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Pfaff Quilt Ambition 2.0 Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: This Pfaff Quilt Ambition 2.0 review was originally written in 2014, and has been revised and updated in 2023. The Pfaff Quilt Ambition 2.0 is now a discontinued product. We have added alternatives such as Janome Memory Craft Horizon 8200 QCP, Juki HZL-F600, and Janome Memory Craft 6650.
On a visit to Cynthia’s Fine Fabrics in Tamarac, Florida, I came across the Pfaff Quilt Ambition 2.0. It is the latest addition to the Pfaff Ambition line and is being touted as the top of the entire Ambition line, with more stitch options and features than the other Ambition machines.
Pfaff Quilt Ambition 2.0 Overview
The Pfaff Quilt Ambition 2.0 is a computerized sewing machine that is specifically designed for quilters, offering a range of advanced features to make quilting projects easier and more enjoyable. It features a large, high-resolution display that shows stitch settings and allows for easy navigation and selection of the desired stitch. The machine has 201 built-in stitches, including essential stitches such as straight, zigzag, and decorative stitches, as well as stretch stitches and a one-step buttonhole function. The Ambition 2.0 also features an automatic needle threader and adjustable stitch length and width for precise stitching. Other features include a built-in thread cutter, a free arm for sewing cuffs and sleeves, and a speed control slider for more precise stitching control.
In addition to these standard features, the Quilt Ambition 2.0 has several specialized features that make it ideal for quilting projects. It includes a large sewing area, with a 10-inch space to the right of the needle and a 6.3-inch height under the arm, making it easy to maneuver large quilts. It also has a built-in walking foot that helps to feed multiple layers of fabric evenly, and a patchwork program that allows quilters to sew perfect seams for patchwork projects. Other features include a programmable tie-off function, a needle up/down function, and a knee lift for easy fabric handling. The machine also includes a range of specialized quilting feet, including a 1/4 inch piecing foot, a free-motion quilting foot, and a walking foot. Overall, the Pfaff Quilt Ambition 2.0 is an excellent choice for quilters who want a reliable and versatile machine that can handle a wide range of quilting projects with ease.
When I first saw the Pfaff Quilt Ambition 2.0, I immediately recognized the familiar shape and style. The difference, however, was the silver colored accents.
The Pfaff Quilt Ambition 2.0 has an on board needle threader, a very large two compartment removable accessory case; a monochromatic touch screen; and a series of function buttons, including a start/stop button, variable speed control slider, needle stop up/down, reverse stitch, drop feed control, lever, needle position, stitch length and width adjustment buttons, vertical and horizontal mirror image control buttons, and two buttons to help you manage the machine.
There is also an on board thread cutter, a stylus to help you navigate through the controls on the touch screen, and bright LED lighting.
What are some alternatives for the Pfaff Quilt Ambition 2.0?
We have mentioned in this review that Pfaff Quilt Ambition 2.0 is now a discontinued product. Here are some alternatives that we recommend instead.
The Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8200 has all the functions and extras you could possibly need for quilting. The enormous 11" to the right of your needle is included on the Janome Memory Craft 8200. You will be able to quilt a large quilt easily in this area. There is a knee lift included with the Janome Memory Craft 8200 QCP. Your presser foot will simply rise up with a quick push to the right with your knee! You may easily make the last tweaks to your project while utilizing it with the needle down option!
The Horizon Memory Craft 8200QCP's typical free motion quilting settings are perfect for free motion quilters! You also receive a convertible free motion quilting foot with a closed toe, open toe, and clear view foot in addition to a darning foot that can be used for free motion quilting. It only takes a quick flick of a button on the machine's side to lower your feed dogs.
The Juki HZL-F600 takes the lead in the sewing and quilting machine industry. The tool has the potential to impress you with its professional performance and user-friendly features. Why should you invest in this machine? The reason is that it comes ahead with a sturdy motor designed to sew thick materials such as denim and several quilting layers, which other machines fail to do. Furthermore, you can unleash your creative side by making the most out of 255 stitch patterns and 16 buttonholes completely automatic. And do not forget the bonus part: it offers a large working space, bright LED lighting for you to navigate the instructions, and a box feed system to guarantee precision and ease so you can continue with your complicated sewing projects.
