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Husqvarna Viking Sapphire 960Q Review (2023 update)
Note from Editor: This review was originally written in 2013 and updated in 2022. We’ve put together a list of machines with similar prices and features that might be a good deal.
The new Husqvarna/Viking Sapphire 960Q is a new sewing an quilting machine that I had an opportunity to review.
Husqvarna Viking Sapphire 960Q Overview
The product is only available as pre-owned
The Sapphire 960Q is an industrial-grade quilting machine. It features over 700 stitch options and more than 300 decorative and utility stitches. It is computerized and comes with a full-color touchscreen. The device is intuitive and smooth. To make it better for users, it even has 12 different languages, and the stitches appear on screen in their actual size. This is a device that will take most of the work off your plate.
This device might not be the best option for a beginner. However, for an experienced sewer, this is a platter of all things nice. The output quality is incredible, and there are few to no interruptions as long as you take good care of the device. That being said, the Viking 960Q is quite reasonably priced as well.
Husqvarna Viking Sapphire 960Q Features
The brilliant sapphire blue and white motif caught my eye before I even knew I was looking at a Husqvarna/Viking. The function buttons are clearly identified and easy to access.
There is an on board stitch selection guide and a needleplate with seam guides etched on both sides of the needle, a comfortable large work space and on board accessories case. The features on this machine include
- 777 total stitch options
- 321 decorative and utility stitch options
- 9 perfect balance buttonholes
- 2 eyelets
- My Stitch memory/menu (limit 2300 total stitches)
- 5 Programmable alphanumeric fonts
- USB port
- Interactive full color touch screen
- Sewing advisor
- Large sewing surface
- 29 Needle positions
- 4 multi-sized embroidery fonts
- Quick on-screen help
- Stitch tapering function
- Adjustable stitch length and width
- Pictorgram
- Mirror edge to edge/side to side
- 5 speeds
- Stitches appear on screen in actual size
- 12 languages
Working on the Husqvarna/Viking Sapphire 960Q
Winding the bobbin and threading the Husqvarna/Viking Sapphire 960Q is uncomplicated and easy enough for a beginner to master. I like the fact you can rewind the bobbin from the needle.
Although it takes only a few seconds to thread a sewing machine, those seconds can add up when working on a project that requires several bobbin rewinds. If you have a very hectic lifestyle and like to sew as much as I do, it’s very important t save as much time as possible. When you’re busy in the sewing room, the more time you can save the better.
A good practice is to pre-wind at least two or three bobbins. However, if your bobbin stash is loaded with many different colors and types of threads, that may not be possible. Having a machine that allows you wind the bobbin from the needle is the next best thing to having one that winds bobbins while you’re sewing.
The stitch selection process is easy once you get the hang of it. Everything takes place on the touch screen, which is pretty much user friendly once you understand the meanings of the symbols and icons. You must first select the stitch grouping that you want and then use the left and right arrows beneath the screen to toggle through the many stitch options.
The quality of the stitches produced by the Husqvarna/Viking Sapphire 960Q is very good. In my opinion, these stitches are equal to if not better than the stitches produced by the top of the line Designer Diamond Royale.
Alternatives to the Husqvarna Viking 960Q
The Singer 7258, Bernette B77, Juki HZL-F600 and the Janome Memory Craft 6650 are great alternative sewing and quilting machines that you should consider based on your budget.
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
Read the detailed Singer 7258 review
Last but not least is the Bernette B77 Sewing and Quilting Machine that is bound to make you add to your shopping cart. And the credits go to none other than its wide variety of features, which are usually found in high-end quilting machines. This particular machine beats the other traditional machines with a 5-inch color touchscreen for easier stitch selection and a semi-automatic needle for simplifying the quilting setup. Furthermore, you will also see a dual-feed system that guarantees even fabric feed when you have to sew slippery fabrics. Not forgetting to mention that the machine is designed with 500 sewing stitches and 230 mm of stitching space, so you can get as creative as you want. It offers you a slide-on extension table that makes working easy, especially when receiving big orders.
