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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 Janome Memory Craft Horizon 8200 QCP, Brother CS7000X, and Brother SE1900.
Husqvarna/Viking Sapphire 960Q and 930 Overview
The Husqvarna Viking Sapphire 960Q is a high-quality sewing machine designed for advanced and creative sewing projects. Offering a range of features and functions, it's suitable for both experienced sewers and those looking to expand their skills. The machine is equipped with a variety of built-in stitches, including decorative stitches, utility stitches, and alphanumeric characters for monogramming. The Interactive Color Touch Screen allows for easy stitch selection and customization.
The Sapphire 960Q also features an Exclusive Sensor System that senses the fabric thickness and adjusts the presser foot pressure accordingly, ensuring even and consistent stitching on a variety of fabrics. The sewing machine offers a generous sewing space, making it suitable for quilting and larger projects. It includes a wide extension table to provide ample workspace.
Other features of the Sapphire 960Q include automatic thread tension, a built-in needle threader, an automatic thread cutter, and the ability to customize stitch settings to match your preferences. The machine also has a memory function for saving stitch combinations and settings.
The Husqvarna/Viking Sapphire 960Q and the Husqvarna/Viking Sapphire 930 are probably my two favorite Vikings. The 960Q is great for sewing and quilting.
It has everything a home sewer who loves machine quilting will need, and the MSRP is more reachable than many in its class.
The Husqvarna Viking Sapphire 930 is a feature-rich sewing machine that offers versatility and precision for a wide range of sewing projects. With a variety of built-in stitches, an intuitive LCD screen for easy stitch selection, and the Exclusive Sensor System for automatic presser foot pressure adjustment, it ensures consistent and professional results. This machine also boasts convenient features like an automatic needle threader and thread cutter, as well as a spacious sewing area suitable for quilting and larger projects. The Husqvarna Viking Sapphire 930 empowers sewers to create with confidence, making it a reliable choice for both everyday sewing and more intricate endeavors.
The Sapphire 930 is a basic computerized sewing machine that is possibly one of the best choices for the home sewer who is adept at basic sewing machine operation and ready to step up to a computerized machine.
The stitch quality on both the 960Q and the 930 is excellent – possibly the best I’ve seen on practically any computerized sewing machine to date. The two machines have lots of features in common.
The Husqvarna/Viking Sapphire 960Q, however, comes with many more stitch options, features, and accessories. You can download a chart comparing the features at Sapphire 930 Comparison.
The features available on both machines are:
- Exclusive sensor system
- Sewing advisor
- 29 needle positions
- Perfect balance buttonholes
- Adjustable stitch length and width
- Pictogram
- Tapering
- Mirror side to side/edge to edge
- Twin needle and stitch width safety
- Instant and permanent reverse
- Stitches shown in real size on screen
- Stitch re-start
- 3 LED lights
- Built in needle threader
- Bobbin winds from needle
- 3 on board thread cutters
- 12 languages
The features that are found on both the 960Q and the 930 but are not identical are:
| Features | 960Q | 930 |
|---|---|---|
| Display type | Full color interactive touchscreen | Graphic display on a monochromatic screen |
| Stitch selection | touch screen | hard key |
| Total stitches | 777 stitches | 574 stitches |
| Decorative and utility stitches | 321 | 215 |
| Buttonholes | 9 | 7 |
| Programmable stitch fonts | 5 | 4 |
| My stitch menu | 24/up to 2300 stitches total | 24/up to 2300 stitches total |
| Snap on presser feet | 12 | 9 |
| Side motion sewing | Available | Not available |
| Straight stitch place with sensor technology | Available | Not available |
| Straight stitch place with sensor technology | Available | Not available |
What are some alternatives for Husqvarna/Viking 960Q and 930?
The Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8200 has all the functions and extras you could possibly need for quilting. The enormous 11" to the right of your needle is included on the Janome Memory Craft 8200. You will be able to quilt a large quilt easily in this area. There is a knee lift included with the Janome Memory Craft 8200 QCP. Your presser foot will simply rise up with a quick push to the right with your knee! You may easily make the last tweaks to your project while utilizing it with the needle down option!
The Horizon Memory Craft 8200QCP's typical free motion quilting settings are perfect for free motion quilters! You also receive a convertible free motion quilting foot with a closed toe, open toe, and clear view foot in addition to a darning foot that can be used for free motion quilting. It only takes a quick flick of a button on the machine's side to lower your feed dogs.
Introducing the sleek and powerful Brother CS7000X Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine in a dazzling shade of white! Crafted with a sturdy metal frame, this 14-pound powerhouse is designed to effortlessly handle any project you throw at it.
Imagine a world of endless possibilities with 70 built-in stitches that cover everything from utility to decorative, heirloom to quilting, and seven one-step auto-size buttonholes for flawless closures every single time. Tired of fumbling with threads? Say hello to the hassle-free automatic needle threader and top bobbins that never jam!
But wait, there's more! The CS7000X offers an expansive needle-to-arm workspace, making those grand quilting dreams a reality. And don't forget the bonus goodies—a wide table, 10 sewing feet, and a quilt guide—all in the box, ready to fuel your creative fire.
Heading to a sewing class or on a crafting adventure? No problem! This beauty comes with a protective hard case, ensuring your machine stays as pristine as your stitches.
With its fixed needle bar for pinpoint accuracy and a modern design that screams "creativity at its best," the Brother CS7000X is more than a sewing machine; it's your sewing soulmate. Order now and redefine your craft!
- Fantastic for novices
- Simple to use
- Light-weight and transportable
- Includes a wide table
- Unsuitable for heavy materials or free-motion quilting
- Problems with needle placement can occur
- Restricted functionality for knowledgeable users
The Brother Embroidery Machine, SE1900 is a computerized embroidery machine that is perfect for beginners and hobbyists. It has 138 built-in embroidery designs, including a variety of designs for monogramming, home décor, and clothing. It also has 11 built-in fonts and a 5" x 7" embroidery field.
The SE1900 also has a number of features that make it easy to use, such as the touch-screen display and the automatic needle threader. It also has a number of advanced features, such as the My Custom Stitch™ feature, which allows you to create your own custom stitches.
The SE1900 is a great choice for beginners and hobbyists who are looking for an embroidery machine with a variety of features and a great stitch quality. It is not the most affordable machine on the market, but it is a good value for the price.
Which one should you buy?
The Husqvarna/Viking Sapphire 960Q and 930 are both great sewing machines, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. The 960Q is the more advanced machine, with more features and stitches. It also has a larger sewing area and a built-in color touchscreen display. The 930 is a more basic machine, but it is still a great option for sewers who are looking for a reliable and easy-to-use machine.
Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing between the two machines:
- Your budget: The Husqvarna/Viking Sapphire 960Q is more expensive than the 930.
- Your sewing experience: The 960Q has more features and stitches, so it is a better choice for sewers who are more experienced.
- The type of sewing you will be doing: If you plan on doing a lot of quilting or other projects that require a large sewing area, the 960Q is the better choice.
Overall, the Husqvarna/Viking Sapphire 960Q is the better sewing machine if you are looking for a machine with more features and stitches. It is also a good choice if you are planning on doing a lot of quilting or other projects that require a large sewing area. However, the Husqvarna/Viking Sapphire 930 is still a great option if you are looking for a reliable and easy-to-use machine.
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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 |
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Happy Stitching.
