pfaff vs bernina
 

It's been a long time since I last logged in, I even had trouble with passwords etc. , but I'm back!
Now for my dilema! I have been married to the most wonderful man for the last 41 years, and right now what is he doing? Well I'll tell you, he is on line comparing pfaff and bernina machines to help me decide which one would best suit my needs. Got to love him!! OK so this past summer I did buy him a 650 V Strom Susuki motarcycle but that's a whole other story.
Right now I have an older Singer model and a Husqvarna Platinum Plus Embroidery machine, and with a little push for him I am looking for a good quilting machine. There are two dealers in the town I live in, both are my friends, one has the Pfaff line , the other Bernina. I wish I could purchase from both of them, but alas we are on pension here folks.
The price point we are looking at is around $3000. The Bernina captivates my heart because of the stitch regulator and Pfaff because of the 10" throat and even fabric feed. Because I am looking to use this machine mainly for free motion work and quilting I fancy the stitch regulator, and also need those lovely 1/4" seams.
Any pearls of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
By the way my husband is now making supper while I send this e-mail off, and no I am not sharing him.

I have a 440 bernina and I love to use the bsr for free motion quilting. I like the machine for regular quilting too. it does everything I need and then some. I didn't get the embroidery module and I spent about 3100 for it.

I'd go with the Bernina 440. That's about the same price range, and you may find it a bit cheaper because they're being discontinued (in favour of the 550 - the new quilter's edition.) - It's all metal, made in Switzerland, great warranty, etc, etc, etc. The two things I would plan on wanting soon after getting it: The extended 24x24" bed, the 1/4" foot with the guide (why this isn't included off the cuff I have no idea), and the "in the ditch" walking foot attachment.

Pfaff and Viking were sold off to Singer and the new machines are not what they were. I have a Bernina and would go that route...Bernina machines continue to hold their value and have a reputation for excellence.

I have a Pfaff that I purchased in1994. It was one of the early generations of embroidery/sewing machines. It stills sews beartifully, but has had a nervous breakdown and no longer embroideries. My decision in purchasing my Pfaff was the IDT foot. At that time Bernina did not have an attached walking foot, but they do now, and I have seriously been looking at the new Berninias. It has everything I want in a machine I have also looked at the new Pfaff, but it does not have a stitch regulator. I am not unhappy with my Pfaff, but beside embroidery, the stitch regulator would be nice also.

You can find user reviews of many sewing machines at http://sewing.patternreview.com/SewingMachine/Reviews Like Candace, I have a Bernina and would stick with that brand over a new Pfaff.

I would go with the Pfaff if you have a shop nearby. I think that is one of the important aspects of choosing a machine. If you need to get it serviced, you want a convenient place to go. I have had a Pfaff for many years and have never had it serviced but most of my friends take their machines in about once a year. Also, since I quilt I would love the larger throat plate. I have never had difficulty regulating my stitch.

I bought a Bernina that has the BSR Foot and I love it, made FMQ so much easier and my stitches always look so nice and even.

I love my Pfaffs. The IDT is the selling point for me. The BSR doesn't always work ... I know that one for a fact as every time I have used it it didn't work well. Maybe it is my magnetic personality or my aura.

I know Pfaff and Viking are now under the same company. Just don't think it is Singer.

ali

Yup, that's why it's called SVP Worldwide (Singer-Viking-Pfaff) http://www.svpworldwide.com/

I have a 2170 Pfaff & a new 830 Bernina. As mentioned, the new Pfaff's are just not built like the older ones. For that reason I would opt for the Bernina. Let us know what you decide & why!!

I have a Pfaff 7550 and 2144. I love them. I won't have anything else. The duel feed is wonderful.

I didn't know this. And...I am so unobservant that I googled SVP worldwide, and then came back here and saw you had already provided the site. :)

I love my Pfaff and had no idea that Viking and Singer were her sisters!

Dina

I have a Pfaff that is about 10 years old. It has been heavily used and recently had to have repairs, the first ever. I LOVE that IDT, use it most of the time to keep my layers even. I always tell the dealer that I will sew anything I can shove under the foot and I am not kidding, so if their machine won't stand that they better not sell it to me. The Pfaff has never disappointed me and I would cheerfully buy another one if it was as dependable as the one I now have.

I suggest you sew on both machines. One machine will be the "right" one as soon as you sew on it.
My vote goes to the Bernina. :0)

I purchased the Pfaff Creative Vision and could not get rid of it fast enough. Pfaff is NOT what it used to be when it was manufactured in Germany. I would go with Bernina. No question.

I love my Pfaff 2.0. Wish I would have gotten the bigger one, just for some of the neat little things it does. My friend just traded in her Berina of a year old for a 4.0 Pfaff and loves it as well.

I have a Bernina aurora 430 and love love love it ! Yes I use the bsa and love it as well. My friend has a pfaff and I'll admit like the sound and usually do a seam while the walking foot is on the bernina when there sewing/quilting. My second is a brother that I leave up for seaming when have other feet on the bernina! sure you will enjoy either but if you are looking to fmq then I'd go with the bernina . Have fun !!