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Pfaff Passport 2.0 Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: This Pfaff Passport 2.0 review was originally written in 2013, and has been revised and updated in 2023. We have added similar alternatives such as Elnita EM16, SINGER | M3500, and SINGER M1000.
When I reviewed the new Pfaff Passport 2.0, the first thing that came to mind is “Pfaff has finally come up with a truly portable sewing machine that can do anything a home sewer could ask for.”
Obviously, I’m not the only one to think this way. The Pfaff Passport 2.0 is a winner of the prestigious 2013 Red Dot Design Award.
Pfaff Passport 2.0 Overview
The looks of the Pfaff Passport 2.0 are quite deceiving. It’s small. It doesn’t have a large touch screen. The unassuming black and white motif with plain yellow markings does nothing to reveal this machine’s features and capabilities.
In all honesty, if it weren’t for the pull tab on the right side that gives you access to the stitch guide, the Passport looks like any other basic sewing machine.
What are the features on Pfaff Passport 2.0?
When it comes to features, the Pfaff Passport 2.0 is surprisingly equipped. Standard features include:
- 70 decorative and utility stitch options
- 4 one-step buttonholes
- Variable speed slider
- Stitch menu tab
- Free motion sewing
- Drop feed dogs
- Automatic needle threader
- Manual tension adjustment
- Extra high presser foot lift
- Needle up/down
- Automatic tie off
- 29 needle positions
Working on the Pfaff Passport 2.0
The Pfaff Passport 2.0 is a versatile and compact sewing machine that offers 70 built-in stitches, including decorative, utility, and stretch stitches. It also has an LCD screen that displays stitch settings, a speed control slider, and a needle up/down feature that allows you to stop the needle in the up or down position. Additionally, the machine has a start/stop button that allows you to sew without using the foot pedal, making it easy to use for beginners and advanced sewers alike. Its lightweight and portable design make it ideal for taking to sewing classes or for sewing on-the-go.
Threading the Pfaff Passport 2.0 and winding the bobbin are very easy, especially with the easy to follow numerical threading guide on the machine head.
Directions for properly inserting the bobbin are clearly shown in a decal on the oversized clear bobbin cover. Having the stitch selection guide on a handy pull out tab is in my opinion a big plus.
It’s there when you want it, and very easy to read. Selecting a stitch is as easy as using the numerical touchpad to simply dial in the stitch number you want. I ran into a slight problem, however, because of my nails.
They are not excessively long – a little more than ¼ inch bass my finger tips, but they got in the way as I was attempting to press the buttons on the pad.
The buttons did not engage when I used my nails and for some reason, using my fingertips proved to be somewhat awkward for me. What I ended up doing was using my knuckle to engage the buttons.
It was an inconvenience, but only a slight one, and for many people, I’m sure this would be no inconvenience at all, especially for those with shorter nails.
After I cleared that hurdle, however, I was truly impressed by the stitch quality. For this review, I decided to use a lightweight denim fabric.
I tested several different utility and decorative stitch options and am pleased to report that each and every stitch I sampled was absolutely perfect.
All of the standard accessories fit neatly into a tray that is can be removed to expose the free arm. With the optional extension table, the Pfaff Passport is capable of handing much larger jobs, including quilts, coats and oversized bags and totes.
What are some alternatives for Pfaff Passport 2.0?
We have reviewed several home sewing machines similar to the Pfaff Passport 2.0, and here are some alternatives we highly recommend.
The Elnita EM16 Mechanical Sewing Machine is a reliable and durable machine that is perfect for beginners and those who prefer a simpler approach to sewing. With 16 built-in stitches, including straight, zigzag, and decorative stitches, this machine offers a range of options for basic sewing tasks. The EM16 also features a front-loading bobbin system, making it easy to load and replace the bobbin, and a free arm for sewing cuffs, collars, and other hard-to-reach areas. The machine is lightweight and portable, making it easy to transport and store. The EM16 also comes with a range of accessories, including a hard cover, four presser feet, and a seam ripper, to help you tackle any sewing project with ease. With its simple and straightforward design, the Elnita EM16 Mechanical Sewing Machine is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use machine for basic sewing tasks.
