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Pfaff Creative 2144 Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: This Pfaff Creative 2144 review was originally written in 2012, and has been revised and updated in 2023. Since the Pfaff Creative 2144 is a little difficult to find online, we have added alternatives such as Brother SE1900, Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850, and Janome MB-4S.
I very recently got the opportunity to review a Pfaff embroidery machine called the Creative 2144. When Pfaff introduced the Creative series, it was one of the most sought after sewing, quilting and embroidery machines on the market. Until then, the home sewer could only dream of having a sewing machine capable of doing the things the Creative was able to do. All of a sudden, computer images were able to be reproduced as embroidery designs by connecting the sewing machine to the computer.
For the first time ever, the home sewer was able to sit down, create a one of a kind embroidery design, scan it into a computer and make as many embroidered reproductions as they like.
Pfaff Creative 2144 Overview
Pfaff Creative 2144 is a commercial computerized sewing machine that brings to you a very wide array of features. Some fo this include 285 onboard stitches inclusive of 8 different alphanumeric fonts, 20 cross stitches and 10 one step buttonholes. This model is also equipped with IDF (Integrated Differential Feed), an exclusive system by Pfaff that feeds thick layers of fabric without errors such as bunching, binding, and slipping. The needle up/down functions are programmable and you can edit your designs and patterns on the large LCD screen onboard.
The Pfaff Creative 2144 is a sleek, smooth and clean looking sewing machine. One of the first things you notice is the on board LCD screen.
The Pfaff 2144 is one of the first available sewing machines for home use equipped with a full color LCD touch screen.
The next thing that catches your eye is the knee lift which allows you to lift the presser foot without taking your hands off of your sewing project.
Finally, Pfaff patented IDF – Integrated Differential Feed – and a series of buttons that control the needle stop position, the reverse stitch, and on board thread cutter.
What are some alternatives for the Pfaff Creative 2144?
Since the Pfaff Creative 2144 is a little difficult to find online, we have added alternatives that we highly recommend.
The Brother Embroidery Machine, SE1900 is a computerized embroidery machine that is perfect for beginners and hobbyists. It has 138 built-in embroidery designs, including a variety of designs for monogramming, home décor, and clothing. It also has 11 built-in fonts and a 5" x 7" embroidery field.
The SE1900 also has a number of features that make it easy to use, such as the touch-screen display and the automatic needle threader. It also has a number of advanced features, such as the My Custom Stitch™ feature, which allows you to create your own custom stitches.
The SE1900 is a great choice for beginners and hobbyists who are looking for an embroidery machine with a variety of features and a great stitch quality. It is not the most affordable machine on the market, but it is a good value for the price.
Are you searching for a compact-size embroidery machine? Then, with Janome Horizon Memory Craft 850, your hunt just ended. The machine can impress you with its versatility and abundance of great features. It consists of sewing and embroidery modes, allowing you to easily switch between the skills. Moreover, the machine provides you with up to 200x 280mm hoop capabilities to ensure precision, especially during embroidery, and the latest needle threading system lets you do some vibrant stitching.
The Janome MB-4S Embroidery Machine is a high-performance machine that is designed for commercial and home use. With four needles, the MB-4S can embroider up to four colors at once, which speeds up the embroidery process and allows for more complex designs. The machine also features a large 5.7" LCD touchscreen display, which allows for easy navigation and access to a wide range of stitch options and settings. The MB-4S has a maximum embroidery size of 9.4" x 7.9", making it ideal for large embroidery designs and projects. The machine also features a built-in USB port and two additional ports, allowing you to import and save your own embroidery designs with ease. The MB-4S's automatic thread cutter and programmable foot control allow for hands-free operation and more precise control over the embroidery process. The MB-4S comes with 100 built-in embroidery designs.
What are the features on Pfaff Creative 2144?
When it comes to features, the Pfaff Creative 2144 is loaded. Starting with the exclusive Pfaff IDF and moving up to the automatic needle threader, the list of standard features available on this sewing, quilting and embroidery machine is quite lengthy:
- 285 stitches including eight alphanumeric fonts; 20 cross stitches and 10 different buttonholes
- Ability to sew text in straight, arched or ‘s’ curved style.
