Pfaff 230 - Thrift Store Gem - Test and Review!

[@DoreenVelmer]

I've had my Pfaff 230 machine since I was13 years old. That was55 years ago. Only 2 times in for service. That button hole switch you think is for button holes, holds the zigzag width knob in place so it does not flop back and forth while sewing to keep the pattern steady.

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Oh wow, that is cool. Next time I have that machine out I will have to try that out. Thanks for the info :)

[@GMR408]

I owe a Pfaff 260. Vintage Pfaff machines are simply the best.

[@NeverTooMany2023]

That's awesome! I am glad I am not the only one :) Thanks for watching!

[@jeanettewithrow9641]

Good 👍job. Love that you and your wife are so dedicated to those vintage machine

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Thank you so much! My wife is the real star :) Thanks for watching!

[@BonaniNcube-w8k]

Thank you for this lesson, I have exactly the machine, I am starting to love my machine

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Thank you so much! I am glad that you enjoyed it and were able to use the information :) Thanks for watching!

[@skedaddlebaker]

Beautiful machine! I love the stitch cheat sheet decoder ring. Can't believe your thrift luck too! Send some of that luck to me! ❤

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Sounds good! I will work that out :) Thank you

[@TigusPainchaud-p4p]

I found a pfaff 230 on the side walk. Took it back home alone on the third floor. Kinda heavy. Still working. Looking to understand how to use sewing machine

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Wow. That is great! Lucky day. Ya, 3 floors is a lot to carry a 230 :) Good luck with your new machine.

[@TigusPainchaud-p4p]

@@NeverTooMany2023 two months ago i came up with this company project i want to work out in 2025. I was looking for a good sewing machine online and gosh, I was like, lets wait and find one online that somebody doesnt need anymore. In the day to day, i work for a telecommunication company, i was on a job last weekend and found this desk standing next to the pole i had to climb on. Started to look at it to understand its a sewing machine desk. I plugged in the machine in the truck amd it was working. So i took it back in the truck. Basicly, im going to learn how to make zippin hoodie. And printing t shirt.

[@joycedollar1198]

What a wonderful find. Thank you for sharing

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Thank you so much! I agree. We just love it :) Thanks for watching!

[@marygautreaux2431]

What an awesome find!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Thank you so much! We are really lucky for sure :) Thanks for watching!

[@pamelalucero5938]

Wow great job on your first attempt at free motion! Thanks for sharing, I have to pick up one of these Pfaffs next time I see it at a thrift store.

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Thank you so much! We just love this machine. It is a real joy to sew on for sure :) thanks for watching and following along!

[@lindamorgan2678]

Could be decades and a long wait if you are waiting for a thrift store find ;-)

[@lrach3820]

I'm picking one up in a couple hours. I'm supposed to be thinning my herd, but when a great machine becomes available, I can't help myself.

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Lol. For us, thinning the herd is about getting rid of traditional furniture so we can make room for more sewing machines. :) Congrats on picking up your new machine. I am sure you will love it!

[@jennifersetser9091]

Exactly..wasn’t going to buy another..then a pfaff232 showed up on marketplace…$80…like new!

[@tereasamarshall3038]

What a find! When machine quilting its a good idea to bring the bobbin thread to the top to avoid a birds nest on the back.

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Thank you so much! Thanks for the tip. I will have to give that a try. Thanks for watching!

[@isaysewquilting1796]

@@NeverTooMany2023 You're welcome. I have over 12 sewing machine's myself, 2 sergers and a Long arm quilting machine. So now when I get the comment or look like why do I need that many sewing machines I can say Never too Many. lol Love your channel . Great to see other people who appreciate sewing machines as much as I do.

[@kimberlymathews9341]

I have one of these that I inherited from my grandmother - she made wedding gowns with it. I have yet to use the embroidery stitch functions with it.

[@NeverTooMany2023]

That's cool. This would be a wonderful garment machine for sure. We mostly sew quilts with ours. Awesome machine! Thanks for sharing!

[@olimurphy-y3o]

I have the exact same machine and I’m having trouble with the needle holder, and watching this gets me motivated to get it fixed! THANK YOU!

