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Head-to-head · Best Sewing Machines

Brother CS5055 vs Pfaff Select 4.2

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Pfaff Select 4.2 comes out ahead by a clear margin (3.8 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about traditional sewists wanting modern conveniences — read the strengths below before deciding.

Brother CS5055
Ranked #5 in Best Sewing Machines
Brother CS5055
4 sources3 derived$134as of Jul 31

The Brother CS5055 gets praised as an entry-level sewing machine that's affordable and easy for beginners, with clear stitch selection and helpers like automatic needle threading. TechGearLab gave it a Best Buy rating for solid performance across most fabrics and good value. Reviewers did flag inconsistent tension and the missing needle up/down button. YouTube reviewer Alexa recommends it to anyone new to sewing or stepping up from a basic machine, pointing to the light weight and included accessories. Beginners are the audience; advanced users will outgrow it.

Strengths
  • — Top-loading bobbin allows visibility of thread level and easy loading
  • — Automatic needle-threader saves time and effort for beginners
  • — Includes 60 built-in stitches with 7 buttonhole stitches and multiple presser feet
Watch-outs
  • — Lacks needle up/down button for manual control
  • — Presser foot lock can be problematic, especially with zippers
  • — Tension runs inconsistent on scallop and diamond stitches, though most fabrics stitch cleanly
$134 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Pfaff Select 4.2
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Sewing Machines
Pfaff Select 4.2
3 sources2 derived$999as of Aug 1

The Pfaff Select 4.2 is a mechanical sewing machine for people who want traditional operation with a few modern conveniences. Reviewers pointed to 40 built-in stitches, a dual feed system, and easy threading via the built-in needle threader. One reviewer described it as a good step up from older Select models like the 3.0, while noting it misses features computerized machines carry. The spacious bed and adjustable needle positioning drew praise for detailed work like zippers and piping. PatternReview users called it a solid mechanical option in the $600-$700 range.

Strengths
  • — Built-in needle threader for easy threading
  • — Dual feed walking foot system (IDT) built-in
  • — Adjustable stitch width and needle positioning
Watch-outs
  • — Limited buttonhole variety
  • — Hard to locate drop feed control
$999 · Buy at singer.comFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Brother CS5055

The Brother CS5055 is more affordable than the Brother CS7000X, which offers more stitches and buttonhole choices. However, it lacks the automatic needle threader found in the Brother XM2701 and has inconsistent tension issues compared to the Brother CP100X.

Pfaff Select 4.2

The Pfaff Select 4.2 offers a dual feed system and adjustable needle positioning, which the Brother CS7000X lacks. However, it's more mechanical and less computerized than the Singer Quantum Stylist 9960, and lacks the automatic thread cutter found in the Brother XM2701.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBrother CS5055Pfaff Select 4.2
Stitch Count60 built-in40
Stitch Width7mmAdjustable
Stitch Speed750 stitches per minute900 stitches/min
Bobbin SystemJam-resistant drop-in top bobbin—
Included Accessories7—
MaterialMetal, Plastic—
Dimensions7"D x 17"W x 12"H—
Needle ThreaderAutomaticBuilt-in
Weight10.5 kg7 kg
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