- IDF – Integrated Differential Feed – Pfaff’s exclusive system that feeds thick layers of fabric evenly and smoothly, preventing bunching, binding and slipping.
- Internet updates – the people at Pfaff are constantly upgrading their embroidery systems and owners of the Pfaff Creative 2144 have constant access to those updates.
- Basting function – stabilizes knits and embroidery designs of all sizes.
- Customizable on screen editing
- Programmable needle up or down stop
- Ability to sew with one, two or three needles
- Automatic tapering
- Buttonhole sensormatic guarantees perfect buttonholes each and every time
- Bobbin sensor lets users know when the bobbin thread is low
- Separate bobbin winding motor allows users to wind bobbins while sewing or embroidering
- Variable speed adjustment
- Personal menu allows the user to store stitch settings to be recalled on demand for future use
- Pfaff Creative Assistant
- 19 different needle positions
Working on the Pfaff Creative 2144
Sewing on the Pfaff Creative 2144 is a fun experience. Threading the machine, however, is a little trickier. Once you get the hang of it, however, the threading process is easy to navigate.
One thing that must be remembered though is that threading for two or three needles is quite different than threading for just one needle.
Even with the automatic needle threader, the process is not as simple as it is for other sewing machines. Even while following the instructions in the owner’s manual, threading the Pfaff 2144 caused a little bit of confusion.
The entire threading process and especially the small thread guides on front of the needle are challenging even for people with many years’ sewing experience.
The threading issue was corrected on later Pfaff Creative models. Winding the bobbin is much simpler than threading the needle.
However, inserting and removing the bobbin is quite another story. In order to access the bobbin housing, it is necessary to move the work table by swinging it out to the left.
The table also doubles as an accessories case to hold the extra bobbins and presser feet. When it is removed altogether, the free arm is exposed, allowing the user to hem sleeves and cuffs with ease.
The real fun doesn’t begin until after the machine is threaded and the bobbin is in place. The most difficult task is deciding which stitch to use.
The Pfaff Creative 2144 offers so many stitch choices it can take a few minutes to decide which one to use first.
We played around with several different stitches options. Stitch selection involved going through a few steps on the touch screen.
The method of selecting stitches is not a simple one touch process. The first thing you must do is call up the stitch menu. Then, identify the stitch you want.
Once your stitch is identified, select the stitch length and width before starting to sew. In the beginning this can be time consuming.
However, after using the Pfaff 2144 for just a little while, you will be able to use the Personal Menu to build your own stitch library.
Once that is done, finding and executing your favorite stitches is easier and faster.
The knee lift makes it easy to work on embroidery and quilting projects. With this convenient feature, you never have to take your hands off your work to raise or lower the presser foot.
The button that controls the thread cutter is conveniently located on the front of the machine, enabling you to cut threads with one easy touch of a button.
We experimented with embroidery and decorative stitches and the results were the same. The stitch quality is superlative.
Stitches were precise, clean and evenly spaced regardless of the length or width setting we selected.
The variable speed option on the Creative 2144 is convenient for working on intricate projects. At its highest speed setting, the 2144 model sews up to 800 stitches per minute.
It is important to remember to keep the Pfaff Creative 2144 in an area that maintains a stable temperature with no humidity. Moisture is the air is one of the largest risks to a computerized sewing machine.
Which fabrics work on the Pfaff Creative 2144?
| Fabrics that work | Fabrics that don’t work |
|---|---|
| Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester Upholstery | Leather/suede Fur Reptile skin Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers Knits(Medium to heavyweight only) |
What accessories come with the Pfaff Creative 2144?
The people at Pfaff are dedicated to making sure everyone who owns a Pfaff Creative has access to the most up to date software available.
To that end, the Pfaff Creative 2144 comes with not one, but two computer cables… one USB cable and another designed for connection to older computers not equipped with USB ports, definitely one big highlight in this review.
The exclusive toolbox is chock full of instructional DVDs, and exclusive appliqué, quilting and embroidery accessories including presser feet, instructions, suggestions, patterns and other tools that open the doors of home embroidery and appliqué design even wider.
The list of accessories that are standard with the Pfaff model 2144 is far more expansive than the accessories that come with most other sewing, quilting and embroidery machines.
