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 Designer Topaz 25 Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: This Husqvarna/Viking Designer Topaz 25 review was originally written in 2014, and has been revised and updated in 2023. We have added similar alternatives such as Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850, Brother Inno-vis NQ1700E, and Janome Memory Craft 500E.
During a recent visit to Ace Sewing and Vacuum in Pompano Beach, Florida, I learned that the folks at Husqvarna/Viking decided to replace the Topaz 20 with an updated version. I reviewed the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Topaz 25 and learned that it is indeed, and updated rendition of the Topaz 20.
Husqvarna/Viking Designer Topaz 25 Overview
The Husqvarna/Viking Designer Topaz 25 is a computerized sewing and embroidery machine designed for intermediate to advanced sewers and embroidery enthusiasts. It features a large 4.3-inch full-color touch screen display, which allows easy selection of embroidery designs, stitch settings, and more. The machine has over 200 built-in stitches, including utility, decorative, and embroidery stitches, and also comes with 160 built-in embroidery designs and six embroidery fonts. The Designer Topaz 25 has a large embroidery area of 240 x 150mm, allowing users to create larger designs with ease. It also features a unique Sensor System that 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 built-in dual feed system for even fabric feeding and comes with a range of accessories, including several presser feet, a seam ripper, and a needle set. The Designer Topaz 25 also has a built-in speed control, automatic thread cutter, and a start/stop button for hands-free operation. It has a sleek and modern design, with a sturdy construction that ensures long-lasting use. Overall, the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Topaz 25 is an excellent machine for sewing and embroidery projects.
When you look at it, the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Topaz 25 appears to be identical to its predecessor, the Topaz 20.
Function keys: start/stop; needle up/down; fix; cut; reverse stitch; and speed control are situated above the needle and across the top front of the machine.
A stitch selection guide is inside the lid and a backlit monochromatic LCD screen is on the front to the right hand side.
The Topaz 25 also has an automatic needle threader, a drop in bobbin, a free arm, and a seam guide etched onto the needle plate.
What are some alternatives for Husqvarna/Viking Designer Topaz 25 Review?
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
This model by brother is a feature packed commercial device that gives you access to over 5000 optional design options from iBroidery.con besides the ones available onboard. It also has inbuilt memory to store your patterns and designs. 2 LED lights have been built-in for visual convenience alongside advanced needle threading mechanism and automatic thread tension to ensure adequate precision. The majority of features on thai model si automatic and set up to the user’s convenience. The quality of delivery is excellent and snooth and the device works incredibly fast saving you a considerable amount of time. A large work area is provided to accommodate larger sewing and embroidery projects. The working area is also well illuminated with LED lights.
The 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 Topaz 25?
- 160 built in decorative and utility stitch options
- 1 alphanumeric font
- 75 embroidery designs preloaded on USB stitck
- Upper and lower thread sensors
- Updatable software
- Needle up/down
- Presser foot up/down
- Start/stop
- Speed control
- Drop in bobbin
- Drop feed
- Free arm
- Monochromatic LCD screen
- On board stitch selection guide
- On board accessory storage (when embroidery unit is not in place)
Working on the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Topaz 25
Winding the bobbin and threading the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Topaz 25 is made easy by the on board guides that are so clearly identified a beginner would have no problem navigating the process.
Once the machine is threaded, however, before you even select your stitches, it is necessary to identify the type of fabric you will be working with in order to assure that the automatic tension setting is properly engaged. Skipping this step could very well result in skipped stitches or worse.
The process is not a complicated one if you are accustomed to working with different types and weights of fabric.
You must use the buttons at the lower edge of the touchpad to indicate the type of fabric you are using and if necessary the type of overcast stitching you using. Buttons labeled A through G are for fabric identification:
A. Woven – light
B. Woven – medium
C. Woven – heavy
D. Knit – light
E. Knit – medium
F. Knit – heavy
G. Leather/vinyl
Buttons labeled 1 through 7 are to be engaged when using specific stitch options:
1. Stretch light straight
2. Overcast – light
3. Overcast – semi light
4. Overcast – baste
5. Overcast – 3x zigzag
6. Overcast – hem
7. Overcast – buttonhole
Once this task is complete, the process of actually selecting the stitch you want is quite easy. The first thing you must do is determine in which grouping your stitch is stored.
There are several different stitch groups, and each group has several different options. While this sounds a bit complicated, it is not as challenging as it may at first seem.
The on board stitch selection guide is quite useful in this process because you can see at a glance exactly which numerical grouping your stitches are stored in. After selecting the group, simply dial up the stitch number on the touchpad and you’re ready to go.
The stitches produced by the Husqvqrana/Viking Designer Topaz 25 produces what could possibly be the best quality I have seen in this price range.
The default settings need no adjustment or tweaking whatsoever to yield absolutely perfect, professional quality utility and decorative stitches.
Which fabrics work on the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Topaz 25?
| 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) Denim Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers Leather/suede | Fur Reptile skin Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber Upholstery |
What are the accessories that come with Husqvarna/Viking Designer Topaz 25?
