PfaffSmarter 260c Sewing Machine and Accessories

Sewing on this machine has made it even easier. Happy about my purchase.

I was quite excited to get going with my Pfaff Smarter 260C but it was doomed from the start.I stupidly bought it from an Italian dealer and when it arrived it didn’t work and came with an Italian handbook which was as much good as a fire in an igloo.Credit to them, they suggested it was the adapter and posted a new one out with a replacement English instruction book which took another week to arrive.I eventually got going and was quite impressed at first, although I did find it a bit flimsy. Within two weeks a bit fell off and a few days later it started clunking like an old car engine every time I sewed more than two layers of cotton fabric.Enough was enough. It’s on its way back to Italy now and I have bought an upgraded more sturdy machine in the UK.I guess I was just unlucky and got a rogue machine. I’m sure the 206C will suit some stitchers, but I think it is more an entry level machine. I found it far too lightweight and pretty flimsy for the money.

However I bought it not via Amazon (sorry) I wish to write a review simply because when I was looking for a sewing machine I found no reviews about this or just a few elsewhere.Before this my only sewing machine was a Veritas Rubina (still working after 30 years) old enough to upgrade. First I choose Brother FS40 what I sent back as bobbins kept eating the material and the whole experience was somehow flimsy.Part of truth that I don't sew a lot, I do it only when I need to shorten a pair of trousers or make new pillow covers and so. So far I couldn't be happier. After finding a lot of videos on youtube to help about how to use this machine and I could start sewing I was very happy with the result. Compared to Brother it didn't eat the material, very easy to sew with, easily copes with more layers, far less tend to make the edge wavy if you sew some stretchy and to have this result you don't need to the fuss to change the all-purpose needle. Only the foot pedal felt a bit flimsy (after my old Veritas' foot pedal) but worked well. The whole machine gives a professional feeling, well built, reliable, will do the job for you just "feed it".

it arrived on time but on opening the box the power cord looked like it had been already used as it was not in a bag or cable tied. Plugged it in any way, the lights came on but the foot pedal did not work. So returned

Lovely sewing machine, does all that I want. I have an old Pffaf of 30 odd years, this new one is just as good if not better. Delivery was good.

For the beginner or intermediate user, this machine is perfect. It's easy to set up, thread and operate, and doesn't feel intimidating to use. There is a wide choice of stitch patterns, lengths and widths, so you won't outgrow it too quickly, if at all. Everything can be selected from a simple touch panel, which presets everything for you (although you can still go off piste and choose your own settings if preferred) and it even tells you which presser foot to use.The variable speed control is nice for more intricate work, or those who are new to sewing and feel more comfortable going at a slower pace. Buttonholes are fully automatic, and the machine will also sew buttons on for you. You can select whether the machine stops with the needle up or down in the fabric, and there is an automatic tie-off function as well as the usual reverse button for backstitching.A hard cover is provided with the machine for transport or storage; I prefer this over a soft cover. The overall build quality is very good, and unlike so many other machines, it doesn't have flowers or other twee patterns plastered all over it!Really I only intended to use this for occasional household sewing, i.e. minor repairs and alterations, but have since progressed to making my own shirts. Great machine to get started on, and even now I'm a little more proficient, it still offers all I could possibly need.