The standard accessories that come with the Pfaff Creative 2144 include:
- The Pfaff Toolbox, which contains five instructional DVDs; special appliqué presser feet; appliqué patterns; instructions and suggestions
- Five spools of machine embroidery thread
- 10 presser feet
- Sensormatic buttonhole
- Standard buttonhole
- Darning
- Roll hem
- Zipper and edge
- Blind hem and overlock
- Embroidery
- Fancy stitch [2]
- Standard zigzag
- Edge guide
- Spool pins [2]
- Seam ripper
- Lint brush
- Bobbins [4]
- Spool caps [3]
- Felt pad
- Bulb remover/needle plate change tool
- Knee lift
- Stitch card
- Stylus
- File assistant – to facilitate downloading designs from the internet
- Embroidery unit
- Embroidery hoops and template
- Creative fancy embroidery foot and creative card
- Creative assistant
- Computer connection cables [2]
- Molded plastic dust cover
In addition to the standard accessories listed above, optional accessories available for the Pfaff 2144 include:
- Additional presser feet
- Pintuck
- Shirring
- Applique
- Cording
- Quilt
- Braiding
- Eyelet plates
- Online update
- Embroidery assistant
How to maintain the Pfaff Creative 2144?
| Maintenance activities | After each use | Monthly | Once each year | As needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean race hook and feed dogs | Yes | No | No | No |
| Wipe head with soft dry cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Wipe head with soft damp cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Lubricate | No | No | No | No |
| Service by sewing machine repair professional | No | No | Yes | No |
Pfaff Creative 2144 Summary
After having thoroughly reviewed this model, I recommend the Pfaff Creative 2144 for intermediate and advanced home sewers.
In light of the initial challenges with threading, the many steps required to execute simple stitches and the price tag of nearly $3000 for a used machine, we feel that this machine is definitely not for anyone who is not already proficient in the art of sewing.
This is a complicated sewing machine that is capable of rendering astonishing products, but not in the very beginning.
Sewing, quilting and embroidering on the Pfaff model 2144 are easy once the user gets accustomed to going through all of the steps required to get the desired results.
This reviewer has been sewing for quite a while. One of the machines we learned to sew on was made by Pfaff. We have worked on many different types of sewing machines.
This machine, however, gave us more of a challenge than we have experienced on a sewing machine in quite some time. Not only was threading a challenge, so was stitch selection and execution.
There was a bit of a learning curve involved here, but once on the other side, we were able to execute many decorative and utility stitches with ease.
The owner’s manual was helpful though. The fact that the owner’s manual for the Pfaff Creative 2144 is a one and a half inch thick loose leaf binder and is accompanied by a smaller, shorter user’s guide is a dead giveaway that this is no easy machine to operate and I caught that right when I started to review it.
This could quite possibly be the largest sewing machine owner’s manual we have ever had the pleasure of working with.
There is a lot of good news here, however. First of all, the fact that the Pfaff Creative 2144 can be continuously updated via the internet is a major plus.
Anyone who purchases this machine can be assured of having continuous access to the most up to date software and embroidery designs available as soon as they are available.
Next, the Personal Menu makes it possible for the user to have their favorite stitch combinations at their fingertips with just a few taps on the touch screen.
Finally, the best news of all is that in the years since the Creative 2144 was introduced, Pfaff has made subsequent machines in the Creative series much more user friendly.
To conclude this review, we believe the Pfaff Creative 2144 is a very good sewing, quilting and embroidery machine.
Just make sure that if you decide to add one to your sewing room, you are more than just a competent sewer and that you are willing to invest the time it takes to learn all there is to know about this machine.
No doubt, if you take our advice, you will enjoy many, many happy years of sewing and machine quilting and embroidery.
Pfaff Creative 2144 Review
Summary
The Pfaff Creative 2144 is a computerized sewing machine that is perfect for beginners and hobbyists. It has 285 built-in stitches, including a variety of straight stitches, zigzag stitches, and decorative stitches. It also has 10 different buttonhole styles, a needle threader, an automatic thread cutter, and a free arm.
