creative

Owner‘s manual
2170
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.
• Always unplug before relamping. Replace bulb with same type rated 5 Watt.

WARNING - To reduce the risk of burns, fire,

electric shock, or injury to persons:
• Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when this sewing machine is used by or
near children or infirm person.
• 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.
• 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 the 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.
• Hold plug when rewinding into cord reel. Do not allow plug to whip when rewinding.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Congratulations!
Congratulations on your choice of your Pfaff creative 2170!
As a sewing enthusiast, you have acquired one of the most advanced
and innovative sewing and embroidery machines in the world; it
will enable you to transform all your creative ideas into reality with
unprecedented ease.
If you enjoy sewing to your heart’s content – without any compromises
– this machine will provide the key to exquisite items of clothing,
fashion accessories and home textiles.
Do you enjoy embroidering, or want to create distinctive highlights?
Excellent! Your Pfaff creative 2170 will enable you to experience a
totally new dimension of sewing and embroidery – and it is so easy to
operate.
Switch on the machine and watch it light up. The multi-color touch
screen welcomes you to the world of unlimited, creative possibilities.
Make contact – just a touch is all it takes.
Before you start, please spend some time reading this Owner's Manual.
Ideally, follow the information described directly on your new Pfaff
creative 2170. This is the easiest way to discover its many creative
facets.
But we don’t want to keep you any longer. Give a free rein to your
imagination. Your Pfaff creative 2170 is bound to become a dependable
partner in all your sewing ventures. Our specialist retailers will of
course also be pleased to advise you at any time. Enjoy making your
ideas become reality.
 Table of Content

1
General notes 2:17
creative Data Manager 2:18-2:19
How to update your machine 2:20-2:23

3
INTRODUCTION 1:7-1:18
Stitch Chart 1:8-1:10
Decorative stitches creative 2170 1:11-1:13
Machine 1:14
Parts of the embroidery unit 1:15 SEWING 3:1-3:28
Parts of the embroidery hoop 1:15 Function Buttons 3:2
Standard accessories 1:16-1:18 Sewing mode functions 3:3-3:6
Welcome screen 3:7

2
Toolbar 3:7-3:10
How to select a stitch 3:11
Altering a utility stitch 3:11
Altering a decorative stitch 3:12
PREPARATIONS 2:1-2:24 Tie-off 3:12
Operating Instructions 2:2 Needle positions 3:13
Voltage Switch 2:2 Mirroring 3:13
Electrical connection 2:2 Straight stitch 3:14
Connecting the foot control 2:2 Three-step Zigzag – stitch No 4 3:14
Changing the presser foot 2:5 Basting program 3:14
The IDT (Integrated Dual Feed) 2:6 Buttonholes 3:15-3:18
Changing the needle 2:7 Inserting the sensormatic buttonhole guide 3:15
The feed dogs 2:7 Attaching buttonhole foot – No 5A 3:15
Winding the bobbin from the spool pin 2:8 Buttonhole with gimp thread 3:17
Threading 2:8 Eyelet buttonhole with gimp thread 3:17-3:18
Winding from the second spool pin 2:9 Sewing on buttons 3:19
Winding from the third spool pin 2:9 Eyelets 3:19
Bobbin winding while embroidering 2:10 Darning 3:20
Winding a bobbin through the needle 2:10 Darning with the elastic stitch 3:20
Setting the bobbin winding speed 2:11 Overlock stitches 3:21
Inserting the bobbin and bobbin case 2:12 Blindhem stitch – No 30 3:22
Bobbin thread monitor 2:12 Elastic blind stitch – No 31 3:22
Inserting the bobbin 2:12 Bridging stitch - No 11 3:23
Inserting the bobbin case 2:12 Crosshem stitch - No 13 3:23
Correct top tension - How to get it 2:13 Sewing in zippers - stitch No 1 3:23
Thread tension 2:13 Rolled hem with foot No. 7 3:24
Thread the needle 2:14 Twin needle sewing 3:24
Needle threader 2:14 Sewing Maxi stitches with a twin needle 3:24
Bobbin thread 2:15 Four sewing directions 3:25-3:26
Threading the twin needle 2:15 Personal menu 3:27
Presser foot lift 2:16 Demo 3:28
Electronic knee lift 2:16 Options for messages 3:28
1:4
4
DECORATIVE SEWING 4:1-4:28
5
EMBROIDERY 5:1-5:70
General notes on decorative sewing 4:2 The Embroidery window 5:2-5:7
Selecting decorative stitches 4:2 Context menu in embroidery 5:8-5:9
Alter the stitch settings 4:3 Embroidery accessories 5:10
Sewing sequence 4:4-4:10 Attaching the embroidery foot 5:10
Create a sewing sequence 4:5 Inserting a card 5:10
Arrange stitches within a sewing sequence 4:6 Lowering the feed dogs 5:11
Adjust an existing sewing sequence 4:7 Disengaging the IDT 5:11
Inserting a stitch in the sewing sequence 4:7 Removing the knee lift 5:11
Inserting a stitch at the start Connecting the embroidery unit 5:12
of a sewing sequence 4:7 Embroidery hoop 5:13
Save a sewing sequence 4:8 Attach the hoop 5:13
Close a sewing sequence without saving 4:9 Remove the hoop 5:13
Delete a sewing sequence 4:9 Remove the embroidery unit 5:13
Select and open a saved sewing sequence 4:9 Get started to embroider 5:14
Open from the machine‘s memory 4:10 Hooping the fabric 5:15
Open from a creative memory card 4:10 Embroider single designs from a card 5:16-5:17
Stitch Creator 4:11 Color changing icon 5:18
Placing single stitches 4:13
Combining single parts of patterns 4:14
More options to edit patterns 4:15
Quilting 4:16-4:19
Patchwork 4:16
Piecing the quilt top 4:18
Stitch in the Ditch 4:18
Free-motion Stippling 4:19
Quilt Appliqués 4:19
Tapering 4:20
Nostalgia/Heirloom 4:22
Cross Stitch 4:23
Antique hand embroidery stitches 4:23
Free-motion Sewing 4:24
MAXI Stitches 4:24
Gathering with straight stitch 4:25
Shell edging 4:25
Alphabets 4:26
Editing a word sequence 4:27
Saving a word sequence 4:27
Monogram 4:28

1:5
 Multi-color embroidery 5:19
One color embroidery 5:20
Move the design within the hoop 5:20
Embroider 5:21
Enlarged representation 5:22
Positioning of designs in the embroidery hoop 5:22
Precise Positioning a design 5:23-5:25
Jumping over stitches 5:26
Embroider monograms and letters 5:27-5:30
Arcing; embroidery combinations 5:31-5:32
Automatic stitch building 5:33-5:34
Zoom In 5:35
The creative Data manager 5:36
Working with source and destination fields
in the creative Data Manager 5:37
Working with a field in
the creative Data Manager 5:38-5:40
File formats 5:40
Using the hoop adapter 5:40
Automatic hoop positioning 5:40
Prepare a creative memory card for saving 5:41
Transferring designs from the PC to
your Pfaff creative 2170 5:41
How to use the embroidery template 5:42
Putting the embroidery in the right place 5:42-5:43
Stabilizers 5:44-5:45
Needles 5:45
Threads 5:46
Appliqué embroidery 5:47
Cutwork embroidery 5:47
BUILT IN DESIGNS 5:49-5:70

6
MAINTENANCE 6:1-6:11
Changing the needle plate 6:2
Cleaning 6:2
Changing the light bulb 6:3
What to do if...? 6:4-6:5
Index 6:6-6:10
Technical Data 6:11

1:6
INTRODUCTION
 Stitch Chart
Utility stitches

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.

Stitch No. Description Application

1 Straight stitch For seaming and topstitching. Many needle positions for edge stitching and
sewing in zippers.
2 Stretch triple straight stitch For reinforced seams such as stitch trouser, under arm seams or decorative
topstitching. With many needle positions.
3 Zigzag stitch For finishing seams on fabrics appliqué work and inserting lace.

4 Three-step Zigzag stitch Strong stitch for seam finishes, sewing elastic, darning tears, and patches.
Introduction

5 Straight stitch reverse Program permanent reverse for decorative sequences. Also for bulky projects.

6 Elastic overcast stitch Use to seam and overcast on woven and stretch fabrics.

7 Honeycomb stitch Elastic, decorative stitch for ornamental hem finishing on stretch fabric, for
decorative elastic application and sewing with elastic thread in the bobbin.
8 Elastic stitch Strong stitch for seam finishes, sewing elastic, darning tears and patches.

9 Triple stretch stitch For sewing elastic on sportswear and bathing suits.

10 Z-Zigzag stitch For finishing seams on fabrics, appliqué, and inserting lace.

11 Bridging stitch For bridging, decorative hemstitching and crazy quilting.

12 Foundation Elastic stitch For joining overlapped seams on bulky fabrics such as leathers and terry cloth.

13 Cross hem stitch Provides a highly elastic, decorative seam for hems on sportswear and Casual
wear.
14 Stretch triple zigzag stitch Elastic stitch for decorative hems and topstitching.

15 Quilt stitch For topstitching quilt projects with a hand look stitch.

16 Quilt stitch For topstitching quilt projects with a hand look stitch.

17 Quilt stitch For topstitching quilt projects with a hand look stitch.

1:8
Utility stitches

18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 47. 48.

Stitch No. Description Application

18 Quilting, appliqué or For hand look quilt appliqué or pinstitching.

pinstitching
19 Closed overlock stitch For joining and overcasting stretch fabrics in one operation. The closed seam
prevents fabric edges from fraying.
20 Closed overlock stitch For joining and overcasting stretch fabrics in one operation. The closed seam
prevents fabric edges from fraying.
21 Open overlock stitch For joining and overcasting stretch fabric in one operation.

Introduction
22 Zigzag stitch, right or left For appliqué couching over cords and creating eyelets.
needle position
23 Standard overlock stitch For joining and overcasting stretch fabrics in one operation

24 Finished Edge overlock stitch For joining and overcasting stretch fabrics in one operation.

25 Light-knit fabric patching Use to mend light jersey knits. Also for a decorative hem and neckline finish.
stitch
26 Closed overlock stitch For joining and overcasting stretch fabrics in one operation. The closed seam
prevents fabric edges from fraying.
27 Stretch knit overlock stitch Join and overcast open knit fabrics and jersey.

28 Overlock stitch For joining and overcasting stretch fabrics in one operation.

29 Reinforced Overlock stitch For joining and overcasting fraying fabrics. The knitted edge reinforces and
prevents fraying on raw edge.
30 Blindhem stitch For securing hems invisibly on woven fabrics.

31 Elastic blindhem For securing hems invisibly and finishing the edge on stretch fabrics.

32 Basting stitch For basting projects pieces together.

47 Linen buttonhole Buttonholes for blouses, shirts and linen.

48 Standard buttonhole Basic buttonhole for blouses, shirts and jackets. Also for pillow cases.

1:9
 Utility stitches

49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66.

Stitch No. Description Application

49 Stretch buttonhole Buttonhole for stretch fabrics.

50 Cross stitch buttonhole Decorative buttonhole for jackets and for embellishing other garments.

51 Rounded buttonhole with Buttonholes for shirts, jackets and trousers.

pointed bartack
52 Rounded buttonhole with Buttonholes for shirts, jackets and trousers.
lengthwise tack
53 Rounded end buttonhole Buttonholes for shirts, jackets and trousers.
Introduction

with crosswise tack

54 Eyelet buttonhole with Professional tailor's buttonhole, for denim jackets and trousers. Or as a
pointed bartack decorative effect for kitchen and shower curtains. Add rings through the
buttonholes to hang the curtains.
55 Eyelet buttonhole with Professional tailor's buttonhole, for denim jackets and trousers. Or as a
lengthwise bartack decorative effect for kitchen and shower curtains. Add rings through the
buttonholes to hang the curtains.
56 Professional eyelet Professional tailor's buttonhole, for denim jackets and trousers. Or as a
buttonhole decorative effect for kitchen and shower curtains. Add rings through the
buttonholes to hang the curtains.
57 Rounded buttonhole Use for lightweight garments or jackets.

58 Decorative Buttonhole with Decorative buttonhole for jackets and for embellishing other garments.
triangle tack
59 Button sewing program For applying two-hole or four-hole buttons.

60 Bartack For applying belt loops and reinforcing pockets.

61 Denim Bartack Decorative bartack for trouser and skirt pockets

62 Decorative bartack Decorative bartack for trousers and skirts.

63 Stippling stitch Random darning stitch for mending rips and tears. Also great as a decorative
accent.
64 Programmable Darning Programmable length for darning and repeat it for large repairs.
stitch
65 Programmable reinforced Programmable length for darning and repeat it for large repairs. Reinforced by
Darning stitch horizontal stitches.
66 Eyelet Create eyelets for garments and home textiles. Also great for decorating
nostalgia projects.

1:10
Decorative stitches creative 2170
Utility stitches Scalloped edgings
30 33 36 39 42 45 67 70 73 76 79 82 85 88

31 34 37 40 43 46 68 71 74 77 80 83 86

32 35 38 41 44 69 72 75 78 81 84 87

For the stitches 30, 31 and 32, you find a more detailed
explanation in the Stitch overview on page 1:9.
Quilt stitches
Satin stitches
89 92 95 98 101 104 107 110 113 116 15 18 301 304 307 310

Introduction
90 93 96 99 102 105 108 111 114 16 299 302 305 308 331

91 94 97 100 103 106 109 112 115 17 300 303 306 309

Cross stitches Hem stitches

117 120 123 126 129 132 135 137 140 143 146

118 121 124 127 130 133 136 138 141 144

119 122 125 128 131 134 139 142 145

1:11
 Decorative stitches creative 2170
Leaves and Flowers Antique Embroidery stitches
147 150 153 156 159 162 165 332 311 314 317 320 323 326 329 334

148 151 154 157 160 163 166 312 315 318 321 324 327 330 335

149 152 155 158 161 164 167 313 316 319 322 325 328 333

Decorative stitches 1 Animal stitches

168 171 174 177 180 183 186 189 192 195 337 340 343 223 226 229
Introduction

169 172 175 178 181 184 187 190 193 196 338 341 344 224 227 230

170 173 176 179 182 185 188 191 194 336 339 342 345 225 228 351

Decorative stitches 2
197 200 203 206 209 212 215 218 221 347 350

198 201 204 207 210 213 216 219 222 348

199 202 205 208 211 214 217 220 346 349

1:12
Decorative stitches creative 2170
MAXI stitches
231 236 241 246 251 256

232 237 242 247 252 257

233 238 243 248 253 258

Introduction
234 239 244 249 254 259

235 240 245 250 255 260

Alphabets
Script Block Outline Comic Cursive MAXI 1 MAXI 2

1:13
 Machine overview 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Parts of the creative 2170

1 Top cover with stitch chart 1
2 Multi-color touch screen
15
3 Base plate
4 Slide for lowering the feed dogs
5 Connection for knee lift
6 Feed dogs
13
7 Free arm
12
8 Presser foot holder with presser foot 11 2
9 Needle threader 9 10
10 Needle holder with set screw 14
7 8
11 Thread cutter
6
12 Reverse sewing button
13 Signal lamp bobbin thread monitor
14 Connection socket for embroidery unit
15 Take-up lever
16 Pre-tension device for threading and
bobbin winding 3
Introduction

17 Thread guide for threading and bobbin 5 4

winding
18 Spool holder with spool cap
19 Second spool holder
20 Hole for third spool holder
21 Bobbin winding control
22 Bobbin winder
23 Handwheel 36
24 Contrast control for the display
38 40
25 Front and rear card slots 37 39
26 Release buttons for the card slots
27 Voltage switchover
28 Connection socket lead cord
29 Connection socket foot control 35 23
30 Main switch
31 Accessory tray
32 Needle plate 34 24
33
33 Thread guides, right and left 41
42 25
34 Sewing bulb (max. 5 W)
32
35 Threading slot 31
26
36 Carrying handle
37 Thread snips button
38 Pattern Start button
39 Sew slow button
40 Needle up/down button
41 Presser foot lifter 30 28 27
42 Integrated Dual feed /IDT 29

1:14
 Parts of the embroidery unit
44 Connection plug to the machine
45 Fastener for fitting to the machine
50
46 Under arm guide
51 47 Release button for removing the embroidery unit
49
48 Pivot for embroidery arm
52
49 Metal guide for fitting the embroidery hoop
48
50 Release lever for removing the embroidery hoop
51 Embroidery arm
52 Recessed grip for raising and rotating the
embroidery arm

46 45 44
47

Introduction
Parts of the embroidery hoop
53 Snap-in pin
53 54 Two guide pins for retaining the hoop
55 Ribs for fitting the clips
54
56 Projections for placing the template
57 Retaining screw for the fabric

55

56

57

1:15
 Standard accessories

Standard presser foot Zipper foot No. 4

No. 0 A Order No.: 820 248-096
Order No.: 820 244-096

Fancy stitch foot with Buttonhole foot No.

IDT No. 1 A (for IDT) 5A
Order No.: 820 254-096 Order No.: 820 299-096
Introduction

Fancy stitch foot No. 2 A Buttonhole guide No.

(not suitable for IDT) 10
Order No.: 820 260-096 Order No.: 820 294-096

Maxi-stitch Embroidery Darning foot No. 6

foot No. 8 (not suitable Order No.: 820 243-096
for IDT)
Order No.: 820 259-096

Blindhem foot with IDT Rolled hem foot No. 7

No. 3 Order No.: 820 249-096
Order No.: 820 256-096

1:16
 Creative Fantasy Embroidery foot
Order No: 820 280-096

Edge guide No. 3

Order No.: 820 251-096

Introduction
1. Brush
8 7 Order No.: 93-847-979-91

2. Extra spool pin

3. Seam ripper
Order No.: 99-053-016-91
6
4. Bulb remover / Needle plate changer
Order No.: 820 292-096

5. Bobbins
6. Felt pad
7. Spool caps
1 2 3 4 5
8. Needles

Stylus
Order No: 412 69 34-01

Stitch Card – Antique Quilt Stitches and Hand

Embroidery Stitches
Order No: 412 74 69-06

1:17
 Embroidery unit

Embroidery hoops
1. creative HOOP 80
80x80mm, with adapter
Order No: 820 476-096
2. ROUND HOOP 120x115 mm
Order No: 93-039-343-44-000 1. 2.

3. Clips
3. 4.
Order No: 412 65 18-03
Introduction

4. Hoop Adapter
Order No: 820 477-096

5. Embroidery template
Order No: 412 86 21 01
6. creative HOOP
225x140 mm
5. 6.
Order No: 93-039-340-44-000
1. File assistant
File Assistant
Using the File Assistant you can download
embroidery designs directly from the Internet and
transfer them to your creative 2170. 1 2
3
Order No: 412 84 16-96

2. Creative gallery designs

3. USB cable
4. Quick embroidery packet
4 5
5. 300 Embroidery card 6

6. Embroidery threads
Order No: 412 85 90-96
Knee lift
Order No.: 412 70 57 02

1:18
PREPARATIONS
 Operating Instructions
Voltage Switch

220 - 240V / 120V

The sewing machine is set to the voltage 220 - 240V. To change the
voltage to 120V (US/Canada), you must set the voltage switch on the
underside of the machine to 120 V.
If you are unsure of the correct voltage for your country, please check
with your authorized Pfaff sewing machine dealer or local electrical
authorities before plugging in your machine.

Electrical connection
Connect the lead cord between the socket of the sewing machine and
the wall outlet.
Preparations

For the USA and Canada:

This sewing machine has a polarized plug (one blade wider than the
other). To reduce the risk of electric shock, this plug is intended to
fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in
the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified
electrician to install the proper outlet.
DO NOT modify the plug in any way!

Connecting the foot control

Pull the retractable cord out of the foot control to a length that is
comfortable for you. The foot control has an automatic cord-rewind
reel for storage. Connect the plug of the foot control to the connection
socket of the sewing machine.
The sewing speed is controlled by pressing the foot control.
The foot control ATK 0080 must be used for this sewing machine.

2:2
 Main switch
When the main switch is switched on (switch function I) the sewing
lightbulb lights up and the multi-color touch screen lights up.
The sewing machine is now ready to function.
"0" = OFF
"I" = ON

Thread cutter
Pull the thread from the back to the front up over the thread cutter.

Preparations
Contrast of the screen
The contrast of the screen is adjustable. The setting can be re-adjusted
with the screen control dial (A).

2:3
 Carrying case
Place the enclosed lead cord, the foot control and instruction book into
the storage compartment of the carrying case.

Lid
Open the lid upwards.
The stitches of the sewing machine are illustrated on the inside of the
lid.
Preparations

Accessory tray
Open the accessory tray by placing your left index finger on the ridged
area on the left of the lid and open the lid up and towards you.

Free arm
In order to sew using the free arm, swing the detachable accessory tray
to the left and lift it up out of the hole. When replacing the accessory
tray, make sure it is flush with the free arm of the sewing machine.
Note: Some fabrics have a lot of excess dye which can cause discoloration on other fabric
but also on your sewing machine. This discoloring may be very difficult or impossible to
remove.
Fleece and denim fabric (especially in red and blue) often contain a lot of excess dye.
If you suspect that your fabric/ready-to-wear garment contains a lot of excess dye,
always pre-wash it before sewing/embroidering to avoid the discoloring.

2:4
Changing the presser foot
Snap off the presser foot

Switch off the main switch.

Press the front part of the presser foot upwards and at the same time
the rear part downwards until it disengages from the presser foot
holder.

Snap on the presser foot

Place the presser foot under the presser foot holder, so that when the
presser foot lift is lowered, the pins of the foot snap onto the presser
foot holder.

Preparations
Check:
Please check that the presser foot is properly attached by raising the
presser foot lift.
Note: If your Presser foot lift is disengaged because of the embroidery or free-motion, step
on the foot control in a sewing stitch or disengage the free-motion icon.

2:5
 The IDT (Integrated Dual Feed)
For sewing any fabric precisely Pfaff provides the ideal solution: the
Integrated Dual Feed, IDT system. As on industrial machines, the IDT
feeds the fabric from the top and bottom at the same time at the same
stitch length. The fabric is fed precisely. On light fabrics such as silk or
rayon the dual feed prevents puckering of the seam. The even feeding
action also ensures perfect matching of checked and striped fabrics. The
IDT keeps all layers of quilt projects aligned to prevent stretching of the
top layers.

Engaging the IDT

Important: For all work with the Integrated Dual Feed IDT, use presser
feet with the center back cut-out.
Raise the presser foot. Press the IDT down until it engages.
Preparations

Disengaging the IDT

Hold the IDT with two fingers at the ribbed ankle. Press the IDT down,
then pull it away from you and release the IDT slowly upward.

