Pfaff Ambition 620: 6 Month Review

[@LaraSchiffbauer]

I had a Pfaff until probably June, and the built in walking foot is truly wonderful. I think ever machine should have one.😁

[@ErinSews]

I totally agree! I had only ever seen my Mom’s, so I didn’t even realize that walking feet are different on other brands until I started watching KZbin. It’s a great feature!

[@ZeldaSews]

I agree with you, Lara.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Can't beat a Pfaff. Cannot. I love mine.

[@ErinSews]

They’re great machines and I know I’ll be sewing on mine for many many years to come.

[@ae2948]

Super helpful review from a real person who sews. Thank you.

[@ErinSews]

I’m glad it was helpful!

[@suzettesingson1002]

Thank you for the review of your machine! This is such a great hashtag for someone in the market for a new machine ❤

[@ErinSews]

Yes! All of these videos are going to be such a great resource for people that are machine shopping, plus it’s really fun to see what features all different types of machines have. Thank you for watching!

[@mariegemma2465]

So I’m from France and I discovered Pfaff sewing machine in high school when I did my fashion high school studies and the industrial Pfaff I had was just amazing so when I had to bought a new machine I immediately took the same brand I had three different types of Pfaff and my best friend gifted me one for Xmas …since I can’t stop using her❤

[@ErinSews]

That’s amazing! I feel like Pfaff has the most loyal users! My mom has had hers for almost 30 years and hasn’t even looked at a new machine because it still works so well.

[@Silver_Threads_Sewing]

Pfaff is such a great company! ❤

[@ErinSews]

Yes it is! I watched your video last night and saw that your machine has some of the features I’d like, plus more! They’re amazing machines.

[@ZeldaSews]

Hi Erin! I love that built in walking foot!😊😊😊.

[@ErinSews]

Me too!! It’s such a convenient feature.

[@ZeldaSews]

@@ErinSews I'm going to pick up one when I go to my clothes in class.

[@Dranma51]

Your machine is awesome! I really like your needle threader a lot better than my Brother one! It seems to be smoother. I also like the built in walking foot!

[@ErinSews]

Thank you! I fall more in love with it every time I sew haha. The walking foot is wonderful and I love that it’s so simple to use!

[@DebsWay]

Thanks for the review! I know several people who love their Pfaff's. I've never had one but it looks like a really good machine. Happy Sewing!

[@ErinSews]

I love mine! (and my old mechanical one too!). Thanks for watching Deb 😊

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

Thanks so much for joining in the tag! Your review is very thorough and super helpful. I'm finding so many new features I didn't know I needed 😊. Thanks Erin!! I've added your video to the playlist!!

[@ErinSews]

This is such a great tag and will be an amazing resource for people for years to come! Even without being in the market for a new machine, it’s fun to see what everyone loves about their own. Thanks for coming up with this Michelle!

[@sewlovelywithgrace]

Wow Erin, great features on this machine. And it's beautiful too! Great overview. 🥰

[@ErinSews]

Thanks so much! It is a great machine and has already served me so well. I know I’ll be sewing on it for many years to come!

[@suepalmer1261]

Thanks Erin. I have been thinking about buying a new machine and yours has all the features I am looking for. So, I’ve ordered one! So exciting, I’ve only ever had a basic machine but sew almost daily. Can’t wait to try it. 👍🏻

[@ErinSews]

Oh my goodness that is SO exciting!! Congratulations on your new machine, I know you will love it just as much as I do. I think it has a ton of great, useful features for the price point. Plus, I'm a loyal Pfaff-ie at this point haha. Let me know how you like it once it comes in and you get to play around with it! I'm glad my video was able to help you in your decision making, Sue! 🤗

[@vlndfee6481]

I just bought one... and I am really happy to. Have still to learn all that it can do.

[@suepalmer1261]

I’ve had the new machine 3 days and have made a couple of things already. It sews like a dream and I’m really happy with it. Still need to do more to say I’m fully confident with all it can do but that won’t be a problem. Loads of projects lined up and I can’t wait 👍🏻

[@ErinSews]

Congratulations on your new machine! I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do 🤗 @vlndfee6481

[@ErinSews]

@suepalmer1261 Yayyyy! I’m sure your head is full of a 100 projects to whip up. I’m still impressed daily by how smoothly the machine sews. It’s a dream and I’m glad you love yours 😊

[@jennytobias6551]

I sew on my Mom’s old Phaff 362. My father bought it for her when I was 3years old. I am now 62. I made clothes on it in high school. I want to invest in a new Phaff. Thank You for your review!!!

[@ErinSews]

I’m glad you enjoyed the review! It sounds like your Pfaff has stood the test of time, but a new one will definitely have some convenient and updated features.

[@nathalie4517]

Really liked hearing what you DONT LIKE about it, im a beginner and I would love to dip into freehand embroidery aswell as regular sewing clothes, this machine seems really nice going to try it out soon at the store

[@ErinSews]

I’m glad it was helpful! No machine will ever be perfect and I also really like to hear the pros and cons of something before I buy it- especially this big of an investment. I hope you get to try it out soon!

