to start

winding the bobbin.

Machine Setup

12

To open the bobbin cover, slide it against you.
Inserting the bobbin in the bobbin holder with the thread running

counter clockwise direction.

Pull the thread along the arrow marking through the slit under
the finger (A) as far as the pulley (B).

To make sure that the thread is pulled into the tension spring of
the bobbin holder, press a finger slightly onto the bobbin while
pulling. As a check you must feel a resistance in the thread feed.

Pull the thread at the arrow markings into the stitch plate thread
guide from (B) to (C).

To cut off excess thread pull thread back over the cutting off
blade at point (C).

To close the bobbin cover, push it to the back.

Attention:

- Turn power switch to "O" before threading or unthreading the

machine.

- The thread take-up lever must be in the highest position when

threading.

- A wrong threading in can cause damages to the machine!

Inserting the Bobbin

Machine Setup

13

3

2

3

1

2. Snap the thread into the upper thread guide.

5

7

6

4

Please Note:

It is important to carry out the threading correctly as by not
doing so several sewing problems could result.

Start by raising the needle to its highest point, and also
raise the presser foot to release the tension discs.

Threading the Upper Thread

Machine Setup

1. Place the thread and spool holder onto the spool pin.
For smaller spools of thread, place spool holder with the

small side next to the spool or use the small spool holder.

14

4. Then further down and around the bottom part of the take up
lever cover.

5. At the top of this movement, pass the thread from right to the
left through the slotted eye of the take-up lever and then
downwards again.

3. Pull the thread forward and down. This operation pulls the
thread into the thread tension.

7. Pull the end of the thread through the needle from front to
rear, and pull out about 10 cm of thread.

Use the face plate thread cutter to cut excess needle thread.
Use the needle threader to thread the needle (refer to next

page for instruction).

6. Guide the thread through the wire loop.

Machine Setup

15

The needle threader automatically turns to
the threading position and the hook pin
passes through the needle eye.

Pull the thread to the right, guiding it to the
front of the needle

Hold the thread loosely and release the lever
slowly.

The hook will turn and pass the thread
through the needle eye forming a loop.

Pull the thread through the needle eye.

Raise the needle to its highest position
and lower the presser foot.

Lower the needle threader lever slowly and
draw the thread through the thread guide as
illustrated and then to the right.

Attention:

Turn power switch to the off position ("O").

Needle Threader

Machine Setup

16

The thread cutter serves two purposes.

1. Cut the thread after threading the needle

2. Cut the thread after finishing a seam.

To cut the thread after completing your work
raise the presser foot.

Remove the fabric, draw the threads to the
left side of the face cover and cut using the
thread cutter.

The threads are cut at the proper length to
start the next seam.

Thread Cutter

Change the needle regularly, especially if it
is showing signs of wear and causing
problems.

Insert the needle following the illustrated
instructions.

A. Loosen the needle clamp screw and

tighten again after inserting the new
needle. The flat side of the shaft should
be towards the back.

B. Insert the needle as far up as it will go.

Needles must be in perfect condition.

Problems can occur with:

- Bent needles

- Blunt needles

- Damaged points

Attention:

Turn power switch to off ("O") when carrying
out the below operation!

Replacing the Needle

Machine Setup

17

A

B

- Basic thread tension setting: "4"

- To increase the tension, turn the dial to the next number up. To

reduce the tension, turn the dial to the next number down.

- Proper setting of tension is important to good sewing.

- For all decorative sewing you will always obtain a nicer stitch

and less fabric puckering when the upper thread appears on
the bottom side of your fabric.

TightLoose

Thread tension is too loose for straight stitch sewing. Turn dial
to higher number.

Thread tension is too tight for straight stitch sewing. Turn dial to
lower number.

Normal thread tension for zig zag and decorative sewing.

Normal thread tension for straight stitch sewing.

Reverse
side

Surface

Upper thread

Bobbin thread

Thread Tension

The presser foot pressure of the machine has been pre-set and
requires no particular readjustment according to the type of
fabric (light-or-heavy weight).

However, if you need to adjust the presser foot pressure, turn
the presser adjusting screw with a coin.

For sewing very thin fabric, loosen the pressure by turning the
screw counter-clockwise, and for heavy fabric, tighten by
turning it clockwise.

To return to initial pressure foot setting turn the pressure
adjusting screw to become flush with the face cover.

Adjusting Presser Foot Pressure

Machine Setup

18

Turn power switch to off ("O") when carrying out any of the
below operations!

Raise the presser foot bar (a).
Attach the presser foot holder (b) as illustrated.

Lower the presser foot holder (b) until the cut-out (c) is directly
above the pin (d).

Press the black lever (e).
Lower the presser foot holder (b) and the presser foot (f) will

engage automatically.

Raise the presser foot.
Press the black lever (e) and the foot will disengages.

Attach the guide (g) in the slot as illustrated.
Adjust according to need for hems, pleats, etc.

Attention:

Attaching the presser foot holder

Attaching the presser foot

Removing the presser foot

Attaching the guideedge/quilting

edge/quilting

Changing the Presser Foot

Machine Setup

19

b

a

d

c

f

d

e

e

g

a

b

a

b

The presser foot lever raises and lowers
your presser foot.

When sewing several layers of thick fabric,
the presser foot can be raised to a second
stage by pushing the presser foot lever
further up. This allows for easy positioning
of the work.

With the sewing table detached, the drop
feed lever can be located on the back of the
free arm.

To Raise or Drop the Feed Dogs

Sliding the lever to the " " (b) will lower
the feed dog, for example during button
sewing or freehand embroidery.

If you wish to continue sewing normally, slide
the lever to the " " (a) in order to raise
the feed dogs.

