Husqvarna Sapphire 870

We're Hiring! | Sewing Forums | Sewing Crafts And Resources | Sewing Blog | CONTACT US

Husqvarna Sapphire 870

by Christine Kessey
(Sydney. Australia)

I absolutely hate the Husqvarna Sapphire 870 sewing machine. My husband bought it as a gift twelve months ago as I do a lot of quilting.

It did not work from the day I took it out of the box and when I rang the retailer I was told I wasn't threading it right but when I took it back to the shop she also could not get it to work.

The Sapphire 870 then went back to Husqvarna and was gone for about two weeks before I got it back and was told everything was fine. That was until I tried to do some free motion quilting!!

Then it would break the thread, the cotton would jam up underneath and look like a rats tail. When I went back to the retailer I was first told it was the needle, yet when you set the machine for free motion it tells you what needle to use, then I was told it was the cotton I was using, then I was told it was my technique.

I have since changed my cotton to use Mettler, I was using Guitermann, I have changed my needle to use a jeans needle, but to no avail it still causes no end of problems when free motion quilting.

I have just purchased another free motion spring foot to try as opposed to the normal free motion foot I purchased. If this does not work then I will be cutting my husbands losses and selling it.

The Husqvarna Sapphire 870 is a good machine if you want to use it just for normal sewing.

Comments for
Husqvarna Sapphire 870

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Mar 07, 2009
Rating

Not the thread - It is the machine NEW
by: Anonymous

Both Mmettler and Gutterman threads are fine threads and of the quality that you want, but the thread was not your problem. You were given a lot of excuses and it is sad that the once very well recognized quality of a Husqvarna Viking machine no loner exists. It looks nice and appears to be a great machine, like so many of the others that my room mate purchased and the two machines he purchased are in the shop for now more than four weeks and he is using a basic backup machine, a manual Brother. The Brother is working while his two new expensive machines are in the shop. Viking should be ashamed.

randy

Jun 21, 2009
Rating

reactie for Randy and Christine Kessey/Sydney NEW
by: Anonymous

Dear free-motion fans,
I buy yesterday the Sapphire 870, and he is great! When jou start to work at free-motion, first take your onder thread up, above your fabric, this is very important!! I always ussing a top-stitch needle. For sure no a jeans nld. To heavy. Sorry my english is not good. Good luck!
Sary Maas sarymaas@witopwit.com/ www.witopwit.com

Jun 25, 2009
Rating

In the shop NEW
by: Anonymous

I bought a sapphire 870 Had it 2 weeks it's in the shop .I thought they were supposed to be a good machine.I would not recomend it to any one & it all ready in the shop. You would think they would replace it with a new one They had to keep it & fix it that sucks

Jul 04, 2009
Rating

This machine SUCKS!!!!!!!!!! NEW
by: JRM

I have had this machine since April 24th and it has been in the shop twice for the same issues. I just got it out Thursday and it's doing the same thing. I would expect this from a $99 discount store machine, but NOT from a Viking which costs over $2K. The only thing it will do is sew on a very long piece of material without stopping. If you try to start/stop or slow down, you get bird nesting. I have gotten nothing but excuses from the dealer such as "this machine is only designed to be used about 2 hours a week" and "you should turn it off after a couple of hours and let it rest" and "our higher end machines don't do that." I am so frustrated I don't know what to do. I have wanted a viking all my life and regret buying it now. DISAPPOINTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jul 09, 2009
Rating

Update NEW
by: JRM

It's back in the shop again. Yesterday, the dealer called and said they called Viking and have ordered a part that is supposed to fix the problem. The excuse I got yesterday was that I was using black thread. Finally, I got the manager to sit and sew on it (something besides straight stitching on a long piece of fabric) and she saw the problem. Maybe I'm on the way to a solution?????

Aug 06, 2009
Rating

Update NEW
by: Anonymous

Finally got it back after a month. Evidently the part didn't fix the problem. Still won't retain it's tension. So far, it's been in the shop more than in my house and it's a brand new machine. I'm just sick! I used their demo model and it sewed like a dream. I got my hopes up yesterday for mine, and it let me down. Now, I've got all these sewing projects going and nothing to sew them with. I spent over $2K on something I thought was the cream of the crop and it turns out to be the bottom of the barrel. My opinion of Viking is definitely thumbs down!

Aug 30, 2009
Rating

Disappointed with my Sapphire 870 NEW
by: Virginia

I bought this machine a little over a year ago and was so excited. I had a Viking years ago and loved it. The Sapphire has been a nightmare. It jams up constantly. I'll sew for a while and it will be fine and then it jams up and I have to rethread it and rebuild the bobbin a number of times OR I have to take it to the dealer. I am so disappointed!