Weighing in at a mere 5.5 pounds, the Singer M1000 emerges as the go-to companion for on-the-go sewists. Priced under $100, this light-weight marvel boasts 32 Stitch Applications, making mending and garment repairs on light-weight fabrics a breeze. Its top-drop-in bobbin system ensures thread visibility, preventing mid-seam surprises. The free arm design facilitates easy sewing of trouser hems and sleeve cuffs, ideal for smaller projects. With an intuitive Stitch Selector Dial, beginners can effortlessly choose from essential stitches. The M1000's portable prowess, coupled with features like an adjustable thread tension and quick threading guides, positions it as the perfect choice for light sewing projects.
- Budget-friendly and light-weight
- Suitable for small sewing jobs
- Built-in bobbin winder and adjustable tension
- Difficulties sewing heavy fabrics like denim
Which fabrics work on the Pfaff Passport 2.0?
| Fabrics that work | Fabrics that don’t work |
|---|---|
| Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester Knits (medium to heavyweight only) Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers | Fur Reptile skin Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber Upholstery Leather/suede |
What are the accessories that come with Pfaff Passport 2.0?
The Pfaff Passport 2.0 has all of the basic accessories you would need to make your sewing experience successful whether you’re making a designer ensemble or mending a damaged seam.
- 6 snap on presser feet
- Zipper
- Zigzag
- Buttonhole
- Button
- Multi-purpose
- Blindhem
- Extra needles
- Extra bobbins
- Spool pins
- Spool pads
- Quilting bar
- Screwdriver
- Lint brush
- Seam ripper
- Hard cover
In addition to this list of standard accessories, anyone who purchases a Pfaff Passport 2.0 also has the option of purchasing an extension table to make working on quilts and other large sewing projects easier.
How to maintain the Pfaff Passport 2.0?
| 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 Passport 2.0 Summary
After sewing on and reviewing the Pfaff Passport 2.0, it is easy to see how it won the Red Dot Design Award. It is easy to use, easy to carry, and easy to maintain.
Operating this sewing machine is so easy that I would not hesitate to recommend it for use by a beginner, even a child in elementary school who is learning to sew.
A person with intermediate or advanced sewing skills would be very pleased with this machine because of the superior stitch quality and ease of operation.
I am particularly impressed with the fact that this machine produces such great stitch quality and is also extremely light, weighing just under 14 pounds.
To my knowledge, this is the first machine I’ve seen that can deliver such great stitches and still travel to class, go on vacation, and to the college dorm.
Add to that the very reasonable MSRP, and you’ve got what might just be one of the very best portable sewing machines available.
If you are in the market for a lightweight portable machine that can truly deliver great results, you owe it to yourself to visit your nearest Pfaff dealer and take a look at the Passport 2.0 for yourself.
Pfaff Passport 2.0 Review
Summary
The Pfaff Passport 2.0 is a computerized sewing machine that is designed for intermediate and experienced sewers. It is a portable machine that is perfect for taking to classes or for travel. It has a variety of features that make it a great choice for a variety of sewing projects, including 220 built-in stitches, 7mm maximum stitch width and 4mm maximum stitch length, 7 sewing feet included, automatic needle threader and drop-in bobbin, speed control slider, LED light for better visibility, and carrying case. It is a great choice for sewers who are looking for a portable machine with a variety of features and is easy to use.
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Happy Stitching.
I started sewing October 2012 because we’d had a fire in our home and I needed to make new curtains for the entire house. I started with a machine I thought would be able to handle all of my needs, a portable BabyLock Audrey. It Was a great little machine BUT ‘little’ became a frustration handling large pieces of fabric to make large curtains and I also started playing with quilting and found that I loved doing that so by November I had discovered the Babylock wasn’t ‘enough’ machine for my needs.
I ended up getting a Pfaff Creative 2.0 for myself for Christmas and have turned on the creative juices and started a small business revolving around custom dog beds and accessories for dog show people.
I had one problem, I LOVE Creative 2.0 but it as heavy to haul to the sewing class I took this Spring and the portable Babylock I’d kept for using for such things just wasn’t ‘enough’ machine for my needs.
The week my local Quality Sewing dealer got the Passport 2.0 in their showroom I went in and test sewed on it.. I feel head over heals in love and traded in my Babylock. It is ‘light’ and EASY to tote around plus sets up nicely in my Motorhome on small Table area BUT it SEWS BIG! The IDT and more powerful motor enable me to do serious construction work while the 2.0 is being used in embroidery mode so I get a lot more done in a day. I also actually prefer doing quilt piece work on the Passport as it pulls the fabric straighter even with out a straight stitch plate, than my 2.0 WITH a straight stitch plate, pretty much zero wandering.
