Creative Pfaff 4 Manual

							4:13
Sewing mode
C
C
D
D
E
E
A
Sequencing
Stitch Creator™ feature22
23
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The patchwork program makes it possible for you 
to program an exact seam length that can be sewn 
repeatedly. This is very useful when quilting.
To program a seam length, activate the patchwork 
program (C). Sew your desired seam length and 
press the reverse button. The action indicator on 
the machine will be lit until the last repetition of 

seam. The length of the patchwork sequence is 
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After you have programmed the patchwork 
sequence, the patchwork program icon is inactive. 
The single stitch program is now activated instead. 
The programmed length of your patchwork can be 
adjusted using the single stitch adjustment icons (E).
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Combining Tapering and Patchwork or Single stitch 
programs makes it possible to repeat a tapered seam 
with the same length. 
Activate tapering by selecting any of the tapering 
icons (A) then activate Patchwork by touching the 
icon (C). Follow the instructions for tapering on the 
previous page. When the reverse button is pressed 
the action indicator will be lit until the taper and 
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The seam is now programmed and the single stitch 
program is activated. When you start sewing again 
the seam will automatically be repeated with the 
same length. 
The length of the seam is shown in millimeters in 

the number of repetitions in the program is shown. 
Use the + and - icons to adjust the length of the 
seam. 
Note: The tapering is included in the repetitions shown 
on the screen.
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Touch this icon to open sequencing. Read about 
sequencing in chapter 5.
Stitch Creator™IHDWXUH
Touch this icon to open the Stitch Creator™ feature. 
Read about the Stitch Creator™ feature in chapter 6. 
						

							4:14Sewing mode
Left side Right side
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These techniques may require some special presser 
feet and accessories.
6HZLQJLQzippers
There are different ways to sew in zippers. Follow 
the directions included with your pattern for best 
results.
For some zipper applications it is important to sew 
close to the teeth of the zipper. The zipper foot 4 can 
be snapped onto the presser foot holder on the left 
or right, for stitching on either side of the zipper. Set 
the stitch position so that the needle enters close to 
the edge of the zipper teeth by using one of the 37 
needle positions available for the straight stitch. 
Note: If the presser foot is attached on the right side of the 
presser foot holder, the needle should only be moved to 
the left. If the foot is attached on the left side of the presser 
foot holder, the needle should only be moved to the right. 
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When sewing over seams in extra heavy fabric or a 
denim hem, the presser foot can tip as the machine 
climbs over the seam. 
Use the multipurpose tool to balance the height of 
the presser foot as you sew. One side of the tool is 
thicker than the other. Use the side that suits the 
thickness of the seam best. 
Engage the IDT
™ system, see page 2:9. At the 
thickest point on the fabric, slow down the sewing 
speed.
Tip! Increasing the stitch length may improve the sewing 
result when sewing hems in heavy fabric. 
						

							4:15
Sewing mode
Blindhem stitch 
number 1.1.16Elastic blindhem 
stitch number 1.1.17
B
A
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Stich number 1.1.9 can be used to overcast raw 
edges. Make sure the needle pierces the fabric on 
the left side and overcasts the edge on the right side.
Stitch number 1.1.9 can also be used as an 
elastic stitch to add elastic to pajamas, skirts and 
sportswear.
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The blindhem stitch number 1.1.16 is used to 
make invisible hems on skirts, trousers and home 
decorating. Use foot number 3 with IDT™ system.
•  Finish the edge of the hem.
•  Fold and press the hem allowance to the wrong 
side.
•  Fold the hem back on itself so approximately 
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the fold. The wrong side of your project should 
now be facing up.
•  Place the fabric under the presser foot so that 
the fold runs along edge guide A.
•  When the needle swings into the fold it should 
catch a small amount of fabric. If the stitches are 
visible on the right side, adjust edge guide A by 
turning adjusting screw B until the stitch that 
catches the hem just barely shows.
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The elastic blind stitch number 1.1.17 is especially 
suitable for stretchy fabrics, because the zigzag in 

and sewn at the same time. There is no need to 
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							4:16Sewing mode
27
B
A
Buttonholes
Buttonholes are found in category 1, subcategory 
1.3 in the selection menu. You can also scroll 
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buttonhole subcategory.
Note: Buttonholes up to 50 mm can be sewn using 
the Sensormatic buttonhole foot. Both sides of the 
Sensormatic buttonhole are sewn in the same direction 
for a more even result.
Buttonholes over 50 mm are sewn manually in four steps 
with presser foot 5M.
The direction of the stitches being sewn will be 
indicated on the screen by an arrow next to the 
buttonhole.

then select your buttonhole. To ensure a good 
result, start with sewing a test sample on the fabric 
and stabilizer you will use.
Note: Make sure that the IDT™ system is disengaged.
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1.  Snap on the Sensormatic buttonhole foot. 
2.  Plug the cord into the socket found to the 
left above the needle area, behind the needle 
threader (A).
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When you sew a buttonhole with the Sensormatic 
buttonhole foot, adjust the slit length (27) so that it 
is slightly larger than the size of the button. You can 
measure your button using the button ruler on the 
lid.
Set the slit length and make sure that the red 
arrow lines up with the marking on the foot (B). 
Start sewing by pressing the foot control or start/
stop button. The buttonhole will be completed 
automatically and the threads are cut. You can 
repeat the buttonhole as many times as you wish. 
						

