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Pfaff Select 4.2 Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: This Pfaff Select 4.2 Review was originally written in 2012, and has been revised and updated in 2023. We have added alternatives such as Brother XR3774, Janome HD5000, Janome 3160QDC.
The Pfaff Select 4.2 is not a newly released sewing machine but I did not have an opportunity to review it until a recent visit to Cynthia’s Fine Fabrics.
It is a mechanical sewing machine that has a lot of features that are often reserved for computerized sewing machines.
Pfaff Select 4.2 Overview
The Pfaff Select 4.2 is a computerized sewing machine that is perfect for beginners and hobbyists. It has 44 built-in stitches, including a variety of straight stitches, zigzag stitches, and decorative stitches. It also has a 1-step buttonhole function, a needle threader, an automatic thread cutter, and a free arm.
The Select 4.2 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 Select 4.2 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.
The thing while reviewing the Pfaff Select 4.2 that caught my eye initially was not the plum accent color, but the push button stitch selection. I cannot remember the last time I saw a sewing machine that had each stitch assigned to a button that you merely push.
In addition to the push buttons for selecting stitches on the Pfaff Select 4.2, there are three easy to read and use purple dials on top of the machine head.
The one on the left is for adjusting the tension, the dial in the middle is used to adjust stitch width and the dial on the extreme right allows the user to adjust the needle position.
The stitch length is adjusted by a grey dial that is situated to the left of the stitch selection buttons and the reverse stitch lever is found just above that dial.
Inside the lid is a stitch selection guide. You might think that this feature is really not necessary since the stitches are clearly depicted on the stitch selection push buttons.
However, it is possible to simultaneously press two buttons at the same time, giving you more stitch options than those shown on the keys alone.
There is also an automatic needle threader, and an on board accessories tray that conveniently swings out to give the user limited access to the free arm.
When full access to the free arm is needed, the accessories case can be removed entirely. The drop feed control is hidden behind the door where the bobbin housing is located.
If you are at all familiar with my reviews of machines with hard to locate drop feed controls, you know this is one of my pet peeves. More on that later.
What are some alternatives for the Pfaff Select 4.2?
Pfaff Select 4.2 is a home sewing machine with slightly better specifications than the average budget home sewing machine. Here are some alternatives with similar features.
If you have just stepped into sewing or are at an intermediate stage, then Brother XR3774 Sewing Machine is your call. The resource can spread sheer joy by offering 37 built-in stitches, a wide table for quilting, and an automatic needle threader. One of the best parts is that the machine is very light and its intuitive pattern makes it perfect for anyone, who does sewing as a hobby and wants a reliable machine to serve the purpose.
Janome's HD-5000 Black Edition stands out as a reliable heavy-duty sewing machine, blending robust construction with user-friendly features. Ideal for enthusiasts eager to embark on diverse projects, its solid aluminum body ensures durability across a spectrum of fabrics. With 18 built-in stitches and a convenient four-step buttonhole, the machine caters to varied applications. Noteworthy perks include a built-in needle threader, top-loading full rotary hook bobbin, and easy-access storage for tools. The snap-on presser feet and a maximum stitch width of 6.5 mm enhance versatility. Tailored for those seeking dependability and ease, the HD-5000 makes sewing a seamless and enjoyable pursuit.
- One of the best machine for quilting
- It offers sufficient stitch variety without being overly difficult
- May create problems with bobbin winding
- Comes with only one bobbin and a single foot
The Janome 3160QDC is a fully functional, top-of-the-line machine that provides all of the benefits at an affordable price. It was created keeping a quilter's needs in mind.
The Superior Plus Feed System from the company Janome has optimized box feeding that makes it possible to feed any fabric steadily and consistently.
Six 1-step buttonholes are available among the 60 built-in stitches. This full-sized machine only weighs 12 pounds, which makes it convenient to transport to workshops and guild meetings.