- Programmable securing function
- Dual feed for non-stop stitching
- Drop-in hook system
- No automatic thread cutter
- LED lighting is not bright enough for intricate projects
Read the detailed Bernette B77 review
The Juki HZL-F600 takes the lead in the sewing and quilting machine industry. The tool has the potential to impress you with its professional performance and user-friendly features. Why should you invest in this machine? The reason is that it comes ahead with a sturdy motor designed to sew thick materials such as denim and several quilting layers, which other machines fail to do. Furthermore, you can unleash your creative side by making the most out of 255 stitch patterns and 16 buttonholes completely automatic. And do not forget the bonus part: it offers a large working space, bright LED lighting for you to navigate the instructions, and a box feed system to guarantee precision and ease so you can continue with your complicated sewing projects.
- You can sew home decoration items, dresses, and quilts.
- A large LCD screen to simplify your sewing tasks, even if you are a beginner.
- The machine is heavy as it is exactly 21.8 lbs.
- It is expensive.
- The manual is a bit challenging to understand.
Read the detailed Juki HZL F600 review
Janome Memory Craft 6650 Sewing and Quilting Machine takes the seventh position in the category of the best eight quilting machines. It’s considered a powerhouse since the instrument is packed with versatility and precision, becoming the top quilter and sewer choice. The machine attracts you with its spacious 10’’ throat space, making it perfect for managing bulky quilt projects. After that, you will see that the device carries a robust body with 170 built-in stitches, a superior needle threader for you to resume intricate sewing easily, and includes alphabets to ensure that you are doing it correctly. This specific quilting machine offers you speedy stitching of up to 1000 stitches per minute, promising you an efficient workflow. At the same time, the LCD screen allows easier navigation, simplifying usability.
- Superior Plus Feed System
- Built-in automatic thread cutter
- Adjustable foot presser
- Detachable stitch chart
- Lack of a free arm.
- A steeper learning curve may interfere with the beginner’s learning.
Fabrics
| Fabrics that work | Fabrics that don’t work |
|---|---|
| Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet Knits Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester Upholstery Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers |
Accessories
- 12 Snap on Presser feet
- Utility
- Decorative
- Buttonhole
- Blind hem
- Zipper
- Non-stick glide
- Edging
- Quilting
- Embroidery/darning
- Open toe
- Sensor/1-step buttonhole with adhesive glide pads
- 4 spool caps (2 large/1 medium/1 small)
- Carrying case
- Pictogram pen
- Stylus
- Extra needles
- Thread net
- Screwdriver
- Seam ripper
- Lint brush
- Edge/quilting guide
- 6 bobbins
- Straight stitch needle plate
- Microfiber cloth for cleaning the machine head
Maintenance
| Maintenance activities | After each use | Monthly | Once each year | As needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean race hook and feed dogs | Yes | No | No | No |
| Wipe head with soft dry cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Wipe head with soft damp cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Lubricate | No | No | No | No |
| Service by sewing machine repair professional | No | No | Yes | No |
Summary: Husqvarna/ Viking 960Q
If you are in the market for a sewing and quilting machine that is reasonably priced, you might want to take a close look at the Husqvarna/Viking 960Q. The stitch quality is very close to the quality of stitches found only on those old vintage machines that gave you the perfectly formed straight stitches our grandmothers and great grandmothers were accustomed to.
There is a learning curve when it comes to using the touchpad to select stitches and adjust the stitch length and width. This process could be a challenge for people who are also trying to learn the basics of sewing. Therefore, I do not recommend the Husqvarna/Viking Sapphire 960Q for use by beginners – especially beginners younger than 18-21 years of age. IN my opinion, the greatest feature aside from the stitch quality is the ability to wind the bobbin from the needle. Anything that can save time and lets you get the job done as quickly as possible gets a nod from me.
The Husqvarna/Viking Sapphire 960Q may not have all the stitch options available on some other sewing and quilting machines, but it more than makes that up with the superior stitch quality. I wouldn’t necessarily call this machine extremely user friendly. I think the stitch selection process were simpler it could be a good choice for beginners. If, however, you are an intermediate or advanced home sewer and interested in a moderately priced computerized sewing and quilting machine, the Husqvarna/Viking Sapphire 960Q just might be the one for you.
