5 Best Husqvarna Sewing Machines – Choose the One that Suits Your Needs

Our detailed reviews of the 5 best Husqvarna sewing machines, detailed buying guide and FAQs.
By
Jean Chaney
Jean Chaney
Research Writer
Jean is the brains behind her fashion label. She's a whiz with a needle and thread, and has been sewing since she was old enough to hold a pair of scissors. Jean has always read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Isabel Misner
Isabel Misner
Expert Consultant
A professional seamstress. Isabel has her own video blog where she shares her experience about all the aspects of sewing – from choosing suitable materials to step-by-step read more
Last updated: August 28, 2023
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Husqvarna, best known as husky in sewing rooms and lately dubbed Vikings, was founded in 1689 for the production of muskets. Decades later, the company decided to focus on making sewing machines.

Husqvarna is now a staple name in the world of sewing. We have provided a rundown of the best Husqvarna sewing machines and a lot more information to help you make the best-informed choice when buying one. Some of the crucial features we considered in our reviews include speed, accessories, styles and designs and working area among others. The features determine the quality and capabilities of the machine.

Quick Summary

  • Editor’s Choice: Husqvarna Viking Emerald 118
    "A fantastic sewing machine with a powerful 75W motor, 18 built-in stitches, adjustable speed and a built-in ruler."
  • "A commercial-grade embroidery machine featuring a single head with 10 needles, 4 hoops, automatic color change and 101 built-in design."
  • Best for Large and Complex Projects: Husqvarna Viking DesignerEPIC
    "A computerized sewing machine with 807 built-in stitches and 651 embroidery designs, featuring a generous work space that can accommodate the largest of quilts and other large projects."
  • Best Electric Machine for Domestic Sewists: Husqvarna Viking Jade 20
    "An electric sewing machine with 8-inch sewing space, 82 built-in stitches, silent motor, and a large accessory box."
  • "A budget-friendly sewing machine with 32 built-in stitches, needle threader, adjustable stitch width, packed with a ton of accessories that make it incredibly versatile."
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5969 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.8
1
Editor’s Choice

Husqvarna Viking Emerald 118

Features
  • Type: electronic sewing machine
  • Stitches & designs: 70 stitch functions/18 stitches
  • Needle threader: built-in
  • Weight: 16 lbs.
  • Presser feet: 8

Other features: sewing guide reference chart, a hard cover for storage, one-step buttonhole, manual tension, built-in ruler, adjustable speed

The Emerald line has 3 machines including the 118. The 118 is a fantastic all-rounder packed with features that deliver top-notch performance. It is incredibly easy-to-use. It is reviewed as the most intuitive machine in the emerald line. The machine is lightweight yet steady. Coming in at a mere 16 pounds, you can easily carry it to classes if you need to.

Moreover, the machine’s powerful 75W motor makes it much easier to operate. Sewing through thick fabrics and multiple layers is such a breeze with the machine. Plus, it operates quietly, making it such a joy to use. Its foot pedal is also highly responsive.

The 118 is more popular than its Emerald brothers; the 122 and the 116 because of its speed control feature, a more powerful motor and the needle up/down function. The 122 is slightly pricier than the 118, and it comes with 3 extra feet and extra decorative stitches. The 118 has 18 decorative and utility stitch options. Its stitch length and width are also adjustable. Its automated needle threader, drop feed, and adjustable foot pressure presser are some of the features that give it a competitive edge over its peers.

The Viking 118 is best suited for a beginner sewist or seamstress looking to run a small business. Its simple features are easy to understand, and it’s high on features yet low on price.

    What stands out?
  • For its price point, there’s so much to like about the Viking 118. We were impressed by its solid build. Although we expected as many built-in stitches as the ones offered by Singer and Brother machines within its range, we were satisfied with how easy it is to select the ones available. You will also love how it doesn’t skip stitches and can sew nearly all kinds of basic fabrics from cotton and silk to nylon.
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • The Viking 118 is a great all-around machine but it has a couple of downsides. First off, we didn’t like how its performance dropped considerably when we tried to sew heavy fabrics like rubber, leather and fur. It also didn’t perform quilts on tough and heavy fabrics. This can be such a deal breaker to some sewists. Also, the machine’s thread tension has to be adjusted manually. This can be a challenge for beginner sewists.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7865 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.6
Features
  • Type: embroidery machine
  • Stitches & designs: 101 (built in) + 200 (software) designs
  • Needle threader: n/a
  • Weight: 86 lbs.
  • Presser feet: n/a

Other features: single head with 10 needles, 4 hoops, automatic color change, large memory, small sewing arm, 1,000 SPM

The platinum MN 1000 is one of the premium Husqvarna models out there. The machine is our premium pick for all the right reasons. It packs a punch with multiple features that make sewing easy and enjoyable. Its most convenient features like the large embroidery area and smart cap embroidery give you an easy time working on different designs.

