Reviews on Husqvarna Viking Sewing Machines: Are They Worth the Investment?
In the expansive universe of textile arts, mentioning “Husqvarna Viking” evokes a specific image: robust engineering, innovative technology, and a legacy that stretches back to the royal arms factories of Sweden. While brands like Singer rely on nostalgia and Brother dominates the computerized budget market, reviews on Husqvarna sewing machines often highlight them as the “thinker’s machine”—tools designed for sewists who demand precision without compromising on modern features.
But with the company’s manufacturing shifting over the decades and the sewing landscape becoming increasingly digital, does the Viking legacy hold up? Whether you are looking for a reliable mechanical workhorse or a spaceship-like embroidery station, navigating the various Husqvarna Viking sewing machine reviews can be daunting.
At Sewing Device, we have analyzed the lineup—from the beginner-friendly Emerald series to the high-tech Designer Epic. In this comprehensive guide, we dissect the build quality, the “Sewing Advisor” technology, and the real-world performance of these machines to help you decide if a Viking should be the next addition to your sewing table.
The Viking Legacy: From Muskets to Microchips
Founded in 1689 as a royal arms factory in Huskvarna, Sweden, the company transitioned to sewing machines in 1872. This industrial heritage is vital to understanding reviews on Husqvarna sewing machines. For decades, they were synonymous with “lubrication-free” mechanical machines that simply refused to break.
Today, Husqvarna Viking is part of the SVP Worldwide group (Singer, Viking, Pfaff). While die-hard fans argue that the “made in Sweden” era was the golden age, modern Husqvarna Viking reviews suggest that the brand has successfully pivoted to become a leader in software integration and user-assistive technology. They are particularly famous for their JoyOS Advisor™ and the Exclusive Sensor System™, features designed to auto-adjust to your fabric thickness—a lifesaver when transitioning from silk to denim.
The Entry-Level Contenders: Emerald & Jade Series
For beginners or those returning to the craft, spending thousands on a machine isn’t feasible. However, you don’t want a machine that jams every time you look at it. This is where the Emerald and Jade series come in.
Review: Husqvarna Viking Emerald 116 / 118
The Emerald series consistently receives top marks in sewing machine Husqvarna reviews for durability. These are largely mechanical machines with electronic speed control (on the 118). They are heavy, stable, and feature a built-in needle threader and a one-step buttonhole.
- Best For: Garment construction, home decor, and students.
- The “Feel”: Unlike cheaper big-box store machines, the Emerald feels solid. It doesn’t “walk” across the table when sewing at high speeds.
- Critique: The lighting is incandescent on older models (dim/yellow), though newer iterations are upgrading to LED.
Review: Husqvarna Viking Jade 20
The Jade 20 is the “cool kid” of the lineup. With a sleek, modern design and a slide-on accessory case that acts as a hard cover, it is designed for portability. It offers massive sewing space (200mm) for its price point.
If you are just learning sewing machine setup for beginners, the Jade’s “Sewing Guide” chart printed inside the lid is incredibly helpful. It tells you exactly which presser foot and tension setting to use for your fabric.
The Quilter’s Choice: Sapphire and Opal Series
When you start reading husqvarna viking reviews from quilters, the conversation shifts to throat space and sensor systems. This is the sweet spot of the Viking lineup.
The Opal 650 & 690Q
The Opal series brings high-end features to the mid-range market. The 690Q includes the Exclusive Sensor System, which automatically senses fabric thickness and lowers the presser foot. This is crucial when sewing over bulky seams in quilts or jeans, preventing needle problems and skipped stitches.
The Sapphire 930 / 960Q
The Sapphire is a beast. It offers extended throat space (essential for maneuvering large quilts) and features the “Exclusive Sewing Advisor.” You simply select “Woven Medium” on the screen, and the machine sets the stitch length, tension, and pressure automatically. It eliminates the guesswork found in mechanical machines.
Pro Tip: If you are quilting on a Sapphire, ensure you have the best quilting cutting mat and quality batting to match the machine’s capability. A good machine can’t fix bad prep work!
The Dream Machines: Designer Epic & Topaz
For those who ask, “What is the best sewing and embroidery machine?”, Viking answers with the Designer series. These aren’t just sewing machines; they are computers with needles.
Husqvarna Viking Designer Epic 2
The reviews on Husqvarna sewing machines in this category are often glowing but mention the steep price tag. The Epic 2 features WiFi connectivity, allowing you to send designs from your cloud directly to the machine. It has a tablet-like interface that lets you drag, drop, and resize embroidery designs with a fingertip.
