Pfaff ambition essential User manual
Owner’s manual
This household sewing machine is designed to comply with IEC/EN 60335-2-28 and UL1594.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
When using an electrical appliance, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following:
Read all instructions before using this household sewing machine.
DANGER – To reduce the risk of electric shock:
• A sewing machine should never be left unattended when plugged in. Always unplug this sewing machine
from the electric outlet immediately after using and before cleaning.
WARNING – To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or
injury to person:
• This sewing machine is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory
or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or
instruction concerning use of the sewing machine by a person responsible for their safety.
• Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the sewing machine.
• Use this sewing machine only for its intended use as described in this manual. Use only attachments
recommended by the manufacturer as contained in this manual.
• Never operate this sewing machine if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, if it has
been dropped or damaged, or dropped into water. Return the sewing machine to the nearest authorized
dealer or service center for examination, repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment.
• Never operate the sewing machine with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the sewing
machine and foot controller free from the accumulation of lint, dust, and loose cloth.
• Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the sewing machine needle.
• Always use the proper needle plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break.
• Do not use bent needles.
• Do not pull or push fabric while stitching. It may deflect the needle causing it to break.
• Wear safety glasses.
• Switch the sewing machine off (“0”) when making any adjustment in the needle area, such as threading
needle, changing needle, threading bobbin, or changing presser foot, etc.
• Always unplug sewing machine from the electrical outlet when removing covers, lubricating, or when
making any other user servicing adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual.
• Never drop or insert any object into any opening.
• Do not use outdoors.
• Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being administrated.
• To disconnect, turn all controls to the off (“0”) position, then remove plug from outlet.
• Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
• The sound pressure level under normal operating conditions is 75dB(A)
• This sewing machine is provided with double insulation. Use only identical replacement parts.
See instructions for Servicing of Double-Insulated Appliances.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
SERVICING OF DOUBLE INSULATED PRODUCTS
In a double-insulated product, two systems of insulation are provided instead of grounding. No ground means
is provided on a double-insulated product, nor should a means for grounding be added to the product. Servicing
of a double-insulated product requires extreme care and knowledge of the system and should be done only by
qualified service personnel. Replacement parts for a double-insulated product must be identical to those parts
in the product. A double-insulated product is marked with the words ‘DOUBLE INSULATION’ or ‘DOUBLE
INSULATED’.
Congratulations!
Congratulations on purchasing your new PFAFF® sewing machine. As a sewing enthusiast, you
have acquired a machine that features the very latest in both design and technology, enabling
you to transform your creative ideas into reality.
Before you start, please spend some time reading this owner’s manual. You will soon discover
how to maximize the use of your machine. Our authorized PFAFF® dealer will of course also be
pleased to advise you as well.
Your PFAFF® ambition essential™ sewing machine will definitely enable you to experience a
totally new dimension of sewing!
