Partner disclosure: SewingInsight.com is a participant in the Ebay Partner Network and Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We earn a small advertising fees by linking to products on Ebay and Amazon. This does not increase the price for you as a reader but you will support our small business.
Husqvarna Viking Huskylock 936 Review (2023 update)
Editor’s note: This review of the Husqvarna Viking Huskylock 936 was written in 2012 and updated in 2023. We’ve added more Husqvarna products and alternatives, such as Janome CoverPro 1000CPX, Singer S0230 and the Brother 2340 CV, that you might be interested in as well.
The owner of one of our favorite sewing machine repair and sales shops invited us review the Husqvarna Viking Huskylock 936 because it was traded in while still brand spanking new. The woman who originally purchased this machine said she bought it because of all of the features. In a way, those same features prompted her to trade it for a serger that is simpler to operate.
Huskylock 936- Overview
The Husqvarna Viking Huskylock 936 is an impressive looking but complicated machine. Considering it is no longer produced by Viking, we recommend you look at newer better alternatives from other brands.
But if you get a great deal in the pre-owned market you can enjoy the 16 pre-programmed stitches and functional LCD screen in this classic serger.
At A Glance
When you first look at this serger, you are impressed by the great look. However, the great look, 16 pre-programmed stitches and functional LCD screen are just about the only likable things about this complicated machine.
Features
The Viking Huskylock 936 has tons of great features that any home sewer would love to have. They include an instructional video – which as it turned out is possibly the most valuable feature of all. Other, more traditional sewing/serger features include:
- Electronic speed control
- A free arm, which is a bit uncommon on sergers
- 16 pre-programmed stitches
- Automatic differential feed
- An LCD display that is programmed to operate in 14 different languages
With those features alone, few people who really enjoy sewing would be able to resist the temptation to purchase this serger. Then when you consider that the Huskylock 936 also offers two on-board lights; automatic stitch length and with adjustment and a built in thread cutter, there is little wonder that the original owner purchased this machine.
Working on the Husqvarna Viking Huskylock 936
Threading the Huskylock 936 is more challenging than any other sewing machine or serger this reviewer has ever encountered. Even the owner of the sewing machine repair/sales shop was challenged by the threading process for this machine. The color coded threading guide on the looper door is completely useless.
We watched the instructional video and read the threading guide which proved to be far more helpful. It soon became abundantly clear that if one were successful in understanding and mastering the threading process, they would be probably be comfortable with sewing on this machine. There are six completely different threading processes for the Husqvarna Viking Huskylock 936: chainstitch; 5 thread safety stitch; 4 thread overlock; wide 3 thread overlock; triple coverstitch; and 2 thread narrow edge. The threading process is so complicated the manufacturer even has video demonstrations of each threading process on its website. The day we decided to look no line for the animated video on line, however, we had extreme difficulty finding it through the search link on the Husqvarna Viking website. We did, finally get to the instructions link by Googling the machine by manufacturer and model number. We decided to use three and four different thread options for this review. We chose to use different colors of thread on each spindle to make the complicated process of threading as easy as possible. After overcoming the threading challenge, the next hurdle was setting the tension. As we changed stitch options and re-threaded the machine, we discovered that adjusting the tension was no day at the beach. It took more than a few attempts to find the right tension setting for some of the stitch options.
Once we got that under control, sewing on the Husqvarna Viking Huskylock 936 was about average. For all the work that it took to get to the point where we could actually sew, the stitch quality was somewhat disappointing. We tried the four thread overlock stitch primarily because it is the one of the main stitch selections used in many clothing manufacturing factories. The stitches were clean and well formed. However, when we attempted the 3 thread overlock stitch option, the stitches were uneven and loose… even after many attempts to adjust the tension. No doubt, the problem was with the tension adjustment, but after numerous attempts we finally gave up.
The most ironic part of the whole situation is the fact that we used the same tension settings with two other stitch options and it worked fine. There was no apparent reason why they would not work with the overlock stitch. The Husqvarna Viking Huskyock sews with remarkable speed – approximately 1,000 stitches per minute. The on-board lights make working with the most intricate projects easy to see and the free arm makes it easy to work with the smallest items, including cuffs and collars.
