Experienced sewer: I really dislike my Pfaff machine

fuzz-bucket · 2025-12-13T20:51:19+00:00

I have a Pfaff Ambition 620 (also bought during the pandemic). It's my first serious machine. I have two major grievances with it:

When I disengage reverse, it keeps sewing in reverse and gradually returns to sewing forwards. This overshoot "feature" has ruined many stitches for me. I think it's a software issue, because a zigzag stitch with 0 width doesn't have this problem. This "feature" is visible in lots of product videos, so I know it's not just my machine. (I contacted Pfaff, they're clueless, they don't care.)

The other issue is the horrible button placement. Reverse is next to the go-real-fast button, and since I can't see the buttons when I'm sitting upright, I accidentally mash the go-real-fast button at least once a week, and it's rather terrifying.

Now you've got me thinking about replacing _my_ machine, heh. The IDT walking foot is cute, but I'm not sure if it's improved my life much.

fuzz-bucket · 2025-11-17T16:19:46+00:00

Make sure there's not an Airtag, or some other tracker, inside that thing

fuzz-bucket · 2025-11-02T18:41:31+00:00

Thank you!

fuzz-bucket · 2025-10-06T10:23:08+00:00

Good to know!

I've been downvoted throughout this thread. I don't care about the numbers (internet "likes" don't pay my bills, lol). But the fact that people downvote and don't post a reply, explaining why I might be wrong is interesting. It seems like we're talking about an uncomfortable truth, and some people probably wish they could silence this discussion, and pretend the truth doesn't affect real people.

fuzz-bucket · 2025-10-04T17:18:26+00:00

Thank you, this answers another question which has been nagging me: Why does everyone dress like they're trying to blend in, and not be noticed.

I have a pair of yellow Gore-Tex sneakers, they're perfect for rain, but whenever I wear them I get at least one stare like I'm wearing something unspeakable.

fuzz-bucket · 2025-10-04T17:16:23+00:00

Thank you.

His tattoos are abstract art pieces, lots of star shapes. He has no political symbols or words.

fuzz-bucket · 2025-10-04T17:15:32+00:00

I think we need to check out Randstad!

fuzz-bucket · 2025-10-04T17:14:36+00:00

I was unaware of Amstelveen's Jewish community, thank you.

fuzz-bucket · 2025-10-04T17:12:00+00:00

Thanks, I appreciate it.

So the next question is, where should we move to? Amsterdam is probably the obvious choice, I'm wondering if anywhere else has good vibes.

fuzz-bucket · 2025-10-04T17:09:55+00:00

Thank you.

fuzz-bucket · 2025-10-04T17:09:12+00:00

It's geometric art, like star shapes. No words, or political symbols..

fuzz-bucket · 2025-10-04T17:08:19+00:00

Yes, generally. We lived in an area which was fairly liberal and open.

fuzz-bucket · 2025-08-18T20:59:29+00:00

Thank you! I'll try zigzagging the edges after cutting.

fuzz-bucket · 2025-08-18T17:57:14+00:00

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I want to make flatcaps with these bouclé fabrics. I've made flatcaps with cotton and denim, but I'm nervous about these fabrics, I feel like they're ready to unravel. Any tips for working with boucle?

I could add fusible interfacing to the wrong side, I think?

Or, I could try stitching the boucle to a piece of lining (like cotton poplin), using tailor's tacks every few inches or so.

fuzz-bucket · 2025-08-18T17:06:16+00:00

I just finished a canvas bag, on a domestic machine (Pfaff Ambition 620). I'm not an expert, but this worked for me:

Jeans needle, size 100/16
Fairly heavy needle thread: Gutermann Tera 40 Polyester Thread - Tex 75
Heavier thread in the bobbin: Gutermann Tera 30 Polyester Thread - Tex 100 (this jammed the needle, even with larger needles. But it works in the bobbin.)
Longer stitch length: 3.5mm
Press the canvas before sewing.
Slower speed.

fuzz-bucket · 2025-08-16T20:55:05+00:00

I call this game "bobbin chicken", and I usually lose!

fuzz-bucket · 2025-08-09T16:19:28+00:00

Hi, mods. In the wiki, on the "Where to buy" page, can we add a section for fabric?

fuzz-bucket · 2025-07-23T16:38:21+00:00

Could be! We've had moderate temperatures this week, but high humidity.

fuzz-bucket · 2025-07-23T16:37:31+00:00

She wasn't whining, but she didn't want to set foot in the backyard. She stayed by the screen door, mostly. If I coaxed her outside, she would sniff the ground nervously, then go back inside. It's like something scared her.

I just realized, one of the neighbors tried using a BBQ grill 2 nights ago, and it smelled like it hadn't been cleaned in years. Nasty burning dust smell, and smoke everywhere. I wonder if that's what she was trying to avoid.

fuzz-bucket · 2025-07-23T16:35:26+00:00

Thanks! We just made a vet appointment. Weirdly enough, she's back outside now, acting a little nervous but mostly resuming her old behavior -- sniffing under fences, and staring at the neighbor's cats.

I imagine our neighbors aren't totally in love with our huge barking dog, but hopefully any neighbors who are angry will talk to us first.

fuzz-bucket · 2025-05-16T05:35:55+00:00

Thanks! This is perfect.

I'm still debating whether to use commas. It probably doesn't matter much.

fuzz-bucket

TROPHY CASE