I just love my Passport!
I’m thinking of getting this machine after using low quality machines most of my life…im in my 60’s! Would I be able to handle the learning curve?
Yes! I’m in my 70’s and I use this machine for all my go-to sewing sessions because it is light weight. I sew in a group at camp and there are 5 of us who have the same machine!!! (I think I started something!)
You will enjoy it.
Paralegaldeb6@gmail.com, me, asks:
I’m sitting on the fence between a PASSPORT 2.0 and a 3.0. for a new machine from Quality V&S, in Washington.
Any advice? Been sewing since I was 12, 1972. Am 60 now.
If you know of anyone that wants to make masks designed by an ARNP and an Engineer who made and donated over 167,000 masks (no typo), check out
fabricpatch.net
Would love to hear from you re 2.0 versus 3.0.
Kindest regards… stay safe.
Deborah Kennedy
C: 425.791.8347
West Coast Time.
I gave this machine 2 stars because it is at least adequate for quilting. For anything else, forget it. I tried to make jeans and it won’t sew heavy fabric without making loops all over underneath – the video on the post is misleading because they didn’t turn the fabric over so you can see what it actually does.
Although it is light without the table extension (which is NOT free – I paid $150!), it weighs a TON in its case with the extension table attached. It is even heavier than my full-sized machine!
It is made from cheesy plastic parts and the tension is not good – I just bought it in July and it has already been into the shop for an $80 repair.
If all you do is piece quilting cotton, you could get by with this machine, but if you are a serious sewer, give it a miss…
I wish I’d read this before I bought mine, I agree that if you want to do other work , it’s not much use. I wanted to sew stretch fabric, but there’s no chance of that. Nearly everything I try, does’nt turn out well, low standard, but when I took it back to the shop she sewed a few lines on thicker fabric and said it was ok. The advertising is very misleading, showing finishing the edges off but when you try this it rolls fabric up on edge no matter what needles or foot you use. Wished I spent a£100 quid on one that I could have done this with and saved my £400 . Very disappointed with this machine
I see knits on it all the time and am wildly pleaded. At first it acted up but I had the wrong foot and needle in it (fairly renewed to sewing) but once made tgat change my knits are perfect. Perhaps a store visit is in order.
I’ve had my Passport about 1 year now – I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I have Singer, Pfaff, Babylock and many Vintage machines – I go back to the Passport for all types of materials and items.!!!
You know…. I have just been searching online for ages to see if I’m the only one with this problem. I’m trying to hem some jeans and whatever I try the stitching seems to look fine at the top, but underneath there are loads of loops and it’s a mess! So frustrating!!!
I wish I’d read all reviews before investing in this machine, you cannot move from light to heavy fabric (one layer or two) without the stitch looping. It’s a total nightmare to have to change settings before the slightest change in direction. Avoid I’d say!
I give the Passport a 5+. I own several machines, including a full size Machine quilter – all Babylock – I love all of these machines but I needed a light weight machine to take to the quilting classes I teach. The price was unreal – including all of the feet (this did include a discount) was less than 700.00. I do some machine quilting (usually use my Crown Jewel for larger quilts), but do lots and lots of piecework, applique, and overall mending. I have yet to find anything it won’t sew over – I did not have the ‘loops’ when working on jeans like a previous commenter. I love this and have been using this as my ‘main’ sewing machine. I have no concerns or criticisms at this point. I would recommend it, and do, to anyone looking for an overall machine for day to day use. I sew about 3 – 4 hours a day – it has yet to let me down.
Hi there..
im looking at buying Passport 2.0 .. would u still recommend it?
Thanks for your post. I am going to give this a look and will probably purchase it. I need a small, transportable machine. I looked at a different brand also online but if seeing teachers love this, I think this might be my pick.
Paralegaldeb6@gmail.com, me, asks:
I’m sitting on the fence between a PASSPORT 2.0 and a 3.0. for a new machine from Quality V&S, in Washington.
Any advice? Been sewing since I was 12, 1972. Am 60 now.
If you know of anyone that wants to make masks designed by an ARNP and an Engineer who made and donated over 167,000 masks (no typo), check out
fabricpatch.net
Would love to hear from you re 2.0 versus 3.0.