The thread cutters and waste basket are ideally situated, making finishing off seams clean and easy. The screwdrivers are essential, not only for removing and inserting needles, but also for changing needle plates and performing some of the routine maintenance tasks. However, for major servicing tasks, the manufacturer recommends that the Huskylock 936 be taken to an authorized repair professional. With all of the challenges we encountered in setting this machine up and using, we strongly recommend that owners of this machine take it to authorized service and repair professionals at least once a year whether they encounter problems or think it needs servicing or not.
Huskylock 936: Fabrics
| Fabrics that work | Fabrics that don’t work |
|---|---|
Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet Knits Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester Upholstery Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers Canvas/Twill |
Alternatives to the HuskyLock 936
The Janome CoverPro 1000CPX, Singer S0230 and the Brother 2340 CV are great alternatives to the Husqvarna Viking Huskylock 936. They are better priced, have fantastic features and come with ample support from their respective companies.
With Janome's Seam Tightening System (STS), which reduces the amount of slack in the looper thread for flat, tight, and long-lasting stitches, this coverstitch machine makes seams that are more secure. Additionally, this machine features a free-arm design, which makes it simpler to handle your clothing. Complete difficult-to-reach sections like waistbands, sleeves, and cuffs fast and effortlessly.
You can quickly and easily discover the stitch you want with the machine's front-mounted, easy-to-read stitch tag. A colorful reference chart on the sticker allows you to make adjustments for a tighter or softer stitch without having to consult the instruction book. Along with the different stitches, the tension settings for both tight and loose seams are shown. Additionally, the machine displays a color-coded threading chart, which makes threading simple.
You have the choice of working with one, two, or three needles while using the Pro CPX1000. A regular 6mm stitch width may be changed to a tiny 3mm thread width. Additionally, the stitch length may be changed from 1mm to 4mm. A tension release device is also included into the machine, and the differential feed ratio varies from 0.5 to 2.25.
- Large sewing space
- Plenty of options for stitches
- Quick sewing speed (1300SPM)
- Might skip stitches at times
Read the detailed review of the Janome Cover Pro 1000CPX here
The Singer S0230 HD Serger transforms sewing with its time-saving capabilities. Seam and seam finish are effortlessly combined and trimmed simultaneously, streamlining your projects. With the flexibility of using 2, 3, or 4 threads and a Color-Coded Threading System, this serger caters to various stitch combinations. The Differential Feed ensures smooth sewing on stretchy fabrics without distortion, while the Built-in Free Arm facilitates precise work on small sleeves and cuffs. Operating at 1,300 stitches per minute, this serger ensures professional results, making it an ideal choice for garments, children's clothing, and more.
- 2, 3, or 4 threading capability
- Simple to use
- Reasonably priced
- Very high sewing speed
- Highly durable
- Changing needles is challenging
- Some users face problems while hemming
- Problematic blade
The Brother 2340CV Cover Stitch makes it simple to sew knit clothing at home with a high-quality, professional finish. It's an outstanding machine for the money. With high-quality parts, even a beginner user can make flexible clothing like swimwear, sportswear, and clothing for dancing. The device is simple to operate and intuitive. It has lay-in threading, a quicker threading looper mechanism, and an intuitive threading color-coded guide to make the threading operation simple to follow. Thanks to the adjustable differential feed, you can sew a wide range of materials, such as thick laces and heavy denim. Puckers and ripples are minimised by adjusting the front and rear feed dogs' motion with a sliding lever
- Value for money
- Easy threading system
- Adjustable pressure on presser foot
- Trouble with thread tension
- Choppy stitching speed at times
Accessories
The Husqvarna Viking Huskylock 936 comes with the following standard accessories:
- Cloth dust cover
- Five spindle caps
- Owner’s manual
- Instructional video tape
- A separate book detailing all of he different threading options
- Five mesh thread nets
- Three snap-on presser feet
- Additional needle plate
- Screwdrivers, oil dispenser
- Lint brush
- Extra needles
- Tweezers
The machine is made with only four thread spindles, but the accessories include an adaptor to accommodate the fifth thread. It also includes add-ons to convert the free arm into a work table.
Maintenance
| 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 |
Tying Off The Loose Ends
The Husqvarna Viking Huskylock 936 is not only difficult to use, threading this machine is so challenging that most people will give up on even trying to use it. The fact that the woman who traded it in didn’t even open the sealed plastic pouch where the dust cover was kept shows that this is true.
