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Husqvarna Viking is one of the leading manufacturers of sewing machines, along with Bernina, Pfaff, Brother and Singer sewing machine companies. The Swedish firm, Husqvarna Viking, is renowned for its exquisitely crafted machines and their new age stitching technologies. Sewing professionals and enthusiasts both highly praise Viking sewing machines. Even before becoming a part of the sewing machine giant, SVP, Husqvarna/Viking was a leading name in the industry because of the large selection of equipment for home usage, their technology and continuous product improvements.
In this article, we will review some of the popular Husqvarna Viking sewing machines.
Best Husqvarna Viking Sewing Machines
- Best Overall: Husqvarna Viking Jade 20 (jump to review)
- Best for Beginners: Husqvarna Viking Emerald 116 (jump to review)
- Best for Embroidery: Husqvarna Viking Jade 35 (jump to review)
Please note: The current list only includes Viking machines available online and not through authorized dealers
Best Husqvarna Viking Sewing Machines Detailed Reviews
Best Overall: Husqvarna Viking Jade 20
The Husqvarna Viking Jade 20 Sewing Machine seamlessly combines cutting-edge features with a sleek, modern design. Boasting an extra-large 8" sewing space illuminated by bright LED lighting, it accommodates large projects effortlessly. The sewing guide in the lid simplifies the process, recommending ideal stitches and settings for different fabrics and techniques. With 82 beautiful 7 mm wide stitches, top-loading bobbin, and a built-in needle threader, this machine ensures precision and convenience. The start/stop function allows for foot-control-free sewing, making it perfect for decorative stitches and users with physical limitations. Stylishly designed, it flaunts an accessory compartment, and the machine's speed control adds to its versatility.
- Easy to use and makes little noise
- The stitches are perfect
- It might be hard to read the stitch widths on the user guide
Best for Beginners: Husqvarna Viking Emerald 116
Discover precision and versatility with the Husqvarna Viking Emerald 116 sewing machine. Ideal for crafting unique dresses or replicating magazine-worthy curtains, this machine boasts a built-in needle threader, a convenient Sewing Guide Reference Chart, and a protective hard cover for storage. Achieve perfect stitches and one-step buttonholes effortlessly with 60 stitch functions. The machine's adjustable stitch length and width, paired with the comprehensive Sewing Guide, make it your go-to for seamless sewing across various fabrics and techniques. Elevate your creations with the Emerald 116's reliability and user-friendly features.
- Good for beginners
- User friendly and light-weight
- Value for money purchase
- Needs manual tension adjustment
Read the detailed review of the Husqvarna Viking Emerald 116 here.
Best for Embroidery: Husqvarna Viking Jade 35
Introducing the Husqvarna Viking Designer Jade 35 – a dynamic entry-level sewing and embroidery machine that transforms creative visions into reality. With the exclusive Sewing Advisor feature, automatic settings and assistance streamline your projects. Enjoy a vast 200 mm sewing surface, ideal for quilts and home decor. Stitch at a remarkable 700 stitches-per-minute, the industry's fastest in its price range. The machine comes loaded with 70 built-in embroidery designs and a complimentary PC embroidery software, offering endless possibilities for personalized projects. Elevate your craft with speed, space, and innovation.
- Large sewing space
- Faster sewing at 700 stiches-per-minute
- Has speed control
- Has start/stop function
- Hard to get the needles in correctly
Read the detailed review of the Husqvarna Viking Jade 35 here.
The History of Husqvarna Viking Sewing Machines
Husqvarna was established as royal weapons factory in 1689. As the market for firearms began to wane by 1870’s, almost 200 years later, the factory’s craftsmen were motivated to create sewing machines, which was a more tranquil product. One hundred forty years ago, Swedish-owned Husqvarna Munitions Company switched its focus from arms and ammunitions and produced the first sewing machine under the Viking brand name. Since then, Husqvarna/Viking sewing machines have been staples in sewing rooms the world over. Today, Husqvarna Viking is a global company situated in Sweden that manufactures high-quality sewing machines and sells them to ardent sewers throughout the world. Since then, Husqvarna/Viking sewing machines have been staples in sewing rooms the world over.