Sewing is made simple with the time-saving features of this machine, like the memorized up/down needle, the single-handed needle threader, and the lock stitch button.
Read the detailed review of Janome 3160QDC here.
What are the features on Pfaff Select 4.2?
- 44 decorative, utility and stretch stitch options
- 1 four step manual buttonhole
- Push button stitch selection
- Adjustable stitch length and width
- IDT (integrated dual feed) system
- Bright LED lighting
- Automatic needle threader
- Swing out on board accessories case
- Three needle positions
- Manual tension adjustment
- Reverse stitch
- Side thread cutter
- Free arm
- Push button on/off
- Large carrying handle
Working on the Pfaff Select 4.2
The Pfaff Select 4.2 is very easy to operate, starting with the threading and bobbin winding instructions in the owner’s manual, which definitely earns a big green point for it in my review. The process is so easy, even a novice will be able to accomplish the task on their own after threading the machine only once or twice.
From there, the next step is to refer to the stitch selection guide inside the lid and push the appropriate button or combination of buttons to get the desired stitch.
Adjusting the stitch length or width is literally as easy as turning the appropriate dial. The stretch stitches are all highlighted in purple.
In order to achieve these, it is necessary to turn the stitch length dial all the way to the end. The basic stitches are shown on the push buttons.
To get stitches not depicted on these buttons, refer to the stitch selection guide and depress the corresponding buttons simultaneously. While this process sounds a bit daunting, it is actually quite easy.
Having the Pfaff Select 4.2 built so that the accessories tray simply swings out to the right makes changing the bobbin and even accessing the drop feed control a little bit easier than sewing machines that require you to actually remove the accessories case from the machine altogether.
The stitches produced by the Pfaff Select 4.2 are what I call passable. I am a bit hesitant to call the straight stitches ‘well defined’.
I can’t quite put my finger on it, but even after double checking to make sure the stitch width adjustment dial was set on zero, they did not seem to be exactly straight to me… close, but not what I would call perfectly straight.
The other stitches I sampled, however, were perfect. I toyed around with different stitch combinations, different length and width settings and each time, the stitches came out exactly as I expected them to.
Which fabrics work on the Pfaff Select 4.2?
| 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 Knits(Medium to heavyweight only) Leather/suede Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers | Fur Reptile skin Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber |
What accessories come with the Pfaff Select 4.2?
- 8 snap on presser feet
- Standard zigzag foot
- Fancy stitch foot
- Clear foot
- Blindhem/overlock foot
- Zipper foot
- Buttonhole foot
- Darning foot
- Edge/quilting guide
- Felt pad
- 3 spool caps (small, medium and large)
- Extra needles
- Extra spool pin
- Extra bobbins
- Seam ripper
- Lint brush
- Owner’s manual
How to maintain the Pfaff Select 4.2?
| 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 | Yes |
| Service by sewing machine repair professional | No | No | No | Yes |
Summary: Pfaff Select 4.2 review
From my review of Pfaff Select 4.2, I conclude is a very good machine for beginners. I have no doubt that someone who has been sewing for a very long time and prefers a mechanical machine over its computerized counterparts would be pleased with it as well. I have two concerns, however.
First of all, the issue with the straight stitches. They remind me of a Singer that I bought back in the late 1980s. In the very beginning, everything worked just fine with the exception that the straight stitches appeared to be a bit wavy – like those on the Pfaff Select 4.2.
After a few years, things started going wrong. Nothing serious at first, but things continued to go awry and ten years after purchasing this machine, I was so frustrated with having to get one thing fixed or adjusted after another, I sold it at a yard sale for $5
Perhaps it would have lasted longer for someone who does not sew as much as I do, but for a person like me who is what some might call a heavy or constant sewer, this machine was a big disappointment.
I like the way the Pfaff Select 4.2 operates and feels. I cannot, however, help but wonder how well it will perform after a few years of operation.
