Simple mechanical control with the features that matter
The PFAFF Smarter 160S is an approachable mechanical sewing machine with 23 useful stitches, adjustable settings and straightforward dial controls. It is an excellent choice for learning, garment construction, alterations, home sewing and everyday creative projects.
Everything you need for confident everyday sewing
The Smarter 160S keeps operation clear and uncomplicated while providing the controls needed for neat seams, stretch fabrics, buttonholes, topstitching, alterations and decorative sewing.
23 practical stitches
Choose from essential utility stitches, stretch stitches, decorative options and a one-step buttonhole for garments and general sewing.
One-step buttonhole
Attach the included buttonhole foot and produce consistent buttonholes without manually setting each side of the buttonhole.
Integrated needle threader
The built-in threader helps guide thread through the needle eye, making setup faster and reducing close-up handling.
Adjustable stitch control
Adjust stitch width up to 6 mm and stitch length up to 4 mm to suit the fabric, seam and finish you want to create.
Adjustable needle position
Move the needle position for accurately placed straight stitching, zipper insertion, piping and neat rows of topstitching.
Bright LED lighting
Long-lasting LED illumination provides a clear view of the needle area, fabric edge and stitch line while you work.
Select, adjust and start sewing
The Smarter 160S is operated using clearly marked rotary controls. There are no menus or computer screens to navigate, making it easy to see how the selected stitch, width and length relate to the sewing result.
- Clear stitch-selection dial
- Manually adjustable stitch length and width
- Manually adjustable upper-thread tension
- Reverse sewing control for securing seams
- Foot-control operation
- Built-in manual thread cutter
Smooth, supported fabric feeding
Seven feed-dog contact points support the fabric around the needle area, helping the machine move material smoothly and maintain consistent stitch formation.
Adjustable presser-foot pressure provides additional control when moving between lightweight material, stretch fabric and heavier layers.
Useful fabric-handling features
- Seven-point feed dogs
- Adjustable presser-foot pressure
- Extra presser-foot lift for thicker layers
- Adjustable stitch length and width
- Stretch stitches for suitable knit fabrics
- Drop feed for free-motion work and button sewing
Important: the Smarter 160S uses PFAFF’s seven-point feed-dog system. It does not include the Original IDT integrated dual-feed system found on selected higher-level PFAFF machines.
Practical assistance without unnecessary complexity
Integrated needle threader
Quickly guides the upper thread through the needle eye during setup.
Adjustable stitch width
Set the stitch width up to 6 mm for construction, appliqué, decorative sewing and precise topstitching.
PFAFF presser-foot system
Five useful feet are included, with compatible optional feet available for additional sewing techniques.
Remove the accessory compartment to reveal the free arm
The removable accessory tray exposes a narrow free arm, making it easier to sew around trouser hems, cuffs, sleeves and other tubular areas.
- Repair and shorten garments
- Sew sleeves, cuffs and trouser legs
- Insert zips using the included zipper foot
- Create blind hems with the adjustable blindhem foot
- Sew buttonholes with the included one-step foot
- Store smaller accessories inside the removable tray
What can you sew with the PFAFF 160S?
Its combination of utility, stretch and decorative stitches covers most everyday domestic sewing requirements.
The 160S can sew common heavier fabrics such as denim when correctly prepared. Use the appropriate needle, thread and seam technique, and avoid treating it as an industrial or dedicated heavy-duty machine.
Five useful presser feet and essential accessories included
The supplied feet cover everyday construction, zips, hems, decorative work and repeatable one-step buttonholes.