							4:17
Sewing mode
25
Manual buttonhole
To sew a manual buttonhole, use presser foot 
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buttonhole. Touch the reverse button. The machine 
sews the bartack and the second column. When the 
columns are aligned, press the reverse button to sew 
the second bartack.
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When you have adjusted your buttonhole, use the 
repeat buttonhole function (25), to sew identical 
copies. As long as that icon is selected, the machine 
will repeat the buttonhole over and over again. 
Repeat buttonhole is only visible when sewing a 
buttonhole manually.
To cancel the function, just deselect the icon. 
Corded buttonhole
Corded buttonholes that are sewn with gimp 
threads are more stable, durable and have a 
professional appearance. Use pearl cotton or a 
regular gimp thread.
1.  Place the center of a length of gimp thread over 
the metal bar extending from the center back of 
the Manual buttonhole foot 5M. Pass the thread 
ends under the foot to the front of the foot.
2.  Snap on the Manual buttonhole foot 5M. 
3.  After completing the buttonhole, pull the ends 
of the gimp thread until the loop of thread is 
hidden below the buttonhole bartack.
4.  Thread the gimp threads into a needle and pull 
them to the wrong side of the garment. Tie the 
gimp threads and cut off the excess thread. 
						

							4:18Sewing mode
A
28
Sew on a button
To sew on a button, remove the presser foot and 
select the sew on button program. The feed dogs 
will automatically be lowered.
Place the button under the presser foot holder. Use 
the mirroring icon to make sure the holes in the 
button are aligned with the swing of the needle 
and the width is appropriate for the actual button. 
If needed change the width between holes with the 
width icons.
If needed, increase or decrease the number of 
stitches that will fasten the button on the fabric, 
using the button stitch repetition icons (28). Start to 
sew. The machine will sew the program for you.
Note: Use the multi-purpose tool to create a thread shank 
for your button. You can also use a sew on button foot, 
available as an optional accessory at your local authorized 
PFAFF® dealer.
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Darning a small hole or a tear before it becomes 
larger can save a garment. Choose a lightweight 
thread in a color as close to your garment as 
possible.
1.   Place fabric or stabilizer in position under the 
hole or tear in your garment.
2.   Select a darning stitch.
3.   Start sewing above the hole and over it.
4.   Once you have sewn across the hole, press the 
reverse button to set the length of the stitch. 
Your sewing machine will automatically 
complete the stitch.
5.   By default, the machine will be set to repeat the 
same size darning square; just continue sewing. 
  The repeat icon (A) will be highlighted, 
indicating that repeat is activated. Touch the 
repeat icon to deactivate repeat. 
						

							4:19
Sewing mode
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A quilt usually consists of three layers, two layers of 
fabric with a layer of batting sandwiched between.
To sew three layers together, you have a wide 
variety of stitches and techniques to choose from. 

or make it into cushions, wearable art or other 
smaller projects.
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Attach the straight stitch neede plate (optional 
accessory, part number 412964304) when piecing 
your quilt. The smaller hole in the straight stitch 
needle plate supports the fabric closer to the 
needle and helps prevent the fabric from being 
pulled down into the bobbin area, especially at 
the beginning and/or end of a seam. In addition, 
when chain piecing, it is sometimes helpful to begin 
sewing on a leader cloth and then continue with the 
piecing.
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The patchwork program makes it possible for you 
to program an exact seam length that can be sewn 
repeatedly. This is very useful when quilting, 
especially when piecing many quilt blocks of the 
same size.
See page 4:13 on how to use the patchwork 
program.
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Cut out the pieces of fabric for your quilt top 
with a seam allowance of ¼” (6 mm). Snap on the 
¼” quilting foot with IDT™ system; position the 
fabric under the foot so that the cut edge is aligned 
with the outer edge of the toe of the foot. Press 
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pieces and press the seam allowance to one side. 
When possible, press seam allowances towards the 
darker fabric. Assemble the pieces according to the 
pattern instructions. Layer the pieced quilt top with 
batting and backing. Pin baste the layers together in 
preparation for quilting.  +DQGORRNTXLOWLQJ
1.  Baste the completed quilt top to the batting and 
backing.
2.  Thread the needle with an invisible 
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matching rayon or cotton thread in the bobbin.
3.  Snap on the recommended foot shown in the 
sewing recommendations view.
4. Engage the IDT™ system.
5.  Select one of the handlook quilt stitches 6.2.1-
6.2.11. These stitches are pre-set with a higher 
thread tension value to intentionally pull up 
bobbin thread and produce the desired ”hand 
look” effect. 
						