Several other components were still in sealed pouches as well, and the machine and all of its accessories were still in the original box and in pristine condition. The Husqvarna Viking Huskylock 936 may be the hardest machine we’ve ever seen to thread because it has six different sets of instructions to learn and remember.
Little wonder that when one goes to the manufacturer’s website, it is not even listed as an available model. The search link on the webpage was not operating properly on the day we visited the site and tried to find information on the 936. However, when we did a Google search, we landed on a Husqvarna Viking page detailing all the features and benefits of the 936.
From there, we were able to find a link to a set of animated instructions for threading all six options.
Obviously, the manufacturer knew that threading would be a major drawback. Why else would they give so much space on their website to threading when each Husqvarna Viking Husylock 936 comes with a video tape with instructions and a separate book with a full threading guide?
The Husqvarna Viking Huskylock 936 is definitely one of those machines that you either love or hate. No doubt, there are people out there who are not challenged by the intricate threading process and are very happy with this machine.
After all, there are plenty 936’s still in use out there. We do not, however, recommend that people with challenges like arthritis or low vision attempt to use this serger. Nor do we recommend a machine this intricate for people who do not have a lot of experience working on sergers. Even some home sewers with decades of sewing and serging experience might need a good deal of hands on coaching before mastering this one. If you have many years of sewing and serging experience, are nimble fingered and are not easily intimidated by things like complicated, intricate threading maneuvers that must be changed every time you decide to use a different stitch option, the Huskylock 936 might be an ideal addition to your sewing room.
If, on the other hand, you are in the market for a serger that is simple to operate and does not require a lot of work before you get down to actual sewing, then we recommend that you continue shopping around. It goes without saying that people who are new to sewing and serging should not attempt to use this machine.
There is a strong likelihood that if the first serger they work on is the Husqvarna Viking Huskylock 936, they might decide that working on a serger is entirely too complicated and never attempt to use a serger again – even shy away from ever trying to sew on the simplest, easiest to use models. That would indeed be a huge tragedy because they would miss out on the pleasures that come with working on a serger.
We also don’t think that intermediate sewers should use the Husqvarna Viking Huskylock 936. It’s easy to see how this serger could make beginners and intermediate sewers not want to use it.
But the company makes other sergers that might be better for their skill level and sewing and serging needs.
That’s the beauty of the whole thing. Regardless of skill level, personal preference or budget, there is a large variety of sewing machines and sergers on the market. Finding the right machines to not only fit in your sewing room or suit your own personal needs and tastes is never a major challenge.
Other Viking Machines
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 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.
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.
Husqvarna Viking Huskylock 936 Review
Summary
The Husqvarna Viking Huskylock 936 is a feature rich serger but very complicated machine. Threading this machine is so challenging that most people will give up on even trying to use it. We recommend you choose other alternatives such as Janome CoverPro 1000CPX, Singer S0230 and the Brother 2340 CV for your serging needs.
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.
Who ever said threading a serger was easy! Learn to tie off!!!!! Love my 936
I might be able to thread the 936 if I could find a diagram large enough to read it. I didn’t get a video with it.
There’s a users guide on YouTube
I posted the video on YouTube. Just search for huskylock 936.
I love the 936 so much I have TWO of them!! In my opinion it was obvious to me that the dealer that sold this woman never gave her lessons on it. Shame on them.
Also this reviewer was too negative.
I agree.
I wouldn’t say it was hard…time consuming yes. I do tie off. But sometimes the treads break. So, it’s best to know how to thread your machine.
I agree too. This is a great machine. I especially like the free arm something rarer than hen’s teeth when it comes to sergers. It has a nicer stitch than my TOL Babylocks that I have had. Except for Babylock sergers all threading of sergers are complicated.
Very negative review. Reviewer should have gone to another sewing machine dealer and worked with someone who knew the machine
Hi Ginger! I wonder do you read this and do I get you this way, but IF you read this, I really hope we could email little bit. I also have this machine, and I am confused about threading coverstitch in a one part.
I’d had experience with two sergers before I chose the 936. Even with all the varied threading combinations, it beats the time I wasted fiddling with each thread tension whenever I changed garment projects. I wouldn’t be without a serger with the auto tension adjustment of the 936. That was my #1 reason for buying it. When you work and only have limited time to work on sewing projects, this one option is a godsend.