If you are an advanced sewist, have a look at our best sewing machines, best sewing books and best sewing magazines posts and if you are looking to get a mechanical, heavy duty, quilting or industrial sewing machine, have a look at some of our great articles. If you are a beginner sewist, review our best sewing books for beginners, best sewing machines for beginners and best sewing machines under $200 to get started.
For brand related articles, check Best Bernette | Best Bernina | Best Brother | Best Husqvarna Viking | Best Janome | Best Juki | Best Singer |
For best accessories, check Best Chairs | Best tables | Best tracing paper | Best machine oils | Best scissors and shears | Best presser feet | Best needles | Best sewing kits |
Happy Stitching.
Husqvarna Viking 960Q Review
Summary
The Husqvarna/Viking Sapphire 960Q is a sewing and quilting machine with 777 total stitches, a full color interactive touch screen and a couple of Husqvarna/Viking exclusives… upper and lower thread sensors, and Sewing Advisor … as well as automatic thread tension adjustment and side motion sewing.
Other Viking Machine reviews you may like
Husqvarna Viking Emerald 116 Review
There are very few differences between the three machines that make up the Husqvarna/Viking Emerald series. They look alike and have the solid construction and Swedish design and workmanship that the Husqvarna/Viking brand is known for. This basic electronic sewing machine is good for use by beginners of all ages, as well as the home sewer who has been busy making clothing and accessories for many years and is now in the market for a new sewing machine.
Husqvarna Viking Opal Review
It isn’t difficult to understand why Consumer’s Digest gave the Husqvarna/Viking Opal the Best Buy award. Whether you go for the economical 650 or the 670, you will not be disappointed. The Opal is a great transitional machine for people who are stepping up from a mechanical sewing machine and has just about everything you would expect from a more costly computerized sewing machine.
Husqvarna Viking Huskylock 936 Review (2023 update)
While we were initially impressed by the number of tasks the Husqvarna Viking Huskylock 936 serger is capable of performing, we were dismayed by the length of time it takes to switch from one task to another. It can take up to 20 minutes to re-thread the machine and change needle positions in order to perform a relatively simple task. Once executed, however, the stitches are well formed and sturdy.
Husqvarna Viking Rose Review
The Viking Rose sewing machine we reviewed was the personal property of a woman who specializes in making home décor items. The 40 decorative stitches available on this machine make embellishing accent pillows, tablecloths and napkins and accent pillows fast and easy. The on board accessories case doubles as an oversized workspace and it all stows away neatly in a unique molded plastic carrying case.
Husqvarna/Viking Designer Jade 35 Review (2023 update)
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.
Husqvarna Viking Sapphire 930 Review (2023 Update)
The superior stitch quality will make any home sewer happy. The Sapphire 930 is possibly the most user friendly computerized sewing machine that the people at Husqvarna/Viking offer. It has all of the benefits of the engineering that Husqvarna/Viking is known for and brings with it all of the features the long time home sewer has come to appreciate.
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 have sapphire 875q, and I want to upgrade it to 960q. But my dealer hasn’t got the machine yet at the store…. I liked your review. I guess it doesn’t have automatic threading.. But ok with me 🙂 Do you have any idea for the price range too?
It does have a needle threader and I bought mine for $2200 Canadian in 2015. Mine also moves away from the sewing line and cuts the thread which is not desirable!
This is billed as a 960q ,q as in quilting . Why is this machine set up to make the last stich crooked when I use the tread cutting feature?
I was told Viking was aware of this problem ,but nothing about a fix or recall . I was told just not to use auto thread cutter if I wanted to keep the seam’s lined up . I guess I’ll just have to pick the last stich or two out on every quilt square if I use the auto thread cutter feature.
All 960q’s in stock did this at the dealer. The dealer didn’t know it was an Issue ,she called her trainer and her repair man ,repair didn’t know about the issue ,We even called customer service and they didn’t know about it either .