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Thank you so much! I am really glad that you find motivation in our videos. I am sure you will get your machine up and running in no time :) Thanks for watching!

[@lindamorgan2678]

Mine is missing the entire assembly except for one rod. boo hoo

[@karenmattingly8527]

My family would not agree with you about never have too many. I have 10 or sew and they want me to down size. Love that PFAFF 230. Would like to find one. Thanks for your great demonstration. What advanced engineering for 1957. I was told by a pilots wife stationed in Germany the Germans were meticulous about their engineering back in the mid 70s.

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Lol! You just have to get good at hiding them :) LOVE my Pfaff. Definitely over-engineered...just like I like them. Thanks for the kind words and thanks for watching!

[@greglutz7693]

Just got one, cant wait for it to arrive. Of course then it has to go off for service and cleaning.

[@NeverTooMany2023]

That is great! I am sure you will LOVE your new machine. This is definitely my go-to vintage machine for quilting and piecing. Enjoy! Thanks for watching.

[@greglutz7693]

@@NeverTooMany2023 actually I'm hoping it will be able to handle some upholstery tasks, and repairing horse blankets. My Pfaff Tippmatic just feels too light.

[@NeverTooMany2023]

@@greglutz7693 Sounds like fun. Good luck!

[@textielklasnl9222]

I learned sewing on a Pfaff treadle sewing machine 230. I believe it had the same model number as your machine. I think in the beginning the same model number didn’t mean you have exactly the same features. I bought a Pfaff 262, a quick stitch machine, but you have the same with extra embroidery possibilities. But I could expand my machine with that, if I come across such a module. About the bobbin. The slider you can open to see through that you place the bobbin holder correctly. You don’t go in there with your fingers. So if you are right handed you go with that hand under the machine whiteout having to bend under the table, you look through the hole that is too small for your fingers. It’s a peek a boo whole. ;) You can use the Zig zag stich to finish frayed edges. Nice to see how much you love this machine. Finally someone who understands that this machine still has flair.

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Thank you so much for the comment and all of the great info! This machine would make an awesome treadle for sure :) I wasn't aware that there were extra modules to purchase. Very cool. The peek a boo hole make way more sense...Thank you. I really do love this machine. It is just a dream to sew on. How fortunate you were to have learned on one. Thanks for watching and following along with us!

[@christiankolinski1563]

While you can change the bobbin case through the little door on the top, it's more of a peek hole intended to be able to see what you're doing when mounting the bobbin case from underneath the table (at least till your used to do it blind). So you don't have to crouch before the machine.

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Ahhh...ok, that makes sense :) More peeking, less crouching. Sounds like a good plan of attack to me :) Thanks for watching and following along!

[@meowsaidthecat5338]

I just bought one today, and I still need to pick it up:) It seems I'm only going back in time, I'm a Pfaff fangirl. I tried a modern Janome, and was underwhelmed. I'm curious to get to know this machine and intend to use it for heavier fabrics and leather.

[@NeverTooMany2023]

That's great! Congrats. We just love our Pfaff 230. I am sure you will love your as well. Hope it works out for you :) Thanks for watching and following along!

[@kevinh5024]

That table is really nice too.

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Thank you so much! Thanks for watching!

[@mamiesews123]

Sewing with a pfaff is an emotional experience. Sewingi g through butter. I have a pfaff 360😂😂❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Facts! They are really something else :) We just picked up our first Pfaff 360 as well. Can't wait to test it out and make some cool stuff with it. Thanks for watching and following along!

[@M-hc9xm]

I feel the same about my Pfaff 130.

[@dianarocha872]

My machine was missing the little round stitch selection guide dial. I got mine off of Craigslist for $50! I originally wanted it because this one has a necchi electrical cord that I needed for my necchi BU Nova (which is way heavier than this pfaff by the way!), but it quickly became my favorite. I have a husqvarna Viking 2000, a necchi BU Nova and the this pfaff 230 now.

