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Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35 Review (2023 update)
Note from Editor: This Husqvarna Viking Designer Jade 35 review was originally written in 2015. We have reviewed and revised this article in 2023 with more details and alternatives
The Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35 is one of those sewing machines that I had read lots and lots about before actually getting a chance to review it at Ace Sewing and Vacuum in Pompano Beach, Florida. It is an extremely lightweight, portable, affordable, combination sewing and embroidery machine that in some ways reminds me of the Pfaff 1.5. It should be noted here that both these machines are manufactured and distributed by SVP – Singer, Viking, Pfaff.
Viking Designer Jade 35 Overview
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
At A Glance
When I first saw the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35, it was neatly packed and ready to go. The interesting thing about this carrying case, however, is that it is in no way typical. What appears to be a removable carrying case is actually the sewing machine itself with the accessories compartment mounted and locked in place. There is a grey dial on the back that when turned in the upright position, locks it in place. The embroidery unit, however, is not part of this otherwise highly functional portability. When the case is removed, the workspace and all of the function buttons are exposed. It is necessary, however, to raise the lid on top of the machine in order to access the thread and bobbin winding mechanism. When fully opened, you see what appears to be the control panel of a complicated piece of equipment.
The truth, however, is that the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35 has practically all of the functions and features that a larger, more costly sewing and embroidery machine offers neatly compressed in a machine that is half the size and weight.
In this very compact space, you will find needle up/down; design stop; design fix; thread cut; plus and minus buttons to adjust sewing speed; start/stop; reverse/lock stitch; memory delete; stitch length and width adjustment; a series of stitch selection buttons; alternate view [In embroidery mode, this function switches from stitch out to edit mode; in the sewing mode, the alternate view button is used when working with satin stitch options]; step stitch by stitch [used in embroidery mode]; arrow and OK buttons [select and lock in stitch options in both sewing and embroidery modes]; step color by color [used when the machine is in the embroidery mode]; mirror image and rotate buttons; hoop options [allow you to select hoop size and position]; embroidery info button [shows design name, colors, number of stitches, etc.]; menu button; corner check [used in embroidery mode]; stitch menu; font menu; upper/lower case shift; program mode; memory button; sewing advisor; and a series of buttons to identify and set the type of fabric being used that is common on practically every sewing machine made by Husqvarna/Viking.
There is also a see through bobbin holder and a large needle plate with multiple seam guides; a drop feed control switch on back of the free arm; and an on board stitch selection guide beneath the lid. A USB port where the USB drive is inserted is on the right side of the machine as well as a port where the foot pedal is connected when the start/stop option is not being used.
Alternative Husqvarna Viking Machines
The Husqvarna Viking Jade 20 and the Emerald 116 are other popular machines from Husqvarna Viking
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
Detailed review of the Husqvarna Viking Jade 20
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 Viking Emerald 116 here
Viking Designer Jade 35 Features
- 120 utility and decorative stitches
- 5 One-step buttonholes
- 2 sewing alphanumeric fonts
- Stitch programming
- Automatic thread tension
- Automatic thread cutter
- Unique carrying case design doubles as accessory compartment
- Variable speed control
- Built-in needle threader
- Monochromatic LCD display
- Twin needle safety
- Bobbin winds from the needle
- Multiple languages
- LED lights
- Exclusive SEWING ADVISOR™
- Large Sewing Surface 200mm (almost 8″) to the right of the needle
- Needle up/down
- Start/stop
- Drop feed
- Free motion sewing with any stitch
- Upper thread sensor
- 29 needle positions
- USB stick containing 70 embroidery designs
- 1 embroidery font programmable in three different sizes
- Large embroidery area 240x150mm (9½″x6″)
- Faster embroidery speed than other similar machines
- Design basting
- Embroidery edit
- Corner check
- Rotate design 90º
- Step through stitches
Working on the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35
Threading the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35 is as simple as can be. Following the threading and bobbin winding guides is almost literally child’s play. Inserting the bobbin is equally as easy. I found that selecting stitches in the sewing mode to be rather straightforward.
The first step was to depress the stitch selection menu button to first determine the stitch category from which I want to select by using arrow buttons to scroll left or right and then pressing the OK button. Then I referred to the stitch selection guide on top of the machine and dialed in the desired stitch number.
For this review, I sampled numerous utility and decorative stitches and was pleased to discover that the stitch quality is quite good, although the machine is a little loud and has a little bit of vibration. It is important to note here that the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35 will not operate in the sewing mode if the embroidery unit is attached. When in the embroidery mode, you start by attaching the embroidery unit while the machine is turned off. The embroidery unit slides on easily and clicks into place with very little effort. The next step is to insert the flash drive and then use the same process to select an embroidery design. The monochromatic screen will not show colors, but will let you know which color threads are necessary to execute the design.
You can, however, also load the USB port onto your computer, where you can see color images of your designs, adjust the size, and rotate your designs before attaching the USB port to the machine. The finished embroidery designs created by the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35 are good. The machine is, according to the manufacturer, faster than other embroidery machines in its class, qualifying that statement with the disclaimer that embroidery speed depends upon the selected design. Even at a slower embroidery speed, I noticed that it is noisy.
