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Husqvarna/Viking Designer Ruby Royale Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: The Husqvarna/Viking Designer Ruby Royale review was originally written in 2014, and has been revised in 2023. We have added alternatives such as Brother Inno-vis NQ1700E, Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850, and Janome Memory Craft 500E.
On a visit to see what was new at Ace Sewing and Vacuum in Pompano Beach, Florida, I came across the brand new Husqvarna/Viking Designer Ruby Royale, which I had previously read about, and was truly happy to be able to finally review this much talked about sewing and embroidery machine.
Husqvarna/Viking Designer Ruby Royale Overview
The Husqvarna Viking Designer Ruby Royale is a high-end computerized sewing and embroidery machine designed for advanced sewers and embroidery enthusiasts. It features a large 7-inch full-color touch screen display, which allows easy selection of embroidery designs, stitch settings, and more. The machine has over 1,000 built-in stitches, including utility, decorative, and embroidery stitches, and also comes with 360-degree designs and over 100 embroidery fonts. The Designer Ruby Royale has a unique Sensor System, which detects and adjusts automatically to the thickness of the fabric, making it easy to work with a wide range of materials. The machine has a large embroidery area of 360 x 200mm, allowing users to create larger designs with ease. It also features a dual feed system for even fabric feeding, a large sewing surface with extension table, and a built-in sewing advisor with tutorials for various techniques. The Designer Ruby Royale has a sleek and modern design, with a sturdy construction that ensures long-lasting use. Overall, it is an excellent machine for advanced sewing and embroidery projects.
The Husqvarna/Viking Designer Rose Royale is larger than nearly all the sewing and embroidery machines produced before it was released.
It has a very large work area – nearly 10 inches from the needle to the column and a large 5 x 7 full color touch screen. There are also two USB ports on the right side as well as a stylus holder.
A touchpad above the needle is where you will find controls for starting and stopping the machine; raising and lowering the presser foot; reverse stitch; tying off and cutting the thread; stopping the needle in the up or down position; as well as the ability to stop sewing a design stitch at its end and a fix function.
Topping it all off, the most noticeable thing about the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Ruby Royale is the large brightly lit full color touch screen and the bright on board LED lighting.
What are some alternatives for Husqvarna/Viking Designer Ruby Royale?
We have reviewed several sewing machines similar to the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Ruby Royale and here are some we highly recommend.
This model by brother is a feature packed commercial device that gives you access to over 5000 optional design options from iBroidery.con besides the ones available onboard. It also has inbuilt memory to store your patterns and designs. 2 LED lights have been built-in for visual convenience alongside advanced needle threading mechanism and automatic thread tension to ensure adequate precision. The majority of features on thai model si automatic and set up to the user’s convenience. The quality of delivery is excellent and snooth and the device works incredibly fast saving you a considerable amount of time. A large work area is provided to accommodate larger sewing and embroidery projects. The working area is also well illuminated with LED lights.
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
The Janome Memory Craft 500E empowers designers to express their unique style through personalized, embellished, and monogrammed creations. Its intuitive features, including a full-color touchscreen and on-screen editing functions, offer unparalleled convenience. With a maximum embroidery size of 7.9" x 11" and 160 built-in designs, this machine caters to intricate projects. The automatic thread cutter, advanced needle threader, and USB import capability enhance efficiency. Navigating through its advanced features is seamless, thanks to the vivid and user-friendly LCD color touchscreen, making the MC500E a versatile and inspiring tool for creative endeavors.
- Empowers designers with personalized, embellished, and monogrammed creations
- Full-color touchscreen and on-screen editing functions for unparalleled convenience.
- Maximum size of 7.9" x 11" accommodates intricate projects
- Some users, especially beginners, might find the advanced features a bit overwhelming
What are the features on Husqvarna/Viking Designer Ruby Royale?
- More than 1000 utility, decorative and embroidery stitch options
- 13 one step buttonholes
- 6 Alphanumeric sewing fonts
- 4 Alphanumeric embroidery fonts
- 182 design stitches
- 357 Standard embroidery designs, including 175 on a separate CD
- Updatability
- 5 x 7 interactive full color touch screen
- Design positioning
- Basic design applique
- On screen embroidery design editing
- Mirror imaging
- Image resizing – rotating
- Optional thread sensors with sound
- Dimensional stitching with specialty threads
- Sewing advisor
- Automatic jump stitch
- Adjustable stitch length and width
- Needle up/down
- Start/stop button
- On board thread snip
- USB ports
- Computer connectivity
- Side motion sewing
Working on the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Ruby Royale
Winding the bobbin on the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Ruby Royale and threading I are as simple as these tasks are on most of the older models in the Husqvarna/Viking sewing machine line.