2:6
 Changing the needle
A Switch off the main switch.
To remove: Lower the presser foot and set the
needle to its highest position. Loosen the needle
screw and pull the needle out downwards.
To insert: The flat side A of the needle must face
to the rear. Lower the presser foot and insert the
needle, pushing it up as far as it will go. Hold the
needle and tighten the needle screw firmly.

The feed dogs

For certain sewing work such as free-motion
quilting or darning or when embroidering, the feed
dog must be lowered. On your Pfaff creative 2170
there are two different methods for lowering the
feed dogs, one on the outside of the machine and
one inside the bobbin door.

A For either method:

Raise the presser foot before lowering the feed dog.

Preparations
Push slide A or B to the left.
To bring the feed dogs back up move the slide to the
right.

2:7
 B

Winding the bobbin from the spool pin

Choose a spool cap slightly larger in diameter than the spool. For
example use the large spool cap for larger spools of thread, and the
smallest cap with cone-type spools. Place the sewing thread on the
spool pin. Slide the cap tightly against the spool.
Preparations

Threading
Place the thread into guide (A) from front to back and pull it counter-
clockwise ABOVE the bobbin winder thread guide (B).
Wind the start of the thread around the bobbin several times in a
clockwise direction.
Note: When bobbin winding always place the thread ABOVE the bobbin winder thread
guide (B). Place a bobbin on the bobbin winder with the Pfaff logo up. Make sure the
bobbin is secure on the bobbin winder by placing the small pin on the bobbin winder into
the slot on the bobbin.

Switch on the main switch.

Start bobbin winding by pushing the bobbin winding lever to the

right. You may need to adjust the Winding speed on the window in
the multi- color touch screen as explained on page 2:11. As soon as the
bobbin is full, the winding action will be stopped automatically. Cut
the thread and remove the bobbin from the winder.

2:8
 1.

2.

1. Winding from the second spool pin

B
Swing the second spool pin up and lock. Place a spool of thread
with an appropriate spool cap on the spool pin.
A

Preparations
2. Winding from the third spool pin
Insert the third spool pin in the hole provided. Place the appropriate
spool cap and then a spool on the spool pin.

Threading
Place the thread into thread guide (A) from front to back and pull
it counter clockwise above the bobbin winder thread guide (B).
Wind the start of the thread around the bobbin several times in a
clockwise direction.
Start bobbin winding by pushing the bobbin lever to the right.
As soon as the bobbin is full, the winding action will be stopped
automatically. Cut the thread and remove the bobbin from the
winder

2:9
 Bobbin winding while embroidering
The creative 2170 has a thread guide for bobbin winding while
embroidering.
B
The needle thread (red) is placed into the thread guide (A) and
underneath the bobbin winder thread guide (B). Pull the bobbin thread
(blue) counter clockwise above the bobbin winder thread guide. Wind
the start of the thread around the bobbin several times in a clockwise
direction. A

Winding a bobbin through the needle

It is possible to wind bobbins even when the machine is fully threaded
(see page 2:14 for threading instructions).
Raise the presser foot. Pull the needle thread underneath the presser
foot and upward through the right-hand threader slot.
Preparations

Place the thread from left to right through the take-up lever (C).
Note: The take-up lever must be at its highest position.

Guide the thread to the right. Wind the start of the thread around the
bobbin several times in a clockwise direction. Start bobbin winding
by pushing the bobbin lever to the right. As soon as the bobbin is full,
the winding action will be stopped automatically. Cut the thread and
remove the bobbin from the winder.
Note: The thread knife next to the bobbin winder makes it easy to cut the thread after
bobbin winding.

2:10
 Setting the bobbin winding speed
You can select the speed in which the bobbin winding is wound when
the machine is stopped. In the context menu (A), you will find an icon
called Winding speed. If you touch that icon, a pop-up will appear
where you can choose if you want the winding speed to be Slow,
Medium or High.
If you touch the Show Dialog icon, a window for selecting the speed
opens each time the bobbin winder is switched on.
The speed that you have selected can halved at any time by touching
the half speed button.
Note: If you wind the bobbin while the sewing machine is running, the winding speed is
automatically set to Low.

Preparations

2:11
 Inserting the bobbin and bobbin case

Switch off the main switch.

Open the bobbin door at the left side swinging it open towards the
front.
Lift the latch of the bobbin case and pull the bobbin case out of the
machine. Release the latch and take the empty bobbin out of the bobbin
case.

Bobbin thread monitor

When the bobbin thread is nearing its end the red light next to the
reverse button flashes automatically. A warning message will also be
given on your display. This function is only activated when the bobbin
door is closed.
Preparations

Inserting the bobbin

Insert the full bobbin (with the Pfaff logo facing towards the bobbin
case) in the bobbin case. When doing so, pull the thread through slot
(A), then under tension spring (B) until it rests in the opening (see
arrow).

Check: Hold the bobbin case with the bobbin facing towards you. When you pull the
thread, the bobbin must turn clockwise.

Inserting the bobbin case

Lift latch (E) and push the bobbin case fully onto pin (C) of the sewing
hook. Opening (D) of the bobbin case must face upwards.

Check: Pull the bobbin thread sharply. The bobbin case must not fall out of the hook.

2:12
 Correct top tension - How to get it
This machine will automatically preset the tension for different types of
stitches. Depending on what type of fabric and threads you are using,
manual adjustments might be needed.
If you find that the bobbin thread is visible on the top side of the fabric
or that the top thread is visible on the underside of the fabric, you need
to adjust the thread tension.
Press the thread tension icon (A), + and - to set the required amount
of the needle thread tension. Your adjustments will be reset when you
select a new stitch or design. To save your alterations for the next time
you sew see page 3:12.

Thread tension
For the best stitch appearance and durability make sure the needle
thread tension is correctly adjusted, i.e. the threads evenly meet
between the two fabric layers.
The following is valid for general sewing work:

Preparations
Bobbin thread is visible on the top side of the fabric:
The needle thread tension is too tight.
The needle thread tension must be reduced.

Top thread is visible on the underside of the fabric:

The needle thread tension is too loose.
The needle thread tension must be increased.
For decorative stitches and buttonholes the top thread should be visible
on the underside of the fabric.

2:13
 Threading the needle
Raise the presser foot. Place the thread on the spool pin and fit a spool B
cap of the right size.
A
Using both hands, pull the thread into the thread guide (A) from front
to back. Place the thread from the right underneath the bobbin winder
thread guide (B). E
Now pass it through the left-hand threading slot downwards.
Pull the thread around the stop (C) in the right-hand threading slot and
upwards to the take-up lever (E). The thread must be pulled fully into
the take-up lever from left to right. Pass the thread downwards in the
right-hand threading slot.
Pull the thread from the side behind one of the two thread
guides (D).
To thread the needle, please refer to the next section.

Note: When sewing always place the thread underneath the bobbin winder thread guide
(B).

C
Preparations

Needle threader
In order to make threading of the needle easier and quicker the Pfaff
needle threader is built-in. The needle threader allows you to thread
the needle automatically.
1. Lower the presser foot. Press the threader down with the handle.
The threader hook (G) swivels through the needle eye.
2. Place the thread from the back, over the hook (F) and under the
thread hook (G) and hold the end of the thread taut. Reduce the
pressure so that the needle threader slowly moves upwards.
3. At the same time, the threader hook swivels out of the needle eye
and pulls the thread through the eye. Slightly release the end of the
thread, so that a thread loop can form behind the needle. Release
the threader and pull the rest of the thread end through the needle
1.
eye.

F G
2. 3.

2:14
 Bobbin thread
Raise the presser foot. Insert the bobbin case and place the thread to the
left (see picture). Close the hook/bobbin door. Place the fabric under
the presser foot and start to sew. The machine will pull the thread up
by itself.

Threading the twin needle

Replace the sewing needle with a twin needle.
A Swing the second spool holder up and lock. Place a spool of thread
with an appropriate spool cap on it. Make sure that both threads are
placed underneath the bobbin winder thread guide. During threading
in the left threading slot, make sure that you pass one thread to the
left and one thread to the right sides of the tension disk (A). Continue

Preparations
threading in the usual manner, making sure the threads do not become
twisted together.

Pull the right thread into the right thread guide and thread the right
needle. Pull the left thread into the left thread guide and thread the left
needle.
It is not possible to use the automatic needle threader with a twin
needle.

2:15
 Presser foot lift
The presser foot is raised or lowered with the presser foot lift.

Electronic knee lift

Your Pfaff creative 2170 is provided with an electronic knee lift for
regulating the presser foot height.
1. Push the knee lift fully into the provided hole on the machine.
Note: the flat side must face upwards.

2. Adjust the rectangular bar on the knee lift until it is positioned at a

comfortable height for you.
Preparations

If you press the knee lift to the right, the presser foot will raise.
Now you can guide the fabric with both hands.
3. To remove the knee lift, just pull it out of the hole.

1. 2.

3.

2:16
 General notes on how the Pfaff creative 2170
works
In your sewing machine there are two tools to help you while you are
sewing; the creative Assistant and the Machine Assistant.

Creative Assistant
In your Pfaff creative 2170 there is a creative Assistant function (A)
that gives you information on how to use the machine. If you press the
creative Assistant while you are on the Main menu you will get general
information about the machine. If you touch the icon within a stitch,
the direct help function is launched. It provides you with information
about what foot to use etc.

Machine Assistant
When you are in the creative Assistant you can reach the Machine
A Assistant function by pressing the Machine Assistant icon (B). The
Machine Assistant gives you information on how to use the machine.
You can choose from two menus; Sewing and Embroidery. You can
among other things, find instructions on how to thread the needle,
wind a bobbin, change the presser foot, change the light bulb, and fit

Preparations
the embroidery hoop to the machine.

When closing the creative Assistant press the (C) icon. The toolbar will
change color and the buttons will change to the normal toolbar.

B
C

2:17
 creative Data Manager
The creative Data Manager organizes your Pfaff creative 2170’s stitches.
Here you can organize stitches, stitch sequences, personal menus, and
programs as the Patchwork program.
You have access to the following functions:
1. Personalized stitches can be saved and renamed, copied or deleted.
2. Designs can be copied from a card to a creative memory card.
3. Sequences/combinations can be renamed, altered or deleted.
4. Personal menus can be altered, renamed or deleted.
5. New directories and sub-directories can be created in the machine
or on a creative memory card.
6. Data in the memory can be accessed.
7. Individual stitches or designs within a sequence/combination can
be accessed.
8. An entire directory can be accessed. Your Pfaff creative 2170 is
always ready to sew, even when the Creative Data Manager is
open.
In your creative Data manager there are two fields available. One
field is the source data. The other field is the destination data. Either
field can be used as source or destination. To open directories, sub-
Preparations

directories/sequences/combinations, personal menus or data records

there is a selection bar which you can move up or down with the
arrows.
In order to process the data record, it must be selected.

2:18
 creative Data manager
A. Machine memory icon: Use this function to access the stitches or the
A embroideries in the machine.
B. Front card drive icon, card inserted: use this function to access the
B front card drive.
C. Rear card drive icon, no card in the machine: Use this function to
G C access the rear card drive.
H D D. Sort criterion icon: use this function to sort your data alphabetically
or according to data type.
I E
F E. Start sewing: If you touch this icon when you have marked
J a sequence, you can sew it straight away. The corresponding
processing menu for the sewing sequence or embroidery
combination appears on the screen. Read more about sewing
sequence on page 4:4-4:5.
If you touch this icon when a stitch is marked, the processing menu
for the stitch appears and the machine is ready to sew.
If you touch this icon when a Personal menu is marked the personal
menu is displayed and you can select a stitch and sew it. The stitch
appears on the corresponding processing screen.
F. Memory information icon: Use this function to consult the data
records contained in a directory or stitch that you have marked.

Preparations
G. Activity arrow icon: using these arrows you can browse through
the screen. The dark marker bar indicates the marked area.
H. Delete icon: Use this icon to delete a data record (directory, stitch or
stitch sequence) that you have marked.
I. Copy icon: this is a function for copying renaming, moving
stitches/designs, sequences or combinations.

Copying data:
You can duplicate data, such as stitches and stitch sequences, from the
machine or a creative card and save them in a different memory or save
or insert them on a creative card. To do this, mark your destination file,
mark the source file and touch ’Copy’.
Sequence: 1. Mark destination / 2. Mark source / 3. Copy

Renaming data:
To rename data such as stitches, stitch sequences or personal menus,
touch the Copy icon and Rename. A window for entering a new name
(max. 8 characters) is opened.

Move:
You can move stitches or stitch sequences from the machine or from
a creative card to another memory or onto a creative card. To do this,
mark your source file, mark the destination file and touch the Copy
icon and Move.
Sequence: 1. Mark destination / 2. Mark source / 3. Move

2:19
 How to update your machine
Together with your Pfaff creative 2170 you received a special cable with
USB connection on one end and a creative card on the other. Use this
cable when updating your machine or when transferring data between
your Pfaff creative 2170 and the 3D File Assistant on your computer.
1. Enter the Pfaff home page at www.pfaff.com and click on 2170
update.
2. Click to download.
3. Fill out your registration form or enter your e-mail address and
start the search. When the registration is complete, start the
download.
Note: Depending on the Windows version installed on your computer, your screen may
look different than those shown.

4. To run the download program directly from the site, choose Open
this file from its current location.
5. If you want to download the program to your hard drive and
update the machine later, choose Save this file to disk. See How to
save the update program to your hard drive.
6. Click Yes to continue.
Preparations

7. When screen (C) appears the update program is activated and you
can close your Internet connection.

2:20
Set your Pfaff creative 2170 in the update mode
1. Connect the cable to a port on your computer then insert the card in
one of the card drives in your sewing machine.
2. Turn the machine on.
3. Touch the Main Menu.
4. Touch Context menu. Touch Firmware update. Choose yes to the
prompting question. A new pop-up with updating instructions
appears.

5. Read the instructions, then touch OK to prepare your Pfaff creative

2170 for updating. Yet another pop-up appears telling you that the
machine is waiting for data.

Preparations
6. Click on the Update sewing machine icon on the computer
to start the update. The updating process will begin and after
approximately 20 minutes, you can restart the sewing machine
and your Pfaff creative 2170 is ready to use with the new program
version. If you have problems updating your Pfaff creative 2170,
see section Troubleshooting, page 2:23.

How to save the update program to your hard drive

Note: Depending on the Windows version installed on your computer, your screen may
look different than those shown.

1. Click on the update link, the following screen appears.

2. Choose Save this file to disk by clicking in the white circle in front
of the text (if it has a dot in front of it, it is already selected). Click
OK.
3. The Save As window appears. If you have updated your 2170
previously, browse to the update folder you created and save the
new file there. Otherwise create a new folder according to the
instructions below.

2:21
 Create a folder to save in
4. Left mouse click on the arrow down symbol. Your hard drive is
most often called Local Disk and is followed with a C: as the name
of the drive.

5. Find your hard drive and left mouse click to open it.
Preparations

6. Click on the new folder icon, (A) to create a new folder on your
hard drive.

7. The new folder is selected so you can enter a new name. Name the
folder Update 2170.
8. Double-click on the folder to open it.
9. Left mouse click on the Save icon to save the update file in the
folder.

2:22
10. The saving to the folder begins. The speed of your Internet
connection will determine how long the download will take.

11. The file Update 2170 has now been downloaded.

Left mouse click on the Open folder icon, to open the folder where
the update file is stored.
(Depending on the settings in your computer the above window might close
automatically. If so, please follow the instructions under Update later).

Preparations
12. Double-click the left mouse button on the Update 2170 icon. The
update program starts. Follow the instructions on the screen and set
your 2170 in the update mode.

Update later
If you want to update your Pfaff creative 2170 at a later time, left mouse
click on the Close icon. If the Download complete screen is closed
automatically, disregard the above.
When you want to update your 2170, left mouse double click on the
My Computer icon on your desktop (the opening screen when you first
turn on your computer). Left mouse double click on the C: drive.
Left mouse double click on the Update 2170 folder to open it.
Double click on the Update 2170 file.
The update program starts.
Follow the instructions on the screen and set your 2170 in the update.

Troubleshooting
• The message Unable to open COM-port/USB appears. Check that
the correct COM-port/USB is selected in the serial port selection
list.
• The message Unable to initialize the sewing machine monitor
appears. Check all connections between the computer and the
machine. Switch off your Pfaff creative 2170, restart and set it in the
update mode. Restart the update program.
• If a communication error occurs, check the connection to the
computer, turn the sewing machine off and back on again. When
turning the machine on, the screen will be black. Click the Update
sewing machine icon on the PC. Within a few seconds the updating
process will start again.

2:23
SEWING
 Function Buttons
A. Thread Snips Button A B C D
B. Pattern start
C. Sew Slow Button
D. Needle Up/Down Button
E. Bobbin Thread Monitor
F. Reverse Sewing Button
E

A. Thread Snips Button

When pressing this button the machine automatically cuts the bobbin F
and needle thread. If you press the button while sewing, the machine
will finish the stitch, make a tie-off and cut the threads.

B. Pattern start
This button has two functions. If you press this button while sewing,
the machine finishes the stitch its own and makes a tie-off. If you press
it once you have stopped the machine, it goes back to the beginning of
that stitch.

C. Sew Slow Button

When pressing this button the sewing speed is lowered.
Sewing

D. Needle Up/Down Button

If you press this button, the needle automatically comes to rest in the
lower position when you stop sewing. When pressing this button the
following dialog window (G) opens on your screen. You can choose
how high you want the presser foot to be lifted when you take your
foot off the foot control. When you press the foot control again the
presser foot is automatically lowered again. This makes it easy for you
G.
when turning a corner, quilting etc.

E. Bobbin Thread Monitor

When the bobbin thread is running out the bobbin thread monitor
flashes.
Note: The Bobbin Thread Monitor only works if the hook cover is closed.

F. Reverse Sewing Button

The Reverse Sewing Button has several different functions in the
sewing mode.
1. If you press the button while sewing, the machine sews in reverse
for as long as you keep the button pressed.
2. If you press this button before starting to sew, the machine sews
in reverse until you press the button again. When the function
is activated, a reverse sewing arrow appears on the Multi Color H
Touch Screen (H).
3. If you have activated the Tie-off program, tie-off at the end is
initiated via this button. When the tie-off is selected it is indicated
by that the single stitch icon is activated.
4. In the Patchwork, Tapering, Four sewing directions and Darning
programs, you determine the length of the seams with this button.
5. If you are programming the length of a buttonhole, you determine
the length of the buttonhole seam with this button.

3:2
 Sewing mode functions
A B A. End to end mirroring
B. Side to side mirroring
C D
C. Four directions sewing
D. Single Stitch
E F
E. Immediate tie-off
G H F. Tie-off program
G. Tapering
I J H. Balance
I. Free-motion sewing
J. Twin needle

A. End to end Mirroring

When pressing this button, you mirror the stitch end to end. You will
see the change on the screen.

B. Side to side mirroring

This function mirrors your stitch from side to side. You will see the
stitch change on the screen.

Sewing
C. Four directions sewing
K With this function, you can program the length and width of a
rectangle and the programmed rectangle can be saved permanently in
L the machine. This function can be useful for sewing on patches without
having to turn the fabric.
When pressing the Four directions sewing icon a new window appears.
Touch the Program function (K) before starting to sew, to program and
permanently save a Four directions sewing.

M Touch the Manual icon (L) to decide where to end an already

programmed side seam. The machine completes the current stitch and
stops. (Read more about four direction sewing on page 3:25.)
The arrow icons decides the sewing directions. The machine sews in
the direction of the selected arrow.
The Data Manager icon (M) will open a window for opening, saving,
deleting and closing a program.
The four direction sewing is available on stitches 2-4, 7, 10, 11, 18, 23
and 25.

3:3
 Sewing mode functions
A. End to end mirroring A B
B. Side to side mirroring
C D
C. Four directions sewing
D. Single Stitch F
E
E. Immediate tie-off
F. Tie-off program G H
G. Tapering
H. Balance I J
I. Free-motion sewing
J. Twin needle

D. Single Stitch
Stitches and stitch sequences can be sewn as single stitches. By touching
the single stitch button you can decide how many patterns you want to
Sewing

sew. When pressing this button a new window appears. Touch the ON
button (N) and you can decide how many pattern repeats you want by
touching + and - .

E. Immediate tie-off N
If you touch the Immediate tie-off icon, either when sewing or when
the machine is stopped, the machine will not finish the stitch/sequence
but instead do an immediate tie-off.
Note: If you want to start from the beginning of your sequence again you need to press
pattern start.

After you have done an immediate tie-off the machine will stop and
will not start again until you have released the foot control and press it
down again.
The immediate tie-off icon remains active after being touched and
becomes inactive when the tie-off has been completed.

3:4
 Sewing mode functions
A B A. End to end mirroring
B. Side to side mirroring
C D
C. Four directions sewing
F D. Single Stitch
E
E. Immediate tie-off
G H F. Tie-off program
G. Tapering
I J H. Balance
I. Free-motion sewing
J. Twin needle

F. Tie-off program
The icon for the Tie-off program includes four functions; Tie-off
beginning, Tie-off end, Thread Snips and Presser foot lifter. When

Sewing
touching the icon a new window appears, making it possible for you
to select the different functions. When a function is selected the icon
becomes dark green and only the symbols for the selected functions are
visible on the icon.
If you select one of the these functions it remains active even if you
select another stitch. They will remain active until you switch off the
machine.

G. Tapering
When touching the tapering icon a new window appears. If you press
O P the (O) icon the seams starts at 0mm and becomes wider until the
previously selected stitch width is reached. If you press the reverse key,
the width is automatically reduced to 0mm.
If you press the (P) icon the seam starts at the full width and when
pressing the reverse button it goes down to 0mm width.
The stitch will be reduced according to the angle you have chosen (in
this case 90° or 60°).

3:5
 H. Balance
When touching this icon, a new window pops up, making it possible
for you to balance your stitch. Start by sewing a seam on a piece of
scrap fabric. When balancing your stitch, then change the seam on your
sewing machine so that it looks like your sewing sample. Use the + and
- buttons to change the balance.

I. Free-motion
This function can be used when you want to make free hand
embroideries or when quilting. When touching the Free-motion icon
the machine prompts you to lower the feed dog. The machine will lift
up the presser foot making it possible for you to sew in free-motion.

J. Twin needle
Press this icon when you are sewing with a twin needle. When
touching this icon, a pop up appears where you can set your twin
needle width. Press ON and use the + and - buttons to set the width.
Sewing

K. Patchwork program
The patchwork program makes it possible for you to program a
particular seam length for joining fabric of equal length and saving
it permanently. When pressing the patchwork program icon a new
window opens.
In the new dialog window, there is an Data Manager icon (where you
can open already saved programs or create a new one) and an ON icon
(to activate the patchwork program).
To make a patchwork program you need to activate the program by
touching ON and OK. Sew your desired length and touch the reverse
button. The reverse button determines the length of the seam. Read
more about how to change the length of the seam and saving the
program on page 4:16-4:17.