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Oh wow, that's cool. I wasn't aware that they had interchangeable cords on them. Good info! Sounds like you have a pretty great collection of awesome machines :) Thanks for watching and following along!

[@vansettenbunch]

What type of oil should be used to keep the machine lubed?

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Just any good quality standard sewing machine oil will work. We usually buy Singer brand, but whatever you can find is good.

[@ChitownHiker]

Hello. I have the same setup but the screws holding the machine to the cabinet were missing. Do you happen to know the size? Regards.

[@NeverTooMany2023]

I am sorry, no I do not know that info.

[@lindamorgan2678]

Boy that looks brand new and hardly used. Lucky you, they seem to be hard to find that way the people who bought them must of been serious sewers maybe. How clean does the belt look ? Thanks

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Thanks. Ya, it is in really great shape. The drive belt is also in great shape. The only real issue that we had with the machine and cabinet was the cigarette smoke smell that it had. After a few days outside on the patio and some baking soda in the drawers the smell went away. One of my favorite machines for sure! Thanks for watching!

[@micheleeve]

thinking of buying one ..can a walk foot b added?? is it a low or high shank ?

[@NeverTooMany2023]

I believe it would be considered a low shank. Never tried attaching a walking foot to ours. It looks like the Singer low shank feet are similar enough to work on the Pfaff 230, but not for sure on that.

[@williamgarcia1875]

Hi I have the same machine but when I use the quilting foot the needle hits the foot and breaks. Any advise ? Thanks

[@NeverTooMany2023]

That is great that you have the same machine :) If your needle is hitting the foot, I would suggest looking to see that your needle is perfectly centered. If it is not centered it will miss the hole in the foot. Check that you have the needle adjustment dial in the centered position. If you have it in the correct centered position and it is still not entering the hole properly, you may need to clean and free-up the knob assembly that controls the needle position. Another thing to check is that your quilting foot is either bent or is not installed straight. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching

[@zpasternack171]

My grandma and my mom always had Pfaffs. My parents got me my own Pfaff when I was 12. Years later, I'm using an electronic machine and hate it. I just decided to get rid of it and am getting a Pfaff 332 on eBay.

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Sounds about right :) There is nothing like a well built vintage sewing machine. Good luck with your purchase!

[@annamaxflair]

The thread pegs (alien antennae) for both your Phaff's seem long, are they meant to hold large embroidery spools?

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Not sure about this. Could be. they do seem a bit longer than others. Might keep the taller spools from wobbling so much :) Thanks again!

[@georgevincent6303]

Just subscribed great videos I just picked up a Pfaff 230 like your find this has heavy brown smoke stains what do you suggest for cleaning the body (which has Pfaff) stencil lettering . What did you use? thanks keep up the great work

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Thank you so much! Congrats on your new acquisition. As far as your machine cleaning goes, I would use a very light kitchen degreaser on the stained body. I just spray a little bit on a clean cotton swab and very lightly rub the staining until it comes clean. Just try to stay away from the decals with any chemicals. Hope this helps. Good luck and thanks for watching!

[@nicholespeth1239]

I found one for sale for $100 is that a good price says it works good and it has the cabinet

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Yes. That is about what we paid for ours. If it works well and the cabinet is original and in good shape then that is worth it. If it has doo-dads with it then even better :)

[@mariebloemendaaledwardsedw862]

Hi, do you know if the Pfaff 130 feet accessories can be used for the Pfaff 230 machine?

[@NeverTooMany2023]

I am sorry but we do not yet have a Pfaff 130. I would be very surprised if they were not compatible. Thanks for watching!

[@M-hc9xm]

I have a 130, and I have no trouble finding compatible feet. I think there is a good chance they are compatible.

[@TigusPainchaud-p4p]

I dont understand how to thread the string to it. I understand theres a boppin that need to go underneath, dont know how to place the string. Can you show us ?

[@NeverTooMany2023]

No worries. If you want to email us at [e-mail] we will email you the pictures from the manual for this machine that may help you with threading the machine.

[@sshirleyks]

Do you have a Pfaff 7570? I just bought a used one and am trying to figure it out.