Sep 07, 2009
Rating

Frustrated in Oregon NEW
by:

My husband after many rantings about my 870, found this site. I am so frustrated!! My reason for buying the 870 in the first place was the space it gave me for quilting. Now, the darn thing won't free-motion quilt without breaking threads, balling up threads and loosing tension. I've done all things you should when there's a problem - I've never had to clean, rethread, change threads, change needles, and pull out my hair over any machine like I have with the 870 Sapphire. It does work otherwise, so far. But, a quilt isn't a quilt until it's finished -- that means quilted!!!!

Sep 11, 2009
Rating

Husqvarna Viking Saphire 870 NEW
by: Trish

We bought a Sapphire 870 a little over a year ago as a solid and flexible family machine. It's horrible! We have barely completed two projects with it and it was more trouble than it was worth. Even just sewing a straight stitch, the bobbin thread becomes tangled and knotted up.

My last project was finally finished with my 15 year old $129 Kenmore sewing machine. Even my husband who worked as an upholsterer for a couple of years has not been able to get it to work! The dealer from Jo Ann Fabrics is no longer there and I cannot find her. A repair man is coming tomorrow to "fix" it but I would do a lot to get my $1500 back. It's NEVER worked properly.

Oct 08, 2009
Rating

Love my Sapphire 870 NEW
by: Ginny

Cutter keeps getting thrown out of position. Getting parts for this model takes to long. Other than that one problem I love the machine.

Oct 15, 2009
Rating

sapphire870 NEW
by: lyn

My 870 is only 18months old and Iam in tears today. I thought I was the only one who had these problems. I wish to one day be able to submit my quilts into shows to be judged but I would not be game to with the results I get now.My bobbin thread keeps showing on the top, neither my dealer mechanic nor Husqvarna can or are willing to correct it. I have been told this is acceptable and there is nothing that can be done. this is hard to accept when I bought this machine for $3000.00 and I have felt I was the misled in how great this machine is. In the beginning my machine would get overheated and close down in a short time, the jam proof shuttle means it will not sew and I have to constantly clear the workings of thread, and the bobbin thread is showing so forget about improving, its just not going to ever be acceptable. If I could get it fixed I would be happy as I love what it is supposed to do, I have contacted the head office here in Australia and am now waiting to see what they will do. I only want to quilt on my 870 and be happy and enjoy it.

Dec 05, 2009
Rating

Sapphire 870 NEW
by: Michelle

Having upgraded from an Elna to HV Sapphire 870 I love my new machine, quilting is my passion which also includes art quilts so relying on the machine to do over and above the call of duty is a must. I also am a dressmaker and the machine is a dream to sew on especially the size of the sewing area. The only negative comments I have to make would be that my bobbins don't always wind evenly and sometimes hard to get started and that when changing feet there is not enough room for fingers and tools and I seem to be forever touching the light bulb which is annoying to say the least.

Jan 23, 2010
Rating

Could never recommend a Sapphire 870 NEW
by:

I also had quite a bit of trouble with 3 different, brand new out the box Sapphire 870s. 2 yrs ago I treated myself to this "highly" recommended machine by the local dealer.
I started losing my confidence in my sewing abilities, thinking I was doing something wrong. The tension was constantly inconsistent, and some of the other issues mentioned on other posts, as well were occuring. That machine drove me to tears.
I exchanged the machine 3 x in a 2 month period when finally the dealer admitted there were problems with some circuit board.
That was it- and I am grateful that the dealer took the 3 messed up machine back and refunded my money. What a nightmare.

I now own a D1 USB, and overall love the machine, but am one of the unlucky few that have problems with the USB port on the machine being recessed to far back, so it does not alway detect the memory stick- and due to the lousy technical/customer support from VSM, at least in our area, until I get precise information on how they plan to fix this issue, I will not be taking it in for repair- I can't afford to have this machine gone for an indefinte period of time and no guarentee of a true repair to that issue.

Would not recommend the newer Husqvarna Viking machines -in part due to when there is an issue- as I have found between both machines, the company is not forthcoming initially about known issues, and they are not proactive about resolving issues when you keep on them and they finally admit to the problem.

They just don't seem to concerned about customer satisfaction once the sale is made.

Mar 11, 2010
Rating

Sapphire 870 NEW
by: Maria

Would I recommend the Viking Sapphire 870 at this time? No I would not. Not sure at this time if it is the manufacturer of poor quality, verses poor design of this machine, or maybe the dealer who is trying to protect his business.

Either way I am very unhappy with the service of this machine, I thought I bought I high quality machine that was going to last and give me many hours of enjoyment. It did not happen, less than 1 year it was in the repair shop and now back again due to so called lint problems that happen to have broken a part in the machine.

