Deciding on the Perfect Sewing Machine: Pfaff vs. Janome

[@camc2252]

Excellent presentation, thanks. It was very helpful. I learned to sew on my grandmother's ancient Singer (= a mechanical foot pedal only) and later I sew on an electronic Husguarna from nighteen eighties. The weak point on that machine- with time- is that the computer card can no longer be replaced. Given I like precision and use many different materials ( mailnly couture sewing) I guess the mechanical Pfaff might do the work I need best.

[@whitneyjordanwilson]

Excellent point about the mechanical machines and the precision stitches. I really appreciate that!

[@josephclarke8338]

This is a great video and I couldn’t agree more with having both a mechanical and a computerised machine! I have a Pfaff Select 4.2 for precision/heavy duty sewing, a Pfaff Ambition 610 and a Pfaff Quilt Expression 720. They are all fantastic machines and the most user friendly on the market! I saw Maison Margiela couturiers use Pfaff Select 4.2s in their atelier, they are that good! The 720 has a fantastic feature called Patchwork where it will either count the number of stitches you make and allow you to repeat or you can dial in the number of stitches you want the machine to make. It makes such a difference if you’re doing multiple collars, cuffs and seams of the same length.

[@camc2252]

It is similar to an experienced electric guitar player who will usually own many different guitars, each with a specific ability to produce a wanted sound. The sewing machine is a tool better suited for certain tasks. Knowing all the differences comes with experience.

[@roseyhernandez214]

This was very helpful I had a machine that I had been using for quilting and sewing classes I had started taking, but it just didn’t sew good. So I started doing research to get a new machine and found your video on what to do for info on purchasing a machine. I have enjoyed watching many of your sewing tutorials and you always talked of your Pfaff so thank you. I hope I can soon visit shops that are open to try out a Pfaff. Thank you

[@famidayusuf7892]

Thanks for a fruitful information

[@glenn2595]

Thank you for the video. I wish I would have seen this before I purchased my machine. The more videos I watch I now know I really want a needle feed commercial machine, but living in a small townhouse it's not possible. I would love the walking foot of the Pfaff. Even though I don't own one I can see how it is the best non-needle feed you can get for the home. I had a Baby Lock mechanical machine and an electronic Janome machine. However for needle positioning the Baby Lock still 'clicked' into an exact position. It wasn't a continuous analog adjustment. I do like my electronic Janome so much better than my older mechanical Baby Lock. I realize I am comparing brands and age as well as mechanical versus electronic but I feel both companies offer a quality product and I do prefer the electronic machine. It's really all about technique, a real professional can hem much better on a non-free-arm machine than I can on a free arm machine. Their expertise and technique is superior to my amateur attempts. For me though I like looking at something I sewed and think, wow, I actually created this, rather than a better quality item someone else made. It's just me I guess. I have had both bobbin setups and really have no preference. My suggestion to anyone else looking for a sewing machine is just get a good quality machine. ( note: you can't buy one from Walmart...... just saying)

[@vrccim5930]

Thanks. I was looking for a Pfaff Select just recently and could not find one. Used yes, but not new.

[@MarinaBrumpton]

I would go and see a Pfaff dealer. They will have them.

[@laurahumara5417]

I feel I got convinced getting a pfaff. My singer is getting problems everyday, 10 years are way too many years for a 80€ machine. But also… i’m so confused now with getting a mechanical or electronic one. I was thinking on a electronic one but the precision thing you just said is making me anxious… the one i have has 0 precision and nead to do precision things with the wheel.

[@piccalillipit9211]

(I have a 1960's all metal straight stitch Singer* and it is amazing and does 99% of my sewing. I also have a new electronic Singer that I got JUST to do button holes and it is total trash - I hate it with a passion. The electronic sensor you only have to blow on it and it stops the process and puts a bar tack in the middle of your button hole. I make men's historical suits and it won't cope with fabric above 16oz where you have 4 layers at the edge - I hand sew my button holes. The reason I am looking at a Pfaff is the IDT - on thick lapels the singer "rolls" the lapel forward as it top stitches cos I cant tension the bottom fabric as its already sewn - Also button holes would be nice... I just feel the level I am at and the weight of the fabric I am working with needs a walking foot machine...

[@MarinaBrumpton]

Oh man this was ages ago. I been on holiday had numerous website desasters and never looked at the comments here! The IDT on the Pfaff reallz is awesome for even stitchlength. And the electronic buttonholes reallz are a nightmare. I will never buz an electronic machine again!! Ever!!!

[@krystleroy3068]

I have a pfaff creative 3.0 I think I can shut of that lock stitch setting? I believe I might be wrong ?