- 8 Snap on presser feet
- 2 Utility feet (1 for wide zigzag stitching and 1 for narrower stitching)
- Buttonhole
- Zipper
- Blind hem
- Edging
- Embroidery/Darning
- Sensor 1 step buttonhole
- Thread net
- Felt pad
- Screwdriver
- Lint brush
- Seam ripper
- 3 spool caps (1 large/1 medium/1 small)
- 1 GB USB embroidery stick
- Designer Jewel embroidery hoop (240mm x 150mm)
- Downloadable software
- Extra needles
- 6 bobbins
- Sample fabric
- Stabilizer
- Embroidery thread
- Designer Topaz 25 Sampler book
How to maintain the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Topaz 25?
| 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 | No | Yes |
Husqvarna/Viking Designer Topaz 25 Summary
To conclude my review, the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Topaz 25 is a good sewing and embroidery machine that produces surprisingly high quality stitches. If it were not for the prolonged process in setting up the machine for sewing the right fabric and the rather involved stitch selection process, I would not hesitate to recommend it for use by beginners.
After careful reviewing of the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Topaz 25, I cannot in good conscious say that a beginner would be able to do anything more than thread this machine and wind the bobbin because there are entirely too many steps required before you can expect to begin to sew.
In my opinion, a true beginner should be able to thread the machine, wind the bobbin and sew without having to go through the additional work of understanding enough about fabric to be able to tell the machine what kind of fabric they are using. Most beginners use simple woven fabric anyway. In my opinion, learning how to set or adjust the tension is part of the learning process.
Therefore, any machine that can be adjusted to set the tension for you is something that should be reserved for the more seasoned home sewer, who knows what the machine is doing and why. Anyone who has mastered basic sewing techniques, has a full understanding of sewing machine operation and maintenance and is ready to step up their game with a computerized sewing and embroidery machine might be happy with this one.
If you ask me, there are other machines on the market that do not require as many steps to achieve equal results. This does not mean, however, that I do not like the Topaz 25.
I like the feel of the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Topaz 25. It is solidly constructed and comfortable to sit at. There is very little noise and absolutely no vibration. I believe that it is entirely possible to work on this machine while talking on the telephone, listening to music or watching television at a normal volume level. With all this in mind, I urge anyone who is in the market to add a new sewing and embroidery machine to their sewing room inventory to visit their local Husqvarna/Viking dealer and ask for a demonstration of the Designer Topaz 25 before making a final decision.
Although there are other sewing and embroidery machines on the market that offer many more stitch options, I wonder just how many of those stitches are really being used. If you are one of those people who likes having access to lots of decorative stitches, but does not need to have thousands of stitches to choose from, this just might be the machine for you.
Husqvarna/Viking Designer Topaz 25 Review
Summary
The Husqvarna/Viking Designer Topaz 25 is a sewing and embroidery machine has a 5″ color LCD touch screen, 105 built-in stitches, 3 alphanumeric fonts, 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.
Overall, the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Topaz 25 is a good sewing and embroidery machine 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.
One of the standout features of the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Topaz 25 is the IDT Dual Feed System, which helps to feed the fabric evenly through the machine, which can be helpful for sewing difficult fabrics or getting consistent stitches.
Recommended Posts
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.
I don’t have a comment, but rather a question. You said you would not recommend this machine for a newbie, so I am wondering what machine you would recommend? I have sewn for years, but am by no means great at it. I just like to dabble.
I just bought the Topaz 25 sewing machine and I LOVE IT! It’s actually pretty darned easy to use, but I can see how someone with no sewing experience might get frustrated. I think because I had experience with a Singer embroidery machine, I was light years ahead on figuring this one out. I did have to call my HV folks a few times in the very beginning to get the machine off of free motion sewing and to get the safety stitch off, but other than that, I’ve got everything figured out on my own. I’ve embroidered and I’m working on my first monogramming job today.
Long story short, I would think you would be fine purchasing something like this since you have experience with sewing.
Brother PE 800 for just embroidery but Brother also has a COMBO line of sewing machines as well. Brother makes the most beginner user friendly sewing machines in the market right now, in my opinion. I prefer the Bintage JCPenney sewing machines and Vintage Kenmore because mostly made of metal and less to go wrong with them and LOT LESS EXPENSIVE- I am selling several machines from my collection to downsize.
I am in the market for a embrodied machine . I have been sewing since I was 10 yrs. old.& now at age 62yrs. I am entering my retirement. I am interested in embrodied. What is the best for a starter. I want to be able to make christening gowns , pillow cases, embroidery, vestments for the priest, embrodied trim ect. Please advise. I am looking at a viking topaz 30 but the reviews are very questionable.
Sincerely,
Patricia Smith
I have had the Topaz 25 for 4 months and it is starting to freeze up on me. Sometimes when I want to select a design and it has also happened when I am embroidering in the middle of a design. Any thoughts?????
I’m having the same problem with mine. Did you ever figure this out?
Hi. Seen that u have topaz 25. Have u had any problems with the bobbin. Took it out and casing to clean. But unsure if i have put casing back in right as my machine wont work properly now
Has anybody figured this out?? I took mine in for repair for this issue today. It’s done this several times but always would start back up OK and I could finish the design. Recently it won’t let me finish the design. I can navigate to the stitch it stopped on but it freezes at that point and I can not finish. Very frustrating and I’m thinking I’m going to trade up.