What Sets Husqvarna/Viking Apart from the Rest?
Husqvarna/Viking’s exclusive Sewing Advisor™, coupled with the innovative Infodisplay™ and Programdisplay™ features bring professional quality sewing directly to the fingertips of the home sewer.
Enter fabric type, weight, and sewing technique and the Exclusive SEWING ADVISOR® feature will take care of all the settings – stitch, stitch width, stitch length, thread tension, sewing speed, and presser foot pressure.
These features are designed specifically with the discriminating home sewer in mind, assuring that they get the professional results they demand with the least effort.
Popular Husqvarna/Viking Models
Husqvarna/Viking sewing machines (official site) are divided into two attractively named categories—flowers and jewels. Sewing Advisor™, Infodisplay™, and Programdisplay™ were introduced with the extremely popular Orchidea in the 1990s.
Flower Models: Since then, the Husqvarna/Viking flowers, including the Rose, which we reviewed a little while back, have gained a place of respect in many sewing rooms.
Jewel models: The Husqvarna/ Viking jewels, including the Jade, Diamond deLuxe, Ruby, Emerald, Topaz, and Sapphire, have earned places of honor as the next generation of excellent Husqvarna/Viking sewing, embroidery, and quilting machines for home use.
Sergers and Overlock Machines: Husqvarna/Viking sergers and overlock machines for home use are offered through the Huskylock line.
Pros and Cons of Viking Sewing Machines
Pros of Viking Sewing Machines
- Affordable
- Broad range of machines designed for all skills levels
- On-going customer technical support
Cons of Viking Sewing Machines
- Most of the brands are available only through authorized dealers
- Technical support is available only if machines are purchased from authorized dealers – even used machines
- Advanced models require training even for expert sewers
Summary: The Best Husqvarna Viking Sewing Machines
With the Viking company, you can never go wrong. With Viking machinery, sewing is a breeze thanks to its slick operation. Viking sewing machines have rotary hooks that are jam-proof and never require any oiling. Each model has its own distinctive features, although all of them can operate consistently. Viking sewing machines are here to stay for a very long time. Additionally, Viking also offers the best warranty period for household sewing machines. This covers a five-year guarantee for electronic sewing machines and a twenty-year mechanical sewing machine warranty.
- Best Overall: Husqvarna Viking Jade 20 (jump to review)
- Best for Beginners: Husqvarna Viking Emerald 116 (jump to review)
- Best for Embroidery: Husqvarna Viking Jade 35 (jump to review)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
All Husqvarna / Viking Reviews
Husqvarna Viking Emerald 116 Review
There are very few differences between the three machines that make up the Husqvarna/Viking Emerald series. They look alike and have the solid construction and Swedish design and workmanship that the Husqvarna/Viking brand is known for. This basic electronic sewing machine is good for use by beginners of all ages, as well as the home sewer who has been busy making clothing and accessories for many years and is now in the market for a new sewing machine.
Husqvarna Viking Opal Review
It isn’t difficult to understand why Consumer’s Digest gave the Husqvarna/Viking Opal the Best Buy award. Whether you go for the economical 650 or the 670, you will not be disappointed. The Opal is a great transitional machine for people who are stepping up from a mechanical sewing machine and has just about everything you would expect from a more costly computerized sewing machine.
Husqvarna Viking Huskylock 936 Review (2023 update)
While we were initially impressed by the number of tasks the Husqvarna Viking Huskylock 936 serger is capable of performing, we were dismayed by the length of time it takes to switch from one task to another. It can take up to 20 minutes to re-thread the machine and change needle positions in order to perform a relatively simple task. Once executed, however, the stitches are well formed and sturdy.
Husqvarna Viking Rose Review
The Viking Rose sewing machine we reviewed was the personal property of a woman who specializes in making home décor items. The 40 decorative stitches available on this machine make embellishing accent pillows, tablecloths and napkins and accent pillows fast and easy. The on board accessories case doubles as an oversized workspace and it all stows away neatly in a unique molded plastic carrying case.
Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35 Review (2023 update)
Many people believe less is more. I think the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35 is one of those cases where there is definitely a little too much in a small space. It is a combination sewing, quilting and embroidery machine that is not only lightweight and portable, but also so compact that it can easily travel. I am concerned, however, that there is simply far too much going on with this machine. The idea may be a good one, but in my opinion, it needs to be proven in a real home sewing room situation for it to be believed. I would really like to see how well it stands the test of time.
Husqvarna Viking Sapphire 960Q Review (2023 update)
The Husqvarna/Viking Sapphire 960Q is a sewing and quilting machine with 777 total stitches, a full color interactive touch screen and a couple of Husqvarna/Viking exclusives… upper and lower thread sensors, and Sewing Advisor … as well as automatic thread tension adjustment and side motion sewing.
Husqvarna Viking Sapphire 930 Review (2023 Update)
The superior stitch quality will make any home sewer happy. The Sapphire 930 is possibly the most user friendly computerized sewing machine that the people at Husqvarna/Viking offer. It has all of the benefits of the engineering that Husqvarna/Viking is known for and brings with it all of the features the long time home sewer has come to appreciate.
Husqvarna Viking Sapphire 875 Quilt Review (2023 Update)
The user friendly Viking Sapphire 875 sewing machine requires no lubrication whatsoever, just routine cleaning after each use. We were impressed with the large LCD screen and easy stitch selection process. In our opinion, this is an ideal machine for the home sewer who is ready to expand their repertoire to include 175 utility and decorative stitches, including decorative tapering, five alphanumeric fonts and seven one step buttonholes.
Husqvarna Viking Designer Ruby Review (2023 Update)
If you are looking for a sewing and embroidery machine that can produce the quality and detail of a top of the line machine without spending a small fortune, this machine may be the one for you. The Husqvarna/Viking Designer Ruby comes with nearly 1000 stitch options and two USB ports, bringing the convenience of 21st century sewing technology to your sewing room without breaking the bank.
Husqvarna Viking Huskylock S25 Review (2023 Update)
Seldom do I get a chance to actually see and operate a fully computerized serger. The Husqvarna/Viking Huskylock s25 has lots of plusses. However, it has some very significant minuses as well.
Husqvarna Viking Platinum 730 Review (2023 Update)
If you have never worked on a computerized sewing machine before and can get your hands on this one, you are in luck. The Husqvarna/Viking Platinum has been on the market for quite some time, in my opinion it is one of the very best when it comes to learning the basics of working on a computerized sewing machine. It is not overly complicated nor is it so simple that once you learn it, you will be bored. It has a total of 42 utility and decorative stitch options, including two one step buttonholes. You might want to upgrade to a machine that offers more in the coming years, but you will no doubt be very happy with this one for a long, long time.
Husqvarna Viking H Class 100Q Review (2023 Update)
The people at Husqvarna/Viking had the novice home sewer in mind with the H Class 100Q sewing machine. It is by far one of the easiest to operate sewing machines on the market today. The limited number of stitch options make it very easy to teach children who are easily distracted by lots of pretty decorative stitches.
Husqvarna Viking Tribute 140C Review (2023 Update)
It’s a good thing this particular machine was available for a limited time only. It was offered for sale in 2012 as a tribute to the 140th anniversary of the Husqvarna/Viking sewing machine. While it has some interesting and even desirable features, this machine does not have some of the features you expect on a computerized sewing machine – like a start/stop button, speed control and worst of all… it has disappointing stitch quality. You won’t be able to find a brand new one at an authorized Husqvarna/Viking dealer, but you might come across a used one. If you do, keep looking. I don’t believe anyone would be satisfied with the Tribute for long.
Husqvarna/Viking Eden Rose 250C Limited Edition Review (2023 Update)
If you are in the market for a good computerized sewing machine for clothing construction, you owe it to yourself to take a look at this one. It may not have as many stitch options or all the bells and whistles that you can find on some other computerized machines, but who needs features that they never use? This particular model is available for only a limited period of time, though, so if you are inclined to check it out, make sure you visit your local Husqvarna/Viking dealer soon and ask for a demonstration.
