Pfaff Performance Icon Sewing Machine
A sophisticated sewing and quilting machine built for serious sewers who want space, speed and connected control
Spread the cost from
£124.87 per month over 48 months*
Borrowing more than you can afford or paying late may negatively impact your financial status and ability to obtain credit. 18+, UK residents only. Subject to status. Ts&Cs and late fees apply.
Shop with confidence today knowing that our sewing machine prices are the lowest possible. If we lower our prices within 14 days of your purchase, we'll refund you the difference.
Terms and Conditions apply*
This machine is covered by a PFAFF 5-year parts and 2-year labour warranty. If you ever need support or servicing, our team is always here to help.
Changed your mind? You've got 30 days to return any new, unused items in their original packaging.
Need advice?
Our in-house team knows every detail of this machine. Call, message or chat and get honest, expert advice from people who actually sew.
Our standard width fabric can be cut as a Fat Quarter, measuring 50cm x 1/2 the width of the bolt. Above is an example of how your fabric will be received, depending on the quantity ordered.
We also offer a sample service, where you can order 1 single fat quarter of any standard width fabric, to have at home and compare colours. When you are finished, you can send them back to us for a refund (feel free to contact us for more information on this service).
Our fabric can be cut as a Long Quarter, measuring a minimum of 25cm x width of bolt. We will supply the fabric as a continuous length (eg; if you bought 1.25m it will be sent as one piece of fabric).
PFAFF performance icon Product Review
The PFAFF performance icon sits at the top of the PFAFF sewing machine range, built for experienced sewers and quilters who want a large working area, connected features and the control to handle demanding projects. Its 15.5kg body reduces vibration at speed, giving the stability needed for accurate results on everything from fine dressmaking to layered quilts.
With 522 built-in stitches up to 9mm wide and 6 sewing fonts, the performance icon covers everyday construction, quilting and decorative work in one machine. Needle piercing power is close to twice that of older PFAFF models. The Stitch Creator function lets you build your own 9mm stitches or edit the built-in ones, so your stitch library grows with your ideas. Automatic stitch tapering produces angled starts and finishes on decorative work without manual calculation, and side motion stitching adds wide decorative patterns worked without turning the fabric.
The workspace to the right of the needle gives room for large makes without constant repositioning. ActivStitch thread control uses built-in sensors to measure and regulate the thread as you sew, which holds stitch quality steady even with metallic and novelty threads. Convenience features are built in throughout, including an automatic needle threader, the Auto Snip thread cutter that trims top and bobbin threads at a touch, a start-stop button, speed slider and needle up-down.
The 10.1 inch touchscreen works like a tablet, with a smart digital interface that guides you through stitches, settings and on-screen support from the built-in Help Center and User's Guide. Automatic presser foot lift and an electronic knee lift free both hands for guiding fabric, and the automatic feed dog drop readies the machine for free motion work. WiFi and mySewnet connectivity load stitches from the app, store your work in the cloud and keep the machine current with automatic updates after purchase.
Key Features
What makes this machine worth it
Machine Type
Flagship sewing and quilting machine, large size
Stitch Range
522 built-in stitches up to 9mm wide, 6 sewing fonts
Control Type
10.1 inch tablet-style colour touchscreen with smart interface
Workspace
310mm (12.2 inches) to the right of the needle
Needle Configuration
Automatic needle threader, needle up-down function
Buttonholes
Sensormatic and manual buttonhole feet included
Skill Level
Experienced sewers and quilters
Machine Weight
15.5kg
This machine is perfect for
- Experienced sewers and quilters who want a large workspace, connected features and the power to handle demanding projects
- Quilters working on king-size projects who need generous throat space and the Enhanced Original IDT dual feed
- Makers who want to design their own stitches - the Stitch Creator function builds and edits 9mm stitches
- Sewers who value automatic set-up - ActivStitch thread control and the touchscreen handle tension for you
Can sew but not ideal for
- Complete beginners - the feature set and price point suit those who already sew regularly and want room to grow into advanced techniques
Not suitable for
- Sewers who don't want a WiFi-connected machine - the mySewnet features rely on an internet connection and app account
- Use our free Machine Match Service if you'd like us to recommend a model suited to your needs
Materials and Build Quality
The PFAFF performance icon is built on a robust, full-sized chassis engineered for exceptional rigidity and precision. The solid construction provides outstanding stability during high-speed sewing helping to minimise vibration and maintain exceptional stitch accuracy. The result is the refined feel and flawless results.