3:6
 Welcome Screen
A. Main menu
B. Last stitch
C. Information

Main Menu
When touching the main menu icon, you enter the main menu. In the main
menu you will find the different categories of stitches, reach the embroidery
mode and the Data Manager.
B

A C Information
Use this function to obtain general information on how to operate the machine.

Last stitch
The last stitch function makes it possible for you to go back to the stitch you
where on, before turning off the machine.
On the screen that appears when you start your machine, you can choose a
function called Last stitch. When touching that icon a new menu appears where

Sewing
you can choose either Last stitch or Current state. Choose last stitch and you
will go to the stitch you where on before turning off the machine. The current
state take you to the last embroidery stitch.
If you have activated the current state function when embroidering you can, via
this button, continue to embroider from where you have stopped before you
turned off the machine.

Toolbar
A. Main Menu
B. Context Menu
C. Creative Assistant
D. OK
E. Esc

A. Main Menu
This function allows you to switch back to the main menu, for selection of all
stitches. In this picture you are already on the Main Menu and the icon has then
turned blue.
In the Main Menu, you have different selection menus: Join, Overcast, Utility,
Buttonholes, 9mm Decorative Stitches, MAXI Stitches, Personal Menu,
Alphabets, Sewing Sequence, Stitch Creator, Embroidery, Selection by number,
Last stitch and Data Manager.

A B C D E

3:7
 B. Context menu
The Context menu always refers specifically to the menu you have
selected. When on the Main menu these menus are active:
1. Select language: This icon allows you to change the language in the
machine.
2. Audio signal: You can change button and message sound.
3. Creative Card: You can format a creative memory card or change
the name.
4. Welcome screen off: this function turns the welcoming screen off so
that you will enter the Main menu directly when you turn on your
machine.
5. Back to default setting: resets all the machines settings that you
have previously changed or you can reactivate the information
texts.

6. Winding speed; choose between slow, medium and fast.

Sewing

7. Raise the presser foot: choose between not raising it at all, Low,
Medium and High.

3:8
8. Move hoop: You can use this function when you are sewing with
the embroidery unit attached. In order to move the arm as far away
from the sewing area as possible, touch the sew position icon.
In order to move the embroidery arm so that you can remove the
embroidery unit from the machine, touch the Park position icon.

9. Options for messages: Under the options for messages button you
can turn different messages on or off, for instance if you don't want
the machine to stop when the bobbin thread is running out.
10. Code: The code function allows you to lock your Pfaff creative
2170. Your machines Main Menu will not appear until your security
code has been entered accurately. The code must have at least four
digits, and no more than eight. You can delete the code by pressing

Sewing
the Delete button or if you want to change the code press the Alter
icon.
11. Personal stitches manager: in the personal menu you can save
a selection of stitches. For example you might want to create a
Personal menu for all the stitches you need for sewing garments.
You can create several personal menus (read more about personal
menus on page 3:27).
12. Demo: with the Demo function you can program a demonstration
of the machine into your creative 2170 and replay it permanently.
Also program in a training sequence to remind you of the steps
for a project. To program a demo, touch the Record demo button.
The opening screen appears instantly and you can start making the
demonstration. With the reverse sewing button you finish and save
your demo.
Note: this is a great feature to turn on when you are learning a new technique while
taking a class.

13. Version: the current software status of your machine is stored here.
14. Firmware update: press this function button when you want to
install an upgrade for your machine. Read more on how to upgrade
your machine on page 2:20.

3:9
 C. Creative Assistant A B C D E
There is a Creative Assistant function in your sewing machine to help
you. It can be called up anytime. The toolbar then changes color and
the functions assigned to the icons change. If you touch the icon in the
main menu, the Creative Assistant provides general information on
operating the machine. If you touch the Creative Assistant within a
stitch, the direct help function is launched. Pop-up Direct help provides
information on all sewing functions and icons. Simply touch the field
on which you require more information. Information may run to
several pages, through which you can scroll with the arrows.

D. OK
The OK button is used to confirm your actions.

E. Esc
This function allows you to switch back from a menu you have selected
to the previous one. When you close a window the settings you have
made will not be retained; you have interrupted the process.
Note: If you change the embroidery hoop positions those changes will remain even if esc
is touched.
Sewing

3:10
 How to select a stitch
A There are three different ways to select a stitch on your Pfaff creative
2170.
Start by opening the Main menu. On the Main menu the stitches are
divided into different categories. You can select a stitch by touching
one of the categories, and then select the stitch by pressing the icon of
the stitch.
The second way to choose a stitch is to go into one of the categories and
scroll between the different menus by touching the scroll bar. You will
then scroll your way across the different categories of stitches.
When you open the Main menu the Join menu is always selected. If you
press the foot control at this point the display switches to the straight
stitch and your Pfaff creative 2170 is ready to sew. Press the foot control
once again and the machine will start to sew stitch number 1; a straight
stitch. You can touch any stitch and the machine will open a screen for
that stitch (A).
The third way to select a stitch is to touch the icon Selection by number
on the Main menu. A pop-up will appear where you can select a stitch
by pressing the stitch number. You can find stitch numbers on the lid
on your Pfaff creative 2170 and stitch cards or in this User's Guide
(page 1:8-1:13).
If you have opened a menu and want to go back to the main menu,

Sewing
simply press the ESC button (B).

Altering a utility stitch

When you open a screen the most important settings are visible. To
illustrate this we have chosen a zigzag stitch.
You can modify the settings that are displayed, such as values for
stitch width (this icon changes to needle position for straight stitch)
(C), stitch length (D) and thread tension (E), for the stitch. As soon as
you change a value the numbers will turn red indicating that you have
made a change. Once you have reached the maximum or minimum
value, the function automatically becomes inactive. If you exit the
C E screen, the stitch settings will go back to the way they were.
D Stitch width
Touch the stitch width icon (C) + and - to increase or reduce the width
B of a stitch.

Stitch length
Touch the stitch length icon (D) + and - to increase or reduce the length
of a stitch.

Thread tension
Touch the thread tension icon (E) + and - to increase or reduce the
thread tension.

3:11
 Altering a decorative stitch
When selecting a decorative stitch you have an additional icon called
the Pattern elongation (A). This function makes it possible for you
to change the length of a pattern. Use the + and - icons to make the
pattern longer without changing the density.
B C
Save parameter
You can save the settings you have made by going to the context menu,
and touch Save parameter. Once you have saved the stitch it will stay
that way even if you go into another menu or turn off the machine. If
you want to go back to the original setting, go into the context menu
and choose Reset parameter.

A
Sewing

Tie-off
On your creative 2170 there are two different ways to do tie-offs. You
can program your machine to do tie-off at the beginning, at the end, cut
the threads and raise the presser foot. We call this the Tie-off program.
The second way to do tie-offs is the Immediate tie-off (B). If you press
this icon the tie-off is made instantly.

The tie-off program

If you touch the tie-off program icon (C) a new window appears.
Activate by touching the different icons in the popup; Tie-off
beginning, Tie-off end, Thread Snips and Presser foot lifter. The icon of
the activated function change color to dark green (D). Once you have D
activated the function/functions you want, touch OK.

When you have activated something in the tie-off program, the Tie-off
program icon (C) changes color to dark green. It will also show the
settings you have made.

3:12
 Needle positions
On stitches 1, 2, 5, and 15 you can change needle position by touching
the stitch width button (A). These four stitches have 19 different needle
positions. Use the + icon to move the stitches to the right in 0.5 mm
steps. Use the - icon to move the stitches to the left in 0.5 mm steps.
If you look at your lid, the stitches that you can change needle positions
are marked with an arrow.

Mirroring

Sewing
There are two ways to mirror a stitch; side to side and end to end.
The side to side mirroring you can mirror a marked stitch or stitch
sequence from side to side. The mirrored stitch appears on the screen
for further processing.
End to end Side to side
The end to end mirroring you can mirror a marked stitch or stitch
sequence from end to end. The mirrored stitch appears on the screen
for further processing.

3:13
 Straight stitch
Stitch number 1 is the basic straight stitch in center needle position. The
stitch length can be increased up to 6 mm. Change the needle position
of the straight stitch to sew in a zipper or topstitch along the edge of
a collar. Your Pfaff creative 2170 has 19 needle positions that can be
adjusted with the stitch width -/+ buttons.

Tip: Use the needle up/down button to easily pivot at collar points. You can
also just tap on the foot control to set the needle in the down position.

Three-step Zigzag stitch – No 4

Stitch no 4 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 4 can also be used as an elastic stitch to add elastic to
pajamas, skirts and sportswear.
Sewing

Basting program
Basting is often used in dressmaking to join fabric layers quickly for
fitting in order to be able to adjust the garment to the body. For that
purpose you either sew long stitches with 6 mm stitch length or jump
stitches with a length of about 2 cm.
You can also apply markings to materials with long basting stitches
stitched through the material to be used. This is preferable to using
fabric markers in color, especially on light-colored fabrics or materials
with a rough texture.
Your Pfaff creative 2170 includes a basting program which can be
selected with stitch no. 32.
This program can be used in two different ways and is linked to the
engagement and disengagement of the feed dogs.
If the feed dogs are disengaged, the sewing machine will only sew one
stitch at a time. You have to touch the foot control every time you want
the sewing machine to sew one stitch. This allows you to move the
fabric every time so that you can determine the stitch length yourself.
By touching the Presser foot lifter icon you can select to which height
the presser foot should raise automatically when the sewing machine
stops for feeding the fabric further.
If the feed dogs are engaged, the sewing machine sews with a 6 mm
stitch length. 6 mm is the longest stitch length of the Pfaff creative 2170;
it enables you to sew a temporary seam for fitting.

3:14
Buttonholes
There are 12 buttonhole styles available in your Pfaff creative 2170.
Each buttonhole is especially adapted for a particular use and fabric
type. You can read about the different buttonholes in the overview in
chapter 1.
Your Pfaff creative 2170 is equipped with the Sensormatic buttonhole
guide and sensor technology to ensure that every buttonhole is sized
accurately. Beautiful buttonholes can be sewn on even the most
difficult fabrics such as velvet, plush, stretch fabrics and heavy knits.

Sewing
Inserting the sensormatic buttonhole guide
1. Push the metal part of the sensormatic buttonhole guide into the
slot under the two arrows at the back of the needle plate. The white
plastic part goes over the needle plate, covering the feed dogs (see
picture).
2. Slide the guide towards you until it lies against the rear of the
free arm. The guide will spring rear slightly. There should be a
small gap between the needle plate and the guide as shown on the
picture.
Inserting the sensormatic buttonhole guide activates the sensor.

Attaching buttonhole foot – No 5A

Attach buttonhole foot No. 5A to sew buttonholes.
Before starting to sew, pull the slide of the foot towards you until the
red arrow matches the second red mark.

3:15
 How to sew a buttonhole
Choose Buttonholes from the main menu and select the buttonhole
of your choice. For this example we have chosen buttonhole no. 47.
The most important settings are visible on the screen. There are three
different ways of sewing a buttonhole: automatically, programmed or
manually.

Automatic buttonhole
Enter the buttonhole length directly on the screen by touching the +
and - icon on the Stitch elongation icon (A). Enter the length of the slit
of your buttonhole. Start to sew your buttonhole by pressing the foot
control. The buttonhole will be sewn automatically.
A

Programmed buttonhole
You can program a buttonhole while sewing.
1. Activate the buttonhole program by touching the prog icon (B). B
2. Sew until you reach the buttonhole size you want and press the
D
Sewing

reverse button. The machine sews in reverse and the second bartack
and cuts the threads.
3. The prog icon changes into this (C) icon. You can repeat the
programmed buttonhole as many times as you want.
4. If you want to clear the size of the buttonhole, touch the prog icon
E
again.

Manual buttonhole
If you touch the Manual icon (D) you will determine where the last
bartack is sewn.
1. Set the length of the buttonhole by touching the Stitch elongation
icon. The machine will sew the first column, the first bartack and
the second column.
2. After having sewn half of the second column, the machine slows
down. When it is time to do the second bartack, touch the reverse
button and the machine start making the bartack.
Note: The machine will not store the manual buttonhole.

How to balance a buttonhole

Start by sewing a sample of the buttonhole. If you find that one of the
columns are longer than the other you can change the balance of the F
buttonhole. Touch the balance icon (E) and a popup appears. Touch the
+ and - buttons (F) to change the buttonhole. You should change the
buttonhole so that it looks like your sewed out sample. The machine
will then correct the buttonhole automatically.
Note: If you would like to sew a buttonhole longer than the 5A foot (50mm) you can sew
without the sensormatic guide but with the 1A foot. To get a perfect result without the
sensormatic guide it might be necessary to balance the buttonhole.

3:16
Buttonhole with gimp thread
Buttonholes that are sewn with gimp threads are more stable, durable
and has a professional appearing. Use pearl cotton or a regular gimp
thread.
1. Insert the Sensormatic buttonhole guide.
2. Place the center of a length of gimp thread over the metal bar
extending from the center back of the buttonhole foot. Pass the
thread ends under the foot and pull up into the right and left
guides on the front of the presser foot.

3. Attach the buttonhole foot. Before starting to sew, pull it backward

as far as the second red mark.

4. After completing the buttonhole, pull the ends of the gimp thread
until the loop of thread is hidden below the buttonhole bartack.

Sewing
5. 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.

Eyelet buttonhole with gimp thread

1. Insert the Sensormatic buttonhole guide. Place the center of a length
of gimp thread over the metal bar extending from the center front
of the Buttonhole foot. Pass the thread ends under the foot and pull
up into the right and left guides on the back of the presser foot.

3:17
 2. Attach the buttonhole foot and pull it backward as far as the second
red mark. Before starting to sew, press the “needle down” button.
3. Sew the right side of the buttonhole.

4. After the machine sews the first few stitches of the curved end pull
the gimp thread down from the clamp with a straight pin.
Note: The presser foot must not be raised from the fabric!

5. Pull the gimp thread on the left towards the rear until the loop is
just in front of the needle. Carefully sew the curve, guiding the
gimp thread under the stitching.

6. After sewing the curve, hold the gimp thread slightly taut and
finish sewing the buttonhole.
Sewing

7. 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.
The round buttonhole with gimp thread is sewn in the same way.

Note: This buttonhole is particularly attractive when sewn with a heavier-weight thread.

Buttonhole tips
Buttonholes that are to be sewn very close to a reinforced edge, may
sometimes not feed optimally with the buttonhole foot because of the
bulk at the edge of the fabric. In this case, use presser foot 1A with the
Integrated Dual Feed engaged.
Fabrics that shift or stretch easily should be reinforced with water-
soluble or lightweight stabilizer.
Buttonholes are particularly stable and durable if a gimp cord is
inserted while sewing (see " Buttonholes, with gimp cord").
Linen buttonholes are particularly attractive if you use a heavier-
weight thread through a topstitch needle.
Buttonholes are normally selected a little larger than the button
diameter. It is important to always sew a test buttonhole on the same
fabric/stabilizer as your project.
Cut open all buttonholes carefully. Open the curve of the keyhole
buttonhole with a belt punch or awl.

3:18
Sewing on buttons
With stitch no. 59 you can easily sew on two and four-hole buttons.
1. Remove the presser foot and lower the feed dog.
2. Mark the button position on your fabric. Place the button on the
marked fabric.
3. Turn the handwheel towards you and position the button so the
needle enters the left hole in the button. Lower the presser foot
lifter.
4. The button will be held in place by the shank of the foot. Make sure
the needle also enters the right hole of the button.
5. Continue sewing on the button. The machine will complete the
program for you.

Eyelets
To stitch eyelets on a belt or linen items, select stitch no. 66.
1. Place a small mark wherever you would like to sew an eyelet.
2. Place the fabric under the presser foot, position one of the marks at

Sewing
the center of the foot.
3. If the Stitch restart is touched during the sewing operation, the
machine will automatically sew one eyelet and tie off the stitch.
4. Cut a hole in the center of the eyelet. You can select from five eyelet
sizes by touching the stitch length.
Stitch no. 66 can also be combined in embroidery stitch combinations
for beautiful embellishment.

3:19
 Darning
To mend a small hole or tear, you can either do automatically by using
the darning stitches on the machine or darn your tear manually using
by doing Free-motion darning.

Automatic darning
The darning stitches no. 64 and no. 65 can be used for strengthening
damaged areas of fabric.
1. Choose stitch no. 64 or no. 65.
2. Change the pattern length to the length of the tear of touching the +
and -.
3. Stitch over the damaged area.

Programmable Darning
1. Choose stitch no. 64 or no. 65.
2. Touch the program icon.
3. Stitch over the damaged area to the required length.
4. Press the reverse button; the machine finishes sewing the darning
program and the darning length is saved. The saved darning length
can now be repeated as often as needed.
Stitch no. 64 sews lengthwise only; stitch no. 65 is for darning
lengthwise and crosswise and is more durable.
Sewing

Note: To give the best strength to the darning stitch it should be slightly out of square.

Balancing the darning stitch

Depending on the type of fabric, the darning pattern may shift slightly
out of square. You can balance the program using the adjustment
capability.

Darning with the elastic stitch

Stitch No. 4
The elastic stitch no. 4 is very suitable for repairing small holes and
slightly damaged areas. This is most suitable for light-weight fabrics.
Reduce the stitch length and sew rows of stitches over the damaged
area until it is well covered. Make sure the stitch rows overlap. No
additional backing is needed for these slightly damaged areas.

3:20
Overlock stitches
For elastic, knits, woven and stretch fabrics, your creative 2170
provides a selection of overlock stitches. These stitches join multiple
layers of fabric and overcast them in one operation. These stitches can
stretch and are more durable than standard stitches.
Tip: Use blind stitch foot No. 3 when sewing overcast seams. This guides the fabric more
precisely and prevents tunneling of the seam at wider stitch widths. Adjust the stitch
width and guide of the foot to ensure that the right swing of the needle clears the raw
edge of the fabric and the pin of the presser foot.

Closed overlock stitch – No 26

This stitch is suitable for sewing a hem on your garment. Use foot no.
0A or 3.
Fold your fabric 3/8” (1 cm) and stitch the closed overlock on the
right side of the folded fabric. When you have finished, cut away the
unnecessary fabric.

Sewing
Open overlock stitch – No 28
The overlock stitch works well when joining or edge-finishing fabrics
that do not fray excessively. Use presser foot no. 1A or 3.

Closed overlock stitch with edge thread – No 19

If you wish to sew a fabric that frays easily, select stitch no. 19. With
this stitch an additional edge thread protects the fabric edge against
further fraying. This seam is suitable for woven fabrics.

3:21
 Blindhem stitch – No 30
The blindhem stitch is used to make invisible hems on skirts, trousers
and home decorating.
• Finish the edge of the hem. B
• Fold and press the hem allowance to the wrong side.
• Fold the hem back on itself so approximately 3/8" (1 cm of the
finished edge extends beyond the fold. The wrong side of your A
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.
Sewing

Elastic blind stitch – No 31

The elastic blind stitch is especially suitable for stretchy fabrics, because
the zigzag in the stitch lets the stitch stretch. The hem is finished and
sewn at the same time. There is no need to finish the raw edge first on
most knits.
Create the blindhem as described above.

3:22
Bridging stitch - No 11
The bridging stitch creates a hemstitching effect. It is often used for
connecting two finished fabric edges called bridging.
• Finish the fabric edges and press the seam allowance to the wrong
side.
• Place the fabric under the presser foot with the edges
approximately 1/8 inch (3mm) apart.
• Stitch from the right side of the fabric, making sure that the needle
catches the fabric on the right and left sides.

Crosshem stitch - No 13
This highly elastic stitch is very suitable for decorative hems.
• Fold the hem allowance to the reverse side.
• Stitch the hem from the right side of the fabric. Trim any excess

Sewing
hem fabric up to the stitching.

Sewing in zippers - stitch no. 1

There are different ways to sew in zippers. Follow the directions
included with your pattern for best results.
For all types of zippers it is important to sew close to the teeth of the
zipper. The zipper foot can be snapped to the presser foot ankle on the
left or right, depending on how you will insert your zipper. Then set
the needle position so that it enters close to the edge of the zipper teeth
by using one of the 19 needle positions available. If the presser foot is
attached on the right side, the needle must only be moved to the right.
If the foot is attached on the left, the needle must only be moved to the
left.

3:23
 Rolled hem with foot No. 7
Use the rolled hem foot to finish the edges of blouses, scarves, or ruffles
without having to iron the edges beforehand. Hemming prevents the
edges from fraying and produces a neat and durable edge finish.
• Double-fold the fabric edge (about 1/8 inch / 2 mm per fold).
• Place the folded fabric edge under the rolled hem foot and sew a
few stitches to secure.
• Turn the hand wheel towards you until the needle is at its lowest
point. Raise the presser foot and slide the fabric into the scroll of
the foot.
• Lower the presser foot and while sewing, guide the fabric edge
evenly into the foot. When roll-hemming, make sure the raw edge
of the fabric butts against the left edge of the rolled hem foot open-
ing. Ensure the fabric does not run underneath the right side of the
presser foot.
Tip: A narrow zigzag stitch also makes a nice rolled hem on lighter stretch
fabrics such as lingerie nylon.

Twin needle
When you touch the twin needle icon the machine allows you to
specify the width of the twin needle you will use. The stitch width will
Sewing

automatically be reduced to prevent needle breakage and allow you to

sew decorative stitches with a twin needle. A
1. Touch twin needle icon and a popup appears. Touch ON to activate
the function.
2. Touch the +/- icon to specify your twin needle width (A). The stitch
is shown as it will sew.
3. Touch OK to close the window and save your settings or ESC, to
continue without saving any settings.
This function must be deactivated when you remove the needle from
the machine. It remains active even after the stitch has been changed,
including after the machine has been turned off and on again.
To deactivate the twin needle function, touch the twin needle icon,
touch ON to deactivate the function. The icon becomes light green
again.

Twin needle sewing

You can achieve beautiful effects when embroidering with the twin
needle. These embroideries turn out best with a needle width of
1.6 - 3 mm. Twin-needle embroidery is particularly effective if you
use embroidery threads in matching colors. If you wish to sew with
the twin needle, touch the twin needle icon. The stitch width is
automatically reduced and not displaced to the right or to the left if a
stitch is asymmetrical. In this way the needle is prevented from hitting
the presser foot.
See page 2:15 for threading a twin needle.

Sewing Maxi stitches with a twin needle

If the icon for the twin needle program is active when sewing Maxi
stitches, you can use the twin needle for a decorative effect. However,
you should only use a twin needle with a width of 1.6mm or 1.8mm,
even if a twin needle width up to 6mm can be selected in the program.