I bought this machine today based on reviews like yours, Didn’t you notice when you use the auto thread cutter in a normal straight stich, the needle index’s to the right on the last stich . ____________/ like this.
Please contact me if you find a fix for this problem
Hello, Bob –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight. If we get a solution to the issue with the thread cutting feature, I will be certain to post it here. In the meantime, snipping threads the old fashioned way is probably your best solution.
Happy stitching.
Here is the response I got from Viking when inquiring about the “crooked” stitch:
“We call the stitch made to the side for an ‘cut-stitch’. The purpose is to make sure that the cut is performed in a new hole in the fabric. This to ensure a good and consistent cut performance. It is done when the cut is performed on a running machine. If the user manually stops the machine and press the cut button while the machine is not running, no cut stitch will be performed
This cut stitch exist on most of our current Husqvarna Viking® machines.
It also exists on Sapphire™ 875Q. With older versions of the software the length of the stitch was 0.5mm and in newer it has been increased to 0.75mm. The 0.75mm cut stitch also exist on our Top-of-the-Line machines, for example Designer Diamond deLuxe™, Designer Diamond Royale™, Designer Ruby™ and Designer Ruby DeLuxe™.
We currently do not have any plans for removing the cut-stitch in an software update. We believe it is very important to achieve a good cut performance.
For a centered straight stitch there is a way to ‘remove’ the cut stitch. If the ‘Stitch Width Safety’ setting is activated, no cut-stitch will be performed. However, the cut performance is affected in a negative way.”
I am in mad love with this machine. I bought this machine in November and could not be happier. Love the LED lights, stitch quality, and ease of use. If you half way read the manual, you will get it all no problem. I even have to fight off my 2 teenage daughters off this machine. They have both taken apparel in high school. I thought that they would be too cool to actually sew for fun…I was wrong! If you chose this machine, I don’t think you will regret it!
I have had a 960Q for several months. I am having trouble with the thread cutter not cutting “sometimes”. I have had it back to the dealer, and of course, it behaved perfectly when the repairman checked it out. It seems like if there is any tension on the fabric, it will likely not cut, but I will have the problem even when there is no pull on the fabric. It will do well for a while and then it will start balking again.
When it balks, it usually only cuts the top thread, and the bobbin thread is caught on something and I have to take off the face plate to undo the mess.
Does anyone have a suggestion?
i just “beat ” my singer Futura 2000 from 1973 to death and need a new sewing machine. i loved it to pieces even though it had some problems.
i need a machine that i can use to make quilts, dolls, and sew clothing , patch things and creat. I am thinking of the emerald 118, but i need more info on it. this one sounds like a good one also. anyone to help on this problem?
how thick of the leather will it sew? will it sew 4 layers to 8 layers of thick denim?
I purchased my machine recently and have had problems with the thread cutter, machine sticks in needle down position and makes a horrible noise when I push button to raise it back up
My Sales person has yet to tell me what to do with USB Port.
Machine very loud when turning on. Loud during stippling.
I love this machine, however I have had the same issue that you are having, where the thread cutter works on and off. I went into a sewing class specifically for this machine over the weekend. It was doing it during the class and they showed me why. If you take the throat plate off to clean the machine, on the upper left hand side there is a very small blade that cuts the thread, this can get lint underneath which causes it to work only sporadically. I would have never seen this piece had it not been shown to me. You may have to stand up and move around to see it as it lays down and you can’t see it looking straight on at your machine. The blade will stand up and you can clean around this piece. Sure enough I had lint where the blade lays and since cleaning I have had no problem with the cutter. Good Luck I hope this fixes your issue too!
You have to clean lint from inside the thread cutter from time to time. It accumulates lint around the hook and has to be cleaned.
Can you explain the checks and X notations in the fabric list? If there is an X does that mean the machine won’t handle that type of fabric or is it that you did not test that particular fabric type? I find it hard to believe that a machine of this caliber would not handle half the fabrics on the list. I’ve noticed it in other reviews as well.
