AlvaStitcher

Thinking about buying a Pfaff Expression 3.5 and wondered if any of you have this machine and what your thoughts/likes/dislikes of the machine are. Thanks.
Karen

ManiacQuilter2

Buying a sewing machine is as personal as buying a car. Test drive it first to see if it matches with what you want out of this sewing machine.

Kitsie

I have the Exp 3.0 and really love it. If I could have, I would have bought the 4.0, but this is more machine than I ever though I'd be able to get. Absolutely would not be without the IDT and wider throat - I'm quilting another King size on it now. I don't care what country its now made it, it's a wonderful machine and so far - 3 yrs - has had no mechanical or other problems.

Knitette

I noticed your appliqued avatar - do you machine applique? If you do, and your budget would stretch, I would get a 4.0. I think these have come down in price since they introduced the 4.2.

The reason I ask, is that the 4.0 has an auto-pivot function - when you stop sewing in the needle down position, the presser foot automatically lifts a little allowing you to pivot and then goes back down when you start sewing again. Fantastic not only for applique, but piecing too. I'll never buy another machine without this function.

Also, the 4.0 has a Sensormatic function for FMQ - the foot 'hovers' above your fabric and doesn't jump up and down like ordinary embroidery/darning feet.

Dina

I have a Pfaff Expression 2.0 and I love it. I got it when I first started quilting 4...or is it 5??...years ago. I love the built in walking foot and the wide throat. I was such a beginner when I got it I didn't realize how important those two things would be. But I have no complaints about my Pfaff. Oh, I also like how you can't put the bobbin in wrong. I have been sewing (not quilting) for 50 years and I always had trouble remembering which way the bobbin went in.

But....you need to try the machines out first...test drive like was said earlier. I went with a piece of my own fabric and tried machines in three shops. I already had what I thought was a very good machine, but my husband wanted me to have a new machine for Christmas that year.

There are a lot of stitches I don't use, but who knows, I might someday.

Dina

romanojg

Try and test every machine at least twice and find out all the features available and see what you would like to have. I have Viking, love auto up/down needle, auto presser foot and pivot up and down, thread cutter, no tension settings, they are all automatic. So go and try them out, make notes and try them out one last time before you buy if needed. They are all lots of money and you want to get the most for what you spend. I know I'd hate knowing if I had researched a little more all I could have all of the above features and didn't. Good luck

maryb119

I have had a Pfaff machine for over 20 years and love them? The IDT is amazing to work with and I will not be without it. My Pfaff dealer is wonderful at answering questions and keeping me up to date on the latest accessory for my machine. You won't go wrong with Pfaff. Chose the model that is best for you. I love both mine.

Ginaky

I have been using Pfaff machines for almost 40 years--they are definitely my machine of choice. Right now I am using the QE 4.0 and I also have the smaller Passport 2.0 that I take to classes. I agree, the auto pivot on the 4.0 is wonderful. There are many good machines with good features--try some out, but I know I will stick with Pfaff as long as I can sew.

hairquilt

I bought my Pfaff 10 yrs ago new & love it SO much. My DSIL gave me an old one without a foot control. Bought one on Ebay & plugged it in & it sews as beautiful a stitch as my other one. You will love the IDT!

Elise1

I like my Pfaff 4.0 and would recommend it. It was in for service a few months after I bought it because it would not sew. The repairman told me not to use the thread cutter when I use YLI monofilament thread. I personally think a thread cutter should be able to handle all types of thread. I have not had any other problems with the machine.

I am sorry I don't know anything about the 3.5. I chose the 4.0 because I thought I would not outgrow it, and I still think that is true for me.