							4:20Sewing mode
B
A
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Free-motion stippling adds texture and interest to 
your quilt, while keeping the layers together. 
Free-motion stippling is done with the feed 
dogs lowered. You move the fabric manually to 
determine the stitch length.
1.  Set your sewing machine for free-motion 
sewing with a straight stitch. Attach the straight 
stitch needle plate. Touch the free-motion 
options icon (A) and select one of the three 
options.
Note: Read about the different options on page 4:8.
2. Disengage the IDT™ system and attach the 
correct free-motion foot depending on which 
technique you have selected. A symbol of the 
foot for the selected setting is displayed at the 
top of the screen (B).
3.  Begin by pin basting your quilt through all 
layers with safety pins, starting from the center 
of your quilt and working out. Place a pin every 
6-8 inches (15-20 cm).
Tip! Practice stippling on scraps of the fabric and batting 
from your quilt. It is important to move your hands at 
the same speed as the needle to prevent stitches that are 
too long or too short. Maintaining a consistent speed 
while free-motion sewing will also help keep stitches even.
4.  Begin near the center of your quilt. Take one 
stitch and pull the bobbin thread to the top of 
the quilt. Take a few stitches right next to one 
another to lock the threads. Activate Needle 
down.
5.  Plan a path for your stitching, then begin 
stitching your desired stipple pattern, moving 
the quilt as you go. Continue stippling until all 
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Stitch-in-the-Ditch
Stitch-in-the-ditch is another option for joining the 
layers of your quilt. Pin baste the layers as described 
above. Snap on the Fancy stitch foot 1A with IDT™ 
system and engage IDT™ system.  Stitch in the 
seams of the quilt, using the red line on the presser 
foot as a guide.  
Note: You can also use the optional presser foot, Stitch-
in-Ditch w/IDT™ system P/N 820 925 096.&UD]\TXLOWVWLWFKLQJ
Embellish your quilt with decorative stitches from 
stitch category 2.4. The stitches can be sewn in a 
coordinating or contrasting color, depending on 
the desired effect. Decorative threads like rayon 
embroidery or heavy cotton threads are sometimes 
used.  
						

							4:21
Sewing mode
A
B
C
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The 6th stitch category includes special sewing 
technique stitches such as candlewicking, beading 
stitches, edge stitches, four direction sewing, 
stacking stitches and ribbon stitches. These 
techniques may require some special presser feet 
and accessories. This is indicated by the optional 
presser foot icon (A). 
Note: Touch Quick help and then touch the selected 

presser foot is required for that stitch.
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Use the four direction stitches for sewing on 
patches without having to turn your fabric and for 
decorative stitch designs. When selecting a stitch 
in this subcategory, the four direction icons will be 
shown (C).

To change the direction of the starting point, select 
one of the four direction icons (C). 
When the desired length is sewn in one direction, 
select the new direction by touching one of the four 
direction icons.  
						

							4:22Sewing mode
29
1
2
3
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Sew beautiful decorations in two colors using the 
stacking stitches. The stacking stitches consist of pairs 
of matching stitches that are designed to be sewn on 
top of each other. 
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point for each. 
Touch Quick Help (29) and one of the stacking 
stitches to preview what the stitches look like when 
combined/stacked.
Ribbon stitches
Add dimensional elements to your decorative 
stitching with the beautiful ribbon stitches in your 
machine. Narrow ribbons are woven into theses 
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ribbons are recommended for this technique. For best 
results, use stabilizer, appropriate for your fabric 
type and weight, under your fabric to support your 
stitching. 
1.  Choose a ribbon stitch in category 6.5. Activate 
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until the machine stops automatically with needle 
down.
2.  When you start to sew the stitch, it is important 
that you place the ribbon in the front of the 
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stitch is sewn. See illustration 2. Continue sewing 
until the machine stops again. 
3.  Fold the ribbon over the stitching and pull it 
across the fabric so that it is directly in front of the 
needle again. Continue sewing until the machine 
stops. Fold the ribbon over again and position in 
front of the needle as before; continue stitching 
until the machine stops. Repeat this process until 
the desired length of stitching is achieved.