[@NeverTooMany2023]

I am sorry, we have not come across one of those yet. Looks like a fun machine though :) I am sure you will love it! Thanks for watching!

[@MichaelVanPatten-o8e]

I picked up a Pfaff 230 that didn't come with a pedal. Does anybody know if I can use a generic pedal with this machine? Thank you.

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Ours has a built-in knee lever controller that plugs into the back of the machine. I am not sure about all 203s but ours literally has a standard 110v outlet on the back that has been connected to the wires coming out of the knee controller. I don't see why you could not hook it to a foot pedal instead. I would not be afraid to at least try it out if it were my machine. Just look out for arcing, smoking, strange sounds, and weird smells. :)

[@MichaelVanPatten-o8e]

I'm going to give it a try. Thank you!

[@NeverTooMany2023]

@@MichaelVanPatten-o8e Awesome. Let me know how it works out for you

[@lisastanford7232]

I just picked up a Pfaff 206. I can't find any information. Any info?

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Thanks for the question. Sorry, I have not come across one of those yet. I just looked it up. It looks like a pretty cool machine :) The Pfaff machine that I have are older so I would not be much help. Good luck with it. I am sure you will love it. Thanks for watching and following along!

[@vernellschievelbein9950]

I have a newer version, Pfaff 262. In the manual, the foot you use to FMQ is called the Darning Foot.. the demo stitch you are starting out with is called Stippling.

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Great info. Thanks!!

[@beatrizpinero599]

Exelente

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Gracias

[@nomecognome8416]

Salve, mi scusi ho una domanda: la Pfaff in realtà ha fatto due modelli di 230 uno (questo) che fa un sacco di punti diversi tra loro e la 230 senza sportellino superiore...che fa solo punto dritto e zigzag. Perché non differenziare i due modelli dando due numeri distinti, mi chiedo.

[@NeverTooMany2023]

That is a good question. I am not sure why there is no differentiation in the model numbers.

[@Abiodunolanrewaju-eg9jf]

Can it sew leather?

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Sure, I don't see why not.

[@kimpanattoni]

Goodness! I was lucky to find one on FB marketplace but that is the /only/ one I have seen that is less than $100 just about anywhere I look! I got it for my roommate but now I want one as well. :P Do you live in an area that tends to have more things like this, and inexpensive?

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Thank you so much! Wow, your roommate is very lucky :) Ya, we are very fortunate to live in an area with an abundance of thrift stores and 2nd hand antique shops that always seem to have old machines. We pass on more than we bring home. Thanks for watching and following along!

[@kimpanattoni]

@@NeverTooMany2023: You are welcome! :) I wish I lived in such an area... Southwestern Indiana is not very conducive to finding such things at thrift stores. We have a number of vendor malls here, but very rarely do you see sewing machines. And if you do, they are usually rusted out or plastic ones from the 80s. Other than that, the only real thrift store we have around here are a couple of Goodwill stores, which mainly carry clothes and furniture and pianos. :P Pianos that are like really good grand pianos for like $10. Go figure! Glad to have found your channel! We are learning more about the 230 we have here, and while I am working to loosen it all up, the zig-zag tightness knob is being a little stubborn. It moves, but could move more smoothly. But it is coming along. ^_^ I was able to get the needle position lever to move fairly smoothly, though. I also need to do some more to the lamp lowering lever... it is a little gummy and sometimes slides back into the frame a tiny bit when you lower the light. If you have any advice on doing more with this machine than I might think when it comes to the non-fancy stuff, would love to hear it, and please keep putting up vids about yours! ^_^

[@dinodidas824]

How to switch on the machine

[@NeverTooMany2023]

If I remember right, I don't think this machine has a switch to turn on power. Once you plug it into the wall it has power. The only switch is for the light. If you are plugged into the wall and you don't have power to the light or the machine, then you have a problem with the wiring to either the power cord, the motor wiring, or both.

[@1953childstar]

My issue with that generation of Pfaff machines is that the stitches are only decorative.. No blind hem, multi zig zag or functional stitches other than straight and zig zag ( This model was also made without the embroidery attachment ). The center knob controls the buttonhole function. This machine does have at least two nylon gears..

