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I bought both of my Bernina (1030 & 1530) new but in an open box and I never have regretted either purchase. They are both old like me but still no problems. One is a mechanical and the other is computerized.

I am a big fan of Bernina and use the 1/4" foot, I also really like my Featherweight and get a 1/4" seam using that. I believe a perfect 1/4" seam is something you get by knowing your machine no matter what brand it is.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dove (Post 6373942)

I have a Pfaff Expressions 2.0 and I am considering replacing it after reading a post from one of our members stating that she purchased a bernina and there was a drastic change in the consistency and accuracy of her 1/4" seam. I try very hard to cut my material as accurately as possible and I have a built in walking foot, but I find my seams are constantly not matching up and it is very disappointing to say the least. I use pins to keep my fabrics from moving and I have grippies on my rulers to prevent them from sliding. So, my question is, are there machines that can help improve my accuracy and which ones can help me with this issue?

Have you tried moving your needle to the right until it is positioned 1/4" from the edge of the foot. Then you ignore the needle as you sew and feed the fabric so that the raw edges line up with the edge of the foot. This works beautifully for me. Another option is to buy the quarter inch foot from Pfaff. It has a metal "flange" along the right edge of the foot. You guide the fabric so that raw edges snuggle against that flange and presto---quarter inch seams. Much cheaper than buying a completely new machine.

We use the Pfaff Tiptronics in our quilting classroom at the J C Campbell Folk School and once the students are shown this 2 tips they have no trouble getting a perfect quarter inch seam. After that, it's all in the "steering" of the fabric. Good luck.

I am happy with my Juki straight stitch machine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elise1 (Post 6374109)

I sew on a Pfaff. Do you use the Pfaff 1/4 inch foot with a guide? The guide really helps me keep an accurate 1/4" seam. I would recommend it if you haven't tried it. It is sure cheaper than a new machine.

http://www.pfaff.com/us/4136_14635.html

I had a Bernina (Still have my Bernina 440) and this summer I switched to a Pfaff for piecing quilts -and I love my Pfaff Ambition Essential. It is perfect for straight stitching and my 1/4" seams are perfect by using the 1/4" foot. I also do not have to pin, pin, pin like I did with my Bernina because of the IDT foot on the Pfaff.

love my Janome Horizon

I agree with everyone who says you have to get to know your machine. Realize that they will all be somewhat different and it takes times to get to know your machine. I have several Brothers, a featherweight and some vintage Singers. I love my Brothers and strongly feel you get alot more bang for your buck with them. I have a high end Brother and 2 mid- range machines. They all work wonderfully. As a matter of fact, when I really sit down and look at the functions and stitches I use the most, I find I am using the basics. Yes, it's nice to have 420 stitiches but how many are really used? That being said, I have known older people who create amazing garments and quilts on very basic machines.

I have a Pfaff, and a Bernina, and I love them both. I had to learn also that the quarter inch depends on thickness of the fabric and thread, and where I place my fabric.

Use a build up of painters tape, moleskin or ?? to help you with the 1/4" stitching. This helped me (build up of painters tape and leaves no residue on machine).