[@eleftheriakorovesi2991]

What's your opinion about Pfaff element c1105 for begginers?

[@lisamarks3109]

I was there... Gonna shop for a mechanical Pfaff... Asap...

[@MarinaBrumpton]

Thank you Lisa! Glad I could clarify a few things. Really love mine.

[@MarinaBrumpton]

So I missed my own premiere! I was editing my website! I am my own worst enemy.... Who was watching?

[@rabyeahatiq9124]

😅

[@martacz.4794]

I feel like you talk about the things nobody(!) talks about in the whole Internet :) mechanical machines allow you to be more accurate and be "the master of situation" all the time. I've learnt that only after buying the super fancy computerised machine. Yes, they make awesome buttonholes (on condition you don't touch the sensor) and the range of stitches is amazing but I hate the needle up-down positioning (again found out that when I started learning sewing advanced details). My next machine will me solid mechanical one.

[@MarinaBrumpton]

Yesssss! Fancy is nice but I need a workhorse and mechanical is just what is needed.

[@piccalillipit9211]

I have a 1960's all metal straight stitch Singer and it is amazing and does 99% of my sewing. I also have a new electronic Singer that I got JUST to do button holes and it is total trash - I hate it with a passion. The electronic sensor you only have to blow on it and it stops the process and puts a bar tack in the middle of your button hole. I make men's historical suits and it won't cope with fabric above 16oz where you have 4 layers at the edge - I hand sew my button holes.

[@camc2252]

Interesting to hear all your answers.I am finally getting to that point, too. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.

[@camc2252]

@@piccalillipit9211 Thanks for sharing, it helps me with my queries. I feel for you 😇though. I my case I never warmed up to the embroidery stiches on the electronic machine. I was just to say that handsewing the buttonholes is probably the wisest decision. A 'mediation practice' of sorts.

[@TheAliceStrawberry]

I bought a simple mechanical machine as a beginner and now, after three years, I still love it and even bought another second hand mechanical machine :D My sister has an electronical machine from the same brand and I was able to try it out - I feel like I'm more precise and faster with the mechanical one! For example the stitch length stays as it is when I change the stitch and I don't need to search for it on a display when I want to change it. I also think that if there isn't a computer chip in a machine, it can't cause problems. Around here, most people only look at electronical machines, so it's great to hear another opinion from you 😊

[@MarinaBrumpton]

so true Alice.

[@jackyf3505]

I think no.1 may be a bit confusing to some as the Select is a lovely lightweight machine but not flimsy in any way. I have the Select 3.2 and a very heavy Pfaff Performance 5 which is certainly 'clever' and I was so excited to get but it I find myself using the Select or my old computerised Berninas from the 1990s far more often. Both of those seem to be more accurate and give me greater satisfaction in the end. You definitely can't beat the IDT, perfect for sewing knits too and available on most of the Pfaff range other than the cheapest starter machines. The other brands with their own transport systems only offer it on their multi-thousand pound models!

[@MarinaBrumpton]

oh sorry I missed this awesome comment. I wouldn't call the Pfaff lightweight though, it does have a good weight. People keep mentioning Bernina. I must try one of those. I also think they do not make them like they used too anywhere. My first Paff lasted 25 years with rarely any service. The new made in China versions go into the repair shop every year.

[@camc2252]

Jacky, this is a very helpful information. The l'ight weight' was one of my concerns/ question. Is all inside made out of plastic, I thought.

[@camc2252]

@@MarinaBrumpton right, a very good point, Bernina used to be a Swiss quality. My pattern making teacher had one and was very happy with it, but it was an older machine that 'never broke'.

[@francisgill1929]

thank you, question, in your professional opinion, which is better --- ambition 620 -- or ambition 630, please

[@MarinaBrumpton]

oh sorry, I really couldn't say as I am speaking only from experience. But I would always buy the more reasonable one unless the other offers a feature you can't live without.

[@dianedoherty3655]

I sewed on a Pfaff for 15yrs….loved it…..but then I test drove a BERNINA & I never went back.

[@MarinaBrumpton]

which Bernina? Would love to try that one too when I visit the sewing machine shop next. Does it have IDT?

[@dianedoherty3655]

I purchased the 750QE in 2013. Recently it broke, was in the shop for 6 weeks. I brought it home and it was giving me fits(a constant error messages). I then traded it in last week for the new Professional Janome Continental M7. It is a fabulous heavy duty machine; go try one …….it sews perfectly, is more heavy duty for bag making, heavy projects, and does everything a BERNINA does and then some!