3:24
 Four sewing directions
B You can program the width and length of a rectangle to be sewn, and
save these settings permanently. This is great for sewing on patches
without having to turn the fabric.
The Four directions sewing can be used on stitches no. 2-4, 7, 10, 11, 18,
23 and 25. Once you have touched the Four directions sewing icon the
screen, you will see the following screen (A).

1. Sewing in four directions without saving the program

If one of the direction arrows has turned dark green (B) the function is
active and your Pfaff creative 2170 is ready to sew. With the direction
arrows you can decide the first direction in which the machine sews.
Press the foot control and the machine sews to the right.
When the desired length is sewn, press the reverse button or touch
the next direction icon. Your Pfaff creative 2170 completes the current
stitch, the needle is positioned in the outer corner of the rectangle.
A. Now, the machine sews forward until you press the reverse button or
the next direction icon. Your Pfaff creative 2170 completes the current
stitch, the needle is positioned in the outer corner of the rectangle.
C The length of the other sides are also decided by pressing the reverse
button or touching the direction arrows. The size of the rectangle is not
saved.

Sewing
2. Program the Four directions sewing
Touch Prog icon (C) and the desired sewing direction before starting to
sew. Then save the program to sew it several times.
Use the reverse button to change the sewing direction as described
above. The sewn width and length of the first two sides are shown on
the screen.
Continue sewing until the rectangle is complete. When all four
directions are programmed, the Prog icon changes (D). Now
the program is stored and can be repeated. It can also be saved
permanently in the machine.
Note: If you only want to save one, two or three sides of a rectangle, touch the Prog icon
when you have sewn the sides you want to save. Only the sides you have programmed
will be saved. This is great for patch pockets, that are sewn with three seams.
D

3:25
 3. Manual ending of a side seam
To repeat a program several times, touch the Prog icon and the desired
sewing direction before starting to sew. If you also touch the man icon
(E), your Pfaff creative 2170 sews one side and then stops. The length of E
the sides are determined in the same way as described in section 1. The
machine stops after each side. Press the foot control to continue with
the next side.
F

4. Manual ending of a saved rectangle

H
Even if a rectangle has been programmed and the Prog icon ticked off
is visible on the screen, you can decide the length of the sewn seams by
touching the Man icon (E). The machine slows down at the end of the
third and fourth seam. End the seam by pressing the reverse button,
the machine completes the current stitch, places the needle in the outer
position and continues with the next side.

More functions for four sewing directions J I

Touch Balance icon (F) to open a screen to balance the rectangle. To
adjust the length of the sides, use a sewn sample as a template.
With the +/- icons (G), you can adjust the rectangle on the screen
until it looks like your sewn sample. The rectangle will be adjusted
automatically the next time you sew. G
Sewing

Touch the Data Manager icon (H) to open, save, delete or close a
program.
A detailed description of the icons is found in the beginning of this
chapter.
Touch Esc (I) to return to the selection menu.
Touch the Main menu icon (J) to return to the main menu.

3:26
 Personal menu
On your Pfaff creative 2170 you can have one or several Personal
menus, where you can save your personal settings for the stitches and
create a menu which contain the stitches you use the most.
Create a personal menu by selecting Personal menu (A) in the main
menu.

Touch Create new personal menu (B) and OK.

Sewing
B

Select the stitches you want by going into the Mini Main menu (C).
Once you have selected the stitches you want, touch the Data Manager
icon (D). Choose Save As on the pop-up that appears. Rename your
folder and press the OK icon. You have now created a personal menu.

Once you have made a personal menu, you can reach it from the
Personal menu icon. Your personal menu will appear on the pop-up.

Note: If you have altered a stitch and want to save it with those settings to the Personal
menu, you can go to the Context menu and choose Copy to personal stitches. That stitch
will then be saved in the personal menu.

D C

3:27
 Demo
You can program a demonstration of the machine into your Pfaff
creative 2170 and replay it.

Programming of a demo
For programming a demo, go into the context menu and touch the
Record demo icon. The screen will change to the welcoming screen,
where you will start making your demo. Operate your Pfaff creative
2170 completely normally and thus compose a demonstration. G

Use the reverse sewing button to finish and save your demo.
Note: The length of the programmed demo reduces the memory capacity for saving stitch
patterns permanently in the sewing machine.

Playing a demo
To play your demo, touch the Play demo icon (G). Close it with the
reverse button.

Options for messages

A
You can switch off the messages that automatically appear in the
machine. These settings can be determined individually for sewing and
embroidery.
Sewing

Touch the Sewing/Embroidery icon (A) to decide if the setting should B

be valid for sewing or embroidering.
If the function is active the icon has an X in it (B). If you want to switch
it off touch the X. The X in the icon goes out. All functions are active as
default.

3:28
DECORATIVE SEWING
 General notes on decorative sewing
To enhance your own home decorations or garments your Pfaff
creative 2170 offers you a wide variety of fancy and decorative stitches.
Create a greater variety of embellishments by combining different
patterns, colors and sizes. Use specialty decorative threads to enhance
the lovely stitching.
Always use stabilizers under your fabric when sewing decorative
stitches. Properly stabilizing your fabric will help eliminate distortion
of your decorative stitches.
The following recommendations apply to all decorative sewing:
• Rayon embroidery threads give shiny, smooth stitching results and
come in many colors and weights.
• The stitch length and width can be altered as desired.
• Your sewing results will be much prettier if your tension is
properly adjusted.
• Presser foot no. 1A (for IDT) and no. 2A (without IDT) are
recommended for decorative work. We recommend presser foot no.
2A for heavier fabrics.
Decorative sewing

Selecting decorative stitches on your Pfaff

creative 2170
1. Go to your Main menu.
2. Touch the 9mm Decorative stitches. A new window opens where
the stitches are divided into 11 different categories (A).
3. Touch one of the subcategories. In this example we have chosen the
Scallop edges, and stitch no. 70.

A.

4:2
 Alter the stitch settings
Increase or reduce the width of a stitch with the stitch width icons
plus and minus (A).
Alter the density of the decorative stitch by touching the stitch
length icons plus and minus (B).
You can elongate the pattern with the plus and minus buttons (C).
Elongating the pattern does not change the stitch density.
Thread tension can be changed when using specialty techniques.

The stitch settings will not be saved permanently. The next time the
A stitch is open, the stitch will automatically be restored to its original
C setting.
B

D If you want to save your altered stitch permanently, simply go

into the Context menu (D) and touch the Save parameter icon. The
settings will be saved even when you have turned off the machine.

Decorative sewing
If you have altered a stitch and want to save it with those settings to
the Personal menu, you can go to the Context menu (D) and choose
Copy to personal stitches. That stitch will then be saved in the
personal menu.

4:3
 Sewing sequence
With your Pfaff creative 2170 you can combine various stitches and
save them permanently in the Sewing sequence menu. You can
combine various 9mm stitches and MAXI stitches from the machine,
creative memory card or creative card and sew them as a continuous
border. In the example below we have taken stitches from the machine.

A. Immediate tie-off icon

B. Data Manager icon A
C. Tie-off program icon B
N
C
D. Mini main menu icon
D
E. 8 directions sewing
E
F. Zoom in icon
F
G. Select stitches icon G
H. Zoom out icon H
I. Delete icon I
J. More options icon J
K. Thread tension icon
Decorative sewing

L. Insert icon
K

4:4
 A Create a sewing sequence
B
N 1. Touch the sewing sequence icon on your Main menu. The sewing
C
sequence window appears.
D 2. Touch the Mini main menu (D) to open a menu showing all the
E different stitches in the machine. Select the category you want a
F stitch from.
G Note: You cannot use all the stitches in all the categories. The ones that are grayed out
H can not be chosen.
I
J

3. After you touch the stitch that you want to include in your sewing

Decorative sewing
sequence, a menu in which you can modify the stitch is opened (M).
You can mirror the stitch, alter its density and adjust the thread
tension. In this example we have chosen a stitch from the 9mm
decorative stitches, Leaves and Flowers number 156.
M
4. Touch OK to confirm your selection and the stitch appears in
the sewing sequence screen (N). A cursor line shows the end of a
sewing sequence. If you want to continue working with a stitch
move the cursor line over the stitch to select it. The selected stitch
is surrounded by a frame in the sewing sequence. To alter the stitch
open the More options icon (J). Touch OK when you are happy
with the changes you have made.
Note: If you want to repeat the same stitch touch the Insert icon (L).

5. Touch the Mini main menu on the sequence screen to call up each
additional stitch that you wish to include in the sewing sequence.
6. Add stitch no 155 from the machine (N).

4:5
 Arrange stitches within a sewing sequence
To obtain wider borders, you can save connecting stitches in your
sewing sequence. These connecting stitches make it possible to move
stitches in various directions. This results in new shapes and large-area
borders. Connecting stitches are straight stitches with a length of 1 mm.
They can be made in 16 different directions.
More than one stitch will often be needed to render stitches visually
distinct from one another. When using connecting stitches, it is very
important to note where the stitch you are using starts and ends. O

The stitches are sewn in the direction chosen from the end of the stitch.
The next stitch starts at the end of the last jump stitch.
1. A stitch is placed in the middle of the working area.
2. When you touch the 8 directions sewing (E), a screen opens where
you can enter the direction (use the arrow icons). Confirm each
connecting stitch with Confirm icon (O). In this example we have
put 6 stitches in the direction shown on the screen.
3 Save your input by touching OK, the window is then closed. If you
touch ESC and the window is closed without any changes being
saved.
Decorative sewing

4. The cursor line shows the end of the connecting stitches at the point
where the following stitches will be added.
5. Touch the Mini main menu to call up each additional stitch that you
wish to include in the sewing sequence. We have added the flower
no. 165, 4 more times but in different angles.

More options for adjusting a sewing sequence are accessed by touching

the More options icon (J).
The last stitch in a sequence is always marked and followed by a cursor
line marking the point where next stitch will be added.
Tip: Borders with connecting stitches are neatest if the connecting stitches are covered
by the actual stitch (in this case the flowers) itself.

4:6
 Adjust an existing sewing sequence
A
An existing sewing sequence can be adjusted. By selecting an
individual stitch within a sequence or an entire sequence, you can do
adjustments according to your wishes.
1. To select an individual stitch, use the cursor arrows (A) to move
the cursor line in front of the stitch you want to adjust. The selected
stitch is surrounded by a frame.
B
2. Touch the Select stitches icon (B) to select a sewing sequence. If you
keep the icon depressed, all stitches will be selected.
C
3. A cursor line appears. Move it with the cursor arrows across the
stitches to select them. The selected stitches are surrounded by a
frame.
4. After selecting one or more stitches, you can modify all their
settings. What settings that can be changed depends on how many
stitches and what kind of stitches that are selected. Touch the More
options icon (C) to adjust the selected stitches or sewing sequences.
You can also delete one or more stitches, or delete the entire sewing
sequence.
5. If you move the cursor line over a previously selected stitch or
sewing sequence, the selection is cancelled. If you would like to

Decorative sewing
adjust another stitch, select it with the cursor arrows.
6. When you are satisfied with your adjustments, cancel the selection
with the select stitches icon (B).

Inserting a stitch in the sewing sequence

1. If you would like to insert a stitch in the sewing sequence, use the
cursor arrows to move the cursor line to the insertion point in the
sewing sequence.
2. The cursor must be positioned at the point where you wish to insert
the stitch.
3. Select a new stitch.
4. When the stitch has been inserted, the cursor moves to the end of
the inserted stitch.

Inserting a stitch at the start of a sewing

sequence
If you wish to insert a stitch at the beginning of a sewing sequence,
move the cursor line to the beginning of the sewing sequence and select
a new stitch.
The stitch is automatically placed at the start of the sewing sequence.

4:7
 Save a sewing sequence
1. Touch the Data Manager icon to save the sewing sequence. The
window for opening, saving, closing or deleting the sewing
sequence opens (A).
2. When you touch Save as, the menu for entering the name opens.
You can give your sewing sequence a name and select a path where
the sequence should be saved.
3. When you open the menu, the machine’s memory is selected
automatically.

B D
4. The input field (B) shows a directory where the sewing sequence is
automatically saved. The default folder in which it is saved is the
SEQUENCE-folder. The input field shows the name NEW. You can
delete this name with the Delete icon (C) and enter a name of your
Decorative sewing

choice. A name may have a maximum of 8 characters.

5. Touch OK to confirm your input. The sequence is now stored in the
directory SEQUENCE in the machine and can be opened again by
selecting that directory.

If you touch the Arrow down icon (D), another window for selecting a
different directory is opened. C

You can save the sewing sequence in a different machine directory, or

on a card.

Save in the machine

1. To save the sewing sequence in the machine, select the directory
E
with the arrows (E) and press OK.
2. Touch the arrow up icon to close the window. The sewing sequence
F
is saved in the selected directory.
3. Touch ESC to close the window without saving your input.

Save on a creative memory card

If you wish to save the sewing sequence on a card, select the
appropriate card drive (F). If you have created directories on the card,
select the appropriate directory with the cursor arrows.
Touch arrow up icon to close the window. The sewing sequence is
saved in this directory.
Touch ESC to close the window without saving your input.
Confirm the name you have entered by touching OK, the window is
closed.

4:8
 The sewing sequence remains visible on the screen and can be sewn.
If you touch ESC a query appears.
If you confirm with OK you return to the Sequence menu.

Close a sewing sequence without saving

1. If you touch the Data Manager icon and Close, you exit the menu
without saving the sewing sequence. A window appears with a
query.
If you touch OK, the sequence is closed.
If you touch ESC, the menu is closed.
2. If you touch the Data Manager icon and Open, you exit the menu
without saving the sewing sequence. You then simultaneously open
a sewing sequence that has previously been saved.
A window appears with a query.
If you touch OK, a version of the Data Manager opens (E), where
you can open a saved sewing sequence.
If you touch ESC, the menu Open is closed.
3. Touch the Main menu icon to return to the Main menu.

Decorative sewing
Delete a sewing sequence
If you touch the Data Manager icon and Delete, a window appears with
a query.
E
Touch OK to delete the sewing sequence.
Touch ESC if you do not want to delete the sewing sequence.

Select and open a saved sewing sequence

Touch the Data Manager icon to open a previously saved sewing
sequence from a creative memory card or from the machine’s memory.
Touch Open to open a variant of the creative Data Manager.

4:9
 Open from the machine‘s memory
Use the cursor arrows (A) to move the selection bar to the directory in A
which the sewing sequence is stored.
Confirm the directory by touching OK, a list of names in that directory B
opens. Select the sewing sequence directly with the cursor arrows (A).
The selected sewing sequence appears on the screen when you touch
the Stored stitches icon (C).
C
Open from a creative memory card
To open a sewing sequence from a card, select the appropriate card
drive (B). If there are directories on the creative memory card, proceed
as described for opening from the machine. If there are no directories
on your creative memory card, select the sewing sequence directly with
the cursor arrows.
The selected sewing sequence appears in the screen when you touch
the Stored stitches icon (C).
All settings for the sewing sequence can now be adjusted for your
specific needs.
Decorative sewing

If you touch the Data Manager icon and Save, the adjusted sewing
sequence is saved under the same name. The sequence previously
saved is automatically erased.
To save the sewing sequence under a new name, touch ”Save as”.
The previously saved sequence is preserved.

4:10
 A Stitch Creator
O B With Stitch Creator you can customize and create your own stitches.
C
You can add, erase, move and combine the stitches directly on screen.
P D Create a stitch pattern of individually designed stitches, or by using the
Q
E 9 mm stitches, patterns and alphabets.
F Note: When sewing a stitch pattern the feed dogs are engaged.
G
R When you open Stitch Creator you have an empty workspace on the
H
screen.
J I
K The workspace is for a 9 mm stitch width. In the middle of the
L workspace there is a vertical purple line that indicates the center of the
M stitch pattern with 4.5 mm stitch width on each side (R).

N For more exact positioning activate the grid in the Context menu (S).

Description of the icons

A. Mirror end to end icon: Mirror the stitch from end to end.
B. Data Manager icon: Use this icon to open a window for opening,
saving or deleting a stitch pattern on the machine or a Creative
Card.
S

Decorative sewing
C. Mirror side to side icon: Mirror the stitch from side to side.
D. Mini Main menu icon: Use this function to create a new stitch
pattern. A variant of the main menu is opened. By touching the
On the screen you will see how many stitches you desired category and the sorted stitch selection you can select it
have added, which one/ones you have selected directly. If you confirm the stitch, it appears individually on the
(marked blue) and actual shows you which stitch the workspace. By touching the icon for selecting stitch menus again,
marker is positioned on (the red square). you can add any further stitch.
E. Confirm icon: With this icon you place single straight stitches at the
end of a selected stitch. If you have selected more than one stitch
these will be copied and placed right after the selected stitches.
F. Zoom in icon: You enlarge the representation in 3 steps, 150%,
200% and 300%. An additional scroll bar for moving the workspace
horizontally appears on the screen.
G. Select stitches icon: If you touch this icon you can select one stitch
or more. If you depress the icon for a few seconds, all stitches will
be selected. The selected stitches will be marked with blue.
H. Zoom out icon: This icon is only active if you have enlarged the
representation. The function reduces the representation in 3 steps.
I. Triple stitch icon: This function triples the selected stitches.
J. Delete icon: This icon deletes all selected stitches.
K. More options icon: This icon opens a more option menu with
pattern components to combine to get new stitch patterns.
L. Start sewing icon: If you touch this icon you open a menu where
you can see the whole stitch pattern and sew it. It’s only in this
mode that you are able to sew your stitch pattern.
M. This icon shows the horizontal position of the selected stitch. If
you change the position of a single stitch to the left or the right
you automatically change the stitch width. If more than one stitch
is selected you change the position of the selected stitches or the
whole pattern.
Tip: The icon shows the numbers 0-9 , this is not the stitch width but the the x-
coordinates of the work space.

4:11
 N. This icon shows the stitch length of a selected stitch. You can A
change the stitch length for the selected stitch by touching the + or O B
the - of the icon. If more than one stitch is selected this icon is not C
active. P D
Tip: If a zigzag stitch is selected this icon does not show the stitch length but the way the Q
E
feed dogs are moving. If the number on the icon is negative it means that the feed dogs
move in reverse when you sew. F
G
R H
O. Activity arrow: With this icon you move the selection cursor stitch
J I
by stitch through your stitch pattern. You step stitch by stitch from K
the beginning to the end of the stitch pattern and backwards.
L
P. Scroll bar: The scroll bar between the activity arrows allows you to M
scroll faster through the stitch pattern, stitch by stitch.
Q. Scroll bar: The scroll bar is only active if the stitch pattern is longer N
than the workspace. Use the scroll bar to view your stitch pattern
while zoomed in.

S
Decorative sewing

Create a new stitch pattern by placing single stitches

When you open the Stitch Creator the workspace is empty. A purple
line indicates the middle of the work space.
E
1. To create a new stitch pattern you must first place the starting
point. This means that you set the position of the first stitch in the
work space.
2. Touch the Confirm icon (E) to place the starting point and the first
stitch. The position of the first stitch is marked with a red frame.

4:12
 Placing single stitches
For each additional stitch you want to place, touch the confirm icon (E).

To move single stitches

With your stylus or your finger you can work with your stitches
V directly on the work space by dragging and dropping a selected stitch
point. To position a stitch point just touch it on the screen and drag it to
the desired position. When you do this you will change the stitch width
E and the stitch length of the selected stitch.
Another way to move the stitch point of a selected stitch and for fine
adjustment is to use the stitch length (T) and stitch width icons (U).
The last stitch of the sequence is marked with blue and the last stitch
T point is marked with a red frame.

U The dotted line, the cursor line (V), at the end of the last stitch shows
where the following stitch will be added (if the x-coordinate of the last
stitch is not the same as the first stitch). This ensures that the fabric is
fed evenly when you sew out your stitch pattern.

If you place the last stitch exactly at the same position (x-coordinate)

Decorative sewing
as the first one of your stitch pattern the dotted cursor line will not be
sewn.
Touch the Start sewing (E) to open the sewing menu.
Now you can see the whole sequence of your stitch pattern and sew it.
Only when this screen is open you can sew out your stitch pattern.
Touch ESC to return to the Stitch Creator menu, for further editing.

4:13
 Combining single parts of patterns
With the Stitch Creator you can also edit and combine existing stitches.
1. Touch the Mini main menu (W) to open the main menu where you W
can call up stitches that you wish to add in your stitch pattern.
2. Touch 9 mm Decorative stitches on the menu.
3. Touch Satin stitches and choose stitch no. 106.
4. Touch OK to confirm the stitch and return to editing mode. The G
whole stitch is automatically selected and marked with blue when
it appears on the workspace.
5. Touch the Select stitches (G) icon to deselect the stitches. Now only
the last stitch of the stitch pattern is selected.
6. Touch the Select stitches icon (G) to activate the multi selection.
7. Touch the arrow up to select the whole circle stitch by stitch. For a
faster selection, use the scroll bar between the arrows. The circle
should be blue.
8. Touch the Delete icon (X) to delete the stitches you have selected.
Now the last stitch of the heart is selected.
9. Touch the arrow up (Y) or the scroll bar (Z) between the arrows to
move forward to the tip of the heart without selecting any further
Decorative sewing

stitches. Y
10. Touch Select stitches icon (G) to activate the multi selection.
Z
11. Touch arrow up or the scroll bar to select the next circle to be
deleted.
12. Touch the Delete icon (X) to delete the selected circle. The red frame
is now positioned on the tip of the heart and one stitch is selected.
13. Touch the Start sewing icon (1)to open the the sewing menu to see
the whole stitch pattern.
1 X
14. Touch ESC to return to the work space of the Stitch Creator.

4:14
 Combining pattern components
A In the Stitch Creator you have 8 pattern components for creating new
stitch patterns.
1. Touch the More Options icon to open a menu with 8 different
pattern components.
2. Touch an icon (A) and the stitch will be positioned on the work
space.
3. The window remains open and allows you to select further
components.
4. Touch (A) again and the component will be positioned at the end
of the first one you selected. The second component is selected.
5. Touch OK to close the window.
Tip: After selecting a pattern component it’s not possible to close the window with the
ESC icon. If you want to undo an inserted component you close the pop up window with
OK and the delete the component with the eraser.

6. Touch mirror side to side (B) to mirror the selected stitch.

7. Touch the Start sewing (C) to open the sewing menu.

Decorative sewing
More options to edit patterns
Convert single stitches into triple stitches
B Touch the Triple stitch icon (D) to convert all selected stitches into
triple stitches.
To view the whole stitch pattern in the sewing menu touch Start
sewing (C).
G
D Changing the position of selected stitches
If more than one stitch is selected, you can change the position of the
C
stitch pattern horizontally. Touch the - / + on the Stitch width icon (E)
to move the selected stitches of a stitch pattern horizontally.
To view the whole stitch pattern in the sewing menu touch Start
sewing (C).
E
Inserting more stitches
The last stitch of the wave is selected.
F
Touch the Select stitches icon (G) and the arrow up or the scroll bar to
select the circle (or the number of stitches you want to insert again).
Touch the Insert icon (F) to copy and paste the selected stitches. The
stitches will be placed at the end of the last stitch.
To view the whole stitch pattern in the sewing menu touch Start
sewing (C).