I don’t care which serger you buy, you have to have perseverance when learning to thread your machine. These are not sewing machines and take a lot more grace and finesse to learn. The learning curve is much steeper for a serger and THAT is what new serger buyers need to realize.
Yahoo! has a 936 group. Join it if you need assistance with this machine.
I can not get the 936 to thread right for the 5 thread overlock help please.
I haven’t used the coverstitch(CS)on my 936 since March 2010 in a dealership serging class. I bought a stand-alone CS(Janome 1000CP)because I sew a lot of knit garments.
One of the things that is critical about threading the 936 for CS is the two tabs on the needle bar. Just above the A-B-E needle holders are left and right tabs. You have to be sure to place the left needle thread behind the left tab and the same for the right.
Check out the Yahoo users group for this machine, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Viking936users/. Fellow users belong to this group and can help to solve the problems we encounter when using this machine. There are links to threading charts that most say are very helpful. If you decide to join, give a detailed description of the problem you are having including the type of needles you are using, the type of fabric you are going to CS and any other pertinent information that would help everyone solve your threading issues.
Judy
Thanks so much Judy I just joined. I have not used my serger since I got it up until this past two weeks. It came free with my sewing machine several years ago and due to a family tragedy I never used either one up until now. I do alot of garment sewing and really want to figure out how to thread for 5 thread overlock. I can thread for most of the other stitches. Haven’t tried the rolled hem and a few others yet. Appreciate any help, tips, advice. Thanks again Amy
Actually, the tension can be easily adjusted by telling the computer the stitch and fabric you plan to use…it will then tell you the tension setting.
I have found that all sergers that do not have automatic threading to be challenging at first. But, I’ve always sat down with my machine and book and worked through the whole book page by page.
I am in not way at all afraid of my recent purchase, which should be here in four to five days. In fact, I’m ecstatic about it. I’m very glad to be setting aside my Janome 7034 D Magnolia aside as a back up machine.
It IS hard to set tensions on that machine and sometimes takes me hours to get a perfect stitch. Also, everyone should know that if you use a long threader, available at places like Hancocks, it dramatically speeds up the threading process.
Most all cover stitch machines require to be set up differently to use just two threads.
How do I find this group. I struggle a bit with my 936.
Thanks, Jean
I bought this huskylock 936 and I’ve had it several years with probably less than 10 hours of sewing. I have spent all day trying to do a wide cover stitch on a denim dress. I followed the directions and pictures to no avail. I think I finally have it by rethreading over and over. I wish I had never purchased this thing as it is more aggravating than it is worth the space it takes up. I would recommend that prospective buyers run don’t walk far away from this one. Never buy unless you live close to some help.
Carolyn,
I’m sorry you are struggling so much with the coverstitch. You need to give it some time so you can learn the tricky thread path for this function. You can’t just expect to jump into anything and get it right away. Sergers are nowhere near as easy to learn to use as sewing machines. Be patient and take the time necessary to get it right. Don’t reject a perfectly good serger just because you had trouble with it the first time you tried something new. My advice: Walk away from the serger for a day or two and come back to it when you’ve calmed down. It works for me all the time.
Did you have lessons from dealer when you bought it? It is a dream machine to use.
changing needles. The tiny set screw fell out, what do I do? Also, do I need the D needle always inserted?
I have a 936 in excellent condition says the repairman – mainly because it wasn’t used much. I was working and it sat unused because the looper would skip stitches after I had it serviced the first year. Recently had a qualified, certified repairman try to set the timing, which we thought was the problem, and he called to say the motherboard was bad causing the skipping. And Husquavarna doesn’t make the board anymore. So I either buy another one and use this practically new one for parts or take the motherboard out of another machine and put it in mine. But I feel that might be risky because the purchased machine may have a board ready to go out. Would very much appreciate your input. I bought a Janome Coverpro 2000 CPX coverstitch machine for my hemming and was going to use my Husquavarna for other serging, etc. Now I’m very frustrated and unhappy with the mfg for not supporting parts for the 936 . What would you do? Help!
I love my 936. I’ve had it for nearly 10 years and it does everything I ask of it. I’ve had other sergers in the past, and there is no contest, the 936 wins hands down. Threading may not be the easiest, but the convenience of not having to figure out your own thread tensions, and the ease of tweeking a stitch is worth taking an extra 60 seconds to thread this machine. Besides once you thread the loopers you only have to tie off the new threads to the old and pull them through.