Kindest regards… stay safe.
Deborah Kennedy
C: 425.791.8347
West Coast Time.
This is a great machine! Pfaff quality for a reasonable price! And as far as using it to sew heavy fabrics, drop bobbin machines are not made to do this. On a front load metal bobbin and hook machine, you can easily adjust your bobbin tension to accommodate heavier fabrics. Drop bobbin machines of any brand require a service person or dealer to adjust the tension of the bobbin. For people who sew heavier fabric, you can even buy an additional bobbin case set to a heavier tension (or lesser if you do a lot of free motion quilting). The looping threads when you sewed denim was not the machine’s fault, but yours for not realizing that there is no sewing machine in existence that can intuitively adjust tension between cotton and denim.
Hello,
I bought the passport yesterday and was a Bit disappointed when i started sewing with her as she Sems very loud. The straigt stitch is quiet but the wider Stitches make a very loud noise do you have the Same problem.
Regards Sylvia
I’ve had my passport for 1. 1/2 years. I take it everywhere on retreats I use it as my main machine
It is loud but it makes up for it in durability. I did have to replace a piece in the bobbin at about one year ( wore it out plus keep forgetting to change needle position when I use the 1/4 inch foot!!!!!)
aBSOLUTELy love it
I have over twenty machines and choose this to use. I’ve soent thousands on Babylock and still go back to this inexpensive machine.
I too have a fair few machines and like Pat, I use the Passport for all my sewing needs. Don’t be fooled by its size, this machine is BIG on stitch quality and delivers impressive results whether its lightweight or heavyweight fabric.
It is so simple to use, I didn’t need to read the instruction manual. Straight out of the box and staight to work, I love it! Perfect for the seasoned sewer or absolute beginner.
I’m Pat – still have my Passport – now have several other ladies in our quilt club using them too!!! You can’t beat it for price, durability, and portability – of course I still like my Featherweights – but the Passport has decorative stitching – it goes over several materials – last night I was working on a dress for the Renaissance for my daughter this weekend. It sewed through a thick layer of heavy duty Timex and up to four layers of satin without a problem – using a decorative stitch.
As I said before in a post – had to replace part of the bobbin assembly but I use this thing at least 2 hours a day. I feel bad because I love my Babylocks but this is so easy to use and maneuver for day to day things- it even sewed through the pockets on my husbands jeans when they needed repair.
My name is Pam and I am a sewing/quilting machine-o-holic. I have 21 machines which include old Singer handcranks, treadles, and Featherweights, new Babylocks including two 6 needle machines, and many Pfaffs. I use a Babylock to embroider – they are the best single or 6 needle embroidery machines IMO. I use Pfaffs to sew/quilt ranging from a 1471 to a Performance 5.0 – with no problems for the 5.0 BTW. I bought a Passport since all the Pfaff feet I have purchased over the years will fit it and it is light enough to take to sewing circle. I’ve been using for a week and love it so far. No problems at all. I would give it a 5 star rating. Hope my luck hold with it.
Do you also have the pfaff ambition essentials? I’m not sure if I want the Passport or that one…
I don’t have the Ambition so I can’t comment. It depends on what type of sewing you do. At home I sew with a couple of Pfaff’s that are the heavier machines. I keep the Passport in the trunk of my car for sewing circle. I embroider with a Babylock. Pam
I have 5 sewing machines (yeah, I know… why?), and the Passport was added to my “collection” in March of 2015. I was very excited about the IDT system and the ability to easily take it to classes and sewing club meetings. I like it really well.. I’d give it a 4.5 rating. A couple of things to be aware of. Pretty much all I sew is 100% cotton. At first I kept getting “birds nests” underneath. The bobbin thread kept getting all jumbled up. As I got more and more frustrated, I started muttering about “precision German engineering my @ss” (lol). Then I figured it out. My mother always told me when you have problems, check the threading, top and bottom. I did… it was fine on top. Then I double checked the bobbin. Aha! With all my other machines, the bobbin thread just seems to go right into place and click into the tensioner effortlessly. On the Pfaff, I have to put one finger gently on top of the bobbin to hold it in place and then gently pull the thread taut… at which time you can hear an almost imperceptible “click” as the thread clicks into the bobbin tensioner. After that, the machine ran perfectly. You just have to know its little quirks. One other thing, I think you’re supposed to disengage the IDT system (easy to do, see the manual) when you are using anything that’s not a straight stitch. You don’t want to use it with a zig-zag stitch for example. I’m not sure what would happen (I’ve never tested that) but the manual says not to do it. It’s really a great little machine and I think very attractive looking too.