Alternative devices for sewing, quilting and embroidery
The Singer 7258 is a budget friendly alternative for a quilting machine while the Janome MC 9850 is an advanced embroidery machine that is a good alternative for the Jade 35
The Singer Stylist 7258 combines functionality with convenience. Ideal for enthusiasts ranging from beginners to intermediates, this computerized sewing marvel boasts 100 built-in stitches, making it a versatile companion for various projects. The heavy-duty metal frame ensures durability, while features like push-button stitch selection, LCD screen, and programmable options simplify tasks. With an array of accessories and user-friendly design, the 7258 addresses the needs of creative minds, providing an efficient solution for fashion, quilting, and home sewing endeavors.
- Affordable
- Excellent for professional sewers
- One user complained about the motor being burned after only 5 months
Are you searching for a compact-size embroidery machine? Then, with Janome Horizon Memory Craft 850, your hunt just ended. The machine can impress you with its versatility and abundance of great features. It consists of sewing and embroidery modes, allowing you to easily switch between the skills. Moreover, the machine provides you with up to 200x 280mm hoop capabilities to ensure precision, especially during embroidery, and the latest needle threading system lets you do some vibrant stitching.
- A wide array of more than 200 built-in stitches
- 175 embroidery designs
- Sturdy frame to manage hard fabrics
- Editing capabilities
- Prompt touchscreen for easier navigation
- Expensive, especially for beginners
- Slow speed of embroidery
Read the detailed review of the Janome Memory Craft 9850 here
Viking Designer Jade 35 Fabrics
| Fabrics that work | Fabrics that don’t work |
|---|---|
| Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet Knits Denim Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester Upholstery |
Viking Designer Jade 35 Accessories
Standard accessories:
- 8 Snap on presser feet:
- Utility foot
- Decorative stitch foot
- Buttonhole foot
- Blindhem foot
- Zipper foot
- Edging foot
- Embroidery/darning foot
- One-step buttonhole foot
- Self-Adhesive Glide Plate
- Embroidery hoops
- Thread net, Edge guide
- 2 felt spool pads
- 5 Bobbins
- Screwdriver
- Auxiliary spool pin
- Seam ripper
- Lint brush
- Screwdriver
- 2 Spool caps (1 small, 1large)
- USB embroidery stick pre-loaded with embroidery designs
- HUSQVARNA VIKING DESIGNER JADE 35 sampler book
- Extra Needles
Maintenance tips for Viking Designer Jade 35
| 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 |
Summary: Viking Designer Jade 35
The Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35 performs well. However, nearly all sewing machines perform well when they are brand new, especially when they are on a showroom floor. The Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35 is said to complete embroidery designs faster than other sewing and embroidery machines in its class. To be honest, I have seen only two other machines of this type in this type … the Pfaff 1.5 and the Bernina Sublime Chicago 7. In my opinion, all three have benefits, but each leaves something to desire as well.
When it comes to the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35, my immediate feeling is that there is a little too much here. For starters, there are so many buttons on the front panel, essential function control buttons, like start/stop; reverse; and the speed control buttons are in an awkward position. They are on front of the machine, above the needle, but the design of the machine itself means that these buttons are ‘beneath the fold’, if you are going to use newspaper parlance.
The machine is designed with an inward slant immediately above these buttons, meaning that instead of being easy to reach, they are tucked a little underneath, calling for a somewhat uncomfortable twist of the wrist.
The manufacturer promotes the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35 as a great machine for the beginner. In my opinion, the overwhelming number of function buttons on the front of this machine make it impossible for someone who has never worked on a sewing machine to be comfortable.
Functions performed by many of the buttons on the Designer Jade 35 are most often executed by fewer keys and steps on other machines. In fact, most of these functions are completed with just one or two buttons. I do not understand why, but it seems to me that the manufacturer seems to have gone out of their way to make the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35 far more complicated than it needs to be. Even a home sewer who has superior skills wants a machine that is user friendly. I simply don’t feel as though this is a particularly user friendly machine. Don’t take my word for it.
No doubt, there are plenty of people out there who are not only comfortable with lots of buttons, but are not the least bit challenged when asked to go through a lot of unnecessary steps in order to accomplish a simple task. The Husqvarna/Viking Design Jade 35 is available for sale at authorized independent Husqvarna/Viking dealers. If you want to check out this machine for yourself and decide on your own whether or not the Designer Jade 35 is something that might work for you, I encourage you to visit your local Husqvarna/Viking dealer and ask for a demonstration. I would definitely like to know if others agree with me or if they think this is a machine that is on the cutting edge of home sewing and welcome it in their home sewing rooms.
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.
Viking Designer Jade 35
Summary
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.
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Happy Stitching.
Do you know if the Designer Jade 35 has a low or high shank I need a walking foot and not sure what size to get.
I use my walking foot that I used on my Scandanavia 100 if that’s any help.