I’m enjoying reading your reviews. Keep up the good work.
Just love my 936. Its the best of my three sergers. Also have a 905 and a Juki EA605,(it was the first serger you could buy for the home). Wishing we could still get clear feet for this machine. I’ve been told by a HusViking dealer that the 936 is better than the newer sergers. I believe her. Threading can be frustrating at times, but the result is beautiful. Remember to tie off!!
Once you get it you are done!
I am not experienced but my work on the 936 looks amazing.
Thank you for all then encouraging comments. My husband bought my 936 from a colleague, I have not had any formal training or classes and I am finding it a bit overwhelming to say the least. I signed up for a Craftsy beginning serger class, Amy demonstrated three different machines, none of them are at all like the 936; I have struggled with trying to follow along with the manual on my lap. I am grateful to hear that once I master the threading I will really like it, but the going is slow right now. I think I may have to bite the bullet (thread?!!) and pay for some 936 specific lessons, my time is limited, this indeed may be the most efficient way to go. Thank you all for your comments and encouragement!
Just wondering if you have mastered your 936 since posting your comment, and if so, what classes you used to do so. I enrolled in Amy’s class on Craftst as well, and while I love her, I agree with you that her machines don’t line up with the 936 in terms of function.
Mary Helen –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight. I have not revisited the Husqvarna/Viking 936 since writing this review.
I suggest you seek assistance from a Husqvarna/Viking dealer directly. Depending upon where you purchased your 936, you may be able to get the training you need free of charge. Another alternative is to take a class offered offered by your local Husqvarna/Viking dealer.
Happy stitching.
Hi Mary Helen,
I have not yet taken any private lessons. Darn work and Army commitments keep getting in my way. I was able to serge the edges of some fleece blankets for our church, not a difficult project, I used a simple four-thread stitch. I really want to learn to use my machine to the fullest. One comment I have seen repeatedly is that once the 936 is set in the cover stitch, buy a second machine for everything else. I have not attempted the cover stitch set up – I guess that has caused me a bit of trepitdation….
I am hoping this summer things will settle down a bit. We have a new grandbaby on the way so once I finish all the goodies I have planned for him, 936 lessons should follow soon.
~tam
Tamie –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight. You might want to contact your local Husqvarna/Viking dealer. There is a very good possibility that they offer classes. This might be your best source for learning to master the intricacies of threading your Huskylock 936.
Happy Stitching.
Thanks Vernelle good idea however the place I got it from no longer sells Vikings and the other two places that do teach classes on them are over an hour away. However I might have to do that anyway.
Amy, I’m in the process of creating a sewing blog called Sew Be It at wordpress, and I will be giving video demonstrations on how to use the 936 including threading and maintenance. I should have a video posted in no more than two weeks.
The viking Rep here in Las Vegas wants to keep my machine for 8 weeks just to change needles and maintenance I think that is ridiculous through Jo Anne’s. Do you know anyone else that cleans Viking machines in Las Vegas nv ?
I’m creating a sewing blog and will have video of threading the Husky 936. Look for Sew Be It and WordPress. Hopefully, I i will have it posted in a couple of weeks. The blog is very new and I don’t have hits yet, but my goal is to help people in every way I can. I already have lots of info to post to my blog as pages. Besides sewing clothing and quilting, I also teach classes for both. And, as an owner of over 20 sewing machines, including three sergers, one being industrial, I also completely understand maintenance on all machines and am well on my way to being fully educated in machine repair (minus sewing machine computer repair).
Vicky, I’m going to address threading and machine maintenance on my soon to be sewing blog called Sew Be It at wordpress. I never have to take any of my 20 plus machines in for repair.
This is a very inaccurate rating of the 936. I love mine. Better than most sergers you have critiqued. Disappointed in your site and reviews after reading this one. Maybe you don’t know how to use a serger?
I have two sergers. My 936 and a Babylock. The babylock stays covered up and I rarely use it
I am considering buying a Babylock Enlighten as a second serger. Am curious as to why you don’t use yours I heard they are so user friendly is that not so?
Hi just love my 936. I just purchased it and don’t understand by what you mean by tie off?
@ Kiandy, “tie off” is to tie the thread on the machine to a new thread. You can then use the old thread to pull the new thread through the threading pattern. It is useful when changing thread colors or thread cones.