Husqvarna/Viking Designer Topaz 20 Review (2023 Update)
The Husqvarna/Viking Topaz 20 was replaced by the new Topaz 25, but don’t let that stop you from taking a look at this one. It is still a very good choice if you are in the market for a sewing and embroidery machine. It doesn’t offer as many stitch options as the Topaz 25, but there are other features here that you will not find on the newer model… like end to end mirror imaging or the 15 memory capacity, as opposed to only 12 on the new Topaz 25.
Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond Deluxe Review (2023 Update)
This top of the line sewing, quilting and embroidery machine has all the features any home sewer could ever ask for. During our review of the Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond deLuxe, the bobbin thread ran low. It was indeed a pleasure to discover that the built in bobbin sensor and automatic re-start functions worked exactly as the manufacturer claimed they would.
Husqvarna/Viking Designer Epic Review (2023 Update)
The Husqvarna/Viking Designer Epic is definitely a combination sewing, quilting and embroidery machine for the 21st Century. It has on board tutorials and helpers that not only give the user visual images but talks you through each step as well. It has a large LCD touch screen that functions more like a tablet than any other sewing machine on the market today; and one of the brightest on board LED lighting systems I have seen. This is definitely a sewing machine designed with the tech savvy home sewer in mind. I cannot help but wonder, however, if someone who is uncomfortable with modern technology would be happy working on this machine.
Husqvarna/Viking Designer Topaz 25 Review (2023 Update)
The Husqvasrna/Viking Topaz 20 has been replaced by the Designer Topaz 25. It has all the great features and specifications that made the Topaz 20 so popular with home sewers and brings a new level of technology. This computerized sewing and embroidery machine is solid, quiet and has no vibration. It’s so quiet, in fact, that I don’t think anyone would have a problem carrying on a telephone conversation without the other party even knowing you were sewing.
Husqvarna/Viking Designer Ruby Royale Review (2023 Update)
With more than 1000 stitches to choose from, there is no reason why anyone wouldn’t be able to find the perfect stitch for any task they may want to perform on the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Ruby Royale. This sewing and embroidery machine has an extremely large workspace… almost ten inches from the needle to the column. That, coupled with the fact that you can sew with the embroidery unit attached means you have more than enough space to work on those very large sewing and embroidery projects.
Husqvarna/Viking Designer Topaz 50 Review – 2024 Update!
When I reviewed the Husqvarna/Viking Topaz 50, I immediately fell in love with the feel of working on this computerized sewing and embroidery machine. The only flaw I found is that the default length and width settings need to be adjusted in order to achieve professional quality when using certain decorative stitch options.
Comparing The Husqvarna/Viking Sapphire 960Q and 930 (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: This Husqvarna Sapphire 960Q and 930 comparison was originally written in 2013, and has been revised and updated in 2023. We have added alternatives such as…
Husqvarna/Viking Designer Diamond Royale Review (2023 Update)
This top of the line sewing and embroidery machine from Husqvarna/Viking is loaded with so many features that I wonder if anyone will ever be able to use take advantage of them all. With more than 1,000 utility, decorative, quilting, embroidery and monogram stitch options, the Designer Diamond Royale has two USB ports, an oversized embroidery arm that doubles as a worktable and much, much more.
If you are an advanced sewist, have a look at our best sewing machines, best sewing books and best sewing magazines posts and if you are looking to get a mechanical, heavy duty, quilting or industrial sewing machine, have a look at some of our great articles. If you are a beginner sewist, review our best sewing books for beginners, best sewing machines for beginners and best sewing machines under $200 to get started.
For brand related articles, check Best Bernette | Best Bernina | Best Brother | Best Husqvarna Viking | Best Janome | Best Juki | Best Singer |
For best accessories, check Best Chairs | Best tables | Best tracing paper | Best machine oils | Best scissors and shears | Best presser feet | Best needles | Best sewing kits |
Happy Stitching.
I have a Husqvarna Viking sapphire 850. I’ve had it about 15 years. I didn’t see this machine listed on your website.
I use this machine extensively for piecing quilts. It has had maintenance few months ago.
When I go over a fold, the stitch length becomes tiny and the machine does not sew straight. Should I use the walking foot for piecing? What stitch length?
Also, the bobbin stitch is uneven at times.
Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you.
Linda Muller.