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Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond Deluxe Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: This Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond Deluxe Review was originally written in 2012, and has been revised and updated in 2023. We have added alternatives such as Janome Memory Craft 500E, Brother Inno-vis NQ1700E, and Bernina 540.
It isn’t often that anyone gets a chance to watch a machine embroidery enthusiast put her a brand new embroidery machine through its paces just for the fun of it. That’s exactly what happened when a friend showed off the Viking Diamond deLuxe.
Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond Deluxe Overview
The Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond deLuxe is a high-end sewing and embroidery machine that offers a range of advanced features for the serious sewer and embroiderer. It features a large, color touchscreen display that allows for easy navigation and customization of embroidery designs, and a built-in camera that allows users to preview and position designs before stitching. The machine also has an impressive 1,200 built-in embroidery designs, as well as the ability to import additional designs via USB or embroidery card. Other features include automatic thread tension, a programmable jump stitch cutting function, and a wide range of stitching options, including decorative stitches, quilting stitches, and more. Additionally, the Designer Diamond deLuxe features a large embroidery area and a precision laser guide for accurate stitching. Overall, this machine is an excellent choice for those who demand advanced features and top-of-the-line performance from their sewing and embroidery machines.
The first thing this reviewer observed on the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Diamond deLuxe was the large embroidery extension table.
No doubt, this is a machine that is capable of producing large embroidery and quilting projects at home with ease.
The only machines I have observed with larger work spaces have been industrial embroidery machines and full size quilting frames.
The next thing that stands out is the very large color LCD screen. Obviously, this is going to be a great demonstration.
Janet set about explaining the differences between the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Diamond deLuxe and earlier Husqvarna/Viking Diamond models, the differences between the hoops, and the additional features and accessories available on the Designer Diamond deLuxe.
In addition to these very noticeable things, I was also impressed by the overall design of the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Diamond deLuxe.
The aesthetics of the scroll accent on the lower right o the machine was just one design touch that makes this machine very eye appealing.
Add to that the function buttons, the clear bobbin cover and threading guides, and you are at once anxious to see what this machine can actually do.
What are some alternatives for the Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond Deluxe?
We have reviewed several embroidery machines similar to the Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond Deluxe, and here are some alternatives that we also recommend.
The Janome Memory Craft 500E empowers designers to express their unique style through personalized, embellished, and monogrammed creations. Its intuitive features, including a full-color touchscreen and on-screen editing functions, offer unparalleled convenience. With a maximum embroidery size of 7.9" x 11" and 160 built-in designs, this machine caters to intricate projects. The automatic thread cutter, advanced needle threader, and USB import capability enhance efficiency. Navigating through its advanced features is seamless, thanks to the vivid and user-friendly LCD color touchscreen, making the MC500E a versatile and inspiring tool for creative endeavors.
- Empowers designers with personalized, embellished, and monogrammed creations
- Full-color touchscreen and on-screen editing functions for unparalleled convenience.
- Maximum size of 7.9" x 11" accommodates intricate projects
- Some users, especially beginners, might find the advanced features a bit overwhelming
This model by brother is a feature packed commercial device that gives you access to over 5000 optional design options from iBroidery.con besides the ones available onboard. It also has inbuilt memory to store your patterns and designs. 2 LED lights have been built-in for visual convenience alongside advanced needle threading mechanism and automatic thread tension to ensure adequate precision. The majority of features on thai model si automatic and set up to the user’s convenience. The quality of delivery is excellent and snooth and the device works incredibly fast saving you a considerable amount of time. A large work area is provided to accommodate larger sewing and embroidery projects. The working area is also well illuminated with LED lights.
The Bernina B540 Sewing Machine is ideal for you if you want a superb, high-quality sewing machine that can change your creations into whatever you need them to be and if you want to include embroidery in the mix.
With the embroidery module, the Bernina B540 sewing machine can be turned into an embroidery machine. This lets you make embroidery quickly and perfectly. The spacious embroidery space allows you to work comfortably on any embroidery job.
You can stitch graphics and writing in embroidery mode that range in size from 1 inch to 5 to 6 inches (depending on hoop size). The sewing machine's embroidery and alphabet stitches can only be as wide as its maximum width. You must use embroidery mode to create lettering that is larger than 5.5 mm or 9 mm.
The Bernina B540 has a BERNINA hook that produces stitches at a maximum pace of 1000 stitches per minute that are accurate, consistent, and quick. The sewing area is well-lit thanks to the installation of 12 LEDs.
There are a total of 1048 stitches, including 14 buttonholes, 44 quilting stitches, 31 cross-stitch threads, 300 ornamental stitches, 5 alphabets, and 30 utility stitches.
You have complete control over stitch width (up to 9 mm), stitch length (up to 6 mm), and needle location (up to 11 mm) with the Bernina B540. You'll like how easy it is to use a machine that remembers the details of each stitch and keeps the quality even when you make your own stitches.
What are the features on Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond Deluxe?