That, however, along with the fabric selection icons at the bottom of the touch screen is pretty much where the similarity ends. When in the sewing mode and you want to select a stitch, there is no on board stitch selection guide to work from.
However, there are icons on the right side of the screen which allow you to select utility, decorative or alphanumeric font stitches.
Just to keep the playing field even, I elected follow the same procedures I use with all reviews of sewing and embroidery machines and sampled several utility and decorative stitch options.
While nearly all of the stitches I sampled came out fine, there was a noticeable lack of density with some of the decorative stitch options.
That problem, however, was remedied when I adjusted the default stitch width settings until I achieved more suitable stitch density.
In addition, I was disappointed with the one character stitch I sampled… the butterfly. The stitches piled on top of one another and the end result was a huge mess (the results are circled on the photo).
One reason for this could have been that I used two layers of a medium weave fabric rather than a layer of stabilizer. I tend to doubt that, however, since the problem did not occur with other stitches – even the dense ones.
Which fabrics work on the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Ruby Royale?
| Fabrics that work | Fabrics that don’t work |
|---|---|
| Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester Knits(Medium to heavyweight only) Upholstery Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers | Leather/suede Fur Reptile skin Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber |
What are the accessories that come with Husqvarna/Viking Designer Ruby Royale?
Standard accessories:
- 14 Presser feet
- Utility foot
- Decorative stitch
- Buttonhole
- Blindhem
- Zipper
- Non-stick glide
- Edging
- Quilter’s ¼”
- Piecing
- Embroidery/darning
- Side motion
- Transparent
- Sensor one-step buttonhole
- Sensor
- Self-adhesive glide plates
- Stylus
- Thread net
- Edge/quilting guide
- 2 Felt pads
- 1 GB USB stick
- Screwdriver
- 2 Embroidery hoops
- Royal hoop (360mm x 200mm)
- Splendid square hoop (120mm x 120mm)
- 16 Hoop clips
- 4 spool caps (2 large/1 medium/1 small)
- Button reed/multipurpose tool
- 11 Bobbins
- Downloadable classic embroidery collection
- Carrying case
- Pictogram pen
- Carrying case
- Extra needles
- Embroidery thread
- Fabric samples
- Scissors
- Embroidery thread
- Stabilizer
- Microfiber cloth
- Sampler book
- Owner’s manual
Optional accessories:
When you purchase the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Ruby Royale, you have access to hundreds of optional accessories. The list here is just a sampling of the many optional sewing and embroidery accessories from which you can choose.
- Presser feet
- Gathering foot
- Beading foot
- 3, 5, 7 and 9 groove pin tuck
- 7 hole cord foot with threader
- Adjustable buttonhole foot
- ½ and ¼” bias binder
- Braiding foot
- Button foot with placement tool
- Adjustable blind hem foot
- Candlewicking
- Changeable presser feet
- ¼” guide
- Decorative
- Quilter’s guide
- Chenille stitching
- Clear invisible zipper
- Open toe
- Free motion open toe
- Piping
- Seam guide
- Stitch in the ditch
- Double welt cording
- Fancy trim
- Clearance plate
- Logo pattern luggage set
- Hoops
- Design hoop (180mm x 120mm)
- Do all quilter’s hoop (150mm x 150mm)
- Embroidery spring hoop
- 8 Spool thread rack
- Embroidery cutwork kit
- 2 Hoop templates (360mm x 200mm and 260mm x 200mm)
- Cutwork needles
How to maintain the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Ruby Royale?
| Maintenance activities | After each use | Monthly | Once each year | As needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean race hook and feed dogs | Yes | No | No | No |
| Wipe head with soft dry cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Wipe head with soft damp cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Lubricate | No | No | No | No |
| Service by sewing machine repair professional | No | No | Yes | No |
Husqvarna/Viking Designer Ruby Royale Summary
To conclude my review, the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Ruby Royale is overall a very good sewing and embroidery machine. The challenges with the decorative stitch that did not come out right is one that I believe can be worked around.
During this review, the speed setting on the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Ruby Royale was at the highest level. Perhaps sewing at a slower speed and/or the addition of stabilizer could have made the difference.
