
Which brand of sewing machine would you choose if you had to choose between Bernina and Pfaff?
I want to buy a basic sewing machine (stitching, zig-zag, buttonholes, etc). If you had to choose between Bernina and Pfaff, which brand would you choose? Are the new Bernettes as reliable as the old Bernina sewing machines (30 years ago)?
Bernettes are, I believe, badged machines, made for Bernina, but not by Bernina. Just like Husky is Viking's badged machines, and I think Hobby is Pfaff's badged line.
Of the two-- Pfaff and Bernina -- I'd take Pfaff most likely, because the presser feet are not as outrageously expensive as Bernina. And then again, I've never met a Bernina I bonded with -- but I can happily sew at any Pfaff or Viking I've ever tried. Bernina partisans will disagree with me. Either way, you'll have good machine, particularly if you do a little extra research at places like the machine reviews at http://www.patternreview.com
Here's a "faq" on buying a sewing machine -- good advice, imho:
http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm
FWIW, I've heard some good things about the Bernina 1008 mechanical from people I trust. Myself, I prefer electronic machines because of the stepper motors, but a good mechanical will outlast an electronic.
Dual feed, btw, is now also available on at least one other make of machine, Janome, as Accufeed. I don't find it particularly useful compared to learning good fabric handling techniques (try Margaret Islander's videos, particularly Industrial Shortcuts).
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