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Thanks for all the great info! This has been a wonderful introduction to the Pfaff experience. I can't wait to try out more :)

[@mamiesews123]

There is a 3 point zig zag on embroidery wheel for pfaff 360

[@minhanhnguyen9431]

But how can I turn this on?

[@NeverTooMany2023]

I believe this machine doesn't have a power switch. If you plug it into the wall and it does not work then you might have a problem with your power cord

[@beatrizpinero599]

Cuál es su valor en dolares

[@NeverTooMany2023]

100 Dolares, aproximadamente

[@esmeraldasevdamasali9315]

Aynı makinada benim var ama özelliğini bilmiyorum Sadece düz dikiş ve zigzag yapıyorum

[@NeverTooMany2023]

That is great that you have the same machine :) Hopefully my video will help you learn the rest of the functions besides the straight stitch and zig zag. Thanks for watching and following along!

[@ronalddevine9587]

When you acquire a Kenmore 158-1941, let me know if the Pfaff is still your favorite machine. Especially if you need parts. Ask someone who owns a German car what parts cost. Then ask the owner of a Japanese car the same question. I'm willing to bet that Japanese parts are roughly equal to American brands ( Ford, Chevy. )

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Lol. For sure :) I have heard that the ribbed drive belts are hard to find for the Pfaff and thus more expensive. I will have to check out the Kenmore 158-1941. Thanks for the suggestion! Thanks for watching!

[@ronalddevine9587]

Most Kenmores use double belt system, lots of torque, great piercing power. They also use a super high shank presser foot system. Sears tried to emulate Bernina. If all the embroidery stitches are important, the Kenmore 158-1931 uses decorative cams. Other flatbed versions are 158-1802, 1803, 1813. Happy hunting. All of these have all metal gears. I'm not sure about other models. By 1978, Sears gave in and allowed the Japanese manufacturer, Maruzen/ Jaguar, to start using plastic gears. AVOID THESE AT ALL COSTS. They will eventually let you down.

[@NeverTooMany2023]

@@ronalddevine9587 Thank you so much for the info! The best part of my channel is when someone like yourself takes the time to teach me something of value :) There is too much knowledge in the world for anyone person to hold. This is why community is so important. The Vintage sewing community is one of the best I have had the pleasure to be a part of. Thanks again!

[@ronalddevine9587]

@@NeverTooMany2023 I wholeheartedly agree

[@christiankolinski1563]

@@NeverTooMany2023 I wouldn't worry too much about those belts, they seem to keep up well. Just make sure they never come in contact with oil or grease, as that seems to dissolve / weaken them. Also your machine seems to have the old double-width version (aprox. 22mm wide, Pfaff changed over to a smaller ca. 12mm wide, single width variation with later production models, and even those are still fine) which is even more unlikely to break. Also, they are still available, but a pain to change, as it requires a complete re-timing of the whole machine.

[@laurademarrais3248]

Just a little bit of unsolicited advice? Vintage machines should be stored unplugged and all machines should be stored presser foot down and a piece of fabric protecting the feed dogs

[@NeverTooMany2023]

That is great advice. Thank you so much! I had not thought of that. I can see where that would keep dust and such out of the bobbin and feed dog area. Thanks for the tip. Thanks for watching and following along!

[@ايتبي]

السلام عليكم اريد مكينه باف جديده زكزاك للعراق

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Thank you

[@princekrapaud1451]

Le bruit de la machine premier contact. Ce qu il y a de meilleur…

[@NeverTooMany2023]

:) Thanks for watching!

[@howardgoldstein867]

lovely machijne...but pleeeeeze...you're sewing with thread not "string"............

[@NeverTooMany2023]

Lol. Thanks. "thread...not string", got it :)

[@konaskreations]

Hello! I have a PFAFF 230 that I don’t know how to use. The machine was given to me. Could you recommend how I could go about getting it sold? Thank you for posting the informative video on the PFAFF 230. 🧵

[@NeverTooMany2023]

I am sorry. No, I do not have that information.