It should be noted, however, that none of the other stitches sampled had this issue. It is necessary to adjust the default settings in order to achieve professional looking density in some of the design stitches. Once that was done, the stitches came out great.
I don’t recommend this machine for everyone, especially the beginner. It should definitely not be used by a child.
There are too many things to remember while learning basic sewing machine operation, and a machine with as many computerized components as this one should not be handled by a child – even while being supervised.
No doubt some people will disagree with me on this. I have talked with a few people who think someone who has never touched a sewing machine before would be able to master a machine like the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Ruby Royale.
When someone who has never sewn before tells me this, my opinion may change. There are even a few people who think it might be all right to teach a child how to use this machine.
These people, however, are not beginners, nor are they parents, school teachers or anyone else who deals with children on a daily basis.
In the meantime, I believe the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Ruby Royale is a good step up for anyone who has mastered the basics of sewing machine operation and maintenance and is ready to step up their game.
The issue with the stitch density should not be a problem for someone who knows how and when to adjust stitch density. This machine is designed so that adjusting stitch length and width is very easy.
I love the huge work space. Sewing coats and other very large items is much, much easier when you have a large space between the needle and the column.
Very few home sewing machines have a work space this accommodating. The fact that you can sew with the embroidery unit attached gives you an even larger work area.
Of course, with all this added workspace, the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Ruby Royale has a larger footprint. It requires about twice as much table space as your traditional sewing machine needs.
An added advantage is the bright on board LED lighting. There are no shadows and the lights are adjustable so as the light in your sewing room changes and you need more illumination, it’s right there at your fingertips.
The same is true for the light on the touch screen. You can reduce eye strain by adjusting the brightness levels to accommodate your personal comfort level.
The Husqvarna/Viking Designer Ruby Royale is available for demonstration at most authorized Husqvarna/Viking sewing machine dealers.
If you have been putting off getting a new sewing and embroidery machine because you have been reading all of the press releases and e-mail notices about the new machines that are being released this fall, you owe it to yourself to take a close look at this one.
There are lots of brand news models to choose from. I strongly suggest that you set aside time to visit your local Husqvarna/Viking dealer and ask for a demonstration of the Designer Ruby Royale before making your final decision.
Husqvarna/Viking Designer Ruby Royale Review
Summary
The Husqvarna/Viking Designer Ruby Royale is a sewing and embroidery machine that was released in 2019. It has a 5″ color LCD touch screen, 1,400 built-in stitches, 100 embroidery designs, and a large embroidery field of 7″ x 12″. It also has an automatic needle threader, quick-set, top-loading bobbin, and a variety of other features that make it a versatile machine.
It is a good option for those who are looking for a machine with a variety of features and a large embroidery field. However, it is important to note that it is an expensive machine.
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Happy Stitching.
Do you ever include msrp? It would give the reader another point for comparison.
Hello, Janet
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
Many retailers are very reluctant to divulge MSRP because they have the flexibility of offering machines at significant discounts and often offer dealer specials, etc. For that reason, the MSRP is seldom if ever listed. I encourage you to call or visit your local dealers for pricing information.
I have been searching for info on the Ruby deluxe verses Ruby Royal I have a D1and I wonder if Husqvarna is throwing the deluxe under the bus
I’ve only had this machine for less than 2 months and it’s been in the shop twice! I will never buy from them again!
I love the Ruby Royale sewing machine! I have had it for 2 months, it was an upgrade from an old Janome (non-computerized basic machine). I have had not had a lot of sewing experience and I have found this machine to be amazingly easy to use in addition to excellent stitch quality. My 11 year old son loves to sew with me and we have made a number of projects together already. I have made everything from quilts to pants with this machine so far and have had very few issues. The only issues that I have had with embroidery are related to human error and not hooping the fabric correctly or not stabilizing correctly. Once I resolved these issues the results have been fantastic. I can’t imagine owing a better machine!
I have had my Ruby Royale named Raygean since May 11, 2015. Yes only two days ago well one actually but I have not turned it on yet. I am doing research so I make very few mistakes. I am very excited. My niche is Custom towels. A usable beautiful and unique keepsake. I just wanted to say your information I stumbled upon has been super helpful to me, thanks Vernelle.