Low:)
I own a Jade35 and I love it. To answer your question, it is a low shank. If you have never used a walking foot before, you will like how it feeds the top and bottom fabrics through the machine at the same time.
Low shank.
It’s a low shank. I have one, too.
I was wondering why the jade 35 received a lower review than the Pfaff creative 1.5? I love the embroidery designs in the jade, but I do like the IDT system of pfaff(. I don’t have to get a walking foot!) If I where to get one of the two for an intro embroidery machine ( I have been sewing for a while and want to get started in machine embroidery ). Which one would you recommend for a happy embroidery experience?
I have not used the Pfaff you are referring to, but I do own a Jade 35. I am extremely happy with my machine and the quality of the embroidery is very good for the price of the machine. Make sure, if you purchase the Jade, you download the free software from Viking. It is very user friendly. Also, there are many tutorials on U-Tube. Check them out before you buy and see how easy it is to use.
THE best tutorials for the Jade 35 & even the Jade 20 (plus many other machines), is Sara’s on YouTube under Heirloom Creations, the name of her husband’s family store in South Dakota. She goes through every page of a machine’s manual, and does it very well, in separate videos so you can view only the topics you want to view.
My primary machine is a Viking Diamond, but I did recently pick up a Jade 35 when it was on sale during the covid19 pandemic to use as my “mobile” machine, so I watched Sara’s videos to become familiar with it before it arrived. I find the Jade 35 to be quite easy to use. I haven’t experienced this machine as being “complicated” at all, in fact, it reminds me of my Viking #1+ (1997) that I still have, but without needing to constantly keep switching key cards and the Jade has a bigger design field. I can also use some of the hoops I use with my Diamond.
What machine would you recommend for a beginner? Thanks
Diane –
Wife and I just got this machine at the Husqvarna store inside a JoAnne’s fabric in Dallas. We are enjoying the machine, and they do training classes for the machine at the store, most are free if you buy it there.
Does thread size matter? Can I just do 12? How will I know what to use? ?
I purchased my machine today (Yay!) but I have a small issue (boo). I read how to thread your bobbin and I followed the instructions. Twice, it has made my bobbin thread loose. Ive been looking online to see what I am doing wrong but I am unable to find an answer, Anyone have any suggestion?
Hello, Kelly.
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
Some bobbins can only be mounted on the pin one way. Take another look at the bobbin and re-read the instructions. It may be necessary for your to simply flip it over to get it to wind properly. Also… sometimes it is necessary to pass the end of your thread through the hole in the bobbin before winding. Have you tried that?
If all else fails, do not hesitate to call the dealer from whom you purchased your machine. I’m certain they will be glad to walk you through the process.
Happy stitching.
Do You have any info and rating on thi Viking #1 Pllus
I was wondering why my bobbin thread is showing thru when my machine embroiders the design?
If you are using the Jade 35, it is either a matter of adjusting the tension or the bobbin thread. If it’s the tension, the top thread is to tight. It shows in the owner’s manual which way to adjust the tension. Be cautious and only change it a little at the time. Sometimes a small adjustment is enough to correct the problem.
I had the same problem and found I have to use Quantum thread or the thread sold specifically from Viking.
I have two Viking sewing machines, but not the Jade35. I’ve had my machines for 7 years. My Viking dealer’s manager told me to use only Gutterman cotton thread for sewing and Gutterman or Robinson-Anton embroidery thread for embroidery. She told me Viking machines tend to jam up with other brands of thread. Also, never use Coats and Clark thread In Viking machines. The thread has a woven coating which affects the tension settings. I’ve used Sulky-just to try it-and it was a mess. I stick with Gutterman only.
Bobbin thread is wound too tight.
Hello Vernelle!
I am one who will disagree. I own a Jade 35 and I love it. I have been searching for the right embroidery machine for me for over 5 years, but the cost scared me. When Viking came out with the Jade 35, I thought it was to good to be true. The software that comes as a free download with the purchase of the machine, makes it very user friendly and there are videos on U-Tube that actually use the Jade 35 to teach beginning embroidery. Yes, there are a lot of stitches, but the owner’s manual describes beautifully which ones to use and when to use them. Feel free to email me with any questions concerning the Jade 35.
What bobbins can I buy in bulk? Also can I buy preloaded?
Buy the green bobbins with an ‘H’ on them. Those are for Viking machines. You can find bulk bobbins online on eBay or maybe other sewing sites. If you have a Viking dealer nearby you can buy packs of bobbins. Why buy pre-loaded bobbins when you can load a bunch yourself in about 15 minutes? You never know the quality of thread on pre-loaded store-bought bobbins, nor do you know if the thread is wound loosely on the ‘inside’ of the bobbin. Bobbin winding is easy, just don’t go fast.
I am thinking about purchasing the Jade 35. I would like to have your email address, in case I have some questions about the machine before purchase. I sew for myself, crafts, simple things and items for my grandchildren. Just thought I may be interested in monogramming items in the future. Hope you can send your email and I will email more questions. Thanks, Debbie
Hi, can u help me with embroidering with my jade 35 pls? I can’t seem to find out how to set registration marks so I can work a motif repeatedly with accurate spacing. Thank u.
