Beginners often quickly outgrow their sewing machines. Consider stepping over Pfaff's two entry-level models and going directly to Pfaff's Hobby 1142, where a slightly larger investment will keep you sewing happily for far longer. Built on the same body as Pfaff's entry-level model 1122, this machine adds sure-to-please features such as a one-step buttonhole, eight decorative stitches and an integrated needle threader.

With this buttonhole maker there is no guesswork. Simply place the button in the provided foot and let the machine automatically determine and stitch the proper size. Multiple buttonholes can be made accurately on all your fashion-sewing projects -- blouses, jackets, tops and waistbands. The added decorative stitches on this machine open a whole new world of crafting possibilities and interesting embellishments. Add zig-zags and colorful satin stitching to blouses, skirts, purses and jackets in sizes up to 5mm wide.

Further enhancements include a presser foot pressure adjustment that works to ensure even feeding of a wide variety of fabrics. Specialty fabrics are so much easier to handle with this feature onboard. A simple adjustment of the dial increases or decreases pressure based on the weight of the material. Easy to thread, this model has marked thread paths, a drop-in bobbin and automatic pickup of the bobbin thread. Equipped with dial controls, the Pfaff Hobby 1142 includes a handy tool kit, additional feet for decorative stitches and a hard plastic cover to protect the machine.


Pros: Excellent buttonhole feature, decorative stitches, needle threader, 5mm stitch width
Cons: Beginners will need to control their own speed