Janome Memory Craft 6650 Sewing and Quilting Machine takes the seventh position in the category of the best eight quilting machines. It’s considered a powerhouse since the instrument is packed with versatility and precision, becoming the top quilter and sewer choice. The machine attracts you with its spacious 10’’ throat space, making it perfect for managing bulky quilt projects. After that, you will see that the device carries a robust body with 170 built-in stitches, a superior needle threader for you to resume intricate sewing easily, and includes alphabets to ensure that you are doing it correctly. This specific quilting machine offers you speedy stitching of up to 1000 stitches per minute, promising you an efficient workflow. At the same time, the LCD screen allows easier navigation, simplifying usability.
- Superior Plus Feed System
- Built-in automatic thread cutter
- Adjustable foot presser
- Detachable stitch chart
- Lack of a free arm.
- A steeper learning curve may interfere with the beginner’s learning.
What are the features on Pfaff Quilt Ambition 2.0?
- 201 decorative and utility stitch options
- 7 one-step buttonholes
- 4 alphanumeric fonts
- Twin needle option
- Variable stitch length and width
- Seam guides on both sides of the needle
- Drop in bobbin with see through cover
- On board stitch selection guide
- Extra high presser foot lift
- Manual tension adjustment
- Memory saves favorite stitch combinations
- Automatic tie off at the beginning and end of a stitch sequence
- 29 needle positions
- External drop feed control
- Exclusive Pfaff IDT technology
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
Working on the Pfaff Quilt Ambition 2.0
If you follow the on board guides and icons, winding the bobbin on the Pfaff Quilt Ambition 2.9 and threading it are as easy as can be. If you are teaching a child to sew, these features make your job a piece of cake.
Selecting one of the 201 stitch options is a bit tricky, however… not for a seasoned home sewer, but I don’t think the process is simple enough for a beginner to master.
The first step is to refer to the on board stitch selection guide and then scroll through the listing of stitches by numerical assignment and category on the touch screen.
Again, this step is not a challenge for someone who is familiar with working on sewing machines with stitch types grouped together by category, but could be a challenge for the newcomer.
In order to get a specific decorative stitch, it is necessary first go to the menu section where the stitch is stored and then scroll through the drop down menu of stitches until you arrive at the stitch you want.
It is necessary to know the numerical assignment of the stitch you are going after because the screen does not display the image of the stitch, just the category name and the assigned number.
Once you get there, touch the stitch number with the stylus and sew. While it is also possible to use the stylus to rapidly touch the stitch number on the touch screen, you have to be quick.
If you are not fast enough, you will have to repeat the process several times before you can actually get the stitch you want.
After going through these steps to select a stitch, I was a bit disappointed by the quality of the stitches produced by the Pfaff Quilt Ambition 2.0. They are passable, but when it came to some for the decorative stitch options, it was rather apparent that they were made on a machine at home.
The stitches were sturdy and did not come out, but they just didn’t have that look of professionalism to them.
In addition, this machine is noisier than I expected it to be. I will add, however, that there is very little vibration. The noise level seems to be a result of good construction but a need for better insulation to muffle the sound of the inner mechanism.
The placement of the drop feed control lever is problematic for me. It is necessary to remove the accessory case and expose the free arm in order to get to the switch that lowers and raises the feed dogs.
If you are working with a quilt of any size and wanted to do some freehand stitches, you would want to have as much workspace as possible. The mere fact that the workspace must be reduced in order to get to that feature is, in my opinion a major design flaw.
Having the drop feed control in such an inconvenient place on a simple sewing machine is inefficient, but to do the same thing on a machine designed for quilting is, in my opinion negligent.