Good Morning Donna,
I’m new to the Jade 35 I got for my birthday last year. Haven’t had much time to use it. Question, I have an image that is that is 7.86 in{h} by 6.18{w) and is 25,803 stiches. My hoop is 240×150. When I insert theusb stick it won’t even open it says “embroidery to large”. I read in manual it can to up to 50,000 stiches, what is the problem or how can I open or embroider my image?
Bonjour je viens d’acheter une jade 35 et j’aurai besoin de votre aide concernant la prise en main de la machine
Coucou voulez vous bien m’aidez svp je débute par moment ma broderie est très bien.. mais souvent elle se bloque au niveau de la plaque a aiguille ( sa fais souvent un gros ta je dois couper tout arrêter et nettoyer la plaque a aiguille) sa me le fais un peu souvent pourquoi ? Svp ma machine a t’elle un problème ou c’est moi j’enfile mal les aiguille
Thank you, I was all set on the Jade35 until I read this and had someone say I should buy a topaz 50 instead. I’m still not sure now.
I bought my Jade 35 2/1/2015
After just one week I had to take it back to store because it kept locking up. It was sent out for service which took 2 weeks. I did one embroidery project, cleaned it out, and it’s locking/jamming again. Becoming very disappointed with it. Going to have to pack it up again and drive 40 miles to where I purchased it. Anyone else having issues?
I seem to be having the same problem. I did one project and now it will not go into embroidery mode. I can only sew right now.
Yes, I’m having the same problem. It locks up and the thread keeps bunching up and I have to cut it out and ruining the fabric. I rethread, take the bobbin out and redo that and change the needled and can only get through half the project. Now it won’t even sew and needs to go in for service. I’m so very frustrated with the machine. I was so happy at first, but all I wan to do now is return it. I tried contact Viking, but they never got back to me.
Hi. I purchased the jade 20 and i like it very much. Not one problem with it…i own 2 embroidery machines and I can tell you this from experience…
1. My mother by law purchased a brother innovis disney for $16,000 and it has done some nice projects, but her machine is always in the shop. Despite thread changes, it has helped, but her machine always has issues with the thread getting caught up in the bobbin area and ruining many projects.
And, as much as she loves rubbing it in my face, that she afforded the $16,000 machine right from the quilt show, i still wont give up my Diamond Royale!
(just an fyi to anyone: Brother, Singer, Pfaff, Husky/viking are ALL the SAME MANUFACTURER.)
its like a car. Chevy is great, but the hyundai is the lower line and cadillac is the high end.
So, think of a machine in the same way. Brother, is low end and Husky/Viking is high end.
My ex worked for panansonic for 20 years. He said the same thing, emerson was the lower sister/end, panansonic was the higher end. But they use the same parts and guts inside, throw you off by the outside design so you wont realize what is going on.
So, in my knowledge, when any company combines sewing machines with a quilting and embroidery, the machine begins to become too complex, overwhelms and complicates the unit and then, starts to have issues.
Again, the Jade 20 was awesome, and worked very well as a normal sewing machine.
Once they added the embroidery unit/Jade35, it became too much for the machine. It was ‘overwhelmed’ in easier terms…
Now, fast-forward, I have 2 Husky/Viking sewing and embroidery units.
1 is the Husky Designer Diamond.
Runs excellent, but I do have issues with the brand of thread that it can handle. But works awesome, now that I bought the right thread. I use this one as my ‘beater’ machine and do my bulk and repetitive work on this one, so i keep the hours and stitch time low on my Diamond Royale.
2nd machine is a Diamond Royale. Wow! What a difference in the machines, just a few years apart from each other! I use this machine as my ‘golden child’ for my most important creations…my other 1/2 swears, that I am getting buried with this machine! Lol! I love it and was soooo worth the money…nothing different between the Royale and the 1st Epic, except they added the tutorials, and redesigned the look to be ’rounded’, to match the Brother Innovis’, so it was not worth upgrading…
My only envy of the brother disney innova is that it has the sketch pad which is a nice feature for my kids, to draw, copy/scan their artwork to stitch out.
But, I am now looking to get a 10 needle with the same capability…
As anything goes, once they work out the kinks in something and then they make the newer machines better.
(stupidly, they did not make the designer machines with the rubber thread guard/catcher, so the thread does not come off as the ‘hammer’ goes up and down, yet the Diamond machines DO have the rubber piece!
(They should have added it as a as a ‘recall’ or send out the rubber piece for a replacement…)
Sadly, sometimes, it IS how much you are willing to spend for a better machine.
Some models have their quirks and they never admit to these issues and yes, it is VERY HARD to get in touch with Husky, long wait times.
Better off sending a letter to them and have them reach you. For the money we spend on these machines, it should come with a consultation with an attorney and at least a 2 year return option!
I really do love my jade 20, but when i test drove the 35, they made it more comolex looking on the machine, using the buttons, when the tutorials are quicker, easier. It should be the opposite. Just my opinion.