4:15
 Quilting
Patchwork
Patchwork and quilting are traditional hand craft techniques to make
use of left-over fabric. Over the years it has developed into a creative
hobby.
Traditionally patchwork was sewn by hand. Today your creative ideas
can be realized in a much shorter time with your Pfaff creative 2170.
A quilt consists of three layers, two layers of fabric with a layer of
batting sandwiched between.

Patchwork program
Decorative sewing

With this function, you can program and permanently save a desired
seam length. This is ideal when joining pieces of fabric of equal length
as in patchwork quilting.
The following screen shows the window that opens when you have A
touched the Patchwork program icon.
You can open a previously saved program or create a new. If you want
to open a previously saved patchwork program simply touch the Data
Manager icon (A).

4:16
 Create a new patchwork program
1. To create a new patchwork program, touch the ON icon to activate
the function and press OK. The Patchwork program icon will
change and will say prog pat (B).
2. You determine the length of the seam by test sewing and pressing
D the Reverse sewing button. The seam is completed without being
tied off. The Prog pat icon will change again and say auto pat (C).
B C
If you want to tie-off a programmed seam at the start and/or at the
end, make sure that the patchwork program is activated and then touch
the Tie-off icon (D) to open the tie-off program. Turn on the functions
you want to activate and press OK.
If you want to adjust the seam of your patchwork program, touch the
Auto pat icon (C). You will then see the length of your patchwork and
a + and - icon. Touch the + icon to increase the length of the seam. The
seam is increased in steps based on the set stitch length. If the stitch
length is set to 2 mm, the programmed seam increases in 2 mm steps.
The stitch length itself will not change.
Touch the - icon to reduce the length of the seam. The stitch length
will not change. The seam is decreased in steps based on the set stitch

Decorative sewing
length. If the stitch length is set to 2 mm, the programmed seam
decreases in 2 mm steps. The stitch length itself will not change. Touch
the Data Manager icon (A). A window will open allowing you to open,
A save, save as or close a program. To turn the function off, touch the
Auto pat icon (C), and then ON. Confirm with OK.

4:17
 Piecing the quilt top
Cut out the pieces of fabric for your quilt top with a seam allowance
of ¼” (6 mm). Snap on the optional ¼" quilting foot. Sew the pieces
together following the design instructions to piece the quilt top.
The seam allowance of quilts are usually pressed towards the darker
fabric side. Baste the completed quilt top to the batting and backing.
In traditional quilts these three layers of fabric are then sewn together
by hand with small stitches. However, it is quicker and more practical
with your Pfaff creative 2170 e.g. with stitch no. 15 using monofilament
thread on top and regular or decorative thread in the bobbin.
When the quilting is finished simply bind the edges or make it into
cushions, wearable art or other smaller projects.

Stitch-in-the-Ditch
One way to hold the quilt top, batting and backing all together is using
Decorative sewing

the Stitch-in-the-Ditch method of quilting. Stitching in the ditch means

following the seams in the quilt blocks.
• Set your Pfaff creative 2170 with a straight stitch (no. 1), stitch
length 2.5, center needle position and the IDT engaged.
• Begin by pin basting your quilt through all layers with safety pins
– starting from the middle of your quilt and working out. Place a
pin about every 6 – 8 inches (15 – 20 cm).
• To begin quilting, start sewing from the middle of the quilt and
continue out. Starting from the middle and sewing out will help
keep layers in place. Plan which seams you will actually follow.
This stitching will not only hold the quilt together it will also create
the pattern on the quilt back. You do not need to follow every seam
in the quilt, sew every 3 – 4 inches to keep the quilt in place. Of
course you can sew more to create a more decorative pattern for the
back.
Change to a quilting or jeans needle when sewing through thick quilts.
Test sew to make sure your stitching is proper before you start quilting
your piece.
Tip: Use one of the Antique Quilt stitches No. 311-330, 333-335 instead of the straight
stitch to add interest to your quilt, using monofilament thread on top and colored thread
in the bobbin. This will make your stitch-in-the-ditch look hand sewn.
Tip 2: Use the optional stitch in the ditch foot for optimal guiding.

4:18
Free-Motion Stippling
Free-Motion Stippling not only keeps the top, batting and backing
together, but it also adds texture and interest to your quilt.
• Set your Pfaff creative 2170 for stippling with a Straight Stitch
(no. 1). Touch the Free-motion icon. Follow the on-screen
instructions and lower the feed dogs. Attach the or free-motion
quilting foot (extra accessory).
• Pin baste your quilt layers. Prepare your quilt as explained in the
Stitch-in-the-Ditch method.
• Practice stippling on scraps of fabric and batting. When the feed
dogs are lowered, you move the fabric to determine the stitch
length. Sewing with a constant speed will help to keep the stitches
even. 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. Now move the quilt so that
your stitching creates scrolls and swirls. The stitching should not
cross itself – but travel in swiveling motion all over the quilt.
Tip: You can use the Free-motion Guide Grip to help move your fabric.

Decorative sewing
Quilt Appliqués
Appliqués add that special touch for your quilt.
There are many different ways of applying appliqués to a quilt. One
way is to add the appliqué to the block before the quilt is put together.
• Set your Pfaff creative 2170 with stitch no. 3, stitch length 0.5, stitch
width 4-6 mm, presser foot no. 2A.
• Adhere the appliqué piece to the quilt block. Place stabilizer behind
the block and appliqué. Sew around the appliqué with the satin
stitch. Make sure the stitch is 80% on the appliqué – just covering
up the appliqué’s raw edge.
Another way to add an appliqué to a quilt is to finish the edge of the
appliqué and sew it on with stitch no. 299, using a monofilament thread
on top and a colored bobbin thread. This will give your quilt a hand
stitched look.
• First prepare the appliqué. Cut the appliqué form out of fabric and
a piece of light weight iron on interfacing.
• Place the right side of the fabric and the rough (iron-on) side of the
interfacing together. Use a straight stitch (no. 1), stitch length 2.0,
center needle position and sew the fabric and interfacing together
using a ¼" seam.
• Trim around the appliqué leaving 1/8" seam allowance and clip
into curves. Slash the interfacing so that the appliqué can be turned
right side out. Finger press the appliqué.
• Place the appliqué on the quilt. When you are satisfied with the
position, iron it down.
• Follow around the edge of the appliqué with the straight part of
stitch no. 299. Let the horizontal part of the stitch just catch into the
appliqué. This is the part that will keep the appliqué in place.
Note: Press the needle down function to position the needle in the fabric when you stop
sewing. Program your presser foot lift to the height for the fabric you have chosen. This
makes turning easy with your Pfaff creative 2170.

4:19
 Tapering
Tapering allows you to create stitches with an attractive 3-dimentional
appearance, which are very easy to sew. Tapering increases or
decreases the width of the stitch during sewing to create a symmetric
or asymmetric tapers. On your creative 2170 you can use the tapering
function on 106 stitches.
With the tapering program you can select a particular angle for the
taper. The taper is automatically sewn by the machine. In the example
below we have used the tapering function on stitch no. 3, the zigzag
stitch.
Decorative sewing

Symmetric taper, Stitch no. 3 C

B
Increasing the width
1. Select stitch no. 3.
2. Set the desired stitch width.
3. Touch the Tapering icon (A) and select Increase width icon (B) and
set the desired angle. Touch the OK icon. The zigzag stitch starts
from 0 mm and becomes wider until the selected stitch width is
reached. Stitch the desired seam length.
For symmetrical tapering two angles are available: 90° and 60°. If you
press the reverse key anytime while sewing the machine will sew
"tapering end" pattern.

Reducing the width

If you touch the Reduce width icon (C), the taper begins with the preset
stitch width.
1. Select stitch no. 3.
2. Set the desired stitch width. A
3. Touch the Tapering icon and select Reduce width icon (C) and set
the desired angle. When you press the reverse button, the width
of the zigzag stitch is reduced to 0 mm. Tap on the foot control or
activate the Needle down icon so that the machine stops with the
needle in the fabric. This makes it easier for you to pivot the fabric
to stitch the corner. Press the foot control again, and the stitch
width increases.
4. Press the reverse button and the width of the zigzag stitch is
reduced to 0mm.

4:20
 Asymmetric taper, Stitch no. 22
C To make an asymmetric taper chose a stitch that has a needle position
to the right or left, for instance stitch no. 22. If you use the mirror
function you can reverse the needle position. This stitch is most suitable
for corners and border stipes. For asymmetrical tapering three angles
are available: 90°, 45° and 30°. Select stitch no. 22 and proceed as
described above.
Use the Mirror side to side (C) to reverse the needle position.

Decorative sewing

4:21
 Nostalgia /Heirloom
Wing Needle
Sewing with a wing needle (a special needle with a wide, wing-like
shaft) creates the look of hemstitching in woven natural fiber fabrics by
creating holes where the needle goes in and out of the fabric.
• Replace standard needle with a wing needle. Choose any stitch
that goes back and forth into the same holes several times (137-
144). Use the recommended presser foot for that stitch.
• Thread the top and bottom with lightweight thread in color that
matches the fabric you are using. (Remember you want to see the
holes that are created and not the thread.)
• Begin sewing. Use the sew slow button (A) to reduce your speed
while using the wing needle.
Note: For fine fabrics, place a lightweight tear-away stabilizer or water soluble stabilizer
under stitching.
Decorative sewing

Hemstitching
This is a technique everyone recognizes as embroidered by hand. With
your Pfaff creative 2170, you can produce hemstitching much more
quickly and easily. With 10 special hemstitches and by changing the
stitch length and width, you can create a variety of hemstitch effects.
A wing needle is required for hemstitching work. When entering the
fabric the wing needle forms holes which are typical for hemstitching.
Hemstitching will be most successful on relatively coarse linen and
cotton fabrics from which single threads can be easily pulled.
If you pull additional threads and sew along the edges close to the
threads you have pulled out, you will achieve even more beautiful
hemstitching effects as the remaining threads are bundled.

4:22
Twin needle Pintucks
Twin needle Pintucks are created by placing a twin needle in your Pfaff
creative 2170. Mark the first line of stitching with a fade away or wash
away fabric pen. Continue to mark lines or use one of the optional Pfaff
Pintuck feet to easily guide your rows where needed.
• Replace the standard sewing needle with a 2.0 mm twin needle. Set
your creative 2170 for normal Straight Stitch (no. 1), stitch length 2.5
– 3.0, presser foot 2, IDT disengaged.
• Touch the Twin needle icon and set for a 2.0mm twin needle.
• Thread the top and bobbin with thread matching the color of fabric.
Use the extra spool pin for the second top spool. Remember to place
one top thread in one side of the tension disc and the other thread
on the other side of the tension disc.
• Sew along the first line of stitching. Continue until all pintucks are
sewn.

Cross Stitch

Decorative sewing
No other sewing technique is as closely associated with the term
needlework as cross-stitching. With your Pfaff creative 2170 and the
cross stitches, no. 117-136 this traditional sewing technique can be
created remarkably easily and quickly. The pre-programmed cross
stitches give a hand sewn look and lend a distinctive character to table
linens, towels or clothes.
Tips for cross stitch sewing:
• Always work using the sew slow and needle up/down functions.
• Attach fancy stitch foot no. 2A.

Antique hand embroidery stitches

Your Pfaff creative 2170 has 23 different Antique Hand embroidery
stitches. These stitches has been especially made to look like they have
been stitched by hand. The sewing machine sews these over the stitch 9
times, making it look like you have sewn it with a heavyweight thread.

4:23
 Free-Motion Sewing
With Free-motion sewing you can create the most fantastic work. It is
possible to sew just as you would draw with a pencil, using the various
types of threads that are on the market today and your Pfaff creative
2170. You can also vary the shade of your Free-motion Sewing by
sewing in different directions or patterns.
Top tension 2-3
Presser foot Darning foot, no 6
Feed dog Lowered
Needle size 80-90
Stitch Straight stitch/Zigzag
• Touch the Free-motion sewing icon.
• Thread your machine with a good quality cotton or synthetic
thread. You can use the same thread for bobbin thread, or an
embroidery weight bobbin thread.
• Hoop your fabric tight as a drum into a round embroidery hoop.
You can use a wooden ring hoop wrapped with bias binding for a
better grip.
Decorative sewing

• Select either the straight stitch or the zigzag. From now on, you
control the stitch length. The movement of the hoop along with
the sewing speed creates the stitch length. Sewing too slowly may
cause small knots to appear on the reverse side of your work.
Important: Never engage the IDT when free-motion sewing.

MAXI Stitches
Your creative 2170 has a selection of 86 MAXI stitches. These stitches
can be up to 60mm wide and can be combined into borders. When
sewing a MAXI stitch the machine moves sideways guiding the fabric
by itself.
1. The best way to make sure that the fabric is aligned is to draw two
lines with a fabric marking pen.
2. When you sew your stitch make sure that you presser foot always
remains parallell to those two lines.

4:24
Gathering with straight stitch
A straight stitch can be used to gather sleeves, cuffs, skirts or valances.
To obtain neat and even gathers you should sew two or three rows of
gathering stitches.
• Set your stitch length to 6.0 mm. Lower thread tension to 3.
• Mark the first gathering line on the right side of the fabric. Sew
along this line. Leave about 4 - 5 inches (10-13 cm) of thread at the
beginning and end of the seam.
• Sew 1 or 2 more rows of stitching, using the edge of the presser foot
as a guide.
• Gather the fabric by pulling the bobbin (bottom) threads to the
desired fullness.
• Distribute the gathers evenly and knot the thread ends together to
secure the gathering.
Tip: It is important to use a strong thread when gathering to avoid thread breakage when
pulling on the gathering threads.

Decorative sewing
Shell edging
Shell edging is a very effective finish for thin, soft fabrics such as silk
and rayon fabrics. It is frequently used as a hem finish on lingerie.
• Select blind stitch no. 5 and mirror it with the side to side icon.
• Tighten the thread tension to create a deeper shell tuck.
• Finish the raw edge and press the seam allowance to the left.
• While sewing, make sure the fabric runs under the presser foot at
half of the foot width, and the blind hem swings over the folded
edge.

Tip: Add a colored pearl cotton thread on the folded edge as you sew the shell tuck. This
creates a pretty contrast and strengthens the hem.

4:25
 Alphabets
You can write an entire sequence of words using the machine’s fonts
and save it permanently in the machine’s memory.
There are three different types of fonts in the machine; five fonts that
you use when sewing, two monograms (Maxi) that can be sewn as
single stitches and two embroidery fonts.

All the alphabets used when sewing should be sewn with the feed dogs
engaged. The Integrated Dual Feed should be disengaged.

1. Touch the Alphabets icon on the Main menu.

2. Select a font.

3. Touch capital or lower-case letters, numbers or symbols to enter the

desired character. For editing a sequence, position the cursor below
Decorative sewing

the character using the (B) icons. You can alter the font size, delete
characters or insert characters. If you add a character, it will be
inserted to the left of the cursor.

4. Confirm the entry with OK. The sewing sequence is shown on the
screen and you can now sew.

5. Zoom out to see the sequence.

4:26
 Editing a word sequence
In order to process a single character or a word sequence, it must be
previously selected.
To select a single character, just move the red dash to the character
using the cursor icons. The selected character is surrounded by a
colored frame.
C To select a word sequence, touch Select stitches icon (C).
Then move the red dash across the word sequence to be selected, using
D the cursor icons. The selected characters are surrounded by a colored
frame.
• After selecting one or more characters, you can alter all settings of
these characters.
• More functions for altering the selected characters or word
sequence and for other processing options can be selected with the
More options icon (D).
• You can delete one or more characters or the entire word sequence.
If you move over a previously selected character or word sequence, the
selection is cancelled again.

Decorative sewing
If you want to process other characters, just select them using the
cursor icons.
When you have finished modifying the characters, cancel the selection
by touching the Select stitches icon (C) again.
The tie-off program is activated automatically.

Saving a word sequence

Touch the Data Manager icon to save a word sequence. A window is
opened for opening, saving, closing or deleting an embroidery pattern.

Open
Use this function to access the machine’s memory and select an existing
word sequence.

Save
Use this function to save the sequence under the existing name.

Save as
Use this function to give the sequence a name or rename it.
A name may be a maximum of 8 characters long.

Close
Use this function to close a sequence without saving it (after query).

Delete
Use this function to delete the sequence (after query).

4:27
 Monogram
There are two monogram fonts available in the sewing machine
(MAXI). These are sewn as single stitches. The feed dogs should be
engaged.
If you select one of the monogram stitches, a screen with the letter A
appears automatically. E
Select the letter of your choise by touching the + and - icon with the
letter A above. (D).
As you touch the + and - icons, the letter above them changes as well as
the monogram in the upper left corner of the screen.
The tie-off program (E) is activated automatically.

D
Decorative sewing

4:28
EMBROIDERY

5:1
 The Embroidery window A
A. Data manager icon
B. Mini Main menu icon B
C. Zoom in icon
D. Select stitches icon C
E. Zoom out icon D
F. Stitch information icon E
F
G. Basting in the hoop
G
H. Move icon H
I. Automatic stitch building icon I
J. Delete icon J
K. More options icon K

A. Data manager icon

This icon opens the memory of the machine or a card. Use this function
for opening, saving, pasting, closing or deleting a program.
Embroidery

When you touch Open, a version of the creative File Manager opens
(L) in order to call up a previously saved program, a stitch or a stitch
sequence, design combination or a stitch on the processing screen
from a creative card or from the machine’s memory. (Stitches, stitch
sequences and programs are referred to as ’programs’ in the following
description.)
The input field shows a directory in which the program is
automatically saved.
With the aid of the Arrow icons (M), move the marker bar onto the
program/stitch that you wish to open. The selected program/stitch
appears on the processing screen when you touch this icon.

’Save’ icon
If you have called up and modified a program/stitch that had M
previously been saved, you can save it again under the same name. The
previous version of the program is automatically replaced.

5:2
 ’Save as’ icon:
When you touch ”Save as”, the menu for input of the name is opened.
You can give your program a name and select a directory in which
to save it. When you open the menu, the machine’s memory is
automatically selected.
The input field shows a directory in which the program can be
O
automatically saved. The input field shows the designation NEW. You
can erase this designation with the Delete icon (N) and enter a name of
your own choice. A name may be a maximum of eight characters long.
Touch the OK icon to confirm your input.
The stitch is now stored in the machine in this directory and can be
opened again by selecting this directory.
If you touch the Arrow icon (O), a further window for selecting a
different directory is opened.
• You can save the program on the machine in a different directory
N • If you wish to save the program on a card, select the appropriate
card drive (front or rear drive) in which you have inserted the card.
To save the program on the machine, select the directory with the
arrows. Touch OK to close the window. The program is saved in this
directory. Touch ESC to close the window without saving your input.
You can create a directory only in the Creative File Manager.

Embroidery
’Close’ icon
If you have saved your settings, the Close icon closes the window. Your
original setting is stored in the machine memory or on a card.
If you have not saved your settings, a window querying
”Do you want to lose the changes?” appears.
If you touch the OK icon, the menu for input of the name appears.
If you touch the ESC icon, the new settings is not saved.
’Delete’ icon:
By touching the Delete icon you erase the current embroidery
combination both from your screen and from the machines memory.
A window opens with the query:
”Delete sequence?”
If you touch the OK icon, the program is deleted.
If you touch the ESC icon, the program is not deleted.

B. Mini Main menu icon

When you touch this icon a variant of the Main menu opens. By
touching the desired category and the sorted stitch or design selection
you can select the design directly. The specific setting shown for each
selected design can be modified. If you confirm the design, it appears
individually on the processing screen. By touching the Mini Main
menu, you can add any further designs.

5:3
 C. Zoom in icon
Use the Zoom in icon to enlarge the representation in several steps. The A
machine zooms in towards the center.
B
D. Select stitches icon
In order to process a design, it must be marked. You can mark a design C
or an embroidery combination. The marked design is surrounded by a D
blue frame.
E
E. Zoom out icon F
G
Use the Zoom out icon to decrease the representation in several
H
steps. The zone around the marked stitch or stitches is the area that is
decreased. I
J
F. Stitch information icon K
When touching the Stitch information icon you will open a new
window where you can see the Current position, move backwards and
forwards betweeen the stitches and color blocks, see what color block
you are on and activate the Cross-hair cursor.
If you touch the Stitch information icon, you can touch the text Current
position (L) to switch between Current position, Stitches left and
Stitches left, this block. You can also see what color number and which L
color block you are on (Q).
M
Embroidery

To move between the stitches, touch the Advance/Reverse stitch by

stitch icon (N). This can be useful if your bobbin has run out or the N
thread has broken and you want to go back a few stitches. To move
between the color blocks, touch the Color block icons with the arrows
(P).
If you have several designs in the hoop you can move between them by O
touching Advance/Reverse design by design (O).
P
You can also, by touching the stitch number (Q), get a pop-up and
select the stitch you want to go to.

G. Basting in the hoop icon Q

Touch the Basting in the hoop icon and the machine will baste around
your design with a 6mm straight stitch.

5:4
 H. Move icon
R When touching the Move icon a new window opens, allowing you to
process the design you have marked.
S If you touch the arrows (R), the design will move in small steps in the
hoop.
If you touch the Center design icon (S), the embroidery returns to the
U T center of the hoop.
When the Move design icon (V) is activated you can move the design
V W with your stylus and place the design where you want it in the hoop.
If you activate the Rotate icon (W) you can rotate your design by
moving the design around with your stylus. You can also rotate your
design by touching the + and - icon (X).
X
If you have rotated a design and then it protrudes beyond the hoop,
a red line appears in place of the hoop. This line alerts you to the fact
that the design cannot be embroidered in this position. If you touch the
Repositioning icon (U) the design moves so that it is inside the hoop.
The Undo icon (T) cancels the repositioning command and places the
design back inside the hoop, allowing you to continue turning it. If no
Y red line is visible, a design is within the hoop and can be embroidered.

I. Automatic stitch building

Z

Embroidery
When touching the Automatic stitch building icon a new window
opens for further processing the design you have marked. This window
1
can look different depending on if you have a stitch, design or letter.
Please note that not all functions are active for all stitches or all designs.
2 4
Design processing screen
F1) When you are processing your design you can change the width
(Y), the Pattern length (Z), Adjust design proportionally (1), add several
designs (2) and thread tension (3).