Finally, an accurate review. I am an experienced sewer that also has commercial sewing machines and I have been very disappointed with the 936. I don’t know if the dealer is recommending the wrong size needles (the go-to excuse for all the dealers & mechanics that have serviced it for it’s continued failures) but the machine has consistently skipped stitches when sewing in 5-thread mode(the safety stitch) and has proved unreliable over the yrs. I am reluctant to use it.The coverstitch feature is worthless. It takes 30 minutes to change over the machine and then it “eats” or pulls the fabric at the start. It is a typical example of trying to have it do do much. It does a lot, but nothing well. Oddly enough, I found the threading to be the least of my problems. It was far easier to thread than my prior Bernina. Save your money and buy a 2 used commercial machines for the same or less total cost.
Lesley,
Which commercial models do you recommend? Thank you!
I love my Husqvarna/Viking 936. I have it since 2007 and I use it daily. I do agree it doesn’t look easy to use at first,but as soon as you figure out all the steps,you will enjoy to work on this machine.Always follow instructions!
For rolled edge option use ONLY new thin needles
Chart is here http://www.sewing.org/files/guidelines/22_115_sewing_machine_needle_charts.pdf
I do use Cover Stitch option a lot as well. My tip here to use good quality needles for stretch fabric (if you working with knits) and stretch thread (something like Wooly Nylon Thread) for the BOTTOM LOOPER.It makes huge difference! I have big selection of stretch threads so I can match a colour of regular threads which I use on the face side of CS.
I inherited one of these machines this year and have never used it because it looks so intimidating to me. Threading is a real nightmare. This machine still has the blue.red,yellow,green spools of thread on it. It was never used before it got it. Any one out there have any recommendations where I could sell mine?
Hello, Tami –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight. If you have never used a serger, I don’t think you want to start with this one. Even you have experience with a serger, but still simply want to sell your Husqvarna/ Viking 936 safely and securely, I suggest you try putting it on e-bay.
My 936 started skipping stitches and ended up making no serge stitches at all. Took it into our local CERTIFIED VIKING DEALER….waited almost 2 months to get it back. Once at home, tried to use it and now it was breaking needles along with all the problems I originally took it in for. Took it back ….they called said it was repaired. This time I had them to sew on it before I left. Still had the same problems. The lady who was testing it stated she had this machine at home but had no clue what I was talking about when I told her test the auto setting. She became very defensive when the owner and I showed her the skip and loose stitches it was still making. She had no clue how to change the settings to sew different fabrics. She claimed the reason it skipped the stitches was because she stopped and then restarted again. WOW….. It became very obvious this lady needed to change careers. I was told this was worked on by a Certified Viking Tech and Viking wanted her to go to work for them. I now have a machine that has more problems since allowing them to work on it. This machine was $1500.00 and is app. 7 years old. It has turned out to be a piece of junk. Will never buy another Viking.
Agree with you. I was so excited when I got my 936 and although the threading wasn’t hard for me it never sewed well, looper always skipped a few stitches and it was horrible. I was working and did not sew or use it for many years and a few weeks ago I got the bug and thought I’d sew again. Repairman said my machine was in excellent condition but it was skipping because the motherboard went out. How frustrating a motherboard went out on a machine seldom used. To top it off I’ve been told the mfg doesn’t make the boards for this machine anymore. My option are to buy another one and use my machine for parts or put a mother board from a different machine into mine but no guarantee it would work. The shop said I could donate the machine and they would use it for parts on other machines as needed. Over $1500 for a piece of junk and not sure I want to spend a few hundred on it might work to fix my machine or not. Comments welcome!
A family member gave me her still new in box 936 when I said I was in the market for a serger. While the threading is intimidating, the animated threading guide available on YouTube was a HUGE help. I’ve been able to get the four thread overlock going with little problem. I haven’t done much beyond that. One question I have is that in numerous reviews, including this one, a flaw of the 936 is said to be that it requires a different threading configuration depending on which stitch feature you’re trying to use. Again, I haven’t gone beyond the four stitch overlock at this point, therefore I don’t know from personal experience, but if this is true, than how does simply tying on new thread in an effort to avoid rethreading the entire machine help, unless you only use the machine for one type of stitch? Or does the looper threading procedure remain basically the same regardless of stitch function? Thanks for any information!