The Creative 2144 also has a number of features that make it easy to use, such as the push-button stitch selection and the large, easy-to-read LCD display. It also has a number of advanced features, such as the IDT™ System, which ensures that your fabric feeds evenly at all times.
The Creative 2144 is a great choice for beginners and hobbyists who are looking for a machine with a variety of features and a great stitch quality. It is not the most affordable machine on the market, but it is a good value for the price.
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Happy Stitching.
I have had this machine since December and love it. There is no pressed foot lever but 2 buttons on front of machine to lift presser foot in addtion to knee lift. The needle threader does not work as well as on my 7570. This is a problem that 3 other ladies I know have also experienced. The machine does have a hard time going over bulky seams at times but won’t give my machine up
what size hoops can be used with your machine?
I’ve had and used this machine for at least five years and still love it. I don’t know about the threading issue the author wrote about. It is one of the easiest machines to thread. Also, I have kind of a loosey-goosey needle threader so I can thread the eye of the needle(s) in any position. My friend can thread hers only when the needle is in the center. An older lady friend also has this machine but in her move to a retirement home, she lost her USB cable. I am trying to find a reasonably priced one ($199 – $260 is not there), and ran across this review. At any rate, all three of us love and use our machines often. If you can find a used one, grab it. I’m thinking of getting a 2d one so I can sew/quilt as the other embroiders!
Had this machine for about 8-9 years and loved it to bits. It worked fine on all kind of fabrics even real leather! Made me few cowboy jackets! Yes, tread cutter it is a challenge sometimes.
Sadly the time is come to say good bye to my pfaff 2144 I will be saying hello to pfaff creative sensation pro soon!
I am looking for the card to hook to my computer, as mine is not longer working. I love my 2144 but I am told that Pfaff no longer carries the cards for it.
you will find them for sale on various sites occasionally…like e-bay
I bought the 2140 which was upgraded to 2144 years ago and just now really trying to use it but I’m trying to find some info on how to really use the machine as I have some questions. Any help greatly appreciated. Plus do you know where I can get more feet and I broke the one to use with the embroidery unit…any help.
I love sewing on Pfaff machines! I bought this machine used a little over a year ago. As a quilter, I don’t use the full capacity of this machine. I found threading the needle fairly simple, but it took me a while to learn how to properly thread a bobbin! I do believe it’s a bit challenging to learn to navigate your way around this machine, and would agree it’s not for a beginner. I purchased this machine from an extremely skilled sewing repair guy who specializes in Pfaffs. He says this is his favorite model and prefers it to later versions. For my more basic needs, I have to admit that my trusted Pffaf 7570 is still my favorite. Perhaps that opinion will change as I expand into embroidery and other areas of sewing.
I have been using the 2144 machine for some years with no complaints.
But for past one year cannot use this machine as the LCD display has turned dark and cannot see anything on the screen. However the touch mode is working and all the other functions are also perfect. Can some one please guide me to solve this issue. thanks
Hello, Salma –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
When was the last time you took your Creative 2144 in for servicing? It seems as though an authorized Pfaff service provider should be able to correct this problem for you with ease.
Hello Salma,
This reply is a bit late but it might still help you or someone else. The issue may be sample. Check the tiny wheel that’s located under/by the machine hand wheel. spin that wheel until you get the desired LCD light.
If you can’t locate it let me know to send a photo of it.
hope this will help!
Sabrina
I bought a Pfaff 2144 recently and it did not come with software. I am wondering what the original CDs that came with the Pfaff 2100s will allow the machine to do. Is it embroidery software?
The 2144 did not come with any embroidery software other than maybe the Creative 3D file assistant that allowed you to transfer designs from computer to the machine. There is a newer version available now. It used to be free to download-check with Pfaff dealer. It came with a tutorial CD and manual. I have copy of the tutorial CD if you would like it. It also came with one disk with some embroidery designs on it that you put into the side of the machine.
Hello,
I also love this machine, but I have a question. I want to make my own logo on my jacket. Is there any programme to design your own designs? Please help me!
There is a digitization program available or was at one time
I have the 2140. I get it serviced twice a year. I have 2 other older machines that are work horses and I maintain them myself.
Do any of you do routine maintenance yourself? Is there a manual?
