PFAFF Creative 1.5 sewing machine review

Get ready to be wowed by the PFAFF Creative 1.5 – if the large size and sewing space don’t impress you, then surely the embroidery capabilities will. 

For the high price, you get a lot for your money – mainly, the computerised integration software enabling you to adjust, personalise and combine embroidery designs before loading them on to the sewing machine via a USB. Ultimately, it’s one of the top tech models reviewed for our best sewing machines round-up and it’s easy to see why. 

Plus, all the accessories you could need are included to make sure you can access and utilise the full range of functions that this sewing machine performs. There’s always the option to expand your accessory set, too, so you’ll never feel limited with this model. 

Pricing

At £1,399, this is a far cry from an entry-level machine, but the extensive list of specifications this machine boasts justifies the high price tag. Despite the four figures, the PFAFF Creative 1.5 is actually one of the cheaper models on the market when pitted against sewing machines with similar capabilities. 

The manufacturer’s two-year warranty covers parts and labour, with an additional three years for parts only included in the cost.

Specs

• Size: W480mm x H300mm x D193mm
• Weight: 13kg
• 150 built-in stitches (including seven buttonholes plus two built-in alphabets)
• Maximum stitch length 6mm
• Maximum stitch width 7mm
• 200mm arm space
• LCD display and LED light
• Speed: 800 stitches per minute
• 101 embroidery designs included
• Embroidery Intro PC and Mac software included

Design

The first thing to notice about the PFAFF Creative 1.5 is the chic red colour – it manages to be bright but not garish. The matte finish gives the machine a classy look, while the buttons positioned in the centre are unimposing in conjunction with the rest of the design. 

You might be wondering where the spool pin and bobbin winder are positioned; they’re all neatly tucked away under the discreet lid at the top – a genius design that contains a comprehensive stitch chart.

The small icons on the buttons are easy to decipher after a quick glance at the instruction manual, with an easy-to-read graphic display to help you along the way. 

The accessories are sleek and designed to fit the machine perfectly. Even the smallest of details have been given a stylish twist, such as the unusual handle that runs all the way along the top of the machine. With this sewing machine, PFAFF has succeeded in transforming the functional into the elegant. 

Weight

The sheer size of the PFAFF Creative 1.5 determines that it’s a hefty machine, weighing in at a heavy 13kg. Add on the additional weight of the creative master hoop accessory, measuring 150mm x 240mm, for all your big-scale embroideries, and you won’t want to be lugging this sewing machine about.

There’s a large hardcover provided for protecting the sewing machine, too, so it’s a good idea to measure up your sewing or storage space before buying.

Durability

With a substantial machine like the PFAFF Creative 1.5, the durability is similarly robust. The minimal amount of sliders and wheels on the exterior body feel solid to handle, while the accessories that are at risk of breakage due to their positioning, such as the spool pin, are hidden away and protected under the upper lid.

Ease of use

Despite the high-tech first impressions, using the PFAFF Creative 1.5 is actually super simple. Threading the machine and winding the bobbin is completed in only a few steps on this model and the handy embossed arrows will guide you in the correct direction without being too glaringly obvious. 

Getting to grips with the icon buttons takes a little getting used to but, once you have memorised their functions, they become invaluable to your stitching. The start-stop button, the automatic needle up-down button, the automatic tie-off button and the thread-snipping button mean that you can knot and cut your thread ends before removing your project from the sewing machine seamlessly. 

The small speed slider positioned at the front of the machine gives the sewer total control, too, so you can set the pace to suit your stitching needs and abilities. 

Extra features

Moving on to the real star of the show: The additional features. The PFAFF Creative 1.5 has an abundance of extras that rocket it to the top spot of sewing machines. First, there’s the Original IDT System. Unique to PFAFF machines, this integrated dual feed system feeds the fabric through the machine from the top and bottom, ensuring perfect seams on any fabric.  

Second, the stitch sequencing and memory function saves a combination of up to 60 stitches or letters, so they can be sewed in one automatic step repeatedly. It turns the usually long and laborious process of noting down your stitches, the lengths and widths into the mere push of a button. Similarly, the mirroring function allows for a speedy alternative to flipping stitches and embroidery designs.

Now on to the embroidery. In-built within the PFAFF Creative 1.5 are 101 ready-to-stitch embroidery designs and two embroidery fonts. Teamed with the master hoop attachment that slots on to the free arm of the machine and the high embroidery speed, you can start embroidering in no time. 

But the real selling point is the personalisation possibilities. The Embroidery Intro PC and Mac software enables the sewer to adjust and change the designs to suit their project, scale up or down the sizing and work with even more fonts. Plus, the tech is always being updated and there are add-on purchases available, so your stitch designs will never go out of fashion. 

Performance

While the PFAFF Creative 1.5 wasn’t the fastest machine we tested, it definitely produced the most perfect stitches. The quality of the sewing, helped by the Original IDT system, produced even stitches in flawless formation every time. 

The graphic display was incredibly easy to use, powered by the surrounding buttons. Selecting stitches, lengths and widths was simple and made all the clearer with the visual guide at the top of the screen to show what the stitch would look like with the current settings. Any extra help needed was provided by the info button, which pulled up recommendations for the needle, presser foot, stabiliser and feed dogs to be used.

Tried and tested

When it comes to the PFAFF Creative 1.5, all the hard work has been done for you. The high price tag might put some buyers off, but for a sewing machine that’s easy to use, looks good, has a large number of features and is future-proof, this is the model for you. 

If you’re looking for a machine to suit an embroiderer or quilter, look no further. The large sewing area and embroidery accessories make it the perfect choice for someone wanting to expand their sewing skills. 

Just remember, this is a bigger and heavier machine than a standard model, so you’ll need to consider where you’ll be storing or displaying it long-term. If size is an issue but you need just as much space to sew, take a look at the compact Bernina 435, otherwise stick with the PFAFF Creative 1.5 for all your sewing needs.