3 Alphabet processing screen

F2) If you have inserted one or several letters from an embroidery
alphabet the Adjust design proportionally (1) icon has changed to an
F1: Design processing F2: Alphabet change letter icon (4). Touch the plus and minus icons to move between
screen processing the letters.
screen
Stitch processing screen
F3) If you have inserted a stitch in the design hoop you will be able to
change the stitch width, the stitch length (5), pattern length, number of
5
stitches and the thread tension.

F3: Stitch
processing screen

5:5
 J. Delete icon
When touching the Delete icon you will delete the highlighted design/ A
design combination or letter/letter combination.
B

C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J

K. More options icon K

When touching the More options icon a new window appears.

L. Mirror end to end icon

When touching this you can mirror the selected design end to end. L P

M. Arcing icon M
Embroidery

Q
When touching this icon you call up the arcing window. Read more
about arcing on page 5:31-5:32. N R
N. Precise positioning icon
O S
The precise positioning function can be used if you want to place two
or several designs in precise proximity to each other. This function will
More options pop-up
help you to place the designs exactly where you want them. Read more
about Precise positioning on page 5:23.

O. Enlarged representation icon

With this function, you obtain an enlarged representation of the design
on the screen, as upon design selection. By touching on the screen again
you switch back to the previous screen.

5:6
 P. Mirror side to side icon
L P
With this function you can mirror a design side to side. The mirrored
design appears on the screen for further processing.
M Q
Q. Hoop selection icon
N R With this function, you can select an embroidery hoop that is not yet
attached to the machine. A window for selecting hoop sizes appears for
O S this purpose.

R. Color changing icon

More options pop-up
With the Color changing icon you view the colors of your embroidery
and change the colors of your embroidery onscreen. With this function,
you open a window (T) for processing the color segments further.

S. Undo pattern re-sort

This function is only available when the creative GRAND Hoop is
attached. For more instructions, read the instruction manual included
with the creative GRAND Hoop.

Embroidery
T

5:7
 Context menu in embroidery
When touching the Context menu icon (A) a new window appears. The
Context menu changes whether you are sewing, embroidering, etc. It
always refers specifically to the menu that you have selected. When
you are on the embroidery page the following menus are active:

Options for messages

When you touch the Options for messages icon you can turn different
messages on or off.

Grid on
If you want more exact positioning of embroideries and stitches in the
hoop you can activate the grid on the workspace. Touch the Grid on
icon and the grid will be displayed, and the icon is shown as actively
selected (dark red).

Current state
If the embroidery process is interrupted or if you want to stop for the A
time being, the current stitch number and position can be saved by
touching Current state icon in the Context menu before leaving the
embroidery mode. When touching the icon a pop-up will appear (B).
Touch the Save state icon to save the current position in the hoop under
the name of the present embroidery combination. This current position
will be saved even after switching the machine off. After switching the
Embroidery

machine on again touch the Restore state icon to continue embroidering

at the saved position.
Note: It is only possible to save one current position in the machine.

Move Hoop
B
When touching the Move hoop icon you can move the hoop to four
different locations: Park position, Sew position, Change bobbin position
and Cut position. Use the Park position when you want to put the
embroidery unit in the carrying case.
The Sew position is for when you want to sew with the embroidery
unit still attached to the machine.
The Change bobbin position moves the hoop as far back as possible
which will make it easier for you to change the bobbin.
If you touch the Cut position icon the hoop will move towards you,
making it easier for you to cut the threads when you are embroidering.

5:8
 Information
When touching the information icon you will get information about
the embroideries on your screen (C). "Actual" indicates the last selected
design. "Selected" indicates which designs are selected and "Num of
entries" indicates how many designs you have on your screen. You will
also find information about the length and width of the designs.

Data Manager
In the Data Manager you will find your stitches and embroideries that
have been saved in the machine. Read more about the Data Manager
on page 5:36.

Embroidery speed
When you are embroidering the machine sets the speed according
to what hoop you are using and the length of stitches. If you use a
small hoop, the speed will be set to a higher level than if you are
embroidering in a large hoop. If you are embroidering on a larger
hoop than the 80x80 hoop, you can increase the speed by touching
the Context menu and choosing Embroidery Speed. You will see
that Auto is selected and that you have the option to choose between
Medium and High. Set the embroidery speed after the machine has
made the hoop detection because the hoop detection will always set the
embroidery speed to Auto.
C
IMPORTANT! The embroidery quality may be compromised when

Embroidery
embroidering at a higher speed.

Back to default setting

This function allows you to reset all the machine settings that you have
previously changed, such as the stitch settings or sewing functions, to
the default settings. You can also reactivate the information texts. All
the texts are shown automatically. You need to touch OK to confirm.

Thread snips
You can turn off the Thread snips function permanently with this
selection. When you touch the Thread snips icon a window appears
(D) where you can choose between Off and Auto. If you touch Off and
D confirm with OK, the threads will no longer be cut, even if you have
selected the icon in the Tie-off program. The standard setting is Auto
which means that the threads are automatically cut.

5:9
 Embroidery accessories
With you creative 2170 you have been provided
with accessories for embroidering. You will get
an embroidery unit, four clips, 3 hoops (225x140,
120x115 and 80x80 with hoop adapter), a 300 card
and booklet, a template, a quick embroidery packet,
embroidery threads and an embroidery foot.
Before hoop embroidering you must lower the feed
dogs, disengage the IDT and attach the embroidery
foot (see page 5:11).
Embroidery

Attaching the embroidery foot

1. Remove the standard presser foot. Carefully
loosen the screw (A) until the cross-hole (B) is A
accessible.
2. Squeeze the embroidery foot gently together and
guide the pin of the foot into the cross hole of the B
presser foot holder as far as it will go.
3. Tighten the screw (A). To remove the
embroidery foot loosen the screw (A), squeeze
1. 2. 3.
the embroidery foot together and pull it out to
the right. Tighten the screw (A).

C
Inserting a card
Insert a creative card into the front or rear card
drive, in the direction of the arrow, as far as it will
go.
The release button springs out approximately 6 mm
(1/4'') when the card is inserted properly.
To remove the creative card push the release button C
(C) next to the relevant card drive.

5:10
 Lowering the feed dogs
The feed dogs must be lowered for hoop embroidery. To lower the feed
dogs move the slide (D) to the left.
Note: Raise the presser foot before lowering the feed dogs.
D The thread tension is automatically set and can be adjusted for
specialty techniques.

Disengaging the IDT

The IDT must be disengaged for embroidery work.
Procedure:
Hold the IDT firmly at the ribbing with two fingers.
Press the IDT downward, then pull it away from you and release it
slowly upward until it disengages.

Embroidery
Removing the knee lift
The knee lift is not needed for embroidery and can be removed. To
remove the knee lift just pull it out of the hole.

5:11
 Connecting the embroidery unit
Embroidery unit socket
1. The socket for the embroidery unit (A) is located at the back
of the machine.

Switch off the main switch.

2. Place the embroidery unit directly behind the machine and

pull it into the socket.
Make sure that the guide (B) is slid between the base plate
and the free arm as far as it will go.

B
Embroidery

3. Raise the embroidery arm in the area of the recessed grip

and turn it to the back.

4. The embroidery arm locks in embroidery position.

Note: You can change bobbin with the unit attached, but make sure that the
accessory tray is not swung too far to the rear. The angle of the accessory tray
should not exceed 90°. Otherwise the embroidery unit could be pushed out of
its socket.

5:12
 D
Embroidery hoop
C There are three embroidery hoops supplied with your Pfaff creative
2170. One rectangular hoop with the embroidery surface (C) 225 x 140
F
mm, a round hoop for embroideries up to 120 x 115 mm and a square
hoop 80x80 with a hoop adapter.
E
C: Snap-in pin
D: Guide pins for retaining the hoop.
E: Embroidery surface
F: Retaining screw for the fabric

Attach the hoop to the embroidery unit

Slide the hoop underneath the presser foot by raising the presser foot
lift as far as possible. The retaining screw (F) of the hoop must be facing
you and the guide pins (D) must be pointing to the right.
Slide the hoop with the guide pins (D) into the metal guide until the
snap in pin (C) engages behind the release lever (G) of the embroidery
unit.

Embroidery
G
Remove the hoop
To remove the hoop, push down the release lever (G) of the embroidery
unit and pull the hoop towards you and away.

Remove the embroidery unit

Switch off the main switch.

Raise the embroidery arm in the area of the recessed grip and turn it to
the left, until it locks in the storage position.
Note: Before the embroidery arm is turned, make sure that the hoop holder doesn't
protrude from the front arm edge. If it does, go to the Context menu, touch Move hoop
icon and the Park position icon.

Press the release button (H) on the left side of the embroidery unit and
H
remove it.

5:13
 Get started to embroider
1. Attach the embroidery foot and thread the machine.
2. Attach the embroidery unit and lift the presser foot. Turn on your
machine.
3. Touch the Main menu icon and touch the Embroidery icon.

4. Insert your 300 creative card.

5. Touch the Mini Main menu (A) and touch Card/Machine icon.
A pop-up window will then appear so that you can choose if you
want a design that is on a card or in the machine.
6. Choose the card and select one of the designs that appears by A
touching the picture of it. Touch OK to confirm. The design now
appears on the screen in the hoop.
7. Attach the hoop with the hooped fabric to the embroidery unit.
If the hoop on the window does not match the hoop you have
inserted, your machine will not embroider. Touch the More options
icon (B) and the Hoop selection icon (C) to change the hoop.
5. Thread your machine with color no. 1. (Check your embroidery
booklet for more info on the colors).
6. Press the Reverse sewing button for a few seconds to start your
embroidery. The machine will now start to calibrate the hoop
Embroidery

B
to make sure that the correct hoop is inserted. Press the reverse
button again and the machine will begin to sew (or press your foot
control). After a few stitches the machine will stop in order for you
D
to cut the thread tail. The cut symbol will flash on your window.
Cut the thread tails and press the reverse button to continue
embroidering.
7. When the machine has sewn the first color it will stop and the
machine will tell you to insert color no. 2. Change the top thread to
no. 2 and continue to embroider. Repeat this for all the colors.
8. When you have finished the last color the machine will return to C
the beginning of the design. A message will appear and ask if you
want to place the hoop in the Park position. Touch OK and the
hoop will move to the Park position. Touch ESC to leave the design
on the screen.
9. Remove the hoop from the embroidery unit and cut the thread
ends.
Note: Go to you Context menu (D) and touch the Move hoop icon. Touch the Park
position icon and turn off the machine. Put the embroidery arm in the packing position
and remove the embroidery unit.

5:14
 Hooping the fabric
F
For better embroidery results, place a layer of stabilizer beneath the
fabric and hoop both the stabilizer and the fabric.
The fabric and stabilizer must sit smooth and be securely hooped. Any
distortion or slackness in the fabric will impair the finished quality of
the embroidery. This may, for instance, take the form of areas of color
that overlap, contour lines that do not meet up, creases within the
embroidery, or areas left unembroidered.
The fabric is hooped as follows:
1. Loosen the retaining screw (E); the inner hoop can now be
E removed.
2. Lay the outer hoop in front of you on a stable flat surface with the
guide pins (F) pointing to the right, for fitting to the embroidery
unit. The retaining screw is now pointing towards you.
3. Place the stabilizer and then the fabric over the outer hoop, with the
right side facing upwards. Ensure that the fabric is draped over the
edge of the hoop.
4. With the inner hoop, press the fabric into the outer hoop. Tighten
the retaining screw slightly and tighten the fabric and stabilizer in
the hoop by pulling the overhanging fabric. Be sure not to cause
any creases in the face fabric or stabilizer. The hoops must be
parallel to each other.

Embroidery
5. Tighten the retaining screw securely.
6. Attach the clips.
Note: If you lightly tap the hooped fabric with a finger, the finger should spring back.

5:15
 Embroider single designs from a card
Selecting a design
Once in the embroidery mode, touch the Mini Main menu and select
“Embroidery/Card”, to embroider a single design from either a
creative card or from the machine.
The Pfaff creative card 300 has several designs and alphabets and is
supplied with your Pfaff creative 2170.
Note: The Pfaff creative cards of the Pfaff creative 7570 can be used in the Pfaff creative
2170. If you use the cards for the Pfaff creative 7570, the designs do not appear on the
screen in the correct colors of the design.

Selecting a design from the machine’s memory or

from a creative card
Touch Embroidery/Card, and the following screen appears.
A
In this menu, you can call up embroidery designs from a creative card
or from the machine’s built-in memory. B
The machine’s memory may contain:
C
1. The designs that have been saved in the machine from a creative
card.
2. Designs which have been created on a PC and saved in your 2170.
Embroidery

3. Previously created sewing sequences that you have saved

permanently in your Pfaff creative 2170.
4. Built-in embroidery designs and alphabet.
To select a design from the machine’s memory, touch the Machine icon
(A).
To select a design from a card, touch the Card slot icon (B) for the front
card drive and the card slot icon (C) for the rear card drive.
The procedure for selecting a design from the machine’s memory and
from a creative card is the same.

5:16
 Selecting a design stored on a Pfaff creative card and
changing the hoop:
The contents of the creative card are opened.
• Designs appear directly on the screen.
• If designs on the card are arranged in different directories, these are
shown as folders (A). You can browse one column at a time with
the arrows.
• Touch the Embroid folder (B) to open it. The designs appear on the
screen.
B • Touch any design, and it appears enlarged on the screen. Confirm
your choice with OK or touch the screen.
• Choose a hoop most suitable for the embroidery by touching the
More options (C) and the Hoop icon (D). Hoop the fabric and attach
the hoop to the embroidery unit.
To start to embroider touch the reverse button or tap on your foot
A control. Your Pfaff creative 2170 will then calibrate, to sense the size
of the hoop attached to the embroidery unit. This might take a few
seconds. After the calibration, your Pfaff creative 2170 is ready to
embroider.
All settings and sewing functions for the design are displayed on the
screen and can be altered.

Embroidery
Basting in the embroidery hoop
If you touch the Basting in the hoop (E), you activate a basting function.
The machine will then sew a 6mm straight stitch at a distance of 2mm
around one or more selected designs.
This enables you to secure your fabric to a non-adhesive stabilizer
placed beneath it, especially when the fabric to be embroidered cannot
be hooped. It also provides support for stretchy fabrics.
Note: If you select embroidery/single color segments, only the selected color segment will
be basted.
E
If you press the foot control, the embroidery foot is lowered into the
embroidery position and the sewing machine starts to baste.

5:17
 Color changing icon
With the Color changing icon, view the colors of your embroidery and
change the colors of your embroidery on screen. With this function,
you open a window for processing the color segments further.

Changing the color onscreen

Touch the Color changing icon (A). The window has three fields in
which you can make changes.
If you confirm your input, this command affects all three fields and the
window is closed. A
Top field / Select color segment
1. Select the color segment you wish to change, using the arrows (B).
Only the selected color in the design is displayed.
2. To embroider a single color segment, select that color in the Top
field. Press the foot control after choosing the color to be sewn.
3. If you set the cursor to M, the machine embroiders all areas in the
same color.
B
Middle field / Change color
Use the arrows to choose the new color, you want the selected color
segment to have.
Embroidery

Bottom field / Color intensity

Use the arrows to adjust the shade of a color in a selected segment.
Save your change by touching OK, the window is then closed.
Touch ESC, the window is closed without any changes being saved.

Note: Before you start the embroidery, the arrow must be placed at the top position (C)
or M after you have made colors changes.
After the first stitch, no additional changes can be made for the parameters.

5:18
 Multi-color embroidery
When embroidering a design consisting of several colors, you can
C check the color order by touching the Color changing icon.
The top field shows the color order, from top to bottom. The selection
arrow must be on the Color changing icon (C).
Have the colors ready in the order in which they are needed, and
thread the first color.
1. Press the foot control, the presser foot is automatically lowered
to the embroidery position and your Pfaff creative starts
embroidering. A tie-off is performed at the start of the design.
Note: Holding the reverse button for a couple of seconds will also start your embroidery.

2. A window with the following message appears: ”If you wish to

embroider without pressing the foot control, please confirm now
with OK.“ You can also start by pressing the reverse button.
3. After a few stitches, release the foot control and cut off the thread
tail. The message window is closed.
4. Press the foot control again and touch OK during embroidering.
Your Pfaff creative 2170 will keep on embroidering. Your Pfaff
creative 2170 stops after each color segment, and the threads are
tied off and cut. A window with the following message appears:
”Change of thread, please insert the next color”.

Embroidery
5. Rethread your Pfaff creative 2170.
6. Press the foot control, and your Pfaff creative 2170 starts
embroidering. Tie-off is performed in the beginning of each color.
7. A window with the following message appears: "If you wish to
embroider without pressing the foot control, please confirm now
with OK.“ You can also start by pressing the reverse button.
8. After a few stitches, release the foot control and cut off the thread
tail. The message window is closed.
9. Press the foot control again and touch OK during embroidering.
Your Pfaff creative 2170 will keep on embroidering.
Repeat the above process until all thread colors are finished. When
the design is finished, the threads are tied off and cut, the embroidery
foot raises and the machine moves to the center of the design and
comes to a standstill. The Ready message appears on the screen. If you
would like to embroider another design from the card, open the card’s
directory again by touching ESC and select a new design.
Touch Mini Main menu to return to the Main menu.

5:19
 One color embroidery
To embroider the complete design in one color, touch the Color
changing icon and select M for monochrome (A) in the top field. A
Touch OK, the window is closed.
The design can now be embroidered.
Note: You can stop your Pfaff creative 2170 at any time. Either touch the screen, or tap
the foot control. The machine immediately stops embroidering.

Move the design within the hoop

The design is placed in the center of the embroidery field (hoop). This
position can be adjusted.
1. Use the Move icon (C) to open a screen where the embroidery
Embroidery

design or combination can be moved within the hoop, enlarged

and rotated in 1 degree steps. Use the arrows to move the selected
design or embroidery combination within the hoop. The numbers
at the upper edge of the window show you how far (in mm) your
design is moved from the center of the hoop.
2. Save your change by touching OK. The window is then closed.
3. Touch ESC, the window is closed, and moved designs return to C
their original position.
B

Move design popup

5:20
 Embroider
D 1. Press the reverse button (or the foot control), the machine starts
embroidering. Tie-off is performed at the start of the design.
Note: Holding the reverse button for a few seconds will also start your embroidery.

2. A window appear with the following query:

If you wish to embroider without pressing the foot control, please
confirm now with OK.
3. After a few stitches, release the foot control and cut off the thread
tail. The window is closed.
4. If you press the foot control again and confirm this message during
embroidering with OK, the machine keeps on embroidering.
5. When a color segment is completed, the machine stops
automatically.
6. Each color segment is tied off at the end and the threads are cut.
7. Touch the Data manager icon (D) to save. This opens a window for
opening, saving, deleting and closing an embroidery combination.

Adjust an embroidery combination

To adjust single designs within the embroidery combination or an
entire embroidery combination, they must be selected.

Embroidery
Select a single design
When opening a screen the last inserted design is automatically
selected. To select a different design, just move to the desired design
using the arrows (E). The selected design is surrounded by a blue
frame. When a design is selected, all its settings can be adjusted. Just
E
touch the icon for the desired operation.

5:21
 Enlarged representation
If you go into the More Options and touch the Enlarged representation
icon (A), an enlarged representation which covers the whole multi-
color touch screen is opened.
By touching the multi-color touch screen you close that view.

B C
Positioning of designs in the embroidery hoop
With the Move icon (D) you open a window (G) for moving the designs
or embroidery combinations within the hoop. You can alter the size
of the single designs, rotate and move them on the multi-color touch
screen. Click and drag on the screen or use the increment icons.
With the Arrow icons (E) you can move your selected design or the
combination within the embroidery hoop.
The numbers at the upper edge of the window indicate how far your
design or combination has been moved from the center of the hoop.
If you touch the Move design icon (F), you can position your selected D
Embroidery

design or the combination in the hoop with your finger or the stylus
directly on the multi-color touch screen.
To deactivate, touch the Move design icon again or activate the Rotate
icon (F). Both functions cannot be activated at the same time.
You can also rotate your design by touching the + and - of the rotate
icon (E) to rotate the selected design by 1° increments.
If you touch the Rotate icon (G), you can rotate your selected design or
the combination in the hoop with your finger or the stylus directly on
the multi-color touch screen.
To deactivate, touch the Rotate icon again (G) or activate the Move
E
design icon (F). Both functions cannot be activated at the same time.
The selected function is shown as a red icon in the upper left corner of
the hoop area (B).

F G

5:22
 If you touch the Repositioning icon (I), the design or the combination
which protrudes beyond the hoop returns into the hoop.
With the Move design icon (F) a design which has been moved can be
positioned at the center of the embroidery hoop.
If you confirm your input with OK, the window will be closed and
your settings are saved.

I J If you touch ESC, the window will be closed and the process is
cancelled.
F If you touch the Undo icon (J), the command described before will be
cancelled.
If you confirm the input with OK, the window will be closed and your
settings saved.
The Move design or the rotate functions remain activated. They are
switched off by touching the respective icon.
If you touch ESC, the window will be closed, the design or the
combination returns to the original position, and the process is
interrupted.
The Move design or Rotate functions, however, remain active. They are
switched off by touching the respective icon.

Embroidery
Precise Positioning a design
The precise positioning function can be used if you want to connect
K two or several designs to each other. This function will help you to
place the designs exactly where you want them.
L
M Precise Positioning
K. Corner indication
Q N L. Padlock icon, unlocked
O M. Fine tuning arrows
R P N. Zoom icons
O. Rotate icon, unlocked
P. Move design icon
S Q. Pan mode icon (active when zoomed in)
T R. Cross-hair cursor, unlocked
S. Arrow icons
T. Padlock icon, locked
U. Rotate icon, locked
U V. Cross-hair cursor, locked
V

5:23
 Working steps
In the example below we want to connect two designs to each other
(see picture). This is a design that is included in your creative 2170.
1. While the machine is turned off, attach the embroidery unit and the
embroidery foot.
2. Turn on your machine and go to the Main menu. Touch the
Embroidery icon.
3. Hoop your 225x140 hoop and attach it to the embroidery unit.
Choose your first design by touching the Mini Main menu
icon. Touch Card/Machine icon and choose Machine. Go to the
PALETTE folder and then choose the MEDIUM folder. In the
MEDIUM folder choose design number M04. Touch OK to bring
the design into the embroidery area.
4. Touch the Move icon (A) and a pop-up appears.
5. Calibrate the hoop by pressing the reverse button on your machine.
6. Place your first design where you want and embroider.
7. Move your fabric to the next desired position and rehoop. Part of
the just embroidered design must be within the embroidery field.
8. Touch the reverse button to calibrate the hoop.
9. Touch the More options icon (B), and then touch the Precise
position icon (C). A new window appears and the Cross-hair icon
(G) is activated.
Embroidery

10. Place the cross-hair where you want the connecting point to be in
your embroidery. Move the cross-hair by using your stylus to move D
it around on your screen. Use the Zoom in icon (F) to be able to
make an exact connecting point. Use the arrows (D) for fine tuning. E
11. Lock the connecting point by touching the Padlock icon (E).
12. Zoom out so you can see the entire embroidery area.
F
G

5:24
 13. With the arrows on your screen or with your stylus, you can move
your embroidery on the screen so that the needle is exactly above
the connection point in your actual embroidered design in your
hoop.
14. After having locked the position, the cross-hair icon (G) changes
appearance. By touching the cross-hair icon once it is locked, you
can check other positions in your embroidery to make sure that it is
placed in the position you want. Do this by moving the cross-hair
on the screen using your stylus or with the arrows on the screen.
The hoop will move so you can check that other positions connect
G in your design.
15. Start to embroider the design.
16. Repeat steps 7 to 13 for additional designs.