Included presser feet
Other included accessories
- Three bobbins
- Needle pack
- Large and small spool caps
- Auxiliary spool pin and felt pad
- Edge guide
- Combined seam ripper and cleaning brush
- Screwdriver
- Foot control and power cord
- Protective hard cover
PFAFF Smarter 160S specifications
| Machine type | Mechanical domestic sewing machine |
|---|---|
| Built-in stitches | 23 utility, stretch and decorative stitches, including a buttonhole |
| Buttonhole | One-step buttonhole with included Buttonhole Foot 5B |
| Maximum stitch width | 6 mm |
| Maximum stitch length | 4 mm |
| Maximum sewing speed | Up to 750 stitches per minute |
| Sewing space | 160 mm from needle to machine tower |
| Needle threader | Built in |
| Thread cutter | Manual |
| Thread tension | Manually adjustable |
| Needle position | Adjustable for accurate straight-stitch placement |
| Presser-foot pressure | Adjustable |
| Fabric feeding | Seven-point feed-dog system |
| PFAFF Original IDT | Not included on this model |
| Free arm | Yes, accessed by removing the accessory compartment |
| Feed dogs | Can be lowered for free-motion work and button sewing |
| Lighting | LED work-area lighting |
| Approximate machine dimensions | 41 cm wide × 20 cm deep × 29 cm high |
| Approximate weight | 6.2 kg |
| Included presser feet | Five |
| Cover | Protective hard cover included |
Needles, thread and useful machine accessories
Match the needle and thread to your fabric for better stitch formation, fewer skipped stitches and reduced risk of fabric damage.
Local advice before and after your purchase
Direct Sewing has supported New Zealand sewers for more than 30 years. The experienced team can help you choose the right machine, understand its controls and select suitable needles, feet and thread.
- Practical machine demonstrations and guidance
- Help selecting a machine for your sewing goals
- Advice on needles, thread and presser feet
- Local servicing and after-sales support
- Auckland showroom and workshop
Visit or contact Direct Sewing
Showroom and workshop
138 Railside Avenue
Henderson, Auckland
Phone:
(09) 838 8674
Mobile:
021 274 2910
Email:
info@directsewing.co.nz
PFAFF Smarter 160S frequently asked questions
Is the PFAFF Smarter 160S suitable for beginners?
Yes. Its mechanical dial controls, built-in needle threader and selection of essential stitches make it easy to understand while leaving room to develop new sewing skills.
Is the PFAFF 160S mechanical or computerised?
The Smarter 160S is a mechanical sewing machine. Stitches and settings are selected using rotary controls rather than an electronic screen.
How many stitches does the PFAFF 160S have?
It has 23 stitches, including utility stitches, stretch stitches, decorative stitches and a one-step buttonhole.
Does the PFAFF 160S sew an automatic buttonhole?
Yes. It has a one-step buttonhole and includes the matching Buttonhole Foot 5B for producing consistent buttonholes.
Does the PFAFF Smarter 160S have IDT?
No. The Smarter 160S does not include PFAFF’s Original IDT integrated dual-feed system. It uses a seven-point feed-dog system with adjustable presser-foot pressure.
Can the PFAFF 160S sew denim?
It can sew common denim and layered domestic projects when fitted with the correct jeans needle and suitable thread. It is not an industrial or dedicated heavy-duty machine.
Can I sew stretch fabric with the PFAFF 160S?
Yes. The stitch selection includes stretch stitches for suitable knit fabrics. Use the correct stretch or jersey needle and adjust the presser-foot pressure for the material.
Does it have a free arm?
Yes. Removing the accessory compartment reveals the free arm for sewing cuffs, sleeves, trouser hems and other tubular areas.
Can the feed dogs be lowered?
Yes. The feed dogs can be lowered for techniques such as free-motion sewing, thread painting and sewing on buttons.
Which presser feet are included?
The machine includes a Standard Foot 0, Clearview Foot 1, Blindhem Foot 3, Zipper Foot 4 and One-Step Buttonhole Foot 5B.
Which needles does the PFAFF 160S use?
It uses standard flat-shank domestic sewing-machine needles in the 130/705H system. Match the needle type and size to the fabric being sewn.
Is a protective cover included?
Yes. A protective hard cover is included for cleaner storage and safer transport.
What local support is available?
Direct Sewing provides machine guidance and local after-sales support from its Auckland showroom and workshop. Contact the team for current warranty terms and support for your intended use.
A straightforward machine for learning and everyday sewing
Visit Direct Sewing or contact the team for advice on whether the PFAFF Smarter 160S is the right match for your projects and experience level.