What is Pfaff IDT?

IDT stands for ‘Integrated Dual Feeder Technology‘. It is a development designed by Pfaff for use with most of their sewing machines. It has existed for many years now and is an integral part of what Pfaff offer.

Pfaff IDT comprises of a finger walking foot located at the back of the presser foot bar that can be pulled down into place or moved out of the way easily without the hassle of needing to fully disconnect it.

What Does Integrated Dual Feeder Technology Really Mean?

In simple terms Pfaff IDT is a permanent walking foot. A walking foot gives dual feed to the layers of fabrics you are sewing with equal feed from the top and bottom (on a standard sewing machine the feed is from the bottom only) It is built into the machine and can be applied or moved out of the way very easily. No need to use a screwdriver!

Why Do I Want Pfaff IDT?

Pfaff IDT helps with feeding difficult fabrics precisely. It prevents puckers, and helps to reduce movement between the fabric layers you are sewing. We pretty much leave it on the whole time we are sewing as it gives great results in flatter seams with less puckering. The only time we don’t use it is when we are sewing zips and buttonholes which do not use IDT.

Is IDT Better Than A Screw-On Walking Foot?

Actually it is. Although they are both meant to do the same thing; IDT, being built in, actually times in with the bottom feed dogs much better than a standard walking foot. This means it feeds precisely. On standard sewing machines, a standard walking foot does not feed quite as well as the upper feed dogs have little feed (front to back) motion in them.

Also – presser foot pressure is maintained with IDT – as the finger feed works behind the presser foot, which is permanently in contact with the fabric. On a walking foot the majority of the presser foot is replaced by feeding teeth which have to lift off the fabric to work, reducing the pressure and potentially causing an issue with fabric tension and therefore stitch quality.

Of course, the most obvious point is that a walking foot is a pain to put on and take off!

So What Is Bad About IDT?

Just about the only issue with Pfaff IDT is that you have to use specific presser feet with it. These feet have a slot cut into the back of the foot which gives a space to the IDT finger feed. This means you cannot use a generic presser foot from other machines. Luckily even the entry level Pfaff Sewing Machine with IDT (the Passport 2.0) comes with the most commonly used presser feet as standard.

Is IDT Worth It?

Using the Pfaff Passport 2.0 as an example; at the time of writing this machine is on sale for £519. Looking at similar priced machines from Janome and Brother, the number of stitches is comparable, with one step buttonholes and a needle threader across all machines. Generally it is the case that sewing machines from different companies but at the same price range have roughly the same features. What is different about the Passport 2.0 is that it includes the IDT function.

What I am saying is that actually IDT is added onto sewing machines that would cost the same anyway. So, yes, Pfaff IDT is definitely worth it!

Want to know more about the Pfaff Passport 2.0?