The legendary Original IDT™ System from PFAFF acts as a built-in walking foot precisely feeding all types of fabric from the top and bottom for perfect stitching every time. Includes its own power source, and a built-in sensor lets you know when to activate or deactivate it.
Needle piercing power on the performance icon is close to twice that of previous PFAFF models, which means dense and layered fabrics feed through cleanly without the machine labouring. This matters most when quilting through wadding or sewing structured garments and home furnishings, where thickness would slow a lighter machine. Paired with the enhanced IDT™ dual feed, fabric moves through at an even rate top and bottom.
Innovative lighting technology gives you the most even work light on the market for the brightest sewing experience. LED lighting is perfectly positioned at the most beneficial points to eliminate shadows.
The Difference is in the Details
Considered features on the performance icon remove small friction points for an optimal and seamless sewing experience. It has the speed to stitch up to 1,050 stitches per minute with optimum results. The Auto-Snip thread cutter trims top and bobbin threads on command, the start/stop button lets you sew without the foot pedal, and needle up/down sets the needle position for pivoting and detailed work. Automatic presser foot lift keeps your hands free as you reposition fabric.
ActivStitch thread control sets the performance icon apart on stitch quality. As you sew, it feeds thread through at the right rate for clean, balanced stitches on both sides of the fabric, even with tricky metallic and novelty threads that normally need careful handling. Decorative work comes out consistent without constant tension adjustment.
PFAFF machines are engineered for lasting performance, with a robust internal design that maintains stitch precision even with regular use. With proper care and servicing, you can rely on consistent, high-quality results for years to come. PFAFF sewing machines come with a 5-year parts and 2-year labour warranty. The Sewing Studio is an authorised service centre for all PFAFF machines.
PFAFF sewing machines are designed for user comfort combining durable technology with artful operation. The 10.1 inch touchscreen navigates like a tablet, giving quick access to stitches and settings through a smart digital interface. Automatic presser foot lift raises the foot for you at pivots and stops, and the electronic knee lift frees both hands to guide fabric through tight turns. Together they take the repetitive actions out of sewing so you can keep your focus on the project.
PFAFF performance icon: A Machine for Every Maker
And every project
Quilting Large Projects
With generous space to the right of the needle and dual feed built in, king-size quilts have room to move without bunching. The IDT keeps top and bottom layers travelling together, so piecing and binding stay aligned across long seams. The ¼ inch quilting foot in the box gives accurate seam allowances from the first block.
Dressmaking and Garments
Automatic presser foot lift, the electronic knee lift and near-doubled needle piercing power make light work of structured garments, multiple layers and heavier weights. Stitch tapering finishes topstitching and decorative details with neat angled ends, and the wide 9mm stitches give scope for both practical seams and standout detailing on a finished piece.
Creative and Decorative Sewing
The Stitch Creator function turns the performance icon into a design tool, letting you build your own 9mm stitches or reshape the built-in ones. Side motion stitching adds wide patterns worked flat on the fabric, and ActivStitch keeps specialist threads sewing cleanly, so personalised projects come out the way you pictured them.
Inside the PFAFF performance icon
Enhanced Original IDT System
Integrated dual feed grips fabric from top and bottom for even feeding on every layer. This enhanced version has its own power source and a sensor that prompts you when to activate or deactivate it.
ActivStitch Thread Control
This technology forms balanced stitches on both sides of the fabric and handles metallic and novelty threads that usually demand manual tension changes.
10.1 Inch Multi-Touch Screen
The largest screen PFAFF offers works like a tablet, with a smart digital interface for stitches and settings. Built-in Help Center, User's Guide and Getting Started support live on screen.
Stitch Creator Function
This feature lets you build entirely new 9mm stitches or edit any of the built-in designs. Created stitches save to the machine, giving you a personal library to reuse.
WiFi and mySewnet Connectivity
The machine connects to WiFi and mySewnet for cloud storage, on-demand tutorials and automatic updates. New stitches load straight from the app, and the machine keeps improving after purchase.
