Sanveann

what would you pick?

I love my basic little Janome, but I've been longing after something with a few more bells and whistles. I don't really NEED it, but it's something I aspire to! Maybe as a reward for myself if I lose some of this baby weight ...

I think both the Pfaff 2048 and the Janome 6600P look really good. They both have really good reviews and are similar priced. I hear the IDT on the Pfaff is awesome ... but I've been really pleased with my Janome, too. They seem like they come with a similar number of accessories and both have pretty much everything I'd want in a machine.

Any thoughts?

ania755

:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
Don't need to apologize.....We always need new machines.....just in case....
You will use them all, no matter how many you have....
Good luck

judee0624

I have decided that when I can afford to upgrade from my Janome 760 I will go for the 6600. Don't know anything about the Pfaff. A friend has the 6600 and loves it.

judee

Katrine

I've had my 6600 for two years - it is a wonderful machine, never had one problem with anything. The Acufeed system is great - I also bought the extra Acufeed feet, which is well worth it. It was just in for service for 48 hours and I felt lost ... my service man said he rates it over the Pfaff.

Prism99

Do you have the opportunity to try out each machine for yourself? That can make a huge difference in your decision. Bring your own fabrics too, as dealers tend to provide only those fabrics that will make any machine look good.

crashnquilt

I have a Pfaff 2056 and the Janome 6600P. IN MY OPINION, the Janome is a far superior machine for quite a few reasons.

1. Accufeed System. The Pfaff IDT doesn't come into work until your fabric is already under the needle. The IDT pulls from behind the needle. On the Janome the accufeed pulls the fabric from IN FRONT OF THE NEEDLE. Having worked on both machines you can tell a difference.

2. The Janome has a more powerful motor than the Pfaff. It handles thick seam allowances with ease. I made a canvas tent with my Janome and I would never have attempted that with my Pfaff.

3. When using the Accufeed 1/4 inch foot with guide, the machine is designed for you to move the needle to the right to get the 1/4 inch. This allows your fabric to cover BOTH feed dogs and you get just as nice of a stitch on back as you do the front. Whenever I would move my needle left or right on the Pfaff my bobbin stitches had a slight slant to that direction.

4. The Janome is a bit more "mechanical" than the Pfaff. Most Pfaff dealers will tell you NOT TO TURN THE FLYWHEEL. This can (and will) cause the belt to slip and the machine to jump time. This is not an issue with the Janome so you are able to get your stitch in just the right place.

5. You can adjust the pressure of your presser foot on the Janome. If you intend to work with thicker fabrics like fleece this is a very nice feature. You cannot do that with a Pfaff.

As far as using the decorative stitches, I do prefer the stitching on the Janome because my bobbin stitches look just as good as the needle stitches.

I will tell you the Janome is a bit louder than the Pfaff. I bought the table with my 6600P and it does muffle quite a bit of the sound but when using the Accufeed, the machine is much louder. This is an issue you may want to consider when making your decision.

The Janome is a lot heavier than the Pfaff because it has more metal gears than the Pfaff. So if you are wanting a machine to take to classes the 6600P AIN'T IT!

I've had my 6600P for 2 years and have NEVER taken it in for service. I sew nearly everyday for 8 to 10 hours making everything from baby clothes, quilts, wedding attire to deer stand blinds, outside tents and repairing boat covers.

Please remember all of the above IS MY PERSONAL OPINION.

Suz

I just traded my Janome 9000 for a used Bernina 450. I have had it only a few days and really like it. I make Quilts of Valor and machine quilt them. The BSR (Bernina Stitch Regulator) is wonderful. The stitches are the same size regardless if my hands go slowly or if I go a bit faster. Regardless, all the same size.

Could not afford a new Bernina. The used one suited my pocketbook. I could not get good service on my Janome and this is a complaint from several other owners of same. Make sure you can get good service that is conveniently located whether you purchase new or used.

Suz

Sanveann

Well, I had to go to the local sewing machine shop today (needed an extra bobbin case for my machine), and I thought I'd try out the 6600. I LOVE it! I had a hard time not offering them my firstborn for it, LOL! (Of course, my firstborn is 2, so there are days I'd give him away for free!)

My DH is really not on board with the idea, though, sadly. I really don't NEED another machine with lots of fancy features, and goodness knows I've been through 8 gajillion hobbies, so he doesn't feel this one is going to stick, either. I may just have to save my pennies (which will take quite awhile ...)

JoanneS

This was VERY interesting to read. I have 3 Pfaffs, the latest being an embroidery machine that I use mostly for quilting. I haven't test driven a Janome, and I don't have a bias against them. My first computerized machine was a Viking. I loved it, and I thought I would buy another one to replace it. I bought a Pfaff instead because of the IDF. My dealer sells Pfaffs, Vikings and Brothers, so she was't trying to talk me into Pfaff. The salesperson asked me what kind of sewing I do most, and I told her piecing/quilting. She demo-ed the Pfaff IDF, and I was sold! I hated having to attach the Viking walking foot.

I have absolutely no problems sewing thick or thin fabrics, and I haven't sewn canvas, so I can't comment on that. I have no problems sewing OVER seam allowances either. I HAVE done a lot of machine quilting with no problems on all 3 Pfaffs. The built in 'walking foot' called IDF is superb. Also, the Pfaffs have a free motion setting for the presser foot that allows it to 'skim' over the quilt.

I have NOT been told to not turn the fly wheel. I HAVE been told not to turn it backwards. I hand turn it often to place the needle exactly where I want it to start stitching.

I just went to my sewing room and tested moving the needle to the right to sew a 1/4 inch seam. The bobbin thread is exactly 1/4 inch from the edge without a slant.

Mousie

wow, all of this is good info. You will always find supporters for every kind of machine, and that is as it should be. We all like different things.
That is why it is soooo important to take YOUR OWN fabrics of different weights to the store with you. Prism99 is right.

crashnquilt...just my humble opinion, but I would be quaking in my boots, to put over 300 hours on one of my machines, without a tune-up, clean-up, but you know what your doing. :wink:
I can't afford to replace my machine, even with homeowner's insurance, and don't know if it covers, daily usage and wear and tear.
I'd be forced to 'rough it'. I am completely spoiled rotten to the core, now, and don't want to go back...no, no...you can't make me....I won't... :cry: (phew....what a bad dream!) I've got a lot to be thankful for :D Going to hug my machine, now.:D