Very interesting! I have had my Passport for a couple years. I have made a queen sized quilt on it, and for the most part, I love it. However; I have problems with the bobbin thread. As you said I get bird nests and skipped and loopy stitches. I complained to the Pfaff Shop where I bought it, and she said it wasn’t threaded correctly. I know how to thread a sewing machine. Every time I had to change bobbin thread, I would cringe because I would have to re-do the bobbin 4-5 times before the stitches were smooth. Extremely frustrating. The Passport is currently at the shop being checked because of this problem. When I get it back, I am going to specifically do what you said about putting in the bobbin. Maybe that is the problem. I certainly hope so. Thanks for the tip!!!
I’ve had my Passport 2.0 for a little over a year now and I work it to death almost every day. I bought it for the purpose of taking to quilting retreats/classes and have ended up using it as my go to machine at home as well. I’ve never had a problem that rethreading didn’t fix. The only thing it is lacking is a thread snip (but the 3.0 has this feature). I am very, very pleased with this machine and do recommend it.
I reaaaaaaally like the features on this machine… The only thing I don’t like, is that it’s so ugly… It looks like something that was designed in the eighties. Is it prettier in real life and also, how big is it exactly? Could anybody give me it’s overal measurements?
I have a Passport 2.0, and I think it is a very pretty little sewing machine. The Passport 3.0 is out now, and I think it is very unattractive. All white.
I’ve been searching and googling and cannot find any website that deals in Pfaff that gives the dimensions. If anyone could measure the width, height and depth, would be greatly appreciated!
I have the Passport 3.0. The measurements (w/hardcover) are:
18.0″(w), 9.25″(d), 12.0″(h) [14.5″(h) w/handle UP]
a. Hardcover does NOT attach to the machine.
b. Hardcover houses foot control and power cord
c. Basic machine w/o hardcover is just 16″(w)
Carol:
My mistake: The basic machine is still 18: (w) The head cover uses the space in front of the head for the foot control ‘pocket’, but the machine base is still 18″(w).
Sorry about the misinfo.
= LL
I am researching machines that I can take to quilting classes and retreats. I’m trying to decide between a Pfaff Passport and an Elna Lotus.
What do you think?
I have a Passport 2.0. I can’t figure out how to do free motion quilting. I don’t find a part-way position for lowering the feet.
Ellen: Your manual should tell you where the switch is located to lower the feed dogs.
On the Passport 3.0 it is located on the backside of the freearm bed.
— You need to remove the flatbed attachment to access it.
I sew on a Pfaff Expression 48 (?) — I’m not sure because it’s in Fargo and I’m in Madison WI) but I know my Pfaff has what I’ve heard referred to as a ‘mezzanine’ level. If I’m remembering correctly, I sort of have to push it away from me when I’m lowering the presser foot. It shouldn’t take much effort. I hope this helps. I’m thinking about the 2.0 Passport because I have a brother sewing machine and it’s awful! It’s the machine I brought to Madison for the winter and I struggle with it constantly. Grr.
I’ve had my Passport 2.0 for almost 4 years. It’s a great little machine, was happy to see that it had IDT. I use to take to quilting classes and quilt sewing group days. I make quilts and garments.
My only complaint is that it doesn’t wind the bobbin evenly.
Has anyone used the Pfaff 2.0 for heirloom sewing? I am thinking about purchasing one.
The Pfaff Passport 2.0 is junk. I had it for 3 years and it died. The dealer cannot figure out what is wrong. It was serviced yearly nd well taken care of.
DO NOT BUY PFAFF! They are made of cheap chinese electrical components.
To the people complaining about poor stitch quality:
First, set your needle tension to 7, that is the optimal tension with Passport 2.0 for most fabrics.
Second, make sure you thread the bobbin properly. You need to feel some tension when you pull the thread.
Dank u voor de tip!
Ik merk dat ik lussen krijg als ik het spoeltje opwind op de machine, maar niet als ik het garen met de hand strak om de spoel wind. Wat doe ik verkeerd? Hoe te zorgen dat het garen strak om de spoel komt als ik het aan de machine wil opwinden?