But I do feel, there is too much packed into the Jade35, that its like a tease, to own a better capable machine.
Best of Luck, hope this helps…
Hi,
Yes I have had several issues and it has now gone back for the forth time very disappointed had the machine 14months and have not managed to embroider anything yet.
I own the Jade 35 and so far have liked it, I am new to embroidery and I am having the issue of the bobbin head coming through the top. I have adjusted the tension but do not see a difference, any suggestions?
Rewind he bobbin on top and adjust the tension at the screw to the left of that area
During my first instructional class, my Needle broke. The instructor had me replace the universal needle with the Denim needle because the next demonstration was to be on denim. However, the denim needle would not fit into the needle holder… She and I both tried for over 5 minutes. It would appear the hole is too small for the larger needle. Anyone have the same issue or a suggestion ?
I had the same issue with the wing needle. The lady in the store called a technician from Viking and they told her how to fix it (the floor model had the same issue and it is because of some production cutout, that’s stuck, just a tiny piece) Fix took about 5 min 🙂
I LOVE my Jade 35, embroidery is wonderful, just wish, it would work also with thicker layers(purse making)…
I have also purchased a Jade 35, I like it allot but I have the needle up/down locked in down position. I have hit the ok button but will not go up and the light for the needle up/down is not on. The beep will work but will not change the message either. Could you tell me what is wrong with it? I have turned it off and on , pushed the buttons and still haven’t gotten any results. Thank you.
My Husky Jade keeps jamming up with upper thread massively wrapped around the bobbin. I always check that upper thread is in the proper position in tension disks. The upper thread does not seem to have escaped from the slot on the take-up lever when I check it after freeing the bobbin case. The bobbin tension looks to be too loose. I turned one of its screws 1/4 turn tighter, but that does not stop the tendency to unexpectedly tangle upper thread around the bobbin.
I bought a Jade 35 in May with hopes and dreams of embroidering designs on t-shirts. I thought it would be fun and easy. I have sewn for years and wanted to step up to embroidery. I must not have had the bobbin thread correctly placed in the tension discs and I broke a bobbin on the spindle and couldn’t get it off. But I had another bobbin, so I tried to continue with the embroidery design. Then the embroidery foot fell apart. I took the machine back. The owner/repairman traded a embroidery foot and tried to work with the bobbin. He was running the machine and the thread was still loose and then it jammed in the machine too. (He refused my request for giving me my money back. I would have to buy another machine.) So I left the machine for 2 weeks. It still didn’t work right, so he just traded me the machine they had for display.
I did a couple designs. I needed black thread, so I bought some of their thread. I started a 20,000 plus design on a t-shirt at 9pm, all black thread. The thread started breaking, so I slowed the machine to the slowest speed, but it still kept breaking. I switched to a small spool that I had and it worked better. When I run out of thread, I switched back. I figured if I stopped, I wouldn’t be able to start up again where I left off, to I kept stopping, rethreading. After 4 1/2 hrs later, I was done. It had stopped because it “needed a moment” or whatever it says a few times before the design was completed. At this point, I hated the machine.
I came home from work, and tried the machine sewing just the fancy stitches and everything worked fine. So I figured it was the thread.
After not touching the Jade for a few weeks, last night I decided I had to try again. I had a design started on trial fabric and backing. Again it was about 17,000 stitches or so, all one color. I had the machine at med speed hoping to prevent problems. I don’t think I was half way through the design and the machine started stopping again. I tried to wait and restart a few times, but it was hopeless. Back to the repair shop with a 2nd machine. I do not want another one.
I am having the same problems and am now regretting that I have bought it. Going to my Machine dealer see if I can trade it in on another machine. I was so excited when I bought this now its a pain and I simply do not want to use it anymore because all it does is frustrate me.
Was this your first embroidery machine? I own the Jade 35 and I absolutely love it! I use it for the embroidery features only.
I too deeply regret the purchase. Can’t be returned. I am back to my 35 year old BabyLock embroidery machine. It’s cranky and extremely limited in what it can do, but I can get it to embroider for me. The Viking is now out in my storage shed , a 2000 dollar NIGHTMARE.
Yes, it is my first ever embroidery machine and truth be told I persevered and for the moment it is going much better, haven’t tried the embroidery yet, have too many orders to finish first, what I find agonizing is the small space under the free arm to clean the machine or to change a needle – far too small under there, not enough hand maneuverability.
Rewind he bobbin on top and adjust the tension at the screw to the left of that area
I’m having same problems, took a quilting class and had the instructor look at my Jade 35, it didn’t seem to want to sew through all the material, have broken 3 needles, and I also get the messages from my machine, and have had issues with the needle light for up and down. That is where I’m at now! No light but it makes the little beep for it to move, but doesn’t do anything; sewing on a quilt, broke the needle first. So I guess I need more instructions, my husband is telling me to give it back, for what I paid I shouldn’t be having issues with it. I’ve had it since May and I cringe every time I sew on it wondering what next. I enjoy sewing but not with my new sewing machine.