Product Specifications
Feet in the Box
- 0A Standard Presser Foot for IDT System
- 1A Fancy Stitch Foot for IDT System
- 2A Fancy Stitch Foot
- 3 Blindhem Foot for IDT System
- 4 Zipper Foot for IDT System
- 5A Sensormatic Buttonhole Foot
- 5M Manual Buttonhole Foot
- 6A Embroidery/Sensormatic Free Motion Foot
- ¼ inch Quilting Foot for IDT System
- 8 Maxi Stitch Foot
- Bi Level Guide Foot for IDT System
Accessories in the Box
- Thread net (4)
- Screwdriver
- Seam ripper
- Brush
- Bobbins (6)
- Edge/quilting guide (attached to presser foot ankle)
- Thread cone holder (2)
- Spool cap, large (2)
- Spool cap, medium (2)
- Spool cap, small (2)
- Large spool holder
- Bobbin case for straight stitch, left (black)
- Knee lift
- Straight stitch needle plate
- Multipurpose tool/button reed
- Soft cover for machine
- Foot control
- Power cord
- Needles
Machine Dimensions & Weight
- Machine size (L x W x H): 23.6" x 8.7" x 13.8" (60 x 22 x 35 cm)
- Machine weight: 15.5kg
- Workspace: 310mm (12.2 inches) to the right of the needle
- Workspace height: 140mm (5.5 inches)
- Touchscreen: 257mm (10.1 inches)
Stitch Options & Controls
- Total built-in stitches: 522
- Sewing fonts: 6
- Maximum stitch width: 9mm
- Maximum stitch length: 5mm
- Maximum sewing speed: 1,050 stitches per minute
- Side motion stitching: Yes
- Stitch sequencing: Yes
- Stitch tapering: Yes
- Stitch Creator function: Yes
Sewing Features & Functions
- Enhanced Original IDT (Integrated Dual Feed) with own power source and activation sensor
- ActivStitch thread control
- Automatic thread tension
- Automatic needle threader
- Auto Snip thread cutter (top and bobbin)
- Automatic presser foot lift
- Electronic knee lift
- Automatic feed dog drop
- Needle up-down function
- Start-stop button
- Speed slider control
- Bobbin thread sensor
- Straight stitch needle plate sensor
- WiFi and mySewnet connectivity
- On-screen Help Center, User's Guide and Getting Started support
- LED lighting
Bobbin & Needle System
- Bobbin thread sensor: Yes
- Straight stitch bobbin case included (black)
- Bobbins: 6 included
Connectivity
- WiFi connectivity
- mySewnet cloud storage and automatic updates
- Free mySewnet app: on-demand tutorials and stitch loading
Warranty & Support
The PFAFF performance icon is covered by a 5-year parts and 2-year labour PFAFF warranty. Our support team is here if you ever need help or servicing.
Product Downloads
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the PFAFF performance icon best suited to?
It is a flagship machine aimed at experienced sewers and quilters who want a large workspace, connected features and the power to handle demanding projects. Beginners can certainly use it, but the feature set and price point suit those who sew regularly and want room to grow into advanced work.
What Does ActivStitch Thread Control Actually Do?
Rather than relying on fixed tension settings, it regulates the thread automatically as you sew. This keeps stitches balanced on both sides and makes a real difference with metallic and novelty threads, which usually need careful manual adjustment.
Do I need to turn the fabric for decorative stitches?
Not for side motion stitches. The machine can move fabric sideways as well as forward, so wide decorative patterns are worked without rotating your project. Combined with the Stitch Creator function and automatic tapering, it gives plenty of scope for decorative and personalised work.
What does the WiFi and mySewnet connection give me?
It connects the machine to the free mySewnet app for cloud storage, on-demand tutorials and step-by-step instructions. It also loads new stitches straight to the machine and keeps the software current through automatic updates, so the machine keeps improving after purchase.
Can it handle quilting big projects?
Yes. The large workspace and Enhanced Original IDT feeding both layers together mean king-size quilts have room to move and stay aligned across long seams. The ¼ inch quilting foot is included for accurate seam allowances.