The feed dog if you do not
turn the handwheel, even if the lever is slid
to the right. Make a complete turn to raise
the feed dogs.

will not rise up

Two-Step Presser Foot

Machine Setup

20

Needle, Fabric, Thread Selection Guide

Needle size Fabrics Thread

Most threads sold are medium size and
suitable for these fabrics and needle sizes.

9-11/65-75

Lightweight fabrics-thin cottons, voile,
serge, silk, muslin, Qiana, interlocks,
cotton knits, tricots, jerseys, crepes,
woven polyester, shirt & blouse fabrics.

Light-duty thread in cotton, nylon or
polyester.

Use polyester threads on synthetic
materials and cotton on natural woven
fabrics for best results.

Always use the same thread on top
and bottom.

12/80

Medium weight fabrics-cotton, satin,
kettleclote, sailcloth, double knits,
lightweight woollens.

14/90

Medium weight fabrics-cotton duck,
woolen, heavier knits, terrycloth, denims.

16/100

Heavyweight fabrics-canvas, woolens,
outdoor tent and quilted fabrics, denims,
upholstery material (light to medium).

18/110

Heavy woollens, overcoat fabrics,
upholstery fabrics, some leathers
and vinyls.

Heavy duty thread, carpet thread.
(Use heavy foot pressurelarge numbers.)

NEEDLE, FABRIC SELECTION

Needles Explanation Type of fabric

15 x 1/ 130/
705H (SUK)

HA x 1

15x1

15x1/
130/ 705H

130PCL/
705H-LR/LL

Standard sharp needles.
Sizes range thin to large. 9 (65) to 18 (110)

Leather needles. 12 (80) to 18 (110)

Full ball point needle 9 (65) to 18 (110)

Semi-ball point needle, scarfed.
9 (65) to 18 (110)

Natural and synthetic woven fabrics,
polyester blends. Knits-polyesters,
interlocks, tricot, single and double knits.
Can be used instead of 15x1 for sewing
all fabrics.

Leather, vinyl, upholstery. (Leaves smaller
hole than standard large needle.)

Sweater knits, Lycra, swimsuit fabric, elastic.

Natural woven fabrics-wool, cotton, silk,
etc. Qiana. Not recommended for double
knits.

Note:

- Twin needles can be purchased for utility and decorative work.

- European needles show sizes 65, 70, 80 etc. American and Japanese needles show size 9, 11, 12
etc.

- Replace needle often (approximately every other garment ) and / or at first thread breakage or
skipped stitches.

Important:

The thread is chosen according to use. For a perfect sewing result, thread and fabric quality play an
important role. It is recommended to use quality brands.

Care must be taken when choosing needle and thread. The correct needle size depends on the
selected thread and fabric. The fabric weight and type determine the thread weight, needle size and
point form.

Important Sewing Information

21

Presser Foot Application Chart - model London 7

Double needle is being suggested for certain stitches for more creativity

All purpose foot (T)

Buttonhole foot (D)

Overcasting foot (E)

Blind hem foot (F)

Gathering foot *

APPLICATIONPRESSER FOOT

General sewing,
Patchwork stitches,
Decorative stitching,
Smocking,
Fagoting, etc.

PRESSER FOOT APPLICATION

Inserting zippers

Buttonhole sewing

Overcasting

Satin stitch sewing

Darning/
Embroidery foot *

Darning
Free embroidery
Monogramming

Button sewing

Satin stitch foot (A)

NEEDLE NEEDLE

Button sewing foot

Hemmer foot (K) *

Narrow hemming

Gathering

Quilting and
pacthwork sewing

Cording foot (M) *

Invisible Zipper foot *

1/4" Quilting foot *

Inserting

zippersinvisible

Blind hem stitching

Cording

Walking foot *

This foot helps to
prevent uneven
feeding of very
difficult fabrics

* Available as optional accessories

Twin needle *

Important Sewing Information

Zipper foot (I)

22

Presser Foot Application Chart - model London 8

Double needle is being suggested for certain stitches for more creativity

All purpose foot (T)

Zipper foot (I)

Buttonhole foot (D)

Overcasting foot (E)

Blind hem foot (F)

Gathering foot *

APPLICATIONPRESSER FOOT

General sewing,
Patchwork stitches,
Decorative stitching,
Smocking,
Fagoting, etc.

PRESSER FOOT APPLICATION

Inserting zippers

Buttonhole sewing

Overcasting

Satin stitch sewing

Darning/
Embroidery foot

Darning
Free embroidery
Monogramming

Button sewing

Satin stitch foot (A)

NEEDLE NEEDLE

Button sewing foot

Hemmer foot (K) *

Narrow hemming

Gathering

Quilting and
pacthwork sewing

Cording foot (M) *

Invisible Zipper foot *

1/4" Quilting foot *

Inserting

zippersinvisible

Blind hem stitching

Cording

Walking foot *

This foot helps to
prevent uneven
feeding of very
difficult fabrics

* Available as optional accessories

Twin needle *

Important Sewing Information

23

Display Explanation & Operating Instructions

1.

2.

4.

5.

6.

7.

9.

11.

12.

3.

Pattern group selection

8.

Function

10.

Reverse button

Needle up/ down button

Auto-lock button

Start/stop button

Slide speed

button

Stitch length button

Stitch width button

button (model London 8)

button

Memory button (model London 8)

Selector wheel

Set/disp

Buttons Explanation - model London 8

6

7

1

2

3

4

8

9

5

10
11

12

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Display Explanation & Operating Instructions

Information on the LED Display

Normal mode display ­model London 8

1.

2.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

Auto-lock
Reverse

3.
Stitch number
Stitch length
Stitch width

Auto-stop on pattern end

Pattern Mirrored function
Twin needle function
Alphabets group

Pattern group

Needle stop down

Machine running

1

2

3

4

5

6

12

7

89 10

11

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