Just Bought My Designer Jade 35 Love it But it only came with one bobbin and no usb
Purchased it for $1,622.08 so far so good but my bobbin ain’t winding..
You can only use Husquvarna Bobbins and there are many vendors who do not stock them. I do not have winding problems, take another read of your manual.
I dislike that when I need under the arm to clean or change a needle, there simply is not enough room and if you don’t have screw tool then a screw driver certainly doesn’t fit.
Day 2 with My Husqvarna Viking Designer Jade 35 Bobbin Still Not Winding Tension Not Working out Well I’ve been Searching on the Internet for Tips Nothing Yet. Today I took it back to the dealer in Jo-anns they well send it to the shop for fixing it’ll take 2 weeks. Bummer I can’t even get a refund
my jade keeps saying it needs a moment to rest… so I have given it 30 mins, etc with no relief. I am embroidering on store bought placemats with medium tearaway & a 90/14 needle. Does this seem right? I’ve tried slowing it way down but it just keeps getting locked…
Hello!
My machine is now with the same problem.
How did you fixed it?
Thanks
I would like to know what hoops go with the machine? Thank you
What size hoops come with the Jade 35?
240×150 comes with it. you can also buy 120×120 . I pick up mine next week. its been along time coming but reading the responses here I am now scared to get it…….cant return it
Hi, Vernelle. Your site is lovely and informative. Did you design it yourself?
I am very excited because tomorrow morning I am going to Joann’s to purchase my Jade 35. It will be my very first sewing machine of any type.
Honestly, some of the pitfalls I am reading here from owners have me a bit frightened. Could you please get back to me and give me your overall feelings regarding this machine?
I don’t know about anyone else, but this is a lot of money for me to shell out for something if the quality is not there. I don’t like the fact that everyone seems to be in agreement that you cannot return the machine at all. That’s nuts! I am going to speak with the salesperson in the morning and ascertain whether that’s the case with this store. I have never heard of an absolute ‘no return’ policy. If the machine is a dud, it’s a dud and SHOULD go back where it came from.
Thanks for your time!
Loveita
I own the Jade 35 and absolutely love it! I use my machine for everything (sewing/embroidery/quilting/free motion quilting). The embroidery designs stitch out beautifully. If you aren’t familiar with embroidery you should ask your local sewing center if the provide classes or find the nearest Viking Husqvarna dealer they provide classes. This will help you with the learning curve in using the embroidery part of the machine. The Jade 35 is great for beginners.
I am considering buying one too. But this site has scared me
hi, I had my Jade 35 for my birthday in June and for various reasons have just started to play around with it, this is the second evening I’ve been trying out the embroidery arm, and it was fine for a couple of designs, now it wont calibrate when I attached the arm, I take the hoop off, follow the instructions, the arm makes a grinding noise, and I get calibration failed on the screen, I’ve tried detaching the embroidery unit, turning off and on, and still no joy, I cannot find anything on the internet that helps me with clearing it, can any one help please, I’m at my wits end !
I hope you can help.
I’ve had my designer jade 35 since dec 2015. No problems at all. I absolutely love this machine. I’ve made garments and have quilted. I recently purchased the husqvarna walking foot and it works fantastic. Embroidery comes out perfect as well although I don’t embroider that often. Can’t say enough good things about this machine 🙂
Can you also quilt (I have never quilted before but want to start) using the Jade 35?
I’m looking for a machine to do it all
But not break the bank.
As a seasoned quilter (since1996) and having read these reviews for the Jade35, I suggest if you really do want a Viking machine for quilting that you purchase the Sapphire 965Q. Not sure of the exact price, but it’s over $1,000. Thing is, you get a more heavy-duty machine that can handle a quilt and the layers. Sounds to me like the Jade35’s motor can’t drive the machine’s needle through any thick fabrics. I know it’s a lot, but the better motor is worth it.
Hi, was hoping for a little help, have been experimenting with my jade 35 and cannot work out how to just reverse for 1 stitch like I can on my brother, (you know how you go 1 stitch beyond an edge and have to sort of back stitch just 1) have tried with the reverse on and just pressing stop start but I cannot seem to get it right, I keep going to far back, which is annoying, any sewing gpddesses care to help???
I’ve had my Jade 35 for almost a month and have honestly used it almost every evening, for garment construction, quilt piecing, and embroidery. It is working flawlessly. I am so happy with my purchase. My previous machines have all been Brother and I’ve always had great success with them also.
Things I love about the Jade:
The case: no need to cover it
Setting stitches is so easy
There are 70+ you tube videos (Herloom Creations) specifically on the Jade walking thru every single feature of the machine.
The basic software turns any computer font into stitches
The hoop is so much better than my 4×4 brother machine
The screen tells me what size needle, what size foot, what pressure to dial for the pressure foot, etc
The stitching is beautiful! Very smooth, very even stitches.
And more…
Things I wish were different:
Not much room for large hands to thread needle, clean throat plate, etc
Screen during embroidery does not show the image of stitch step, just image of total design.
The accessories are more pricey than the brother accessories.