The machine has a single head with 10 needles that allow you to embroider colorful designs in no time as you’d have 10 colors threaded at once. Plus, there’s the automatic color change feature which moves to a different color change according to the design automatically. Beginners might be scared of the machine’s complexity but with the large 7-inch intuitive color touch screen, there’s nothing to worry about. Its learning curve is not that steep and you get to pick the language you are most comfortable with from the 14 options.

The platinum MN 1000 is our upgrade pick because of its large memory and complimentary stitches and designs. Imagine being able to save up to 20 million designs in your sewing machine. What’s more, it sews at an impressive flash speed of 1000 stitches per minute. You also get superior visibility with the 5 built-in LEDs

In a nutshell, the platinum MN 1000 is a prime choice for advanced sewists who work on large projects with complicated designs. The multi-needle machine has everything any professional would need for seamless creativity.

    What are its best features?
  • The platinum MN 1000 is full of surprises. One of the most exciting features that took us by surprise is the color selection. We didn’t have to arrange our spools in order when switching designs. The machine did its magic. The automatic thread break detection and thread trim are also great convenient features. What we liked the most about the machine is that it can read DST designs unlike many other Husqvarna Viking machines.
    What could be improved?
  • With all the exciting features, you’d think the platinum MN 1000 is perfect. It has its own shortcomings. As much as Husqvarna claims the machine’s user interface is very intuitive, a complete novice would take some time trying to wrap their head around its functionality. We struggled with understanding a few things and that only got us imagining what it would be like for a complete novice. Another thing, you would have to part with a pretty penny for the machine.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2078 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.5
3
Best for Large and Complex Projects

Husqvarna Viking DesignerEPIC

Features
  • Type: computerized sewing and embroidery machine
  • Stitches & designs: 807 stitches, 651 designs
  • Needle threader: fully automatic
  • Weight: 33 lbs.
  • Presser feet: 12

Other features: directional sewing, interchangeable dual feed, twin needle setting, adjustable stitch, tablet-like screen, 14.17″ x 10.23″ embroidery area

The Husqvarna Designer lives up to its name with its ingenious design and tons of new features. Husqvarna claims the machine is made for sewers by sewers and we can’t help but agree considering all the new cool additions the machine has. For starters, the machine has a generous work space that can accommodate the largest of quilts and other large projects. You will also appreciate the bright lights, larger bobbin (more thread, fewer pauses in your project), bobbin winder, and automatic needle threader.

Compared to its predecessor; the Epic 980Q, the Designer Epic feels fresher. They have a lot in common in terms of features but the 980Q is a bit older. Every sewist that has had the pleasure to use this machine attests that its most distinguishing feature is the JoyOS Advisor™. No other sewing machine of the market has this cool feature. It is found on the screen display and you can input your fabric type and choose a sewing technique then it will pick the best stitch, stitch width/length, presser foot pressure and thread tension for your fabric and technique of choice.

The machine is ideal for both advanced learners and seasoned sewists as it has all the features one would need to go overboard with their sewing creativity.

    What stands out?
  • What stood out the most for us with the Designer Epic is its ease of use. It is a highly capable sophisticated sewing machine yet easy to operate. Owning it is like having a sewing teacher by your side to help you along the way thanks to the useful JoyOS Advisor™ feature. We were also impressed with the latest stitch options like the sequin stitches, theme stitches, dimensional stitches and fashion stitches. You can easily keep up with the fashion trends with this machine.
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • We couldn’t help but wonder what could be wrong with a sewing machine that does everything except making a pot of tea. Other than its hefty price tag, there are a few downsides to the Husqvarna Designer Epic. We noticed that the machine skips stitches terribly, especially when sewing anything with thicker seams like denim or a purse. Other users have had a completely different experience as they claimed they could stitch up to 12 layers of denim without zero skipped stitches and perfect tension.
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6733 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.3
4
Best Electric Machine for Domestic Sewists

Husqvarna Viking Jade 20

Features
  • Type: electric sewing machine
  • Stitches & designs: 82 stitches
  • Needle threader: built-in
  • Weight: 24.3 lbs.
  • Presser feet: 7

Other features: 8” sewing space, top-loading bobbin, sewing guide, accessory compartment, speed control

The Jade 20 is another one of Husqvarna’s gems. It is a host of multiple features that would appeal to different level of sewists including patchwork and quilting fans. You would benefit from the machine’s enormous sewing area. It is larger than that of many other domestic machines. Other convenient features of the machine include LED lighting, speed control that allows you to use the machine without the foot pedal, and a start/stop function.