Table of contents
Introduction 4
Machine overview......................................................................4
Accessories...................................................................................5
Stitch overview............................................................................7
Direct selection................................................................7
Pattern selection..............................................................7
Alphabet........................................................................................9
Preparations 11
Unpacking..................................................................................11
Connect to the power supply............................................11
Pack away after sewing........................................................11
Free arm.....................................................................................12
Leveling the machine base plate.....................................12
Mounting machine in sewing cabinet............................12
Thread cutter............................................................................12
Spool pins..................................................................................12
Threading the machine........................................................13
Needle threader............................................................14
Threading for twin needle...........................................14
Bobbin winding.......................................................................15
Inserting the bobbin..............................................................16
IDT™ system (integrated dual feed)...............................16
Presser foot pressure............................................................17
Thread tension.........................................................................17
Needles.......................................................................................18
Changing the needle.............................................................19
Lowering feed dogs................................................................19
Presser foot lift........................................................................19
Changing the presser foot..................................................19
Buttons........................................................................................20
LCD display...............................................................................21
Sewing 22
Sewing mode - overview......................................................22
Select a stitch.................................................................22
Stitch adjustments.................................................................22
Stitch length................................................................... 22
Stitch width/stitch positioning..................................23
Mirroring.......................................................................23
Auto-lock function..................................................................23
Sewing techniques.................................................................24
Three-step zigzag stitch...............................................24
Buttonholes....................................................................24
Sew on a button............................................................25
Darning and mending .................................................26
Sewing hems in heavy fabric......................................26
Quilting.......................................................................... 27
Blindhem........................................................................28
Sewing in zippers......................................................... 28
Sewing techniques stitches..........................................29
Sequencing 30
Overview.....................................................................................30
Create a sequence..................................................................30
Adjust stitches...............................................................31
Add stitches or letters in a sequence.........................31
Delete stitches or letters in a sequence......................31
Save sequence ............................................................... 31
Load sequence...............................................................31
Sewing a sequence................................................................31
Maintenance 32
Cleaning the machine...........................................................32
Replacing the stitch plate...................................................32
Troubleshooting.......................................................................33
Intellectual property..............................................................35
4
1
2
3
44
16 17
19
18
5
6
7
8
9
11
10
12
13
15
14
Introduction
Introduction
Machine overview
Front side
1. Lid with stitch overview
2. Threading slots
3. Thread cutter
4. LED lights
5. Built-in needle threader
6. Buttonhole lever
7. Needle bar
8. Stitch plate
9. Bobbin cover
10. Lower thread guide
11. Presser foot lift
12. Needle screw
13. Needle thread guide
14. Presser foot bar and presser foot holder
15. Presser foot
16. Free arm
17. Accessory tray
18. Handwheel
19. Buttons and graphic display
5
20
25 26 27 28 29
21 22 23 24
30
32 33
31
34
35 36 37
40
39
38
41
42
Introduction
Top parts
20. Presser foot pressure dial
21. Thread guides
22. Spool caps
23. Hole for auxiliary spool pin
24. Bobbin winder lever and bobbin
spindle
25. Take-up lever
26. Thread tension discs
27. Thread tension dial
28. Bobbin winder tension disc
29. Bobbin thread cutter
Rear side
30. Main switch, connectors for power cord and
foot control
31. Handle
32. Presser foot lift
33. IDT™ system
34. Slide for lowering the feed dogs
Accessories
Included accessories
35. Bobbins (5) (#416475801)
36. Felt pad
37. Screwdriver for needle plate
38. Multi-purpose tool
39. Spool cap, large (2)
40. Spool cap, small
41. Seam ripper & brush (as one)
42. Auxiliary spool pin
Included accessories not in picture
• Foot control
• Power cord
• Needles
• Hard cover
6
Introduction
Important: Make sure that the IDT™ system is disengaged when using presser foot 2A, 5B.
Presser feet
Standard presser foot 0A with IDT™ system (shown as in the display,
attached on the machine upon delivery)
This foot is used mainly for straight stitching and zigzag stitching with a stitch
length longer than 1.0 mm.
Fancy stitch foot 1A with IDT™ system (shown as in the display)
This foot is used for decorative stitches. The groove on the underside of the foot
is designed to flow smoothly over the stitches.
Fancy stitch foot 2A (shown as in the display)
When sewing decorative stitches or short zigzag stitches and other utility
stitches with less than 1.0mm stitch length, use this foot. The groove on the
underside of the foot is designed to flow smoothly over the stitches.
Blindhem foot 3 with IDT™ system
This foot is used for blindhem stitches. The toe on the foot guides the fabric. The
red guide on the foot is designed to ride along the fold of the hem edge.
Zipper foot 4 with IDT™ system
This foot can be snapped on either the right or the left of the needle, making it
easy to sew close to both sides of the zipper teeth. Move the needle position to
the right or left to sew closer to zipper teeth.
One step Buttonhole foot 5B (shown as in the display)
This foot has a space in the back to set the size of the buttonhole. The machine
will sew a buttonhole to fit that button size.
7
Introduction
Stitch overview
Direct selection - utility stitches
Stitch No. Name Description
0Straight stitch For seaming and topstitching. Select from 29 different needle positions.