I am still awaiting, in anticipation of the diagnosis of this machine. Up until now I have not heard of any similar problems? As I said is this an isolated incident?

Mar 11, 2010
Rating

Husqvarna Viking Saphire 870 NEW
by: Alessandra

I have not yet seen or heard of any problems with collection of lint inside the Husqvarna Viking Saphire 870 machines? Is this just an isolated incident with certain machines or is it a problem?

I have had mine in the repair shop twice in the last year and he keeps telling me I do not clean it enough? I disagreed with him as I do clean it on a regular basis, consequently I do not go back to him as my service man as I do not know what is going on with the machine and is he being truthful or trying to protect the Husqvarna name?

I do like my machine but do not like it being in the service dept. I had a Kenmore for 30 years, it was great never had a problem with it, now it is like I am afraid to use the 870 as it might go wonky on me.

Parts have already had to be replaced on it because of the so called lint collection. Everyone I talk to say that it should not happen, so why is it happening, I am getting biased reports from the dealer is it the fault of the design of machine? As I said I clean it faithfully and short of taking it apart to give it a good cleaning I do not know what I else I can do.

Jun 16, 2010
Rating

Rubbish! NEW
by: Anonymous

I hate my husqvarna sapphire 870 and I am losing all my confidence in sewing. If it wasn't for the other negative reviews I would pack up doing any sewing thinking I was at fault.

Yes I've rethreaded and yes I've been back several times to the retailer who always says it is something I am doing to it!!

I would never ever buy another of these - does anyone want to buy mine for £500 - it actually cost me £800 but I just want to buy a simple reliable one that actually works.

Jun 25, 2010
Rating

Lousy Machine NEW
by: Anonymous

I took my Sapphire 870 into the shop and it worked fine. It must have been the jostling around in the car that fixed it.
I just free motion quilted and now can't get the tension to work properly, again! I have a Husqvarna #1 -- I didn't trade it in -- it works like a dream.
This machine is garbage. I wish I had never bought it. For straight stitching it is perfect, but for anything else forget it.
I'm writing to Husqvarna, I don't expect a reply, but when 1 woman tells 10 women, they tell 10 women and so on and so on.............

Jul 15, 2010
Rating

The DETESTABELE VIKING NEW
by: Susan

I actually did my homework and it seemed that the wide throat made this machine popular. I wish I had never heard the name Viking. My 870Q eats thread, all brands, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I have sewn all my life, bought all kinds of feet, a table and all the goodies to go with this piece of junk and it has ruined two quilts and yes, I know how to quilt fine thank you... I feel better in a strange way after reading these reviews because mine is doing the exact same things. I HATE THIS MACHINE. I'm looking for a machine now and am leaning toward the Babylock Espire. It has similar features as the 870 but you can put them in memory, and override them much easier. I will NEVER, EVER IN my life own anything made by Viking again. Now, I can sit down after not touching the machine for days, stitch a few inches, maybe a foot and the machine freezes and says "main motor overload, please wait".. WHAT???????? Never, ever again.

Jul 16, 2010
Rating

Babylock may be your best bet Ms Kessey NEW
by: Anonymous

I had 3 of these bad machines and I remember getting the Main Machne Overload message- heck I could turn the machine off and back on and not having done one stitch that message would come up.
After 3 different machines I finally gave up and got my money back.
Just Ms Kessey mentioned, I do know how to sew and until I came across this horrible brand, I started not to enjoy sewing. The dealer would always pretend they had never heard of any of these issues, tension, being the biggest problem.
It is a shame the company turned around and took the Sapphire setup and tried to pawn that off on the consumers as the Diamond. I am hearing that is meeting the same level of aggravation as the Sapphire.
Viking is one company to stay away from for certain.

Sep 14, 2010
Rating

Sapphire 870Q Should be pulled frpm the Market NEW
by: S. Freitas

I am another person that feels like I have been completely cheated by purchasing the Viking Sapphire 870Q. The major dealers in my area have all quit carrying the Viking line so service (unless I want to go to some independent tech.) is virtually non existent. My machine has been in the shop four times for repair of the same problem and it's currently not working at all. This should not happen to a machine that cost as much as the Viking 870Q. The manufacturer should not be allowed to market a machine with so many documented problems. Husqvarna Viking should refund or credit customers who currently own these machines and they should immediately halt the sales of the entire line until problems have been addressed.