[@2BGboys]

Thank you for discussing the positive features of the start/stop button. While quilting and moving bulky fabric in the machine, I've bumped the button and been frustrated. I would rather disable the button. Your use of bobbin winding gives me a purpose to use it.

[@ErinSews]

I ALWAYS bump the reverse button when I’m quilting! I much prefer the placement on my older Pfaff, which is a lever off to the right side

[@michelle.z]

Excellent review Erin! I am behind watching sewing videos and this is the first I’ve seen of that hash tag. I’ll use it to check out more sewing machine video reviews. I’m not looking for a new machine right now but it’s fun to see what all types of machines are out there.

[@ErinSews]

I agree! It’s so fun to see what every brand does differently (and the same) and what people find the most useful in their own machines. Michelle is adding videos to a playlist so you should be able to click place and binge machine reviews if you feel like it!

[@mfl7916]

great review thank you

[@ErinSews]

Thanks for watching!

[@dizzyquiltsandsews]

I’m hearing really good things about Pfaff machines and yours seems to have many of the bells and whitles I would also consider “must haves”. Now I know what you meant with your comment on my video about the reverse button 😂 Hitting that button by mistake in the middle of FMQ would really frustrate me. I didn’t mention it in my video, but a “bobbin low” warning would be amazing on my Juki 2010Q. I can’t tell you how often I’m quilting along and then realize I’ve been quilting without any bobbin thread for the last 5 mins!! 💞

[@ErinSews]

Hitting the reverse button always seems to happen when I’m really in the groove of FMQ 😒😭 I think it’s because I’m really zoned in on manipulating the quilt and lose track of what my knuckles are hitting. Hopefully I stop doing it at some point 😂 Diane from Silver Threads Sewing did this tag with her Pfaff and it has the low bobbin warning! I swear mine always runs out when I’m doing the smoothest, best quilting…

[@danamicks8307]

I have the same issue with my needle threader: I think it's either a feature or a bug with this machine, but it doesn't really annoy me.

[@ErinSews]

I’ve become somewhat reliant on the needle threader, I have to say 🤦🏻‍♀️ It’s almost become a “must” for me on all machines. I still do it the old school squinty way on my serger though!

[@sherrywilliams1131]

Thank you so much for your review. What I'd like is to hear the machine in action. Is it quiet or loud and clunky? I ask as I sew at night and the walls are thin. I do not want to disturb my hubby or the neighbors. Also will it handle thicker fabrics layers ?

[@ErinSews]

Hi Sherry! I can try to film a bit of me sewing tomorrow and post it as a short for you to hear. It’s not the quietest machine I’ve ever heard, but it’s definitely not loud or clunky in my opinion. I sew at night after my toddler goes to sleep and it never wakes her up. She’s directly across a hallway from me, so I make sure to close both doors and she has a sound machine. I recently sewed a wool blend shacket on it and didn’t have issues even when I was flat felling and making button holes. Sometimes thin knit fabrics will get caught under the throat plate if I don’t use a leader. It definitely isn’t a heavy duty machine, but I haven’t had to give up on any projects yet. Let me know if you have any other questions, and I’ll try to get that short made for you!

[@brigittamatis9827]

Thank You for your review, loved it. Did you encountered any issue with this machine since purchase? I am considering to buy this one, but a bit unsure how stable and reliable are these digital machines.

[@ErinSews]

I haven’t had any issues and I’ve used it almost daily for 14 months. I don’t do any SUPER heavy duty sewing, but I have been able to sew through multiple layers of wool (doing flat felled seams) and as long as I went slowly (using the hand wheel at times) it was fine.

[@Robin-px9rc]

May I ask why you chose this model vs the other Pfaff models? I was originally considering the Passport 3.0 for a travel machine but am now looking at the 635 Anniversary Edition. Thank you.

[@ErinSews]

Great question! I was upgrading from a Pfaff Hobby 1020, which is basically the predecessor to the Passport models, but with less stitch options and no IDT. I considered a Passport 2.0 or 3.0 but decided that if I was upgrading, I wanted more stitch options, a larger throat (I quilt) and fancy stuff like a thread cutter. The Ambition line seemed like the next step up in terms of functions and price, so I went with the 620 based on a good sale and really bright work area. For a travel machine I’d probably go with the Passport since it has a lower price tag but enough functionality to get things done on the go. Plus I think it’s smaller/lighter. That’s just me though! Great question.

[@Robin-px9rc]

@@ErinSews Thank you! Appreciate your reply!

[@karenwheeling8083]

Erin, I am interested in purchasing a pre-owned pfaff 620. The seller states that it was purchased in January 23. She stated that she has only used it to sew 3 blankets fir her grandchildren. She is asking $800. Is this a responsible price for a used machine?

[@ErinSews]

Hi Karen! I believe I paid about $1200 for mine and it was a floor model from a dealer, so $800 definitely seems like a fair price. Especially if it was lightly used. I’d personally want to ask a lot of questions though. It’s a pretty expensive machine to buy just to make a few blankets. Did she plan to sew more but then couldn’t for some reason? Does everything operate correctly? Did it come from a dealer or is there some sort of warranty on it? It sounds like a great deal if everything is above board! I apologize for the delay in my reply, I’ve been negligent in responding to comments during the holiday weekend!