More a question than comment. What do you know about the Designer Topaz 50? I have tried out the Designer Diamond Royale and have seen the Ruby Royale perform. I have not seen comments/reviews on the Topaz 50 or seen it work. The Diamond Royale is pricey as is the Ruby, but the price quoted on the Topaz 50, is more in my price range. I have read all reviews on the Viking machines you have posted and the thing that concerns me the most is what I have read regarding the service. My dealer says they have a maintenance guy in town that works only on these machines. Thanks for any comments you have.
Hello, Kaye –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
This link will take you to my review of the Topaz 50. I strongly suggest that you visit your local Husqvarna/Viking dealer and ask for a demonstration of each of the machines you are interested in. Then after you try them for yourself – side by side. you will have a better idea of how each one operates and feels to you personally. The 20 and 25 have higher ratings than the 50, but the 50’s rating is still very high. Since all of the machines in this line that I reviewed were brand new out of the box, I cannot speak to their maintenance records or long term reliability. If at all possible, I think it would be a good idea for you to talk with people who actually have these machines in their personal sewing rooms. It is only after use in real life settings that a sewing machine’s attributes can truly be observed.
I am also looking at the Husqvarna Viking Topaz 50 as an option as opposed to the Bernina B590 for embroidery. I have difficulty to find a website to compare the machine to other brands like Bernina & Elna.
Service is very important to me. I have the Husqvarna HuskeyLock 25 Overlocker and had to wait more then 3 months for a part. I was not happy with the service of Husqvarna at all.
In general, I love my Topaz 25, which I use almost exclusively for embroidery. But now, just as my one-year warranty ends, it has started randomly refusing to read 6×10 designs–even some which it read and stitched without issue before. I already have a machine that can only read up to 5×7 designs, so needless to say this is a bit upsetting.
Make sure the designs you are trying to load are .VP3 files. Make sure you are giving the machine enough time to load what you have on your USB drive especially if you have a lot of designs on it. Watch your design size though because if it has one stitch out of the hoop it won’t sew it.
HI
I Just into this sight because I too am having problems with my topaz 25 reading my usb. I have been sewing/embroiderying for over 3 years. I understand your frustrations. Although you mentioned your one year warranty ends, this problem is covered for 5 years. So bring it to the dealer you purchased your machine. I did take mine to my dealer and they installed another new usb but it is still giving me problems. The tech told me it may be the mother board. So I would not hesitate to take heed and make sure the problem is taken care of before your warranty is up. (as I am doing the same) Good Luck.
I bought a topaz 25 in march of this year and although i am happy with it, it seems very noisy on the embroidery is this normal?
Yes they will be louder during embroidery. As the arm moves the hoop in different directions it will change the sound and that is normal.
Great little machine, but yes they are noisy. I have owned my machine for over 3 years and love it. Although having problems now with it reading the usb. Tech still working on the problem. Also the company now is replacing the cutting knives larger which keeps that message from continually popping up to clear stitches under the hoop. Next time you get your machine serviced asked to get the knife replaced. Great update in my opinion
My topaz 50- just froze and is making a reving noise like a lawn mower- I was embroidering – nothing unusual – I have unplugged everything , let it rest. I started it again in sewing mode – same thing happened – Anyone have answers- ideas-
check to make sure your bobbin winder isn’t engaged, otherwise it sounds like an authorized Viking repair service may be needed
Hi, I have purchased this embroidery machine for my mom. She has never used an embroidery machine before but I was wondering if it is possible to upload for instance a logo of some sort or like an actual picture or image that I have saved on my computer? If so, what software do I need?
There is Viking software you can get. They make PC software and Mac software. Embroidery machines read stitch files. Your logo and other things you mention are image files. Basic software lets you work with already existing designs (stitch files) but you need to get software that will let you create a design from your image and that is more expensive. Go to your Viking dealer and have them show you the Premier+ Extra software. It will let you make a basic design with a wizard, along with letting you make a photo into stitches. It does loads of other stuff too and has many built in fonts, designs, frames, and too much more to list.
Google “embrilliance” it is the software I purchased and I love it. Cost a fraction of the software out there. (150.00)
I have just recently “adopted” a Topaz 25, 2 yrs. old. I was told that the machine was originally sold without the embroidery arm and am wondering if there is any
possibility of finding one.
So far, I love the way it sews and look forward to using it a lot – I quilt.
this is a great review at all. really glad to know about one of the great machine on the generation. this is good with the features include in it. appreciate your writing
I own a Topaz 50 and I had been busy doing a lot of embroidery. for a few years.But I couldnt use it for 2 years due to ill health and now it is giving a lot of problems.If anybody knows a Viking dealer in North Carolina-Raleigh area please send the info .I have taken it to 2 sewing machine repairers but no body could solve the issue.
Thanking you in advance
Hi
Does this machine good for logos, and creating your own embroidery designs?
If not can anyone recommend me a machine for that please.