I need instructions on how to do a rolled hem. I have a 936 Huskylock. I just don’t under stand the directions. Thank You
My Janome 7034D Magnolia takes a good hour to rethread. And setting the tensions can take hours sometimes. When I took my Husky 936 out of the box, the first thing I did was unthread it. My spouse said, “I wish you wouldn’t have done that,” knowing the troubles I’ve had threading the Janome. I opened my book and had it threaded in less than 30 minutes. Now, I can thread it quickly. I also really like the feature that allows me to enter in the type of fabric and stitch I plan to use and it tells me what the tension setting should be. So, the time it takes to thread the Husky 936 is nothing compared to my backup serger…the Janome. I really like how one can move the lower looper to the right for threading, just by pressing on it and it goes back in place when you turn the hand wheel. I didn’t even need a long threader to thread the Husky. So, so far, the Husky has been great. Another thing I really like is that when the threads extend past the edge of the fabric, you can fine to it by moving the switch that also sets rolled edges. There are two fine tune settings on that switch before the rolled edge setting. I had that problem and instantly fixed it with by moving that mechanism. When I have that problem on my Janome, it means I’ve got hours of fine tuning on the Janome. I just leave the Janome set up for rolled, narrow, and Picot stitching so I never have to mess with the tension setting again.
Give me some time and I can help with the instructions. I do understand them. I’m real busy for the next few days but I will get back to you and help you with rolled hemming.
I need somebody how teach me how to thread 936 to used the cover stitch
Hi, I love my 936 Serger and I have a 905 one as well. I wouldn’t want any other. My friends all have different ones but mine is easier to thread I think. I do need some help. when i bought my serger the person did not give me the cutter cover which goes with making a coverstitch on the machine. Does anyone out there have one to sell. I really need it.Thank You
Cathy
I have had my Huskylock 936 for a few years and I loved it until it died recently. It won’t feed the material in and two service people have looked at it and no one can fix it. Has anyone else had a problem with the machine not feeding and what did you do about it?
I found it easy to thread…much easier than my Janome. There’s a lever that allows you to pull a what would be difficult to thread hole, to the other side…making it easy to access. Then you release the lever so the hole goes back to its original location. When I got mine, I unthreaded it completely with the intent of learning to thread it and master threading. Thirty minutes later, I was highly adept at threading the machine. Most all sergers can be difficult to thread at first. Long threaders help a great deal in threading any serger.
I had had this machine for 2 weeks and love it …. Beautiful stitches abs threading is that bad
I’ve had this machine for 2 months and have had no problems thradibg or using it .. Love this machine
I traded my 936 in for a Babylock imagine. I would like to have my 936 back. Threading was my main challenge, but the quality of serging was far superior to the babylock. Also the free arm feature on the 936 is a great help. I’m sorry I didn’t notice that Babylock didn’t have a free arm.
I have the Husqvarna Viking 905, and love it. I just bought off an auction at goodwill. To my surprise, it runs very well. I had the old 900 so the threading wasn’t unfamiliar to me. The problem I have is the telescope is broken. Does anyone have any idea where I might find one? I’ve looked on ebay, but didn’t see one. looked on sewingpartsonline as well.
Good luck with your 936.. worked great for app 7 years, then nothing but problems.
Has been in repair shop for breaking needle and thread issues… works fine for a while and back to same issues. Now it will only sew thru 2 layers of fabric. 3 or more layers and it stops sewing and bunches up under needle and breaks thread and or needles. Took to a Viking authorized dealer and when she was finished it had more problems than I took it in with. Got my money back and took it elsewhere. They repaired it and it did great for a couple months and now has to go back again. Will never buy another Viking.. $1500.00 for a boat anchor.
When was the 936 Huskylock made?
The display light on my 936 won’t come on,everything else works fine
Today I turned on my 936 and “overload” was on the display and the machine would not run. I had not used the machine for a year because my husband passed away, and I just couldn’t get back into sewing. It had been covered all the time I was not using it and I do live in humid Louisiana. I cleaned the tiny bit of fuzz that I could find, lubricated the machine and waited an hour or more and tried again. No luck. The needles are in the down position and will not move up. I gently tried to turn the flywheel towards myself, as the manufacturer recommends, and still no luck. I also checked the path of the loopers to see if thread could be caught there, and there was nothing. Any suggestions?