Which fabrics work on the Pfaff Quilt Ambition 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) Denim | Leather/suede Fur Reptile skin Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber Upholstery Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers |
What are the accessories that come with Pfaff Quilt Ambition 2.0?
- 8 Snap on presser feet
- Standard foot
- Fancy stitch foot with IDT
- Fancy stitch foot
- Blind hem foot with IDT
- Zipper foot with IDT
- One step buttonhole foot
- ¼ inch quilting foot with IDT
- Open toe free motion foot
- 5 Bobbins
- Felt pad
- Screwdriver for needle plate
- Multi-purpose tool
- 3 Spool caps (2 large/1 small)
- Seam ripper/lint brush
- Stylus
- Edge guide
- Auxiliary spool pin
- Needles
- Hard cover
- Owner’s manual
How to maintain the Pfaff Quilt Ambition 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 Quilt Ambition 2.0 Summary
After reviewing, I think the Pfaff Quilt Ambition 2.0 is a mixed bag of good sewing machine workmanship and a machine that falls far short of many of my expectations.
The stitch selection process and the fact that the quality of the stitches is lacking, paired with the fact that this is a rather noisy machine makes me wonder. I wonder how long it will be before it starts to be problematic for long term users.
The Pfaff Quilt Ambition 2.0 that I reviewed was a floor model, and had yet to be used under normal conditions. While it performed without any significant problems to speak of during the review, I cannot help but wonder how it performs in a real sewing room.
I gave this machine an overall rating of 4 solely because it did perform as it should during the review. The questionable stitch quality is, in my opinion, indicative of frustrations to come if the machine is used heavily.
There is a very good chance, however, that the Pfaff Quilt Ambition 2.0 will perform quite well under conditions where it is not used heavily or if it is not used to sew very heavy fabric or multiple layers of fabric.
It is, nonetheless designated as a quilting machine. This categorization and the very name of this machine would indicate that it is a quilting machine, and therefore, capable of handling thick layers of fabric.
For this review, I used denim, which the Pfaff Quilt Ambition 2.0 handled quite well. The IDT is a great feature to have when quilting because it helps feed all layers of fabric through the feed dogs evenly.
Since the IDT is not a new feature and I have seen it work well on many other machines, I daresay that it will perform well on this machine too.
When compared with comparable sewing and quilting machines, I must say that the Pfaff Quilt Ambition 2.0 does not measure up to its reputation. In my opinion, there are many other sewing and quilting machines on the market which are superior to this one.
If a Pfaff sewing and quilting machine is what you are in the market for, I recommend the Pfaff Quilt Expression 4.2. It costs a little more, but you know what they say… you get what you pay for.
It is loaded with great features, but I would rather have seen this machine come off the assembly line with fewer features and an easier stitch selection process and better stitch quality.
Ironically, the day I want to review the Quilt Expression 4.2, it had been sold less than an hour before I arrived. I am currently waiting for the delivery of another one to review.
Rest assured… I will review the Pfaff Quilt Expression 4.2 as soon as I can get my hot little hands on one.
In the meantime, I can only recommend the purchase of the Quilt Ambition 2.0 with the understanding that it is not the most user friendly machine and that the quality of certain decorative stitches is a telltale indicator that loving hands at home were at work.
Pfaff Quilt Ambition 2.0 Review
Summary
The Pfaff Quilt Ambition 2.0 is a sewing and quilting machine that was released in 2020. It has a 5″ color LCD touch screen, 100 built-in stitches, 100 quilting designs, and a large embroidery field of 7″ x 12″. It also has an automatic needle threader, quick-set, top-loading bobbin, and a variety of other features that make it a versatile machine.
Overall, the Pfaff Quilt Ambition 2.0 is a good sewing and quilting machine for those who are looking for a machine with a variety of features and a large embroidery field. However, it is important to note that it is an expensive machine and not as portable as some other machines.
The Pfaff Quilt Ambition 2.0 also has the IDT Dual Feed System, which is a feature that helps to feed the fabric evenly through the machine, which can be helpful for sewing difficult fabrics or getting consistent stitches. It also has a variety of quilting features, such as a walking foot, a darning plate, and a quilting guide.