I’m told you can’t do it yourself and you have to bring it in.
It’s now costing $129 to bring it in.
My 2140 has a pressure foot problem that may not be able to be fixed. Say obsolete. The feed dogs and pressure which adjusts automatically are not working to hold my fabric. Can’ sew a straight line
Elsie, I have the same problem and have had my machine in 3 times to be fixed to no avail….I am wondering if you had any luck getting your machine fixed and if so can you tell me what was done. I love my machine and would love to have it repaired if at all possible. Best regards, Linda
My 2140 has always been a dream until last year. Presser foot lifter started slipping but I was able to deal with it. Took it it for timing repair and maintenance and was told the lifter was no longer made and machine was “obsolete and unrepairable!” I am devastated as I’m sitting with pricey machine that I can’t use. If anyone has any idea how to deal with this, I’m all ears!
Hi
Can anyone help I have the 4d creative software that I use on my 2144 is there any other Pfaff models that I can used this on.
Sadly my Pfaff 1222E is starting to have issues. So, I started looking around for a newer machine. Can anyone give advice on the differences between the Pfaff 7570 and Pfaff Creative 2144? According to the chart above, it looks like this machine is kind of wimpy and cannot sew through heavy fabrics or leathers? How does the 7570 do? I have used my old Pfaff to sew just about everything you can imagine, so I definitely need a machine that can still do that.
Also, are those two cables and cards necessary to download updates or transfer designs to the machine? Actually, it looks like I would only need the USB cord and card, so I guess my question should really be “is the USB cord and card necessary?”
Thank you for your advice.
I have a pfaff Creative upgraded to 2170, I love it. The LCD screen when you touch it with stylus either doesn’t recognize or sometimes looks like you pressing in another spot-button. Sometimes it works when i shut it off unplug etc. I have had the issue now for a few days. Please any help out there??
I had this same issue. I bought a big surge protector that is battery backup and surges a low voltage and all surges. Since I got this just before Christmas I have one had one problem. Before I would have many issues when I would try to embroider, very frustrating. Couldn’t use any of the buttons to move design, back up if thread broke ect. Now there hasn’t been issues!! I enjoy my machine again.
Hi, I have a Pfaff 2144 – it’s about 10 years old; and I still love it. Really the best embroidery machine! However, I have a small problem – the little magnet in the bracket of the 120 x 115 hoop has broken and fallen out, rendering the hoop unusable. Does anyone know if it is possible to replace this tiny magnet, or will I have to buy a whole new hoop?
Leslie, I just saw that hoop on ebay today, July 12, 2016 for 20.00 great deal. Hugs
Elsie, thanks for thinking of me. I was able to fix the problem; my husband bought for me a very small magnet – 3mm in diametre ( couldn’t get a square one). It works a treat, and only cost ZAR 2.00 instead of over ZAR 1000 to replace the whole hoop. I even have a few spare magnets – just in case.
I’m an artist and would be creating my own designs for embroidery – can this machine do this if I design in Photoshop etc.?
How do I regain the last stitch selection on the main menu? It no longer shows active and does not respond?
I have a 2144 upgraded to 2170. Thank you !
Preciso de Um LCD display da creative 2144 pfaff
Preciso e uma placa LCD display da creative 2144
Please I have lots to learn. Got PFAFF 2144 4 days ago. Successfully able to embroider MERRICK grandsons Test name 2 times successfully. Go to MAIN MENUE, then ALPHABET etc. Not familiar enough with icons to figure out WHY. WHY. NOW needle position goes to left once I hit ok, not ESCAPE… just hit ok, and needle moves from CENTER Which stops machine if I try to sew… it hits the loop foot. what INCORRECT ICON am I hitting that causes the needle to move from center… which hits embroidery foot. This is my first Pfaff. Have Kmore/Singers vintage…. lots to learn. So overwhelmed. Thk U .
Did you ever figure this out? I was given a Creative 2144 and am trying to learn it. I embroidered a figure without a problem, but now trying to do names, and I’m having the same problem with the needle shifting left and hitting the embroidery foot.
Paid a lot of money for this large paper weight. Bought in 2006. Main board is now out. No way to fix. What a waste of money.