The many features available on the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Diamond deLuxe stand out from many other machines in this category:
- Over 1100 utility, decorative, embroidery and quilt stitch options.
- 6 sewing alphanumeric fonts
- 380 embroidery designs
- 4 embroidery alphanumeric fonts in three different size
- Exclusive Sensor System™ – makes automatic adjustments when sewing varying fabric thicknesses
- Sensor Foot Lift – automatically adjusts presser foot pressure and position
- Four positions: down, pivot, up, extra lift.
- Automatically adjusts feed dog position for maximum space to slide thick fabrics and quilts under the foot easily.
- Sensor Foot Pivot – When the machine stops in the needle down position, the presser foot senses thickness of the fabric.
- Automatic float position for instant pivoting, easy appliqué and quilting.
- Sensor Foot Pressure – Continuously senses the fabric thickness and automatically adjusts the presser foot pressure.
- EXCLUSIVE SEWING ADVISOR® – on board tutorial helps the user set the best stitch, stitch width, stitch length, thread; portioning/tension and presser foot pressure; displays the stitch on the LCD screen with the recommended presser foot, needle size and type
- EXCLUSIVE HUSQVARNA VIKING® EMBROIDERY ADVISOR™ – helps users select embroidery design, needle, stabilizer, top and bobbin thread; tips for embroidering with specialty fabrics and threads.
- ADJUSTABLE E LIGHT™ SYSTEM – allows users to set the on board machine lighting to suit the sewing environment and fabric color
- Smart Save – enables users to save embroidery designs with personalized adjustments; remembers where sewing stopped in case of power failure or if the embroidery project is interrupted.
Working on the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Diamond deLuxe
Having a sewing machine sales professional as knowledgeable as Janet demonstrate this machine was a genuine treat. She really knows this machine inside and out.
The demonstration started with a tour of all the key features of the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Diamond deLuxe, especially the many functions of the touch screen.
The easy to follow threading and bobbin winding guides are most helpful. Watching Janet deftly go through this process was a treat; however, the guides were so clearly detailed, almost anyone could have accomplished these initial tasks.
Next I went through several embroidery designs in an attempt to determine which one to choose. Eventually, I settled on a four color purple flower.
Setting up the Diamond deLuxe to give us our flower was so simple I could have easily gone through the process without any tutoring or guidance whatsoever.
All that was necessary was to follow the instructions that were displayed on the touch screen.
Before starting, I decided to make our flower shades of pink rather than light and dark purple, as indicated in the on board graphic.
Janet threaded the machine with the first color, snapped the embroidery hoop into place and hit the start button. The machine quite literally sews all by itself.
It wasn’t necessary for Janet to touch anything until it stopped for a change of thread color. In fact, she stepped away to answer a telephone call and the machine simply continued to do its job as instructed.
I noticed the distinct sound of the speed changing as the design was being sewn, and specifically asked about the maximum speed capabilities of the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Diamond deLuxe.
I learned that it has a slide speed control and can sew up to 1,000 stitches per minute… another great asset for a machine that has so many great options.
Janet should have been required to touch the Designer Diamond deLuxe to change the top thread colors; but the bobbin thread was low when I started and the machine stopped half way through the second color.
This was a great opportunity for us to test the Smart Save feature. True to its word, the Designer Diamond deLuxe started exactly where it stopped when the new bobbin was in place.
Even with the bobbin delay and the machine stopping for thread color changes, I had a perfectly sewn iris in less than 10 minutes.
Which fabrics work on the Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond Deluxe?
| Fabrics that work | Fabrics that don’t work |
|---|---|
| Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester Knits(Medium to heavyweight only) Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers | Leather/suede Fur Reptile skin Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber Upholstery |
What are the accessories that come with the Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond Deluxe?
The extensive list of standard accessories that come with the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Diamond deLuxe includes:
- 12 Snap-on Presser Feet
- Utility
- Decorative stitch Buttonhole
- Blind hem
- Zipper
- Non stick Glide
- Edging Foot
- Piecing
- Embroidery/Darning
- Side motion
- Sensor
- Sensor one-step buttonhole
- 3 embroidery hoops
- DESIGNER™ Royal Hoop 14 ¼” x 8″
- DESIGNER™ Crown Hoop 10 ¼” x 8″
- DESIGNER™ Splendid Square Hoop 4 ¾” x 4 ¾”
- 5D™ Organizer software
- 5D™ Quickfont software
- Embroidery Unit bag
- 1 Gb USB embroidery stick
- Stylus
- Lint brush
- Screwdriver
- Seam ripper
- Extra bobbins
- Extra needles
- Spool pin
- Spool caps (2 – 1 large/1small)
How to maintain the Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond Deluxe?
| Maintenance activities | After each use | Monthly | Once each year | As needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean race hook and feed dogs | Yes | No | No | No |
| Wipe head with soft dry cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Wipe head with soft damp cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Lubricate | No | No | No | No |
| Service by sewing machine repair professional | No | No | Yes | No |
Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond Deluxe Summary
To conclude my review, for the home sewer who likes to embellish their work with embroidered accents, the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Diamond Deluxe is certainly one of the machines that deserves a close look.
