Pfaff vs Bernina Sewing Machines: Who's Doing It Better?

Both Pfaff and Bernina carry manual and computerized sewing, quilting, and embroidery machines with various features. The exact features will vary based on the machine model you choose, so it’s hard to choose a clear winner based on features alone. However, in terms of price, quality, and durability, the two brands are also similar. The only difference is that Bernina seems to have a better warranty policy.

[gailmiller]

For serious sewers the answer may be both brands. I was a diehard Bernina girl for years, I went on an extended trip to care for my mom and needed a sewing machine to keep me sane. I purchased the Pfaff Passport 3.0 and absolutely fell in love. I’m a quilter and bought the Perfect Piecing quarter inch foot and found it far superior to any Bernina foot. I still use my Bernina’s, but for piecing my Pfaff’s are my go to machines.

[colin]

So many words - so little information. Lovely to watch each machine being showcased, but in terms of comparison, there really wasn't any information.

[charmainekirk]

I have both machines but I have to admit that I like the Pfaff better. More user friendly!

[jorgerobles]

If I am going to buy a new machine, and I have to select between Bernina or PFAFF, I would go elsewhere than to watch this video. It is at best confusing. Doesn't give any kind of comparison, is very vague indicating advantages or disadvantages for each brand, and the title is a Click-bait one. As an example, PFAFF top model is way more advanced than the Bernina top model- Built in WiFi, can use MySewNet easier than the Bernina, have the Embellishment attachment to add Yarn, ribbons and other textures to the embroidery, while Bernina doesn't have that, and most of the attachments and accessories from older models work interchangeably, have more built-in stitches for both regular projects as well as for embroidery, better bobbin management like drop-in loading and unloading- but the Bernina is a nightmare with that double-position for the sewing/embroidery positions of the bobbin thread. PFAFF is easier to work with and better Graphics User Interface than Bernina. I know that because I own both the Bernina B 880 since 2018, and the Pfaff Icon 2 since 2022, and I have the Bernina for sale, and not looking back at all. And last but not least, the Bernette B-79 is more advanced than the B-880 because it can read ALL embroidery formats sent to it using any embroidery software, while the B 880 can not, not even with the latest upgrade, you need to buy an expensive software to do that and to also convert it to WiFi, but the Bernette can also do that, and is 1/7 the price of the B 880. So if you have the money, my advice is to go to the dealer of each brand and ask for an exhibition of the capabilities and features of each machine, their warranty policy, and make your own comparison notes, and go from there. But this video? Nah, i would not use it as a start-up at

[valeriespackman]

BER-NEEN-A! Get it right! You’re driving me crazy!

[dldeantx]

The least he could do is pronounce the name of the machines properly that he is comparing. BER NE NA...

[kathryncashner]

Moat of the high end machine manufacturers have things to recommend them. For years, Pfaff had a built in walking foot and automatic threading system like no other. It seems that patent has expired as I'm seeing it on other machines. Remember that you are buying both a machine and a dealer. Do everything you can to be sure that the dealer will be around for the long term, although there is no way to assure this. Compare prices, but also consider the service aspect of a nearby dealer vs. one hours away. I have a 40 year old Pfaff electronic that now resides in my daughter's apartment so I have it there when I want it, as well as two other brands of formerly top of the line machines in my sewing room. Also consider the recent changes in management at some of the US distributorships and how this may affect the educational programs, longevity, etc. t the moment, I'm not in the market for a new machine. If I were, I would tell you that Bernina has the best educators, including Pam Mahshie, who formerly headed the Babylock education department. Most of the machines are no longer manufactured in their countries of origin; Pfaff used to be made in Germany, Viking in Sweden, etc. My bottom line is that there is a lot more to consider than just the machine demo at a dealership.

[smiles]

You forgot to mention that Pfaff is no longer produce by the same company which originally founded it. It is now being produce by the same company which produces Singer and Husqvarna. While Bernina is still owned by the same family and keeps its Main HQ & R&D facilities in Switzerland. Top of the line sewing machines are still being produce in Switzerland.

Old/Vintage models from Pfaff are as durable as Bernina. BUT NEWER Pfaff models cannot compete with the new Bernina. Try to read some forums about trouble shooting a sewing machine, one would hardly read a negative performance for Bernina but one can read more than many negative performance for Pfaff.

[ae]

A junior high school student used chatgpt to make a video. And here we are.

[sandyhenneberg]

When do you feel the Pfaff quality went down in the higher end models?

[litabelaqua]

An annoying robotic voice whaffling on with no actual information, most sentences end with encouraging the buyer to do their own research.

[Arena]

Pfaff was in the past a very good german brand, but they don't produced since many years anymore in Germany. My grandmothers, my mother all had/have a Pfaff and when I bought a sewing machine and compared both brands, I find Bernina ways better and Bernina sews better, when it's a bit thicker or when the fabrics are very fine. Yes, Bernina is expensive but in 15 years my machine haven't go to the mecanic service.

[cocomaurer]

I have a Pfaff Creative 4.5. Expensiv, often broken! After 5 Years, still don't trust the Machine, using Embroidery....always sit next to the Machine, waiting for the next Problem (always new Needle, expensiv Yarn!!).
So I will by never a Pfaff again! The reason, why I've baught a Paff was the great 40 Year old Pfaff I own. Still better Stichting then the new one!
So I plan to sell the Pfaff, and get a Bernina!
+ Pfaff has a terrible Support! It takes many Weeks before they get Parts to repair (and that was already, before Corona Pandemic a Problem!)

[nan]

Love my B 880 QE Bernina Special Eddition

[EkiwwaNoel]

Pfaff and bernette are the same. Smart model by pfaff and bernette academy models together with singer 4452. Putting them together you will see. 1 or 2 stitches won't make a different machine.

[Sally-ihls]

Sounds like computer “voice” pronunciation and sentence structure is not good

[joseanker]

The mispronouncing is irritating and it seems he’s reading, badly, off a script. Not worth watching till the end

[cyndeefoley]

Couldn't watch this video the AI voice couldn't pronounce names right and very hard to listen to.

[naomim]

Why does he pronounce "Bernina" that way??? ugh

[moinmoin]

Both are too loud and Bernina have a stressful threader....hard and heavy...make that, if you change the stich threat always. Look to Brother, they make good threaders, almost through all their machines. So Bernina...it's a shame, with such a price. are much too expensive!