[@ingridakerblom7577]

I'm currently thinking about buying this.. i'm upgrading from a husqvarna viking prisma 950 (it's more than 30y old) but thats now starting to give up. I'm looking for a good reliable machine for home use.. that i can buy parts for easily..

[@ErinSews]

I can’t attest to the reliability of this model specifically since I haven’t had it super long, but my Mom has had her Pfaff for almost 30 years and has never had an issue beyond regular cleaning and servicing. I will say that I moved recently and there is not a Pfaff dealer nearby, so I’m not sure how easy it will be to get parts where I live. That shouldn’t be an issue if you’re planning to live near a Pfaff dealer for a while though!

[@jennymaendel7994]

I’m looking to buy this pre-owned because unfortunately I have a new PFAFF expression 710 that just wants to sew cotton 🤷‍♀️. Or something. But I need to sew thick fabrics like denim and my question is, is the ambition a machine that is strong enough for that?

[@ErinSews]

I haven’t sewn any heavy denim on it. The thickest I’ve sewn was a wool blend and I flat felled the seams. The ambition did well for the most part, but it did struggle over some of the areas where the seams joined (e.g. armpits). I managed it but I think a heavy duty machine would be a better pick. I haven’t sewn on a heavy duty machine so that’s just supposition on my part.

[@gailcampbell5170]

What stich and foot do you use for prebought bias tape?

[@ErinSews]

Do you mean to sew it onto garments? If so, I use a straight stitch at the default 2.5 width (unless the fabric is particularly thick) and the 0A foot, which is the one recommended for a straight stitch.

[@stefaniekrueger5388]

Hi, does the 620 reset the settings after turning it off and back on? I read that the 610 doesn't save the settings and goes back to standard mode / straight stitch every time you turn the machine off and back on.

[@ErinSews]

It does reset the settings, which is definitely annoying. The only thing it will remember is if you’ve set it for a twin needle.

[@JoanSchettler]

Just discovered your review and have to say I do hate the placement of the reverse button. I constantly hit it with my knuckle, and it drives me crazy. It's a very poorly design flaw, and I hope they change it.

[@ErinSews]

Yes! It’s the worst when I’m free motion quilting- which is exactly the WORST time to accidentally reverse 😩

[@masculinum893]

It is certainly a good machine; we bought it too, but it quickly stopped working and had to be repaired. It was something mechanical, so quite simply, the mechanics couldn't sew, and that was why we bought it. A repair takes between 4 and 5 weeks. It's not exactly fast; it's actually a very, very long time. It is a good machine; however, there are some design flaws: The plug cable that is connected to the machine on the right side of the machine does not seem to be made for the machine and cannot be pushed in all the way. The pedal works, but it is made of very light plastic and looks a bit like something PFAFF shopped in China at the last minute. You can, when working, accidentally easily hit the two buttons in silver with your hands; they are quite simply in the wrong place. And the extra speed control on the right at the bottom seems a bit like something you "suddenly got an idea to stick there", The mechanical slide-button speed adjuster is of lower quality and not the same quality as the rest. The system that controls whether you can thread a needle never works. The small window where you can see down to the bobbin is again made of some dubious plastic and looks very different from the rest of the machine. Finally, there is this smart "I cut the thread for you," but it has to be cleaned very often to work, and you have to unscrew two screws. It could have been made smarter.

[@ErinSews]

Thank you for adding this comment with your experience! I want people who see this video to have as many data points as possible since purchasing a new machine is a big investment. While I haven’t had any issues with the function of the machine, I definitely agree with the poor placement of the reverse and start buttons (the silver ones you mentioned). The thread cutter has stopped working a few times for me (in 10 months of use) but it’s always a large thread that’s easy to pull out, and it doesn’t happen often enough that it is a noticeable drawback *for me.* As with everything, your mileage may vary. Some of the cheaper feeling bits don’t bother me, and at the price point I kind of expect some things to be a cheaper material. If this were a Pfaff Performance Icon or something at that price point ($7,000) I would expect nothing to be cheaply made. Sincerely, thank you again for leaving this comment and adding your experience! People need to make as educated of a decision as they can.

[@elaynehalsey2661]

I’ve just got this machine and find that the snip function only worked the first time I tried it. Have you found it doesn’t always work? I wondered if I’m doing something wrong.

[@ErinSews]

It always works for me with a straight stitch, but sometimes doesn’t if I’ve done the lightening stitch (16 I think?) or an overcast one. Other than that I’ve only had issues a few times with it not working after a straight stitch, but every time it’s turned out to have a thread stuck in the cutting mechanism. I wouldn’t imagine that happening the one time you’ve used it though! I always have my needle down function engaged though, so maybe that’s part of it? The needle is down 99% of the time when I hit the cut button. That shouldn’t really matter, but it might be a quirk