My other concern is the material used to make it. Unlike every other Pfaff sewing machine I have ever used or reviewed, this one is made with a different kind of plastic housing – that very hard plastic which seems to have a tendency to crack very easily.
For a couple of years now, I have heard rumblings in the sewing community that since SVP [the company that now owns Singer, Viking and Pfaff] was formed, the quality has gradually been slipping.
I cannot help but be concerned when I see small telltale signs like a subtle change in the stitch quality or the material used for the exterior of the machine head.
It is no secret that Singer sewing machines are nothing like they were when our grandmothers and mothers were sewing. The quality that the Singer name was built on and known for since the first Singer was manufactured more than 160 years ago is long gone.
I sincerely hope this is not the case here. The Pfaff name and reputation has always been synonymous with superior quality and workmanship.
Those of us who sew depend upon legacies such as this when shopping for sewing machines and sergers that offer more up to date features. We should not have to sacrifice quality and workmanship in the meantime.
I don’t know how many if any sewing machine corporate executives read these reviews, but I hope someone brings this one to the attention of the powers that be at SVP and take appropriate measures to see that the Pfaff name and reputation do not follow Singer.
Pfaff Select 4.2 Review
Summary
The Pfaff Select 4.2 has 44 built-in stitches, including a variety of straight stitches, zigzag stitches, and decorative stitches. It also has a 1-step buttonhole function, a needle threader, an automatic thread cutter, and a free arm.
The Select 4.2 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.
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Happy Stitching.
Excellent review.
Thank you for the review. I have a Pfaff 1229 that I love. Not sure if it’s the same but it also has push buttons. I think it’s really quiet compared to the new plastic housing of new sewing machines.
This machine is not really robust. I have one that I have to adjust constantly.
Especially the timing between the hook and the height of the needle. The screws that secure the hook rotary device are made of cheap metal and cannot be tighten enough. So over time the machine lose its timing.
The plastic is fragile and I broke some plastic part while fixing the machine. This machine does not do zigzag very well on thick materiel,. On zigzag mode the right stitches is missing some time.
I would not buy another one. I would like for janome next time
I agree with you. I bought one and have had nothing but problems with it since day one. It’s very noisy, constantly having to adjust tension, skips stitches. Have taken it back to place I bought it several times only to have them adjust it and send me on my way. Finally put it back in box and put in closet. Went back to using my 30 year old machine.
Hi! I was looking at your presser feet info, and browsed into here. I have a Pfaff Quilt Classic Style 1536, bought in 2007. It’s very similar to this one you’ve reviewed, totally mechanical, but without the push buttons.
She is a beast. It’s been used throughout textile school, artistic practice, and home clothing… I’ve sewn tons of materials, including videotape, leaves, diapers, as well as the thicker fabrics. I’ve had it cleaned once, last year, and he said there was very little to fix – just a lot of dust and adjusting the tension a little bit. So its held up well!
I have a PFAFF select 4. My machine could not keep its timing because the screws that secure the rotary hook to the shaft are made of cheap soft metal and over time the machine lose its timing. I got feed up and I solder the rotary hook to shaft. It is a completely difference machine now. Works really great There is a design flaw with these screws and this machine will not last long and will not keep its timing. He cannot recommend any PFAFF machine that uses the same rotary hook as the PFAFF select 4. This could also be done on purpose to limited the life span of the machine.
I just bought a Select 4.2; went to use it today and it won’t even make a stitch; absolutely cannot get the tension set; all I’m getting is loops instead of a seam. What an absolutely disappointment. Talked to the service guy; bring it in and we will fix it. But more I think about it, I don’t want a machine that is defective from the factory. I paid for new one and got a defective one. I had a Pfaff Tiptronic 6230 which I just loved but 25 years old and parts aren’t available which is why I bought a new one. So am wondering if my dealer will replace it or insist that they can repair it but feel this isn’t a dependable machine; so what do I do?