The embroidery quality is pristine, provided you use the best cotton threads or specialized embroidery polyester. The “JoyOS Advisor” provides built-in tutorials for zippers, collars, and hems right on the screen, effectively acting as an onboard teacher.
The Brilliant Series
If the Epic is out of budget, the Designer Topaz or Brilliant series offers excellent embroidery capability with slightly smaller hoop sizes. They are fantastic hybrid machines for sewists who want to dabble in embroidery without dedicating an entire room to it.
Comparison: Viking vs. The Competition
How does Husqvarna hold up against the other giants? Here is a breakdown based on general user consensus and technical specs.
| Feature | Husqvarna Viking | Bernina | Brother |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Innovative Tech & User Assistance | Precision & Stitch Perfection | Ease of Use & Embroidery |
| Price Range | Mid to High | High to Luxury | Budget to High |
| Signature Tech | Exclusive Sensor System, Sewing Advisor | BSR (Stitch Regulator), Dual Feed | My Design Center, LCD UI |
| Maintenance | Moderate (some self-oiling) | High (requires regular oiling) | Low (mostly factory sealed) |
| Throat Space | Generally Large (Great for Quilting) | Varies (Large on 7 series) | Standard to Large |
For a deeper dive into competitor comparisons, check out our analysis of Singer vs. Brother and Janome vs. Brother to see where Viking fits in the middle ground.
Pros and Cons: The Viking Verdict
No machine is perfect. Based on hundreds of husqvarna sewing machines reviews, here is the honest breakdown.
- Sewing Advisor: This feature is a game-changer for intermediates. It sets tension and stitch length automatically based on your fabric choice.
- Sensor System: The foot automatically lifts and lowers, pivoting with the needle down. It makes turning corners on quilts effortless.
- Space: Even mid-range Vikings typically offer more space to the right of the needle than competitors.
- Accessory Tray: The innovative storage on models like the Jade is brilliant for keeping sewing machine features organized.
- Interface Lag: Some users report that the touchscreens on older computerized models (like the early Sapphires) can be slow to respond.
- Cost of Feet: Genuine Viking presser feet are expensive compared to generic snap-on sets.
- Service Availability: Finding a certified Viking technician can be harder in rural areas compared to Singer or Brother repair shops.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Even the best Swedish engineering can have a bad day. In reviews on Husqvarna viking sewing machines, a few recurring themes appear.
1. “Check Upper Thread” Error
Viking sensors are sensitive. If you are using cheap thread that sheds lint, the sensors might misread it as a break. Always use quality thread and clean the tension discs. If you are facing jams, read our guide on why is my sewing machine jamming.
2. Bobbin Winding Issues
Some models require the thread to be placed very specifically in the bobbin winder tension disc. If not, the bobbin winds loosely, leading to sewing machine troubleshooting nightmares like bird nesting on the underside of the fabric.
3. Needle Choice
Viking machines prefer Inspira or Schmetz needles. Using generic needles can sometimes cause skipped stitches because the scarf of the needle doesn’t align perfectly with the Viking hook. Always ask: are sewing machine needles universal? In this case, quality matters.
Buying Guide: Which Viking is for You?
Before you commit, assess your actual needs.
- The Garment Sewist: Look for the Opal series. The buttonholes are fantastic, and the Sewing Advisor helps with tricky fabrics like viscose and silk. Don’t forget sharp sewing scissors and sewing clips for delicate fabrics.
- The Quilter: The Sapphire is your minimum entry point for the throat space. If you are serious, the Epic allows for massive block quilting. You will also want to read up on quilting hacks to maximize efficiency.
- The Crafter/Student: The Jade or Emerald. They are rugged enough to travel to classes and handle denim tote bags.
Also, consider if you need a serger. Husqvarna makes excellent sergers (like the Amber series). Compare what is a serger sewing machine to see if you need one alongside your sewing machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Verdict: Should You Buy a Husqvarna Viking?
After analyzing countless reviews on Husqvarna sewing machines, the conclusion is clear: Viking occupies a vital niche. They offer the technological assistance of a high-end computerized machine without the exorbitant price tag of the luxury Swiss brands.
If you are a sewist who values convenience and smart features—like the machine telling you what settings to use—Husqvarna Viking is an excellent choice. The Opal and Sapphire lines, in particular, offer arguably the best value for money for quilters and garment makers on the market today.
However, if you prefer a purely mechanical feel and want to control every single variable yourself without a computer intervening, you might lean towards a vintage model or a different brand. But for the modern maker, the Viking ship is sailing strong.
Ready to start your next project? Grab your best sewing patterns, pick your fabric, and let a Viking help you stitch it together.
Explore the Full Range of Husqvarna Viking Machines & Accessories
See Current Deals on Amazon