Thank you and I do appreciate the time and effort you have put into reviewing these machines – very helpful!
I have the 960Q which I purchased about one month ago.. It is a nice machine but it has issues for the price. It is loud during turning on however I was told that it is because of it being computerized. It does not have a way to turn off or adjust the beeping sounds when pressing a button. I also feel that during sewing it is quite loud if the speed is adjusted to almost the lowest level it becomes a little quieter. I feel that for the price this should be fixed. Any thoughts?
what is ‘reasonably priced’? I have no idea what the price is, could you please list a price? thanks.
I paid $2700.00 for mine in June 2014
I’ve had my 960q for about 7 months now and I love it. It was far better value for money than similar models from other brands and I haven’t had any problems with it.
The stitch quality is great and the touch screen makes it very easy to operate and adjust stitch settings.
I love the hover feature and the sewing advisor. Being able to tap the foot control to lower the presser foot and raise or lower the needle is really convenient.
I have to agree with Heather. This machine packs a huge bang for the buck and is beautiful as well. If you don’t want machine embroidery, this would be the top Viking model to select and holds up well to any competition in its price range. I wouldn’t rule it out for beginners, but would highly recommend they take lessons on it from their dealer as it is quite a different machine from those their mother or grandmother may have had. Once familiar with most of the features, your sewing will be so much more efficient and you will expect every other machine to lower the presser foot for you automatically. Mine has handled heavy bag making really well and I’ve had no cutter issues in my 2 years of ownership. Stitch quality is excellent. Like any modern sm, it’s important to keep the machine clean of lint and thread build up below the stitch plate. But since you never have to oil it, this is no biggie.
I punched my Viking 960 Q in Nov 2013 got a replacement in 2014 and now it’s going back to the company again, because it has the same software problem that the first one had.Even though I have an extended warranty I don’t trust Viking to do right by me as a customer.I think they need to remember that a happy customer is worth a lot of good advertisement and right now I am NOT a happy customer
Can you tell me what it was doing.mine doesn’t sew straight
What was it doing? My first one had software problems, they replaced and now I am questioning the new one.
I bought my 960 in March 2016 and have had problems with the straight stitch not sewing straight with some stitches going off to the side,and the tension not quite right.It has been back 3times to the dealer where I have been fobbed off.Any suggestions
I am glad to see that I am not the only one having this problem with the 960Q. I recently had mine in to have this fixed and of course it wasn’t. I asked the salesman to set up a new 965Q and it had the same problem which did not give me a lot of confidence that the repair man could fix it even if I brought it back. It has to be a software glitch and I can’t understand why the company cannot do something about it. I would certainly never recommend this machine for this reason. It might not be the most expensive machine but it’s still plenty pricey
I purchased the 965Q, same machine just more decorative stitches and I LOVE IT!! My first machine was the Sapphire 835Q and traded it for a sewing machine embroidery machine and never bonded with it and the many others that came after. I’ve have been a wondering soul for a long time never could find that right fit, until it hit me to go back to the Sapphire which I did and I love it this machine purrs. I am so happy with this and will be keeping her for a long time.
How do you turn off the automatic tie-off when beginning to sew.
Have a 965q and paid $2,800 last year. I now wish I had purchased some other machine. When I turn it on, it sounds like an outside working machine. It’s loud when sewing. My self threading little hook broke off. My thread tension for light woven has nubs of thread on the backside. Tried fixing the tension but the thread on the bottom still doesn’t look correct. Wish I had a foot lever that I could use instead of the automatic all the time. I do like the lights and all the stitches that can be done. Since it was so pricey, I’ll wait another year to trade it in on another brand.
I purchased my Viking Sapphire 960Q a few years ago and am quite happy with it. The only problem I have, and I don’t know if this is a problem or just how the machine works, is that I get a fairly loud clunking sound when using the walking foot. I’ve done everything I know to do…reinstalled the walking foot, cleaned the feed dogs, made sure the bobbin was properly installed, cleaned lint out of the machine…but the sound persists. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to stop the clunk?