I purchased the Jade 35 about two years ago now. I have a small sewing business and have sewn on it pretty much daily since I bought it. I have not had a single issue with it. I do use it for sewing primarily but have also embroidered at least a hundred dresses with it sometimes embroidering for hours at a time to fulfill orders and still no issues. I do agree the design of the slant and buttons there is awkward, but as far as standing the test of time this machine has proven to be quality for me! I change needles often, use a walking foot for knits and use gutermann thread. Hope that helps!
Thanks for the review, W! And thanks for the many comments!
I’ve had a Jade 35 for a couple months now, a used machine whose first owner was not happy with it for quilting. I’ve broken a lot of needles in embroidery mode so I’m assigning myself 1-color embroidery tasks to figure out what is wrong. I’ve done some embroideries that are pretty good recently, but I still am making mistakes.
I agree with others (above) that loosening the upper tension just a tad might improve the appearance of embroidery (press the tools button for this option choice and press it again to close it out.)
I have come to understand that the manual neglects some important stuff and as I discover things, I write corrections, tips, cross-references, etc. into the manual. It forgets to mention feed dogs and just assumes that if you are using the embroidery foot you have lowered the feed dogs and when you kick out of embroidery mode you have manually moved the feed dog lever back to on. (I wrote a reminder on my embroidery unit in Sharpie!)
The manual’s diagrams can be confusing and I actually used them to mis-thread the machine and to insert and wind the bobbin wrong. Look hard and read the text as well and don’t assume anything. The direction of the bobbin has to be correct or you will waste time and materials. If the machine sews fabric to the throat plate, check the bobbin direction! You may also have forgotten to switch off the feed dogs (manual switch at back of the open arm) when embroidering–I did this!
As for upper tension, I’ve learned that I mustn’t press down the plastic disc onto the spool too hard–it restricts my spools and causes all kinds of havoc. Check that the thread has free play coming off the spool. Position the spool upside down so that thread can’t get caught in any plastic sliver or crevice. Try aiming the spool slightly upward instead of reeling off horizontally.
I’ve read some online reviews and one said that cheaper embroidery thread won’t work, that the stuff frays in the needle eye. I take this to mean that If your thread is breaking while embroidering but you have to use that thread, try slowing down the speed. The bobbin thread should be a little tougher than the upper thread, so I’ve heard, but that means that it has to be tighter than the upper in order to pull the upper stitches to the bottom, to hide it. Definitely do some sample stitching before you try embroidering on good fabric or garments.
I despise the tight work area above the throat plate–I’m trying to develop workarounds to insert the needle and to screw on various attachments in that too-tight space. I now stand the needle on my fingernail when guiding it into the needle hole. It may take me 15 minutes. Remove the foot and if necessary the ankle also. My fingers are short and there is just no space to flex them. A longer screwdriver is helpful–I got a magnetic one that can feed a screw vertically if I move carefully when screwing on the walking foot or the embroidery foot. I actually screw the throat plate on and off with my fingers after loosening screws with a screwdriver because screwdrivers are too tall to fit into the space when twirling. (I cannot hold the little key-shaped screwdriver in my grasp very well.)
Be careful not to drop screws or needles into the feed dogs holes! (Cover feed dog area with fabric or something when messing with needles or screwing with the foot screws?)
I recently made a quilted bag for a handicap walker, using a walking foot (pun intended). The walking foot is a Viking one made for Viking 5,6,7 machines. It worked extremely well. Operator error, though…there is a limit to the thickness of the seam that the machine can handle and I exceeded it. I broke the needle and got an awful noise and the “I’ve got to rest” warning. I let the motor cool off for an hour, then replaced needle and repositioned the seam and finished the sewing. You have been warned, guys.
I’m not a bigtime quilter, but I think that the machine will do well for quilting, except that the space under the bridge is not really big so I will have to plan ahead as to how I will fold/roll the project to feed it through on the right side. Also, the open arm even when the plastic sides are attached might not be useful for long runs of stitching, so I decided I’d have to get a 3rd party piece to extend the work surface, or buy a custom cabinet.
So…I have just bought a Craigslist all-wood sewing cabinet with an internal electrical lift (can you believe it was only $20!) and my spouse is going to mount the machine and adapt the lift’s base and make a plywood collar so that I have a totally flush work surface. Because the lift can be repositioned, this will also be great for the embroidery mechanism when I clip it on. The cabinet’s width plus the lift’s base or the collar will give me lots of space for sewing and decorating roman shades and other larger things. It will take some tinkering, but he is eager to meet the challenge. (I don’t think this machine will be doing much commuting, so it’s okay to bolt it down, once I finish taking sewing lessons. I will be glad to stop lifting the machine myself–I’m old. I suspect that being fixed to a cabinet will also prevent the bouncing that makes embroidering noisy. Wish me well.
I purchased my Jade 35 a few years ago and it never came out of the box (seal wasn’t even broken) until last night. I am an experienced sewer so I had no issues threading or with the bobbin. However, EVEN WITH toggling the feed dog switch back and forth, attempting to roll the handwheel forward, I’ve had ZERO luck getting the feed dogs to engage. ??? Is it a faulty machine??? Any ideas?