Oct 27, 2010
Rating

Disappointed and frustrated with the 870Q NEW
by: Anonymous

I have owned a Viking 980 since 1983 and love it. I WAS so impressed with my Viking that I bought a newer machine with all of the newer so-called whistles and bells. I was promised that the 870 was the best quilting machine made. NOT! I have owned the 870 for one month and it has been in the shop twice already with the same problem. TENSION ISSUES . I have made a big mess on my projects by using this machine as the bird nests, jamming, motor shut down continues to be the problem. I am in the process of taking it into the dealer for the third time. The dealer has assured me that the machine is not a lemon and that they will make it right. We'll see. I will continue to post until I receive satisfaction! So far less than impressed :(

Nov 24, 2010
Rating

I am sorry you are having PRoblems w/ your machines NEW
by: Anonymous

I am lucky to have two Berninas an older 930 and a newer 440QE. As much as you all paid for your machines, you could have gotten a Bernina and not have had the problems. I am seriously not trying to make you feel bad. But Bernina machines IMHO are the one of the very best on the market. Even if you got a used one-- you would be better off. I never once had any problems with my 930 or yet to have with my 440QE. Its frustrating enough to do quilting without having machine problems. I hope you all find the machines of your dreams.

Nov 26, 2010
Rating

Viking Sapphire 870 NEW
by: Jacquie

I bought my Viking Sapphire 870 sewing machine in late April of 2008 and have had nothing but problems. It's been sent back to the company to be overhauled and has been returned to the shop many times for repair.

The tension goes in it and it also likes to sew for an inch or two before it picks up the bobbin thread, this is extremely aggravating if you are machine quilting and find out at the end of the grid that you are missing part of your stitching. My machine also skips stitches when the tension starts to go bad. I also find that it is not worth the trouble it causes to free motion quilt.

I have been sewing for over 50 years and have had numerous machines (including another Viking) and have never reached the level of frustration that this machine gives me. I would never recommend this machine to anyone. I am out $2000 and stuck with a sewing machine that is not dependable.

If this machine worked properly I would love it but instead I'm writing in this forum and wishing that I had saved my money and bought a Bernina instead.

Dec 05, 2010
Rating

Sapphire 870 NEW
by: Lorraine

I too, wish I had found this site before buying my Husky. My original Husky (1977 purchase), was the most amazing machine - so when it came time to upgrade, I stayed with the Husky brand. BIG MISTAKE. The 870 will not stipple - no matter what. The top thread skips and the bottom thread looks like the bobbin tension is way too loose. Unlike my old Husky, where I could manually adjust my tensions, this one has to go to a technician for fixing. I truly wish I had listened to my girlfriends and bought a Bernie instead. There are 4 of us in the quilt group who are FED UP with the Sapphire and Husqvarna for NOT pulling this machine from the market. I will NOT purchase another one, that is for sure.

As for quilting, good luck. This machine does NOT like sewing the quilt "Sandwich". It buckles on top, puckers on the bottom and is awful.

Once fixed, if I can unload it for 1000.00, I will. And go buy the Bernie I should have bought in the first place.

Dec 07, 2010
Rating

Explain the stars NEW
by: Lorraine

Hello all. The 5 stars are for the site, not the machine. The machine I won't give so much as 1 star. Please don't be confused.

Lorraine
Kuwait

Jan 26, 2011
Rating

Love my 870 NEW
by: Stephanie

I love my 870. I was worried when I purchased it because of all the complaints I saw on the web but I couldn't pass up on this machine. I have had it for a month and haven't had any issues. Actually she is quite the workhorse. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT

Jan 29, 2011
Rating

Wish I had seen this site NEW
by: Marcia

BEFORE I bought the machine! I've had it two years and I absolutely hate it. I sew Victorian dresses and am therefore at the machine for a lot of time for each project. I keep it clean and have had it serviced regularly. But it jams all the time and can take up to an hour to clear - remove bobbin, find thread piece (if even there), brush bobbin case, replace bobbin, rethread machine, turn off, turn on, repeat. I could go on forever, but it is clear from the other comments this is not just me. I wanted a Viking so badly and am so very disappointed. Now looking at a BabyLock, but feeling terrible about the poor trade in value and small chance of selling the thing I have! Would never buy one again!!

Jan 23, 2012
Rating

870 Not Worth the Trouble to Use NEW
by: LH

After 30 years of sewing on my faithful viking 990 I purchased a new 870. The first week the threader broke. But the big problem is that the thread every so often jumps out of the thread take up arm and then balls up a mess under the throat plate. I finally said forget and purchased a Bernina 440QE. Just a beautiful workhorse of a machine. For Christmas my family bought me a Bernina 830. The viking 870 is rarely used by my daughter as I won't take the aggervation to sew on it. Such a dissapointment with the 870 after being a loyal viking sewer for 30 years. My advise is to save your money and buy a Bernina.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Viking Reviews