The Jade 20 distinguishes itself with its fabulous motor that has an almost silent functionality. It also has a strikingly beautiful design and an accessory box large enough to hold the power cable and the pedal. The accessory box locks into the front of the machine, creating a built-in carry case that protects its parts from dust and damage. This feature combined with the machine’s lightweight build makes it one of the best lightweight machines out there.

The Jade 20 is the ultimate electric sewing machine for domestic sewists. It has all the practical features a sewist of any level would need.

    What makes it stand out?
  • At its price point, any sewist would appreciate all that Husqvarna has to offer with the Jade 20. We particularly loved the machine’s generous storage space. The accessory box makes it more chic and attractive. We also appreciated that the machine had unique features like a silky smooth self-threader and button control for needle up/down which isn’t found in other machines within its range. You will certainly get a huge bang for your buck with the Jade 20.
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • As much as Husqvarna claims the machine is suitable for sewists of all levels, we discovered it is far from the truth. Winding the bobbin requires some practice and might pose a challenge to sewing novices. The bobbin tends to jam while tying off the beginning. Generally, you need some basic knowledge before using the machine. Another downside of the Jade 20 is that it has a small display with very limited features.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9471 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.7
9.2
Features
  • Type: mechanical sewing machine
  • Stitches & designs: 32 stitches
  • Needle threader: built-in
  • Weight: 15.4 lbs.
  • Presser feet: 7

Other features: one-step buttonhole, 4mm stitch length, adjustable stitch width, free motion capabilities

The Viking E20 is a favorite go-to for many sewists because of its excellent value for money, and ease of use. It packs a punch with myriad convenient features including 32 built-in stitches, adjustable presser foot pressure, needle threader and stitch length and width adjustment. It also comes with a ton of accessories that make it incredibly versatile.

The E20 is an ultra-lightweight yet sturdy machine. Unlike other lightweight sewing machine with plastic parts, the Viking E20 boasts Husqvarna’s typical robustness. It even comes with a soft cover that you can use to protect its parts from dust and damage.

The mechanical sewing machine is ideal for beginner sewists looking to get a pretty pennyworth. It is feature packed yet it has a very accessible price tag.

    What makes it stand out?
  • There is so much to love about the Viking E20. You spend a little and get so much from it. The first thing that caught our attention is the machine’s portable yet rugged build. You can easily carry the machine to class everyday if you have to. Its free motion capabilities and 7 presser feet came as a surprise. Not to mention the whole load of accessories it comes with.
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Like every other machine out there, the E20 falls short in a couple of ways. First off, we were put off by the fact that the machine does not come with a digital display. You have to use knobs and buttons to navigate the settings. A digital display shouldn’t be a luxury on any modern machine nowadays. We also weren’t impressed with the cheap plastic foot plate lever. It is so unlike the vintage Viking machines to have cheap plastic parts.

Things to Consider

You may find all the Husqvarna models on the market too overwhelming when trying to choose one within your budget and needs. This guide has some of the crucial considerations you should make when buying a Husky. You will have a better shopping experience with the guide.

How to choose the best Husqvarna sewing machine

5 Best Husqvarna Sewing Machines - Choose the One that Suits Your NeedsHere are some of the key aspects you must consider when choosing a Husqvarna sewing machine to make the best buy:

Type

You need to decide whether you want a sewing machine, an embroidery machine, a quilting machine, a combination model, a serger/overlocking machine, or a heavy-duty machine. There’s also the option of having a computerized machine with a start/stop button and a mechanical one that uses a foot pedal.

Built-in stitches and designs

The more built-in stiches and designs a machine has, the more versatile the machine will be. Different models have different numbers of stitches and designs.

There are Viking models that have as few as 32 stitches and others like the Husqvarna Viking Designer Epic with as many as 807 stitches and 651 designs.

Working area

The working area will determine the ease with which you will work on various project sizes. If you intend to quilt or work to other large projects, go for a machine with a large working area.

Top-load bobbin

A top loading bobbin is the most popular bobbin system on Husqvarna machines. You can also opt for a front-loading bobbin or jam-resistant bobbins. Be sure to get a machine with an automatic bobbin winder for an easier time, especially if you are a beginner.