This machine was bought as a gift. I have very little sewing experience. Being somewhat familiar with electronics I have been able to figure out the basis of the machine. Reading the manual helped a lot, although it looked overwhelming at first glance, and I still haven’t finished it. The manual lacks in a few things like instructions on how to use hoop clips, which a Google search led me to this review. I still haven’t found what hoop clips are for and how to use them.
I have only used the machine for two days. The main thing I have had difficulty with is when I am hooping with thick fabric or stabilizer, but that may come with practice. One of my projects did come out a little loose, but that was also due to my interference. I started off with too short of a thread tail and it came out of the needle. I then had too long of a thread tail and I foolishly tried to trim it while it was going and it made a knot and broke the thread. Still haven’t figured out how to go back a bit to redo the ones missed because of my interference.
As far as children go, I plan to have my second grader niece have a try at it after school tomorrow. The best way to learn is to teach so hopefully my three days of tinkering will give me enough experience to be able to teach a child.
So far this machine has been easier to use then the one someone gave me from Ikea. It took me days to complete my first project because of all the knotted, bunched up, and loose threads even with reading the manual over and over. The Ruby is so much more machine and does a really nice straight stitch comparatively. The bobbins are easy to wind, place and thread. I especially like the fact I can wind a bobbin while the machine is doing its embroidery. I still have a lot to learn but using this machine and how easy it is, has really given me confidence and experience, I just might try to use the serger that I inherited that has been sitting in the closet for a couple years with it’s many spools and complicated threading. Now off to learn more about the Ruby and those darn hoop clips.
I have a Ruby Royale which I am having problems with it “taking over”. It was less than a year old when this problem started. Took it in for repairs and they could not duplicate the problem. Started it again 3 months later. The pressure foot would drop on it’s own then sew a stitch every 30 secs or so. The controls were flashing and I could not regain control of the machine. Rebooted numerous times to no avail. This time I recorded it so repair could actually see what it’s doing. Awaiting repair.
I have had a Ruby Deluxe for two years and I really like it. I let my daughter use it despite it being a little dangerous. I was sewing something once and in a quite agitated mood and sewed into my finger and the needle broke off into my finger. The timing of letting off of the pedal and the needle stopping is off because everything is computerized, so you have to be careful. I can’t always get all of the specialized stitches to turn out how I want them to, even when I test them out beforehand. But the embroidery is great. I use the metal hoop for everything. I can’t stand to use the normal hoops because it doesn’t always work with all fabrics (especially knit) and it’s a pain to hoop but eazy breazy with the metal hoop. I love how it tells you what stitches to use with what fabrics and what you’re wanting to do. The tension is almost always perfect. I’ve actually used it with leather and with plastic and greeting card material without problems. I have 6D software and plus I bought like 150,000 embroidery designs for super cheap on ebay and so I’m almost set for life. Once you use it, you don’t want to go back to a machine without all the extras.
Questions: The Pros and Cons at the bottom seem to be the same ones as the original Ruby– were there any changes with the Royale? Did they not add an on-board stitch selection guide by now?
Here’s my question/reason I am wondering — I have an opportunity to buy a Ruby (NOT Deluxe or Royale) that was “gently used.” I am wondering if I would be giving up some of the best features of the Ruby, but I cannot figure out what has been improved by now. If it’s just cosmetic, I can live with that. But if it’s a bigger work bed and lighting, that’s important. Even more so would be more user-friendly screens! Should I forego the older model in your opinion? If this is a much better model, I’ll wait for this one. Thanks for looking out for the consumer!
Anyone use Embroidex metal hoops on Husqvarna machines?
Can the designer ruby royale use the majestic hoop? I am considering buying the machine but would like to be able to use the majestic hoop.
Thank you
I have a Ruby Royal. Love it I use the embroidery most of the time instead of straight stitching. when I switch from embroidery to straight stitch the feed won’t come up like they say it will in the directions? what can I do ?? Laurali Bonney
lauralibonneu@gmail.com
I have had this machine for two years and love it, but I do have two issues with it that I would like to mention. One is that the needle threader will not work on a standard needle. The eye seems to be too small and I can never get it to work. I have solved the problem by only using the metallic embroidery needles. The eye is bigger and it cuts down on the fuzz from the thread also.
Second problem is that the “words” on the buttons is wearing off. I cannot even see the “stop” button or the “Cut Thread” button wording at all now. I am going to see if there is a way to replace the front plate, but it will probably be expensive.
Other than those two items, I have been very happy with the machine.