The extended sewing area, extra long free arm, and oversized color touch screen combine to make this one of the most user-friendly home sewing embroidery and quilting machines available today.
The $9,999 manufacturer’s suggested retail price is a bit high, but the Designer Diamond deLuxe is certainly not nearly as costly as other machines in its class.
The great news is, this machine has comparable features and benefits without the hefty price tag.
I do not recommend the Husqvaqrna/Viking Designer Diamond deLuxe for use by children or by students who have not already mastered the basics of clothing construction and sewing machine operation.
However, if your sewing skills anywhere between the intermediate to advanced levels and you have decided that an embroidery and quilting machine is in the future of your sewing room, this machine just might be the answer for you.
Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond Deluxe Review
Summary
The Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond Deluxe is a sewing and embroidery machine that was released in 2019. It has a 5″ color LCD touch screen, 1,400 built-in stitches, 100 embroidery designs, and a large embroidery field of 7″ x 12″. It also has an automatic needle threader, quick-set, top-loading bobbin, and a variety of other features that make it a versatile machine.
The Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond Deluxe is a good sewing and embroidery machine for both beginners and experienced sewers. It is easy to use and has a variety of features that make it a versatile machine.
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Happy Stitching.
Great article and it answered my questions. Thank you!
Looking to purchase this machine. Thank You.
Horrible machine!!!! mine needed the motor replaces 12 days after use-look into Janome
have you purchased the machine? I am thinking of purchasing a use Diamond would you suggest for me to do that/
MY DDD (purchased in Oct 2012) has been experiencing firmware errors repeatedly since late 2016. While embroidering the machine would suddenly stop and the following error would show ” unexpected firmware error. Please restart the machine”. I took it in to have it checked when it first happened but it has gotten worse over time. My tech was told to reinstall the latest update to fix the problem, but it didn’t fix it. It is now at my tech’s store again and she has been trying to fix the problem. So far, no luck. I have had HusqvarnaViking machines (for sewing and embroidery since the mid 1990s) but would hesitate to buy another considering what I paid for the DDD and the continued problems! Evidently my DDD is unique as nobody else has experienced this problem nor have other techs even heard of the problem. Plus the company doesn’t even know what the firmware error indicates or what it is related to!
My tech’s support is great but VSM/SVP (whatever they call themselves now) is sadly lacking in machine support. At least my tech has loaned me an embroidery machine till mine is hopefully repaired!
Can you create your own designs with this machine?
I have for sale a Viking Designer Diamond Deluxe embroidery machine with everything that comes with it and much more.
You mention “ Janet set about explaining the differences between the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Diamond deLuxe and earlier Husqvarna/Viking Diamond models….” Would love to know what those differences are?
I have a designer diamond deluxe and I must state that the user’s manual is not great! It will tell you to set the stitch around design in the hoop but does not show where the icon is. This manual is not user friendly. You spend all this money and when you go to the store where it was purchased they tell you to take lessons which will cost you more money. For what the machine costs it should give better user instructions.
Having problems locating the baste in the hoop icon. Can you tell me where it is located?
Could you give a lesson on the DESIGNER DIAMOND. I realize it is an older model, but I am an older model (82) years old and I need a refresher course. My dealer is quite a drive for me. I love quilting and embroidering. I don’t make clothing anymore, but I do a lot of mending for my family.
Machine calls for 200 x 200 hoop, there are no hoops listed on the Husqvarna website. My question is when 200 x200 hoop is called for and I do have one, nor cannot see where to find one, what do I do???? Dealer unable to supply or order hoop. What is going on????
can this machine be programmed to cut jump stitches
I ment, in my previous email, that I also have a designer diamond in addition to my designer diamond deluxe. My question in previous questionnaire were about vedios on instructions for Designer Deluxe.
I would also like to know how to do that.
I would still like a vedio on using the different feet and computer stick and software.
I have the Diamond and looking to sell it. Any ideas on what price should be. Hardly used immaculate and serviced.
Do you have a designer diamond deluxe embroidery sewing machine for sale? I possibly would be interested in purchasing one. I had a ruby royal embroidery machine that I loved and i traded it in for a new designer epic embroidery sewing machine which was a huge mistake. Text 724 388 0189
How much you asking for it?
Yes I have a husqvarna Viking designer diamond deluxe only used 3 to 4 times looking to sell it has the usb up grade foot pedal works great I seen your message on the chat comment page and was wondering if u may still be interested in purchasing one I do not know much about asking price it was passed down to me and would like to know how much I shouldvvask for it plz contact me back if u receive this if at all possible my cell # is 8635088823 Thank you
I have a DDD Husqvarna and I’m selling it ,it’s been sitting for like 3 years. Message me if interested Phoenix,arizona Frank 6025868268