Note: This stitch makes a stronger tie-off than stitch 17.
1Stretch triple straight
stitch Reinforced seam. Topstitching.
2Zigzag stitch Reinforce seams, clean finish, stretch sewing, lace insertion.
3Zigzag stitch Reinforce seams, clean finish, stretch sewing.
4Z-zigzag stitch Appliqué, couching, eyelets.
5Stretch triple zigzag
stitch Elastic stitch for decorative hems or topstitching.
6Three-step zigzag stitch Sewing elastic, darning, patching.
7Honeycomb stitch Decorative stitch for stretch fabrics and hems. Also used with elastic thread in
the bobbin.
8Bridging stitch Joining fabrics and quilt batting, decorative stitch for quilting, hemstitching.
9Foundation elastic stitch Joining stitch for undergarments, terry cloth, leather, bulky fabrics where
overlapping the seams.
Pattern selection
Utility stitches
Stitch No. Name Description
00 Crosshem stitch Elastic decorative hem for stretch fabrics.
01 Blindhem stitch Sewing blindhems on woven fabrics.
02 Elastic blindhem stitch Sewing blindhems on stretch fabrics.
03 Stretch tricot stitch Sewing seams on stretch fabrics.
04 Closed overlock Seam and overcast stretch fabrics in one step.
05 Standard overcast Seam and overcast stretch fabrics in one step with reinforced edge.
06 Closed overlock Seam and overcast stretch fabrics in one step.
= Engage IDT™ system
= Engage IDT™ system
8
Introduction
Stitch No. Name Description
07 Linen buttonhole Buttonhole for blouses, shirts and linen.
08 Standard buttonhole Basic buttonhole for blouses, shirts and jackets. Also for pillowcases.
09 Rounded buttonhole
with lengthwise tack Buttonhole for garments.
10 Eyelet buttonhole with
lengthwise tack Tailors buttonhole for jackets and trousers.
11 Rounded buttonhole Buttonhole for light garments or jackets.
12 Stretch buttonhole Buttonhole for stretch fabrics.
13 Button sewing Sew on buttons or tacking.
14 Eyelet Heirloom sewing decorative trim.
15 Programmable darning
stitch Darning holes or damaged fabric.
16 Bartack Automatically reinforce seams and pockets.
Quilt stitches
Stitch
No. 17*18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
Needle art stitches
Stitch
No. 41 42 43 44** 45** 46** 47 48 49 50 51 52
Satin stitches
Stitch
No. 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65
Decorative stitches
Stitch
No. 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79
Stitch
No. 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93
* Stitch 17 is sewn with monofilament needle thread and
increased thread tension to create a handlook effect.
** Stitches 44, 45 and 46 are sewn with a wing needle for
best result.
= Engage IDT™ system
9
Introduction
Sewing techniques stitches
Stitch No. Name Description
94 Beading stitch, 4-6mm For sewing on pearls, beads etc. Requires optional Beading Foot. (Part number
820605-096)
95 Beading stitch, 2-4mm For sewing on pearls, beads etc. Requires optional Beading Foot. (Part number
820604-096)
96 Candlewicking Create the look of hand embroidered French knots. Requires optional
Candlewicking Foot w/IDT™ system. (Part number: 820613-096.)
97 Candlewicking Create the look of hand embroidered French knots. Requires optional
Candlewicking Foot w/IDT™ system. (Part number: 820613-096.)
98 Joining and edging
stitch For joining two pieces of fabric. Requires optional Join and Fold Edging Foot w/
IDT™ system. (Part number 820931-096.)
99 Joining and edging
stitch For joining two pieces of fabric. Requires optional Join and Fold Edging Foot w/
IDT™ system. (Part number 820931-096.)
Alphabet
Stitch
No. 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Stitch
No. 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33
Stitch
No. 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49
Stitch
No. 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66
Stitch
No. 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82
Stitch
No. 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99
= Engage IDT™ system
10
Introduction
Table of contents
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