Free arm

The free arm allows you to work on the hard-to-reach areas of your projects like collars and sleeves easily.

Speed

Speed is a crucial consideration, especially if you intend to use your machine for commercial purposes. For heavy-duty use, go for a high-speed machine like the Husqvarna Viking Platinum MN 1000 that sews at 1000 stitches per minute. If you are new to sewing, be sure to get a machine that comes with speed control.

Built-in threader

A built-in threader will save you time and effort. Not all models come with the automatic needle threader, especially the entry-level units. If you choose a machine without a threader, ensure it has a simple threading system.

Accessories

The more accessories a machine has, the more versatile it is. Accessories usually include needles, bobbin, and bobbin winder, a cover for protecting the parts from dust, embroidery hoops, extension tables and storage cases. Also, you won’t have to spend your pocket change buying the essential items that come with the machine as accessories.

5 Best Husqvarna Sewing Machines - Choose the One that Suits Your NeedsPortability

A sewing machine’s portability is determined by its size and weight. Size and weight vary across different models. There are models that weight as little as 15 pounds and other as much as 90 pounds. If you want an easily portable machine, go for a lightweight and compact model like the Husqvarna Viking H CLASS E20. You can move it from one place to another without needing an extra pair of hands.

Price

The Husqvarna sewing machines have different price tags. There are basic models with very accessible price tags like the Husqvarna Viking H CLASS E20 and sophisticated models with high-end features and premium price points like the Husqvarna Viking Platinum MN 1000. The more you spend the more you get in terms of features and performance. Although you have to be careful to get the best value for your money because expensive doesn’t always translate to high quality.

Warranty

You must be extra keen on the warranty especially with the Viking sewing machines that are a bit on the pricey end. Different models come with different warranty periods on different parts. Some have just a year’s cover while others have up to 20 years cover for manufacturing defects and 5 years on the motor and computer parts.

LED lights

The LED lighting system is essential as it prevents you from straining your eyes if you work in a poorly lit space. It allows you to see your dark colored projects without difficulty.

FAQ

Are Husqvarna sewing machines still made in Sweden?

Husqvarna has gained popularity in the entire world but it still designs and markets its machines in Sweden. Here Trusted Source Inspiration - HUSQVARNA VIKING® Around here, inspiration flows freely. Soak up a class, take in a tutorial or bookmark a blog post or two. www.husqvarnaviking.com is some backstory for the company.

Are Viking sewing machines any good?

Husqvarna Viking Sewing machines are among the best rated machines on the market alongside popular brands like Brother and Singer. They have cutting edge features and exceptional build quality.

Why does my Husqvarna sewing machine keep jamming?

The most common reason for jamming is usually the lack of enough tension in the upper thread for pulling it through the fabric you are sewing. Here Trusted Source What To Do When Your Sewing Machine Gets Jammed: Tips from a Tech Whether you are a newbie, an enthusiast or a professional sewist, having your sewing machine jam in the middle of a project can be quite a frustrating ifixit.com are some more reasons why your Husqvarna keeps jamming and what you can do about it.

Our verdict

Choosing the best Husqvarna sewing machine can be a daunting process because the brand has a bunch of models with very high build quality and exceptional performance. We have provided you with a rundown of the 5 best-rated models in various aspects. The list caters to everyone, from those looking to get the best value for their money to those looking to get the best premium features.

If you have the money and ease of use and tech are at the top of your list, then the Husqvarna Viking Platinum MN 1000 and the Husqvarna Viking Designer Epic should be your top considerations. They both have tons of advanced features that allow you creative freedom.

If you are on a tight budget and are looking for something that would give you a good pennyworth, then the Husqvarna Viking H CLASS E20 and the Husqvarna Viking Jade 20 should be your go-to huskys. They are also perfect beginner options because they are easy to use and affordable. The Husqvarna Viking Emerald 118 is perfect for the beginner seamstress or sewist looking to set up a small business. It covers all the basics in terms of features.

References

1.
Inspiration - HUSQVARNA VIKING®
Around here, inspiration flows freely. Soak up a class, take in a tutorial or bookmark a blog post or two.
2.
What To Do When Your Sewing Machine Gets Jammed: Tips from a Tech
Whether you are a newbie, an enthusiast or a professional sewist, having your sewing machine jam in the middle of a project can be quite a frustrating
9,8
Total Score
Husqvarna Viking Emerald 118 - Editor’s Choice
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