Working steps with a rotated design

In the following example we want to connect and rotate four designs to
each other.

Embroidery
Repeat steps 1-9
10. Mirror your design horizontally so that the center will form a
semicircle. Place the cross-hair where you want the connecting
point to be in your embroidery. Move the cross-hair by using your
stylus to move it around on your screen. Use the Zoom in icon (F)
to be able to make an exact connecting point. Use the arrows (D) for
fine tuning.
11. Lock the connecting point by touching the Padlock icon (E).
12. Zoom out so you can see the entire embroidery area.
13. With the arrows on your screen or with your stylus, you can move
your embroidery on the screen so that the needle is exactly above
the connection point in your actual embroidered design in your
D hoop.
E 14. You can now check other connecting points in your embroidery
to make sure that your embroidery is exactly where you want it.
Touch the cross hair icon and choose another connecting point. If
it does not connect where you want it, press the rotate icon (H).
F Rotate the design by using the + and - icons (I). The design will
rotate around the first locked position.
H 15. Once you are happy with the connecting points, start to embroider
the design.
Repeat steps 10 to 15 for additional designs.

5:25
 Jumping over stitches
Embroidering several colors
With the Stitch information icon (A) you open a window for moving
to a specific stitch in a design or a combination of designs. Thus you A.
can jump quickly to the beginning of a specific area of a design and
embroider only that part.
Touch the stitch number (B) to open another window for entering a K
stitch number. Enter the stitch number. If you confirm your entry with B
OK, the embroidery hoop moves to this stitch. With ESC you interrupt
the process. C
With the Left arrow icon (C) you can reverse stitch by stitch, also D
beyond color changes. I
With the Right arrow icon (D) you can advance stitch by stitch, also J
beyond color changes. E
With the Reverse color by color icon (E) you move the hoop to the start F
of the preceding color in a design. The color is indicated in the icon.
With the Advance Color by Color icon (F) you move the hoop to
H
the start of the next color to be embroidered in a design. The color is G
indicated in the icon. If the last color is selected, this icon is not active.
With the Cross-hair icon (G) you call up a cross-hair cursor which
Embroidery

indicates the current needle position.

With the Color block icon (H) you position the needle at the start of the
current color.
In an embroidery combination, you can jump from design to design
with the Reverse design by design icon (I). If the first design is selected,
or only one design is entered in the hoop, this icon is not active.
With the Advance design by design icon (J) you can jump from design
to design. If the last design is selected, or only one design is entered in
the hoop, this icon is not active.
You can change between Current position, Stitches left in the full
embroidery and Stitches left in this color block by touching (K).
Note: When you have used arcing or automatic stitch building to make a design you
can use the advance/ reverse design by design icon to move between the stitches in the
combination.

5:26
 Embroider monograms and letters
On the creative card 300, you can find one single monogram and two
embroidery alphabets, used to create combinations. You also have two
built-in alphabets called Pouty and Times New Roman.
Both single monograms and embroidery alphabets that can be
programmed into a combination can be saved on a creative card/
creative memory card or in your machine.
The monogram is found in the folder Framed and the embroidery
alphabets are found in the folder Alphabets on the 300 card. The Built-
in alphabets Pouty and Times New Roman are found in the PALETTE
folder under the ALPHABET folder.

Embroider a monogram that is stored on a card

The monograms are embroidered and can be adjusted in the same way
as described in Embroider single designs from a card (page 5:16-5:17).
Open the folder Framed on the creative card 300.
Use the Arrow icons (A) to browse one column at a time to select the
desired letter.
Touch a monogram, it appears enlarged on the screen. Confirm the
monogram with OK or touch the screen. Your Pfaff creative 2170
calibrates, to sense the size of the hoop attached to the embroidery unit.

Embroidery
All settings and sewing functions are displayed on the screen and can
be adjusted for your specific needs.

5:27
 Create a word combination of embroidery alphabets
1. Touch Embroidery icon on your Main menu.
2. Touch the Mini Main menu and the Card/Machine icon (B).
B
3. To select an embroidery alphabet from the machine’s memory,
touch the Machine icon (C).

Note: To select an embroidery alphabet from a card, touch the Front card slot icon (D)
for the front card drive and the Rear card slot icon (E) for the rear card drive.

4. Open the folder PALETTE and then choose ALPHABET.

Embroidery

C
D

5. Touch the alphabet of your choice and choose the size of the font. F
The alphabets input menu (F) opens. You can enter the desired
letters.
6. Touch OK to confirm your input, it appears on the screen.
7. All settings and sewing functions displayed on the screen for both
single monograms and alphabet combinations can be altered for
your specific needs.
8. The machine is ready to embroider.

5:28
 Adjust an embroidery alphabet combination
A If you wish to adjust a letter or a combination of letters, it must be
selected.
1. To select a letter, move the cursor to the desired letter using the
Arrows (A). The selected letter is shown surrounded by a blue
frame.
2. Touch the Select stitches icon (B) to select a combination of letters.
B Select the letters which you wish to adjust, using the Arrows (A).
If you keep the Select stitches icon depressed, all designs will be
selected.
Note: The letters are selected in the order they were entered. Single letters cannot be
skipped or omitted when selecting a combination. When you adjust several letters in a
combination, you have to select and adjust them one by one.

3. The selected designs are surrounded by a blue frame. After

selecting one or more letters, you can alter all their settings. You can
delete one or more letters, or delete the entire combination.
If you move over a previously selected letter or combination with the
Arrows, the selection is cancelled again. If you would like to select
another letter, select it with the Arrows.
When you have finished modifying the characters, cancel the selection
by touching the Select stitches icon (B).

Embroidery

5:29
 Changing a single character in the written sequence
A
A single character which has been entered by mistake can be selected
and changed.
1. To do this, select the character that you want to change with Arrow
up icon (A) and touch the Automatic stitch building icon (D). The
Alphabet modifying window will open (F).
2. Touch the Change letter icon (E) to scroll backward or forward
through the alphabet.
If you confirm your input with OK, the window closes and your
settings are saved.
If you touch ESC, the window closes and the process is cancelled. D
Embroidery

5:30
 Arcing: embroidery combinations
Arcing of letters and patterns
The arcing function allows you to embroider words, names and
sentences with four different shapes directly on screen. You can also
use this feature on all the 9mm and MAXI stitches.

Lettering along different shapes

A
In the alphabet input menu you can select that a word sequence should
be embroidered along a certain shape.
The single commands in the machine are carried out with your finger
or the stylus directly on the processing screen. Fine adjustments are
made with the –/+ icons.

Description of the icons

A. Touch this icon to open the menu for changing the type of shape.
B C For opening in the Alphabet input menu as well as in More options.
B. Touch this icon to align the text clockwise (arrange the whole text
D E clockwise in a circular fashion).
C. Touch this icon to align the text counterclockwise (arrange the text
F G counter-clockwise in a circular fashion).
D. Touch this icon to arrange the whole text diagonally or vertically,
H I top-to-bottom.

Embroidery
E. To align the text as an S-curve touch this icon.
J K
F. Changing the general stitch settings. A window opens for changing
L the letter spacing, for changing the length and width of the S-curve
shape or for rotating the lettering.
G. Rotate the text using your stylus with the Rotate icon.
H. By touching this icon you increase or decrease the space between
the letters.
I. Move the text with the Pan mode icon during zoom in.
J. Use the Zoom in icon to enlarge the representation in several steps.
The machine zooms in towards the center.
L K. Use the Zoom out icon to decrease the representation in several
steps. The zone around the marked stitch or stitches is the area that
is decreased.

The following functions are dependent of the selected path shape. Not
M O all of them will be active at the same time.
L. Touch the –/+ symbols to change the spacing between all
characters.
M. Touch the –/+ icons to change the length of the S-curve.
N N. Touch the –/+ symbols to change the width of the S-curve.
O. Touch the –/+ symbols to rotate the letter combination in 1° steps.

5:31
 Working steps
In the alphabet input menu you can select if a text should be
embroidered along a certain path.
1. Touch the Arcing icon (A) after entering the letter sequence. A
menu opens for changing the shape. The letter sequence is placed in A
the center of the hoop. Each letter is selected.
2. Touch the Arc clockwise icon (B) and touch OK.
3. Alter the circumference of the circle of text on screen with your
finger or the stylus. If you move your stylus upwards the circle will
become smaller and if you move your stylus downwards the circle
will be larger. The selected path shape is shown at the upper left B
edge of the screen.
4. Touch Letter space icon (L) to change the spacing between the
single characters.
5. If you touch the Move design icon (G), you will be able to position
the selected stitch patterns with your finger or the stylus in the
hoop.
If the entry is confirmed with OK the menu is closed. The
processing screen of the embroidery combination is opened. G
With ESC the process is cancelled and the alphabet input menu
opens again.
Embroidery

In the processing screen of the embroidery combination you can also L

select that a entered text is to be embroidered along a certain path.
1. To do this, touch the More options icon and then the arcing icon
(A).
Note: If you select the same shape again in this window, the previously made adjustment
is always cancelled.

2. By touching the icon Move design icon (G), you can position the
selected stitch patterns in the hoop with your finger or stylus.
If you close the window with OK, the settings are saved.
3. When you open the window again and select a shape, these settings
are cancelled again and replaced by the default settings.

5:32
 Automatic stitch building
Small stitch patterns, such as 9 mm stitches or MAXI stitches from
the sewing machine or embroidery designs created with the creative
software or a creative card, can be combined to create borders with
different corner shapes.
For that purpose one or several pattern edges are doubled, tripled or
more and then positioned within the embroidery hoop.
In order to join the single pattern edges exactly, the grid should be
activated. Of course, all available programs and functions of the
embroidery combination can also be used with this function.

Description of icons
A. Automatic stitch building icon: Use this icon to change the general
stitch settings.
B. Use the - /+ symbols to set how many stitch patterns are repeated.
Working Steps
There are different ways of using this program to create your own
border designs. One possibility is described below using a 9mm
decorative stitch.
1. Click on the Mini main menu, touch the 9mm Decorative Stitches
and then touch the Leaves and flowers icon. Choose stitch no. 161.

Embroidery
A 2. Place the stitch in the center of the hoop.
3. Touch the Automatic stitch building icon (A) to open the parameter
setting window.

4. Use the - / + symbols (B) to select how many times the stitch
pattern is to be repeated. Enter 5 stitch patterns.
If the stitch pattern length or width is altered, the length of each single
stitch will be changed.
5. If you confirm with OK the window closes and the settings
are saved. With ESC you close the window, and the process is
B cancelled.

5:33
 7. Touch the Move icon (C) and Move design icon (E) to move the first
stitch pattern edge to a position in the hoop.
8. Touch OK to close the window and save the settings. The Move
design icon remains active if selected.
9. Touch the Insert icon (D) to double the stitch pattern edge.
10. Use your finger or the stylus to place it in the desired position
within the hoop.
11. Touch Insert to add one more stitch pattern edge. The number of
stitch pattern repeats is reduced by touching the stitch building
icon then -/+ symbols. In this example enter 4 stitch patterns.
12. Touch OK to close the window and save your settings.
13. Touch the Move icon and Move design icon (E)/Rotate icon (F) to C
move the third stitch pattern edge to the next position in the hoop.
14. Touch Zoom In icon (G) to enlarge the picture. The function Move
design icon remains active if selected.
15. Touch OK to close the window and save your settings.
D
Touch OK to close also the multifunction window.
Embroidery

E F

5:34
 Zoom In
For easier positioning of the designs within a combination, you can
use the zoom function to enlarge the designs on the screen. Touch the
Zoom In icon (G) to zoom in the pictured designs in steps up to 800%.
If you want to select a different design in the combination you can do
G that with the selection arrows.

H Move the zoomed area

When zoomed in, you cannot see the whole combination. On the
screen, you can find two scroll bars. Use the scroll bars to ”move” the
enlarged combination within the visible hoop area.
Touch a scroll bar with your fingertip and drag upwards or
downwards depending on what part of the combination you want to
see. Drag downwards to see the lower part of the combination and
upwards to see the upper part.
If you drag the lower scroll bar to the right, you can see the right part of
the combination, the opposite happens if you drag it to the left. If you
have activated the Move design icon or the Rotate icon, you can move
or rotate your design or combination also when it is zoomed.
With the Zoom out icon (H) you zoom out again step by step. Before
you start embroider, the combination has to be shown in its natural
size.

Embroidery

5:35
 The creative Data Manager
The creative Data Manager organizes your Pfaff creative 2170‘s
stitches/designs. Here you can work with stitches/designs, sewing A
sequences, embroidery combinations, personal menus and the C
patchwork program.
Stitches/designs, sewing sequences, embroidery combinations and
programs are referred to as ’data’ or ’data records’.
D
Two fields are available. One field is the source data (A) and the other
field is the destination data (B). Either field can be used as a source or
destination.
To scroll among the directories, sub-directories, sequences/
combinations, personal menus or data records there is a selection bar B
(C) which you can move up or down with arrows.
In order to process a data record, it must be selected. The selected data
record is shown against a dark background. If a directory is selected
touch OK or the Select data records icon (D) to access data records. To
exit a selected directory or another data record, use the arrows to move
to [ .. ] and touch OK.
If you have opened more than one window for setting different
functions, touch ESC to return to the previous one, without saving
your settings (i.e. you interrupt the input). By touching ESC in the main
window, you close the Creative Data Manager. Touch the Main Menu
Embroidery

icon to return to the Main menu of the machine.

Functions in the creative Data Manager

1. Stitches/designs can be saved; saved stitches/designs can be
renamed, copied and deleted.
2. Creative card designs can be copied to a creative memory card.
3. Sequences/combinations can be created, renamed, altered and
deleted.
4. Personal menus can be altered, renamed and deleted.
5. New directories and sub-directories can be created, whether in the
machine or on a creative memory card.
6. Properties of data records, individual stitches/designs in a
sequence/combination or entire directories can be reviewed.
7. Single stitches within a sequence can be seen.
8. A complete sequence/combination can be seen.

5:36
 Working with source and destination fields in
the creative Data Manager
The upper field is used as source, the lower field is used as destination.
You can copy and move data from source to destination.
1. If the lower field is the destination, the first step must be done in
the lower field. In this example we have moved the selection bar to
A the sequences directory of the menu.
2. If the upper field is the source, the second step must be done in
the upper field. EMBR has been selected with the cursor keys and
confirmed with OK. Then the selection bar has been placed on the
03 design.
3. With Copy icon (A) you open the window to Copy, Rename and
Move data such as stitches or sewing sequences.

Copying data
General: You can duplicate data or data records from the machine,
a creative memory card or a creative card and save them to another

Embroidery
memory or a creative memory card.
4. Touch Copy, the 03 design is copied to the directory EMBR.

Renaming data
4. To rename data or data records, touch ”Rename”. A window for
entering a new name opens. A name may be a maximum of 8
characters long.
5. Touch OK to confirm your input.
6. Touch ESC to close the window without your input being saved.
To exit a selected directory or another data record, move the cursor
keys to [..] and touch OK.
7. Touch ESC to close the Creative Data Manager.
8. Touch Main Menu to return to the main menu.

Moving data
General: You can move data or data records from the machine or a
creative memory card to another memory or a creative memory card.
4. Touch Move, the 03 design is moved to the directory EMBR.

5:37
 Working with a field in the creative Data
Manager
The following icons refer to the functions available in the creative Data
Manager.

Delete (B)
Use this function to delete a selected stitch/design, sewing sequence or
B
embroidery combination.
The following questions appear: C

Do you really want to delete the data?

or

The directory is not empty!

Do you still want to delete it?
Touch OK to confirm deletion. Touch ESC to cancel deletion. This
function can be carried out in both fields.

Create a directory (C)

Use this function to create a new directory for your stitches/designs.
• You can do this in the main directory as well as in subdirectories
you have already created.
Embroidery

• You can create your own directories and subdirectories for your
stitches/designs/sequences/combinations/programs and personal
menus.
• This is possible in the machine as well as on creative cards.
A window for entering the directory name opens (D). You can enter a
maximum of 8 characters.
Touch OK to confirm your input.
Touch ESC to close the window without saving the input. D

5:38
 Memory information
Touch the Memory information icon (B) to review properties of the
A data records contained in at directory or stitches/designs that you
have selected.
Data can only be selected in the upper field (A).
B In the lower, field the contents of the memory are displayed.
C
To close the window, touch the Memory information icon (B) again or
D
ESC.

Sort criterion
Touch the Sort Criterion (C) icon to sort your data alphabetically or
according to data type.
If you touch the icon when the sort criterion is set to alphabetical, it is
switched to data type, and vice-versa. This function can be carried out
in both fields.

Select data records

• If you touch the Select data records icon (D) when you have
selected a sequence, you can sew the sequence straight away.
The corresponding processing menu for the stitch sequence or
embroidery combination appears on the screen.

Embroidery
• If you touch the icon when a Personal Menu is selected, the
personal menu is displayed and you can select a stitch and sew it.
The stitch appears on the corresponding screen.
• If you select a stitch, the processing menu for the stitch appears and
the machine is ready to sew.
• If you select the Patchwork program, the processing menu for the
program appears and the machine is ready to sew.This function
can be carried out in both fields.
• Touch ESC to close the window and automatically return to the
Creative Data Manager.

5:39
 File formats
There are several different file formats used in the creative 2170.

9 mm stitches - .9MM Demo files - .TXT

The 9 mm stiches are included in the machine or created in Stitch The demofiles are saved as TXT files.
Creator. You can transfer the stitches between your sewing machine
and your computer. Four directions sewing files - .REC
The Four direction sewing files are saved as REC
Maxi stitches - .MAX files.
You can transfer Maxi stitches between your sewing machine and your
computer. Embroidery Sequence files - .ESQ
The ESQ files contain information about the
Sewing sequence files - .SSQ included designs, e.g. placement in the hoop,
Contains a sequence of stitches. It contains information about stitch mirroring and other parameters. The file does not
settings such as mirroring and stitch length etc. It does not contain the contain the design itself but points to the location
actual stitches but points to the 9mm and Maxi stitches used in the of the included parts of the design. Always use the
sequence. ESQ files as they save memory space in your sewing
machine. You can transfer ESQ files between your
Patchwork Program files - .PAT sewing machine and your computer.
The patchwork program files are saved as PAT-files.
Emboidery files - .EMB
Personal menu files - .PER The embroidery files are saved as EMB-files. It
The Personal menu files are saved as PER-files. contains the design information.
Embroidery

Using the Hoop adapter

You need a Hoop adapter to be able to use the following hoops:
• the creative cap hoop
• the 80 x 80 mm square embroidery hoop
You need to attach the hoop adapter to the embroidery unit for
extension of the indicated hoops.
When identifying the hoop, only the adapter is recognized. The
additionally attached hoop size must be selected.
If the hoop adapter is attached to the embroidery unit a window opens
after hoop identification.
Touch the respective icon to indicate which hoop is attached to the
adapter.
After selecting the proper hoop the corresponding embroidery field is
shown on the screen.

Automatic hoop positioning

When you press the foot control or reverse button to start the
embroidery, your Pfaff creative 2170 perform the calibration once more
to position the hoop correctly. When calibrating, the embroidery hoop
size attached to the embroidery unit must be the same as the hoop size
shown on the screen.

5:40
 Prepare a creative memory card for saving
Before designs/combination/sequences can be saved on a creative
memory card, it must be formatted.
1. To format a creative memory card, insert an empty, unformatted,
card in a card drive.
2. A message then appears (A): (Unknown card type!)
3. Touch OK, the window for entering the name appears
(Max. 8 characters).
4. Touch ESC to interrupt the process.
5. By giving the creative memory card a name, you have formatted it!

A.

Transferring designs from the PC to your

Pfaff creative 2170

Embroidery
With your 3D File Assistant you can transfer embroidery designs from
your PC directly to your Pfaff creative 2170 or to a card in your creative
Smart card station.
1. Install the 3D File Assistant that is included with your Pfaff creative
2170 on your PC following the instructions in the 3D File Assistant
case.
2. Plug in the flat USB connector into your computer. The plug can
only be inserted one way - do not force it into the USB port.
3. Place the card that is attached to the other end of the cable into one
of the two card slots on your Pfaff creative 2170. Push the card in
all the way until the black button extends from the machine. When
connected this cable will allow you to transfer designs (with the 3D
File Assistant) or update your Pfaff creative 2170.

5:41
 How to use the embroidery
template
An embroidery template comes with your 2170
which helps you to draw marking lines, to make
it easier to position designs on the fabric. When
you use the template you must ensure that the text
Pfaff can be read at the top right, and the two grip
depressions are situated on the left.
The template has a scale in mm and inches at the
sides. The embroidery field is shown with slits.

Putting the embroidery in the

right place
Before hooping the fabric, select the embroidery
design and the correct hoop. Place the template
in the hoop. Slide the hoop onto the embroidery
arm. Touch the More options icon and the Precise
positioning icon. Touch the Corner indicator and
Embroidery

mark the corners of the embroidery with an erasable

pencil. Take your template and position the template
on the project or garment to be embroidered. When
the template is positioned, mark the hooping
placement lines on the project with a fabric marking
pen. Then when hooping the fabric, match the
marked line with the guide marks on the hoop.

How to sew several embroideries after one

another
1. If you want to sew several embroideries after
one another, your Pfaff template will be a great
help. Sew out your first embroidery design and
remove the hoop from the embroidery unit. Put
the template into the hoop and draw the outlines
of the design.

5:42
2. Once you have the drawn the embroidery design on the template,
position the template on your fabric. Mark the hooping placement
lines on the project with a fabric-marking pen.

3. Then, when hooping the fabric, match the marked line with the
guide marks on the hoop.

Embroidery
4. Remove the template and put the hoop back into the machine and
start to embroider.

Note: You can also use the template if you stitch the design on scraps first, before
embroidering the actual project. It is not necessary to embroider the entire design,
simply step through the different colors and embroider the outline (usually last color
only). When you have embroidered on scrap, place the template over the embroidered
design, and draw the outlines of it.

