Pfaff Expression 2.0
 

Does anyone who owns one of these have difficulties with the tension on the straight stich and the screen saying "system overload" when sewing on medium to thick layers of fabric? Advice is much appreciated. :) I've had my machine for 5 years and have only had troubles with it. I use universal needles and Coats and Clarks/Gutenberg thread.

Well my Bernina would be very angry at me if I used the cheap thread. Your higher end machines require a better quality of thread. I use Schmetz needles called "quilting". Find that they are a little sharper than universal. I use either Mettler Silk finished and just started using Aurifil thread. Both are 50 weight thread.

Imnsho, universal needles are universally good for nothing. You're better off using sharp needles for thick layers(or any wovens) and using ball point needles for knits. I don't know this machine but that's what entered my head when I read your post. I don't think any of my machines are picky about thread, but I make sure I use the right size/type of needle.

Cari

Margie, I too own this machine, but have not had a system overload message.

Have you turned it off and/or unplugged it a little while later?

I have had a number of issues with this machine, but not that one.

I just looked at the owner's manual (in case you didn't) and didn't see any message of a system overload message.

I believe I have tried unplugging it a bit afterwords and it then states the same thing. I was actually thinking of just selling the machine, but I can't find a sewing place in MT to sell a used 2009 machine. Plus it kinda bothers me to sell a machine I've had so many tension problems with the straight stich.

Is there a Pfaff dealer that can do repairs that you can take your machine to? It might be something that can be fixed and worth a try before you buy a new machine. I have a Pfaff 2134 which is probably older than yours. It suddenly developed tension problems and had never had any problems before that. When I took it in for repair, she first did a good cleaning and that was all it needed.

I own the Pfaff Expression 2.0 and have had this problem, but only when trying to stitch through too many layers. The only time this has happened was when I was stitching handles to the outside of a quilted bag. The handle was doubled under making it very thick. Maybe try a larger, sharper needle. I no longer try sewing through excessive thickness of fabrics using my old mechanical to do that job.

Yes, I have brought it to the dealer at least twice regarding but they acted like there wasnt any issue, though there is. :(

Oh, no! They were no help. (: Sorry to hear that.

I've had tension issues sewing on 2 layers of quilting weight cotton. Perhaps if I change to sharp needles and more expensive thread the problem will be fixed. I do have a old all metal machine. What do you use this machine for?

I use my old Bernina 830 record for tough projects. I think these oldies will sew through almost anything. I love my Expression 2.0, but IMO the computer machines can be a little picky about thickness. Quilting a regular quilt with batting is ok, but too many layers and the computer doesn't like it. So far though, I've had no tension issues.

I have an older Pfaff 1473 bought in 1983 and it will sew through the thickest fabric such as denim without any hesitation or trouble. It is picky about thread though and I use Mettler or Gutterman, cheap thread would not work. I still sew on this machine every day, it is a workhorse.

The difference between your beautiful Pfaff and the Expression 2.0 is your machine was built in Germany and the Expression was made in China. My DH has a beautiful little Pfaff that was made in Germany that sews like a charm.

This machine has a warranty of 20 years and it may be the motor itself that has the problem... The system overload message is to protect the motor from overheating and burning out..I think it's the motor itself..

I have this machine, and I also have had it for 5 years. It works really well almost all of the time, and I really love it. I have had the problem you mention when sewing on thick layers of fabric. It really doesn't like sewing through more than two layers of denim, for example. I simply quit expecting it to do that, although if I really slow down, it will work.

I am not sure about the tension problem. For awhile mine would sort of bind up the top thread, like it was caught on something, and that would mess up the sewing. I guess that could be a tension problem? What I did, and it is probably a big no no, is that I noticed I never had that problem if I was using serger thread. (I had some cones I was trying to use up.) So, I only use serger thread anymore, and I always make sure I use the same thread in the bobbin. It has been years since I had any problems like I did for awhile.

I hope your machine decides to behave itself. It is no fun fighting your machine.

Dina

I've noticed is the top thread will get really tight in the thread plates and actually caught on something making me have to rethread the machine. It sounds the same as you. Perhaps there is a warn out plastic piece it is catching on.

What at brand of thread do you use?

Thank you for the sweet wishes. :)

A warranty 20 no matter where I buy the machine? I got it used from Boyd Walker in Spokane. It was 2 years old at the time.

Margie, I use MaxiLock serger thread. I think it is everywhere. I have bought it at Hobby Lobby, Hancocks, and even Walmart. I have been told by experienced quilters that using this thread is a mistake, but my machine likes it. I just finished quilt 103, and I have only been quilting 6 years. So....shhhhh, don't tell anyone what thread I am using. :)

What you describe is exactly what was happening to me, it was like the thread was getting caught on something. I mentioned that the first two times I took it in for its yearly "physical," but it continued happening. That's when I changed to Serger thread...and, like I said, no more problems. If you give it a try, I hope it works for you too.

Dina

Maybe it is the weight of the thread causing the problem if serger thread solves it. Try Aurifil 50/2 cotton thread. It's thin, strong and of excellent quality (not inexpensive though). You can buy a small spool to try it. Hope you get it sorted.

I believe "system overload" means the motor is working too hard. So maybe a sharper, bigger needle would do the trick. I know it's hard to get the plastic, drop-in bobbins to sew through the thicker fabrics.

Thank you all! I am getting Schmetiz sharp needles in size 14 and Singer titanium needles in sizes 14,16 and 18 today. I am also getting Maxilock thread, Aurafill and Mettler.