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Happy Stitching.
Thanks for the review! I wonder, however, why the Ambition Essential gets a higher score. Is it a better machine, or is it simply a better price-quality ratio?
Which of the two would you recommend?
I just bought a second hand expressions 2.0 and I am very disappointed. I have two other Pfaff machines a 2144 and a 7570 and this is NOT anywhere near what those machine are. It is touted as a quilting machine, but it there is more than one layer of fabric it does not sew well. It hesitates and stitches in place even with the IDT engaged. DO NOT BUY this machine at any cost. You will not be happy. It also does not have a low bobbin light which I find very odd considering the other Pfaff machines. The only thing going for it is the bigger harp, but the rest of the machine is a piece of junk. I love my 2144 and 7570, but this machine is a joke.
I bought my second 4.2 machine and it is really bad. I used one 3 days and the timing broke. They gave me a demo off the floor , used it 3 and a half months and the same thing happened. Now the dealer id going to take $150 dollars from me because I will not buy another one. I have one that I used since 2016 and really like it that is why I bought a second one but I would nit reccomend it ever again. And the dealer is not very nice either.
I don’t quilt, only sew garments, so I can only comment on the utility stitches and only a few of the decorative ones.
I was surprised to read that you deem the stitch quality so-so. I usually try a new stitch on a patch of material, and often it takes a few adjustments to get it just right: the length, breath, tension, and maybe even foot pressure. That’s normal procedure, isn’t it?
It’s worth mentioning that the standard boobin case, with no option for adjusting underthread tension, must always be threaded with thread number 100-120. Thicker thread won’t give a pretty result on the underside, no way. So if you want to use thick thread also on the underside, you will need alternative bobbin cases adjusted for the thicker thread (say: jeans thickness 70, or furniture material/ canvas, thickness 50). But they are easy to switch.
It’s also recommended to NOT use the IDT feature when sewing very short stitches, according to the manual.
What I dislike about this machine, is that the buttons are not real “buttons,” but pressure sensitive areas on the plastic cover. Like the chiclet-keys on old mobile phones.
The touch screen is o’kay though. No problem to finger-point, no need to use stylus.
I bought myself 4 years agos a Pfaff Creative 2.0
Never worked on the machine. I am a beginner and
need some help please.
How to start.
My PFAFF expressions 2.0 Ser# 120082611 is in my opinion and the trouble I have experienced with it , a piece of junk. Purchased July,2010; April.2014 had a major working issue, took the machine to dealer who was advised by Toronto tech to ship it to him; four weeks later it was returned in worst condition than before. Dealer returned the machine to Toronto for further service;returned after another five weeks BUT the threader wasn’t working, dealer took care of this problem and so after ten weeks of “servicing ?” it was back in my home. Now, at present, when sewing with the said machine , foot peddle fully depressed, will actually slow down to a nearly complete stop. This machine is a PFAFF/ LEMON . I am totally discussed with PFAFF machines
Did you ever review the Pfaff Quilt Expression 4.2? I would like to compare it with the Pfaff Quilt Ambition 2.0. I have worn out my Pfaff Ambition 1.5 after six years and need to replace it. Any advice? Thanks!
One week and the thing has issues. Potergeist! Runs on it’s own. Stops while sewing. Leaves wrinkles in the quilts. Very disappointed. Recommend you buy a different machine. Problems probably from being made in Asia instead of Germany.
I haven’t used this machine extensively, yet, but I can tell you that if you tap the little box with the stitch number, instead of that ridiculous menu, a keypad will appear and you can enter a stitch number.
Thank you . I never knew that!
I bought th the pfaff quilt ambition 2.0 love the idt walking foot. But I have nothing but problems with the feed dogs constantly lowering then back to the dealer for adjustment. It has cost me $. Also this machine is not really a quilters machine has trouble stitching over multiple seams.
This pfaff machine is the best ever, so impressed am going to purchase another for a spare.