5:43
 Stabilizers
Stabilizer is the key to quality embroideries. When embroidering,
sewing decorative stitches, appliqué satin stitches or hemstitching, you
should place a stabilizer underneath your fabric. There are different
types of stabilizers.

Tear-away stabilizer
The tear-away stabilizers are torn away after the design is stitched
and are used for stable, woven fabrics such as denim, woven cotton or
blends, linen etc. When pulling the stabilizer from the embroidery you
should always support the stitching.

Iron-on stabilizer
Iron-on stabilizers are temporarily fused to the wrong side of the fabric
before starting to embroider. When the embroidery is finished the
stabilizer is carefully torn off. Iron-on stabilizers are used on soft and
slippery bias cut fabrics and unstable woven fabrics or knits.

Cut-A-Way stabilizer
Cut-a-way stabilizers are cut away from and around the embroidery
after the embroidery has been stitched. These stabilizers are often used
on stretch fabrics.

Wash-away stabilizer
Embroidery

Wash-away stabilizers are stabilizers that will dissolve in water. It can

be placed on top or beneath the fabric. The stabilizer is often used on
top of loopy fabrics like terrycloth, fleece, sweatshirts and other fabrics
where the stitches can sink into the fabric and disappear. It can also be
used on special stand alone digitized lace designs.
Make sure that the fabric where you use Wash-Away is water resistant
and that you store the stabilizers in an enclosed plastic bag since they
are sensitive to humidity.

5:44
Adhesive Stabilizer
Adhesive stabilizers have a sticky side and are great for embroideries
that are difficult to hoop. Instead of hooping the fabric, you hoop the
stabilizer with the paper side facing the top. Then lightly scratch the
surface and remove the paper. You now have a sticky side where
you can place the fabric that you will embroider on. You can use the
basting function to make sure that the fabric stays in place. When the
embroidery is finished, you can tear away the stabilizer.

Heat-away stabilizer
Heat-Away stabilizer is used on fabrics where tear-away or moisture to
remove wash-away stabilizer would cause distortion of the stitches or
damage the fabric. Hoop it with the fabric before stitching and remove
it by pressing a dry iron set for cotton or linen.
Note: Never use water or moisture near the stabilizer because water activates a chemical
in the stabilizer that can disintegrate your fabric.

Needles
The needle plays an important role when embroidering. The final

Embroidery
embroidery result depends on whether you are using the right needle,
if the needle is clean and not damaged or blunt. The normal needle size
for embroidering is 80.
Make sure that you change needles often and that you have inserted
the needle the correct way, with the flat side facing away from you.

Embroidery needles
The embroidery needle is a light ballpoint needle with an extra large
eye in relation to the needle eye. The larger eye has more room for the
thread when embroidering and when using the heavier decorative
threads.

Metallic needles
The metallic needle is used for metallic threads and other special
threads. This needle has a large elongated eye and a larger groove to
prevent shredding of heavier and flat filament metallic threads during
stitch formation.

5:45
 Threads
The thickness of the thread is represented by a
number: the lower the number, the thicker the
thread. Most embroideries are designed for 40 wt
thread.

Rayon thread
Rayon thread is a soft and durable thread with a
shine and is often used when embroidering.

Metallic threads
Special threads like metallic threads are more fragile
than rayon embroidery thread. To avoid thread
breakage you should lower the speed and use the
vertical spool pin. Place the thread on a spool holder
using a felt pad and use a metallic needle.

Bobbin thread
When embroidering you should use a special bobbin
thread. The bobbin thread is thinner than normal
sewing thread and prevents embroidery build-ups
on the wrong side.
Embroidery

5:46
Appliqué embroidery
All appliqué embroideries are marked with an A in Pfaff creative
cards/cds design booklets.
To embroider an appliqué design, place a stabilizer underneath the
fabric and hoop all the layers. Start to embroider. A straight stitch
outline is stitched around the appliqué design. When the machine
stops, place the appliqué fabric on top.
Start your machine again, and the machine will sew a straight stitch
outline around the appliqué section of the design. When the machine
stops the second time, slide off the hoop but do not take the fabric out
of the hoop. Carefully trim around only the appliqué fabric outside the
straight stitch line.
Slide the hoop back onto the embroidery unit and continue
embroidering to finish the appliqué edges and the entire embroidery.

Cutwork embroidery
All cutwork embroideries are marked with an A in Pfaff creative
cards/cds design booklets.

Embroidery
To embroider cutwork designs, place a stabilizer underneath the fabric
and hoop all layers. Start embroidering. A straight stitch outline is
stitched around the cutwork design. When the machine stops, remove
the hoop but do not take the fabric out of the hoop. Carefully cut away
the fabric from inside the straight stitch outline making sure you do
not cut away the stabilizer. To finish, slide the hoop back onto the
embroidery unit and continue embroidering.

5:47
BUILT IN DESIGNS
 Design L01
Width: 238.8 mm Stitches: 2237
9,4 inch
Estimated embroidery time
Height: 213,9 mm
8,4 inch

A - Color 1

B - Color 1

L01B L01A

5:50
75%

5:51
 Design L02
Width: 111,8 mm
4.4 inch

Height: 145,5 mm
5,7 inch

Stitches: 13690

Estimated
embroidery time

Color

5:52
Design L03
Width: 72,9 mm
2,87 inch

Height: 219,6 mm
8,7 inch

Stitches: 9741

Estimated
embroidery time

Color

5:53
 Design L04
Width: 78,3 mm
3,1 inch

Height: 221,1 mm
8,7 inch

Stitches: 8781

Estimated
embroidery time

Color

4
≠
5

5:54
Design L05
Width: 135,4 mm
5,32 inch

Height: 141,1 mm
5,55 inch

Stitches: 4607

Estimated
embroidery time

Color

5:55
 Design L06
Width: 122,3 mm
4,8 inch

Height: 188,6 mm
7,4 inch

Stitches: 11575

Estimated
embroidery time

Color

1 5
l "
2 6
"
3 7

4 8
l

"

5:56
 S Design L07
Width: 30,4 mm
1,2 inch

Height: 173,1 mm
6,8 inch

Stitches: 18285

Estimated
embroidery time

Color

5:57
 Design M01
Width: 127,3 mm Stitches: 9062
5,0 inch
Estimated embroidery time
Height: 127,3 mm
5,01 inch

Color 1 2 3 4

5:58
Design M02
Width: 127,0 mm Stitches: 8106
5,0 inch
Estimated embroidery time
Height: 116,5 mm
4,6 inch

Color 1 2 3 4

5:59
 Design M03
Width: 115,7 mm Stitches: 10465
4,56 inch
Estimated embroidery time
Height: 125,7 mm
4,96 inch

Color 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

* * * * * * *
* Use 30 wt thread.

5:60
Design M04
Width: 107,0 mm Stitches: 1280
4,21 inch
Estimated embroidery time
Height: 107,0 mm
4,21 inch

Color 1

5:61
 Design M05
Width: 124,8 mm Stitches: 1961
4,92 inch
Estimated embroidery time
Height: 124,2 mm
4,89 inch

Color 1

5:62
Design M06
Width: 63,4 mm Stitches: 7565
2,5 inch
Estimated embroidery time
Height: 102,9 mm
4,05 inch

Color 1 2 3 4
u

5:63
 Design M07
Width: 108,4 mm Stitches: 14061
4,3 inch
Estimated embroidery time
Height: 112,3 mm
4,4 inch

Color 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

5:64
Design S01
Width: 55,4 mm Stitches: 2722
2,2 inch
Estimated embroidery time
Height: 37,0 mm
1,5 inch

Color 1 2 3 4

5:65
 Color
S Design S02
1
Width: 28,9 mm
1,14 inch 2
Height: 33,4 mm
3
1,30 inch

Stitches: 2191

Estimated
embroidery time

Color
Design S03
1
Width: 75,9 mm
2,99 inch
2
Height: 64,4 mm
3
2,52 inch
fi
4
Stitches: 5917

Estimated
embroidery time

S fi

5:66
 Color
S Design S04
1
Width: 18,1 mm
0,71 inch 2
Height: 29,5 mm
3
1,15 inch

Stitches: 1452

Estimated
embroidery time

Color
Design S05
1
Width: 56,8 mm
2,24 inch
≠
2
Height: 67,8 mm
3
2,67 inch
fi
4
Stitches: 5835

Estimated
embroidery time

5:67
 Color
S Design S06
1
Width: 30,2 mm
1,19 inch 2
Height: 33,6 mm
1,32 inch S

Stitches: 3174

Estimated
embroidery time

Color
Design S07
1
Width: 21,2 mm
0,83 inch *
* For durable buttonholes,
Height: 4,2 mm use regular sewing thread
0,16 inch as top and bobbin thread.

Stitches: 161

Estimated
embroidery time

Color
Design S08
1
Width: 29,5 mm
1,16 inch *
* For durable buttonholes,
Height: 4,8 mm use regular sewing thread
0,19 inch as top and bobbin thread.

Stitches: 225

Estimated
embroidery time

5:68
 Color
Design S09
1
Width: 52,4 mm
2,05 inch

Height: 11,3 mm
0,43 inch

Stitches: 318

Estimated
embroidery time

Color
Design S10
1
Width: 41,7 mm
1,64 inch 2 *
Height: 26,0 mm
1,02 inch * For durable buttonholes,
use regular sewing thread
as top and bobbin thread.
Stitches: 731

Estimated
embroidery time

5:69
 Monograms
1. Height: 17 mm 2. Height: 28 mm 3. Height: 42 mm
0,66 inch 1,10 inch 1,65 inch

Pouty Times New Roman

5:70
MAINTENANCE
 Changing the needle plate
Switch off the main switch

Removal
• Raise the presser foot. Position the needle plate changer (light bulb
changer) as shown and press the needle plate up on the right, then
on the left. It can now be easily removed.

Replacing
• Place the needle plate against the rear edge of the cut-out then press
down at the front until you hear it snap in place. Before you start
sewing, check that the needle plate is lying flat.
Note: Lower the feed dogs to make removing the needle plate easier.

Cleaning
Maintenance

Switch off the main switch

• Remove the needle plate and lower the feed dogs. Clean the feed
dogs and hook area with the brush.
• Clean the sewing machine after every 10 - 15 hours of operation.

Cleaning the window

Wipe the window with a soft, lint-free dry cloth. DO NOT use abrasive
cleansers or solvents!

6:2
Changing the light bulb
Switch off the main switch
• Disconnect the lead cord and the foot control plug from the
machine.
• Remove the accessory tray. The light bulb is located inside the
sewing machine near the needle threader.

Bulb removal
Push the light bulb changer up as far as it will go. Now turn the bulb
half a rotation counter clock-wise and remove the bulb.

Insertion of the bulb

Maintenance
Important: Use a light bulb as indicated on the left side of the machine,
12 V max 5 W.
Insert the bulb in the light bulb changer. Guide the bulb into the
diagonal holder and turn it until the pins of the bulb engage. Push
the bulb upward into the holder as far as it will go and turn it half a
rotation in a clock-wise direction. Remove the light bulb changer from
the bulb. The bulb will be held firmly so you can remove it safely.
Bulbs can be purchased from your Pfaff dealer.

6:3
 What to do if...?
In this chapter you are suggested solutions if you have a problem with your creative 2170. For further information please
contact your Pfaff dealer who will be pleased to help you.

Sewing
Problem/Cause Remedy
The machine skips stitches
Did you insert the needle properly? Push the needle fully upwards with its flat side facing the
back.
Did you insert a wrong needle? Use needle system 130/705 H.
Is the needle bent or blunt? Insert a new needle.
Did you thread the machine properly? Check how the machine is threaded.
Is the needle too small for the thread? Change the needle.

Needle thread breaks

Did you insert the needle properly? Push the needle fully upwards with its flat side facing the
back.
Did you insert a wrong needle ? Use needle system 130/705 H.
Is the needle bent or blunt? Insert a new needle.
Maintenance

Did you thread the machine properly? Check how the machine is threaded.
Is the needle too small for the thread? Change the needle.
Are you using poor thread with slubs or thread which has Change the thread.
become dry after overlong storage?

Bobbin thread breaks

Did you insert the bobbin properly? Check the bobbin thread.

The seam is sewn unevenly

Is the thread tension misadjusted? Check needle thread tension.
Are you using too thick or slubbed thread? Change the thread.
Is the bobbin thread evenly wound? Check bobbin winding.

The machine does not feed or feeds irregularly

Did you thread the machine properly? Check how the machine is threaded.
Has sewing lint collected between the feed dog teeth rows? Remove the needle plate and clean the feed dog with a brush.

The machine binds

Is the feed dog lowered? Engage the feed dog.

Incorrect or no display
Are there thread remnants in the hook ways? Remove the thread remnants.
Is the contrast control for the display Set the contrast for the display.
misadjusted?

6:4
 Embroidery
Problem/Cause Remedy
The embroidery design is distorted
Did you hoop the fabric strongly enough? The fabric must be tightly hooped, in such a way that no
creases form.
Is the inner embroidery hoop completely attached to the Hoop the fabric in such a way that the inner hoop always
outer embroidery hoop? exactly matches the outer hoop.

The embroidery design has contracted

Did you stabilize your fabric sufficiently? Place a sheet of Adhesive backed paper/stabilizer and/or
Water-soluble stabilizer onto the fabric.

Needle thread breaks

Did you use the right needle? Insert a needle with a larger eye
(System 130N).
Is the needle bent or blunt? Insert a new needle.

Maintenance
Is the thread too thick for the needle? Use the right needle size.
Did you insert the needle properly? Push the needle fully upwards with its flat side facing the
back.
Did you thread the machine properly? Check how the machine is threaded.
Are you using poor thread with slubs or thread which has Change the thread.
become dry after overlong storage?

Non-original Parts and Accessories

The warranty does not cover any defect or damage caused by use of non-original accessories or
parts.

6:5
 Index Buttonhole
attaching the foot
3:15–3:18
3:15

A
automatic buttonhole 3:16
Eyelet buttonhole with gimp thread 3:17–3:18
how to balance a buttonhole 3:16
Accessories how to sew 3:16
embroidery accessories 5:10 manual buttonhole 3:16
standard accessories 1:16 programmed buttonhole 3:16
Accessory tray 2:4 sensormatic buttonhole guide 3:15
Alphabets 1:13, 4:26–4:27, 5:27–5:30 tips 3:18
Animal stitches 1:12 with gimp thread 3:17
Antique Embroidery stitches 1:12 Buttons
Antique hand embroidery stitches 4:23 sewing on buttons 3:19
Appliqué embroidery 5:47
Arcing
Automatic stitch building
5:6, 5:31–5:32
5:5, 5:33
C
B
Carrying case 2:4
Index

Cleaning 6:2
Color changing 5:7, 5:18
Balance 3:6 Context menu 3:8–3:9
Basting in the embroidery hoop 5:4, 5:17 in embroidery 5:8
Basting program 3:14 Contrast of the screen 2:3
Blindhem stitch 3:22 Correct top tension 2:13
elastic blind stitch 3:22 Creative Assistant 2:17, 3:10
Bobbin and bobbin case creative Data Manager 2:18–2:19, 5:36–5:40
inserting 2:12 creative memory card
Bobbin thread 2:15 prepare for saving 5:41
Bobbin thread monitor 2:12, 3:2 Crosshem stitch 3:23
Bobbin winding Cross Stitch 4:23
from the second spool pin 2:9 Cross stitches 1:11
from the spool pin 2:8 Current state 5:8
from the third spool pin 2:9 Cutwork embroidery 5:47
setting the speed 2:11
through the needle
while embroidering
Bridging stitch
2:10
2:10
3:23
D
Darning 3:20
Built in designs 5:49–5:70
automatic darning 3:20

6:6
 balancing the darning stitch 3:20 one color embroidery 5:20
programmable Darning 3:20 positioning of designs in the hoop 5:22–5:23
with the elastic stitch 3:20 remove the hoop 5:13
Data Manager 5:2, 5:9, 5:36–5:40 selecting a design 5:16–5:17
Decorative sewing 4:1–4:28 speed 5:9
general notes 4:2 window 5:2
Decorative stitches 1:11, 1:12, 1:13 Embroidery template
altering a decorative stitch 3:12 how to use 5:42–5:43
selecting 4:2 Embroidery unit
Delete 5:6 connecting 5:12
Demo 3:28 remove 5:13
playing 3:28 Embroider monograms and letters 5:27–5:30
programming 3:28 End to end Mirroring 3:3
Designs Enlarged representation 5:6, 5:22
built in designs 5:49–5:70 Esc 3:10
transferring designs 5:41 Eyelets 3:19

E F

Index
Electrical connection 2:2 Feed dogs 2:7
Electronic knee lift 2:16 lowering 5:11
Embroider 5:21 File formats 5:40
Embroidering several colors 5:26 Foot control, connecting 2:2
Embroidery 5:1–5:70 Four directions sewing 3:3, 3:25–3:26
accessories 5:10 Free-Motion Sewing 3:6, 4:24
Appliqué embroidery 5:47 Free-Motion Stippling 4:19
attaching the embroidery foot 5:10 Free arm 2:4
attach the hoop 5:13 Function Buttons 3:2
basting in the hoop 5:17
cutwork embroidery
embroidery combinations
embroider single designs from a card
5:47
5:31
5:16
G
Gathering with straight stitch 4:25
get started to embroider 5:14
General notes 2:17
hoop 5:13
Grid on 5:8
inserting a card 5:10
move the design within the hoop 5:20
multi-color embroidery 5:19

6:7
 H
Hemstitching 4:22
M
Machine Assistant 2:17
Hem stitches 1:11 Machine overview 1:14
Hoop 5:13 Maintenance 6:1–6:5
attach the hoop 5:13 Main Menu 3:7
remove the hoop 5:13 Main switch 2:3
selection 5:7 MAXI stitches 1:13, 4:24
Hooping the fabric 5:15 Messages
Hoop adapter 5:40 options for messages 3:28
options for messanges 5:8

I
IDT (Integrated Dual Feed)
Mini Main menu
Mirroring
Mirror end to end
5:3
3:13
5:6
Mirror side to side 5:7
disengaging 2:6, 5:11
Monogram 4:28, 5:70
engaging 2:6
Monograms and letters
Index

Immediate tie-off 3:4

embroider monograms and letters 5:27–5:30
Information 3:7, 5:9
More options 5:6
Introduction 1:7–1:18
Move Hoop 5:8

J
Move icon 5:5
Move the design within the hoop 5:20
Multi-color embroidery 5:19

N
Jumping over stitches 5:26

K
Knee lift 2:16
Needle
changing 2:7
removing 5:11 threading 2:14
Needles 5:45

L
Last stitch 3:7
Needle plate
changing
Needle positions
6:2
3:13
Needle threader 2:14
Leaves and Flowers 1:12
Needle Up/Down Button 3:2
Lid 2:4
Nostalgia /Heirloom 4:22
Light bulb
changing 6:3

6:8
O
OK 3:10
R
Reverse Sewing Button 3:2
One color embroidery 5:20 Rolled hem 3:24
Operating Instructions 2:2
Overlock stitches
closed overlock stitch
closed with edge thread
3:21
3:21
3:21
S
Satin stitches 1:11
open overlock stitch 3:21
Save parameter 3:12

P
Scalloped edgings 1:11
Select a stitch 3:11
Select stitches 5:4
Parts of the creative 2170 1:14 Sensormatic buttonhole guide 3:15
Parts of the embroidery hoop 1:15 Sewing 3:1–3:28
Parts of the embroidery unit 1:15 Sewing mode functions 3:3–3:6
Patchwork 4:16 Sewing sequence 4:4–4:10

Index
Patchwork program 3:6, 4:16 adjust an existing sewing sequence 4:7
create a new 4:17 arrange stitches 4:6
Pattern start 3:2 close without saving 4:9
Personal menu 3:27 create 4:5
Piecing the quilt top 4:18 delete 4:9
Pintucks inserting a stitch 4:7
twin needle Pintucks 4:23 inserting a stitch at the start 4:7
Precise Positioning a design 5:6, 5:23–5:25 open from creative memory card 4:10
Preparations 2:1–2:24 open from memory 4:10
Presser foot save 4:8
changing 2:5 select and open saved 4:9
snap off 2:5 Sew Slow Button 3:2
snap on 2:5 Shell edging 4:25
Presser foot lift 2:16 Side to side mirroring 3:3
Single Stitch 3:4

Q
Quilting 4:16
Speed
embroidery speed
Stabilizers
5:9
5:44–5:45
Stitch-in-the-Ditch 4:18
Quilt Appliqués 4:19
Quilt stitches 1:11

6:9
 U
Stitch building
automatic 5:5, 5:33–5:34
Stitch Chart 1:8
Stitch Creator 4:11–4:15 Undo pattern re-sort 5:7
Stitch information 5:4 Update your machine 2:20–2:23
Stitch length 3:11 Utility stitch
Stitch settings altering a utility stitch 3:11
alter the stitch settings 4:3 Utility stitches 1:8-1:11
Stitch width 3:11
Straight stitch 3:14

W
T
Table of Content 1:4–1:6
Welcome Screen
Wing Needle
Word sequence
3:7
4:22

Tapering 3:5, 4:20–4:21 editing 4:27

asymmetric taper 4:21 saving 4:27
symmetric taper 4:20

Z
Index

Technical Data 6:11

Threading
needle 2:14
Zippers
twin needle 2:15
sewing in zippers 3:23
Threads 5:46
Zoom
Thread cutter 2:3
move the zoomed area 5:35
Thread snips 5:9
zoom in 5:4, 5:35
Thread Snips Button 3:2
zoom out 5:4
Thread tension 2:13, 3:11
Three-step Zigzag stitch 3:14
Tie-off 3:12
Tie-off program 3:5, 3:12
Toolbar 3:7
Twin needle 3:6, 3:24
sewing 3:24
sewing Maxi stitches 3:24
Twin needle, threading 2:15
Twin needle Pintucks 4:23

6:10
 Please note that on disposal, this product must be
safely recycled in accordance with relevant National
legislation relating to electrical/electronic products.
If in doubt please contact your retailer for guidance.

Technical Data
Dimensions (w x h x d) 187x290x408
Weight 9.5kg
Nominal voltage (reversible) 220-240 V/120 V
Power consumption 75W
Sewing lamp 12V/5W
Sewing speed (max and min) 1100rpm /60rpm
Stitching width 0 ... 9mm
Stitching length 0 ... 6mm
Presser foot lift 8mm
Max. presser foot height 8.3mm
Needle system 130/705H

We reserve the right to change the machine equipment and the

assortment of accessories without prior notice, or make modifications
to the performance or design.
Such modifications, however, will always be to the benefit of the user
and the product.
 VSM Group AB
www.pfaff.com
• SE-561 84 Huskvarna • SWEDEN
413 04 79-26A • English • Inhouse • © 2006 VSM Group AB • Printed in Sweden on environmental-friendly paper