Sounds like the Pfaff may need a trip to the sewing machine doctor. I occasionally had problems like that, not often, but if I did I just used leader squares to get things rolling, then when the chain got going it did fine.

I use leaders and enders to prevent this problem. I am another one who would not buy a machine without IDT. I love my Pfaff.

I have the Quilt Expresions 2046 and love it. In fact I still use it more than my Creative Vision because it travels so well when friends and I get together to sew.

I have the quilting/sewing religion that says as part of its commandments: when on a project quilt/sew with only one machine and, likewise, use the same rulers throughout a project ... all for consistency sake.

Try a BabyLock Jane. It has the pin feed & you probably won't need the IDT. plus, it's super fast. Great piecing machine

I am going to the nearest Pfaff Dealer (2 hours away) today to try the Pfaff machines. I see Pfaff has the Ambition Essential machine on sale in July for $599. I fell like that is a good price as I do not really want to spend more than that on a machine just to get it for the IDT feed for piecing, and the Ambition Essential will serve that purpose as I am not looking for other features. (I am a Bernina fan so am used to the spendy" prices of Bernina). I have 2 Delers--each about 2 hours away from me, and I am going to call them both this morning to make sure they have the machine in stock before I drive there. I am hoping I like it and hope to be a Pfaff ownner tonight. I haven't broke the news to my husband yet as I have 2 Bernina machines (430QE that I use all the time and a 230 for travel) and he will think it is completely unnecessary to get another machine---But us Quilters have our priorities!! I'll keep you posted.