Might be good to note here that the slim pre-wound bobbins are trash. Being short they have hop-up when pulled fast and being cheaply-molded plastic they are occasionally irregular and can bind in the bobbin holder. The hop-up allows it to capture the upper thread and binding is functionally very high thread tension. Additionally, they are tied to the spool and wound a lottle too tight, making tension inconsistent and spiking when it runs out of filament. I swapped to the old metal Singer bobbins and stopped having trouble, plus they hold more filament.
Just a TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE machine. I am not new to machine embroidery, but in the 3 weeks I’ve had this thing, I can’t get it to do ANYTHING. Every time I turn it on I am prompted to attach the embroidery presser foot and hoop. They are already attached. I have to take them off and put them back on to get rid of the message. Next, I try to embroider. I am using a very small leaf pattern that came with the machine. Every time I touch the start button it tells me to remove the hoop. Remove it, put it back on. Touch start, prompt to remove. And so on and so forth. THREE WEEKS of this. Manual says it’s “out of parameters”. No hint what to do with it to fix it. Put the US stick in, half the time it tells me it’s empty. Have to keep taking out and putting it in until it decides there’s something there. Online videos give no clue. I don”t need to learn to sew, I need to know how to make this mess sew. Today I put it out in my storage shed and set the 35 year old BabyLock up again. It’s very limited and cranky, but it sews. Don’t buy one off these things. Just TERRIBLE.
Was so excited to use my Jade 35 for the first time tonight and the screen just goes blank after the raise the needle command. Screen is on but completely blank. Tried turning on/off, plug/unplug, raise and lower needle – nothing.
So bummed out and disappointed. I really wanted to dive right in, now I have to see what can be done to return this expensive doorstop 🙁
So has anyone actually used this machine to sew leather? It says it can but I have yet to find anyone reviewing its leather capabilities. Not looking to sew saddles but definitely heavy garment/upholstery weight leathers, maybe a max of 5oz leather but at the softer end of the spectrum
Absolutely. Many of the vikings models can sew leather, including the Jade 35. Be sure to use the correct needle, thread, and foot (as any sewing machines). Like the Epic’s, the Designer Jade 35 displays several different fabric icons and there is one for leather. Selecting the type of fabric you will be sewing on will set the Designer Jade 35 for auto tension for that type of fabric. In most cases, there is no need to adjust the tensions. Can the Designer Jade 35 sew through leather belts? Yes & No. Depending on the thickness of the leather belt will determine if the machine can handle it. I done thin leather belts at a slow speed without any problems.
Yeah, this sewing and embroidery machine is capable to sew through leather and great for purses & bags. The only draw back for this model is the head spaced. Not much clearance. At times it can be difficult to have a clear view during sewing. Although, this will depend on your sitting arrangements. As for the negative posts to the tensions and bobbins issues, most are users errors. True, the Designer Jade 35 does not like cheap threads, it will cause tension and sewing issues.
Last, if you’re looking to sew with leather (heavy or not) I would highly recommend Brother PQ1500SL. Although, the Brother PQ1500SL is only a straight stitch sewing machine, it will sew anything your heart desires. I sewed through thick leather belts without any hiccups. The stitches are absolutely beautiful. The only one drawback for the PQ1500SL is the auto needle threading, it stinks! True for the Juki’s similar model. But, this is a trade off for the Brother PQ1500SL, heavy duty metal through the sewing machine, beautiful stitches, sews from light fabric to heavyweights, whereby sacrificing the auto threading for an overall fantastic sewing machine.
Note: There was a time I loved Brother until recent years. Why? Brother makes too many sewing & embroidery machines which are virtually or identical from one model to another. And these similar models are pretty much the same with the exception for which retailer has the license to sell. Meaning, Brother is more focused on marketing strategy then keeping it simple with quality sewing and embroidery machines. Too many of the same Brother models are being sold with a different color or one added features, still the same machine. After investing into Viking’s Epic I am convinced their sewing and embroidery has a better stitch and auto tension quality vs Brother. Husqvarna seems to focus on their existing models and upgrading them in due time. You don’t see Husqvarna inventory of over 1000+ models. That said, the exception is for the Brother PQ1500SL model. Brother did focus their attention on the PQ1500Sl for an outstanding straight stitch sewing machine. Otherwise, I wouldn’t recommend a Brother sewing or embroidery machine -at this time.
Bottom line, Designer Jade 35 sews leather well. But, for ongoing sewing with leather Brother PQ1500SL is the best choice. I hope this helps.
I have been debating whether to buy a used embroidery machine now or to wait for about three years when I am likely to have more time. I saw a used Jade 35 on Facebook Marketplace and decided to look at reviews to learn more about the machine.
I really like that you “tell it as you see it” in your review and don’t sugarcoat anything. It really helps when trying to decide whether this is the machine for me!!! You also explained everything very well.
Hi
I have a Jade 35 i loved it until my cutting blade came out and i now can not use the embroidery part of the machine i have tried everywhere to replace or repair no one seems to know what to do.