Facebook Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Tiktok Icon YouTube Icon Headphones Icon Favorite Navigation Search Icon Forum Search Icon Main Search Icon Close Icon Video Play Icon Indicator Arrow Icon Close Icon Hamburger/Search Icon Plus Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon

Conversational Threads

A good Moderate priced sewing machine.

zuwena | Posted in Equipment and Supplies on

My old sewing machine is about to bite the dust. I’ve been looking at moderate priced machines in the Viking group, in particular the Prelude and a newly issued on based on the Prelude called the Madison. Has anyone had any experience with this machine? with Husqvarna Viking machines generally? with any other machine you would like to recommend. PS I’d like a metal body that’s how I’ve ended up looking at Vikings.
Thanks to all. zuwena

Replies

  1. Marionc032 | | #1

    I've had a Husqvarna/Viking machine for about 5 years and I've been very happy with it. Mine is the Computer 350 which was (now discontinued) their most basic computerized machine--I wasn't interested in all the bells and whistles but just wanted a computerized machine with good basic stitches and a decent buttonhole feature. My previous machine was a Singer Touchtronic (one of the last good ones made by Singer) and it was a workhorse that I'd had for 20 years of fairly heavy use and is still doing duty at my mother's house. The Singer had a metal body, but my Husqvarna has a plastic body. So far I have no complaints about the plastic body and to me it makes no appreciable difference.

    Whatever you do make sure you do a good test drive of any machine you are considering and check out the dealer's return policy. Any new machine will take some getting used to and sometimes it can take a while before you realize that it just might not be the machine for you. I've had three Singer machines in my lifetime, two of which I loved and one which I absolutely hated and should have returned to the dealer but didn't because I thought I just needed to get used to it. There was nothing wrong with the machine and nothing I could even pinpoint as a problem--it just didn't feel right. I think you should be able to return a machine within at least one month and I think most dealers can be pretty flexible on this point.

    Marion

    1. zuwena | | #2

      Thank you for the advice--it will be very helpful. I hadn't really thought about a really "good" test run, testing period and the return policy. I remember that Singer--I made a wedding dress on one while visiting a friend umpteen years ago. It was a fine machine and I've never been able to find one. Like you I didn't think I needed bells and whistles so I didn't really look around for computerized machines but I shall try to check out the successor to your machine. Thanks again.

      1. fineseams | | #3

        I wanted a moderately priced sewing machine for our vacation home. I don't care about a lot of fancy stitches, but I wanted needle up/down, knee lift, thread cutter, and blind hem stitch. I ended up buying a Baby Lock Decorator's Choice. It comes with a selection of feet including a walking foot. The stitch quality is quite good, and I have been happy with the machine.

        1. zuwena | | #6

          Thank you all for the advice. Last week I tried out the Babylock and think that I am sold on it. There are a number of features that I really like about it. I think all this decision-making would be easier if I had a dealer near me but one of the disadvantages of living in Manhattan is that all the dealers are in the suburbs.
          Thanks again!

  2. kwb | | #4

    I've had a small Viking for 20 years and absolutely love it. I would like to get another one, just to get a variety of stitches, but this one still sews so nicely that I am having a hard time justifying it. I think you would be vry happy with any model.

  3. SewTruTerry | | #5

    First of all a disclaimer I do work for Viking selling those machines.But secondly I and most importantly I have been a Viking owner for more than 8 years and that machine is still working as wonderfully today as the day I bought it home. I have been pretty rough with it as well.  As far as the machines that you mentioned they are both great machines at most dealers or Viking Sewing Galleries the return policy is usually the same but best to check.  There is generally a 10 day refund policy if it has never been out of the box.  Once out of the box it would qualify for a trade up only. So be careful in choosing and decide what you want to be able to accpomplish with the machine and then test test test the machine.  You should be able to think of nothing but sewing on the machine that you ultimately take home with you and it should also be trouble free.  Also please take advantage of the lessons that you are offered on the machine there will be a lot of info that will help you after the purchase.

This post is archived.

Threads Insider

Get instant access to hundreds of videos, tutorials, projects, and more.

Start Your Free Trial

Already an Insider? Log in

Conversational Threads

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |

Threads Insider Exclusives

View All
View All

Highlights

Shop the Store

View All
View More