Have you found out anything about the “overload” message. Mine did the same thing. I used it a lot back in late Spring. It smelled hot after one afternoon of use. I unplugged it and hadn’t sat down to use it until the other day. It is basically locked up now.
my husky936 is very good. but the other day it stopped, the information said ” sewing in overload” from then it has not worked
I have the 936 purchased about 2 yrs ago. Replaced a very old husky I bought used and wore out. I hate this machine! Threading is a nightmare, needles breaking if not perfect adjusted. Was in a rush when I purchased to meet a deadline and man am I sorry! I ended up sewing French seems to finish linens for a wedding because I could not get this d*** machine to work! I’m and experienced sewer and have the old school Viking for 30+ years. Received Bernina top end sewing machine and serger 15 yrs ago as gift from the hubs. Serger sews ok but is jumps all over at high speed. The sewing machine always had tension issues. They are collecting dust now. Just bought a new Juki 600 and thinking about trying a Juki serger? The 936 is going to the local good will.
I have a Juki MO-51e and I love it. It is my first serger; I believe it is their least expensive model. Threading is relatively easy and I don’t hesitate to change thread colors for different projects – only takes a minute. There was one tough spot to thread on the lower looper , but by trying different things, I found moving the thread lever to “R”, then threading that spot, then moving the lever to “N”, made it simple. I love my Juki serger.
Martha.
Nov. 16, 2016 Love my 936 ha e it for 6 years and still work perfect, not problems at all yes it is complicated to thread but after you get use doing it is a piece of cake.
Hello, my 936 has a bad computer and I am told it is not available as a part to order anymore. Anyone else have that issue? shan
Have new 936 in box, never opened, for sale . Anyone interested please contact me at missaugie@aol.com, leave message or contact information and I will get back with you. Thank you.
936 is my first serger and I have it for over 15 years, I don’t know anything about serger at that time and the sale lady sweet talk me into it. It cost me over $800 back then and no return policy, because of that I forced myself to study the whole manual and take notes…once I understand this machine and practice how to thread, this machine is great, i have use it on many different type of fabric and have no problem, I love the cover stitch.
Needle insertion and which needles need to be in which place for 4 thread serging?
What if the set screw falls out?
I love my 936 and even though threading can be a challenge, I just tie off. I have used this machine since 1998 and how many sergers are still in use after so many years. I do use the online threading guide when I have to i.e. tie off thread breaks etc. and my Husq. dealer has never turned me away. This machine can sew through anything, has great tension system and I dread the day it goes to that great serger heaven in the sky.
I recently agreed to sell some machines on Ebay…one of them is the Huskylock 936. I sat down with the manual and tried to thread it…I was totally intimidated and I’ve been sewing for 60 years! Luckily, I found a very detailed YouTube video, threaded it in about 5 minutes, and serged my very first seam. I only tried a 4 thread overcast to make sure the machine works, so I can’t comment on some of the issues (changing to coverstitch) being discussed, but I found it easy to use…making me wonder why I never tried using a serger before! I realize that these comments are a few years old but if anyone is considering this machine, don’t hesitate because it looks difficult, YouTube is a wealth of information on just about anything!
I need to oil my Viking 936 serger because the handwheel is hard to turn due to lack of use. I can get all the screws out to remove the side panel since the presser foot take up lever in ON THE SIDE of the machine but how do I get it out? Do I have to take the whole top off? Thanks for any help you can give me.
Take it to a dealer for a tuneup. Sometimes the old oil or grease hardens and they need to clean it out.
It’s a great machine so I would have an expert look at it if you want to get the most out of the.
I bought mine used a few years ago from someone that went with air threading. I must admit it was a bit complicated to thread mostly because it is very sensitive to any mistakes in the path. Once I got it though, I was amazed at the quality of the various stitches. I have two other sergers and a coverstich so I have something to compare it to.
Sometimes I am tempted to go out and get a new air threading serger but frankly, I am so pleased with the quality of the 936 that I can’t justify changing it. I especially love the 5 thread which is great for home decorating projects like cushions.
I have fiddled the the settings to make some beautiful decorative stitches and even on very fine fabric, it has come through.
I had it tuned up and had them replace the cutting blades too, and that was worthwhile.
If you are patient and use common sense, it is still one of the best machines out there.