PFaff versus Bernina
04-02-2013, 03:29 AM
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Northern Indiana
Posts: 2,679
I have a Pfaff QE4. I also have a love/hate relationship with it. Love the IDT, hate the not having a hand lever for raising and lowering foot. I use it to piece with, and apply binding after I'm done quilting on my Voyager 17 and that's all. I also do a lot of PP, but found the my older Brother was best for that.
04-02-2013, 05:51 AM
#22
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: The Colony, TX
Posts: 3,364
Ditto - The new 7 series has I believe a 10" throat, even feed (IDT on the pfaff) and a mega huge bobbin!
04-02-2013, 09:28 AM
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 345
I have a Pfaff QE4 and would not buy it again. I have spent hours trying to use it to quilt and no success. The name of machine is Quilt Expressions - why won't it quilt? There are quite a few stories about this machine not working for quilting. I love it for piecing but that's not why I bought it.
04-02-2013, 09:33 AM
#24
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Monmouth, Oregon
Posts: 5,884
I have the Bernina 830. I think the 830 has 800+ stitches built in so you can do all kinds of decorative sewing. I now love it but use it the way I want to. I don't like the BSR feature, but I do a lot of FMQing on mine and it works great. If a quilt is larger than double size I send it out to a LAQer. I will say it took me awhile to make friends with the machine but now I love it!!!!
04-03-2013, 03:15 AM
#25
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Indiana
Posts: 246
I also love my Bernina 1230, so much that I went on-line and bought a second one so that I have it to take to classes instead of having to pack up the one I use all the time.
You might want to look at where the specific model is manufactured. I know that only the higher end models of Bernina are still made in Switzerland; the others are made elsewhere. I think new Pfaffs are made in China. This may or may not make a difference to you. I have a Bernina 1230 that I love and will keep on using as long as it (and I!) last. Here is another thread about different machines and where they are made:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...es-t65966.html
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...es-t65966.html
04-03-2013, 03:52 AM
#28
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Timmins, Ont. Canada
Posts: 4,683
I have the Bernina 820 & it scared the heck out of me at first but wouldn't do without it now. Harp space, BSR, huge bobbin. has a feature that counts down the amount of thread left on your bobbin & lets you know when thread is getting low. It is quality from top to bottom but it is NOT a machine to travel to classes as it weighs a ton. One big feature for me is it is not made in China. Be aware of where your machine is made!!! Love my Bernina.
04-03-2013, 04:12 AM
#29
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Cadiz, KY
Posts: 196
At one time I had both Bernina and Pfaff, each from a different dealer. Found the Pfaff 2170 harder to learn the embroidery unit. And when the Pfaff quit working after 4 years of very limited use, the dealer was awful. Wound up having it sent to Pfaff in Atlanta and it cost me $675 and 4 months to get it fixed. Traded it for a Babylock and never grace the door of the Pfaff dealer. Yes and this was in the wonderful city of Paducah, KY!! LOVE my Bernina and my Babylock machines!!
04-03-2013, 04:13 AM
#30
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Iowa
Posts: 1,333
I have a Bernina 1130 and love it! I have never had a repair on it and I have been seeing them sell on eBay for $800-$900. I just smile because I would never trade in my 1130. I own numerous vintage straight stitch electric and treadle machines as well that are wonderful machines. I do dream though of having one of the new Bernina 7 or 8 series machines. But wow, the cost! I will never buy anything else but Bernina.
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EvelynAnita
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09-16-2012 07:48 AM
