Viking 1100

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Viking 1100

by Lu
(Duncannon, PA, USA)

I purchased the Viking 1100 in 1991, it was the top of the line at that time.

Today, May 8, 2009 my Viking 1100 is still going strong.

With this machine I sewed clothing (dresses, suits, pants, shirts, baby clothes and many swim suits) as well as quilts.

This machine NEVER jammed or mis-formed stitches, is very sturdy and of excellent quality. I will never trade this machine for a new one...but would keep it as a backup should I decide to purchase a newer one (a Viking of course.)

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Viking 1100

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May 10, 2009
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Happy and sad NEW
by: Anonymous

It is good to hear a good comment about the once well put together machines from Viking. Your machine being several years old evidently was made when quality was still put into the machines. Today that is not one of the attributes you can find in either a Viking or Pfaff since they are essentially made in the same factories in China. My room mates Viking C20 that was labeled by the repair shop as being dead and likely to cause a fire if he were to test it out again. He had given up on the unit and was ready to give it to an independent repair shop near our home. He decided to put it up on the table and test it out to see what it was going to do. Plugged in the unit and it worked. Well it is pretty obvious the unit was fixed, but the Viking center told him that it was not repairable and would catch fire if he tried to use it. Currently using the unit to see just how long or far it will continue to go before it fails for the 4th time in the short 1.5 years he has owned it. The Viking center told him that it was over oiled and the oil had shorted out the circuit board, which in reality did not happen. He had been lied to over and over and in the process the machine was then labeled as dead and to be disposed of, putting the 20-25 year warranty as null and void. Sad to say Viking has this kind of representation.

randy

Sep 17, 2009
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Viking 1100 NEW
by: Wanda

This is my third Viking, upgrading each time, and was purchased in 1991. Off and on I 'think' about upgrading once more, but am so pleased with this model Viking have yet to do so. To date, it has not even needed any repair and has been used quite a lot over the past 18 years.

The granddaughter has expressed an interest in learning how to sew and I've thought about giving her my trusted machine but after reading some of the reviews of newer models will just look for an older Viking for her use. They are/were built to last.

Oct 31, 2009
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Viking 1100 NEW
by: Anonymous

I, too, bought my Viking 1100 in 1991 as a gift to myself when I finished grad school. I have used it a lot, making everything from clothes to shower curtains and drapes to queen size duvet and sham sets and slipcovers. About 4 years ago, after not using it for a while, I took it to my Viking store for a tune-up. I was prepared to get the hard sell to buy a new machine, that this one was ~15 years old and outdated. Instead my Viking guy said what a great machine I had, it was in fine shape, just a little dirty inside from threads, and ready for another 20 years! I'm currently making curtains, pillows, and seat cushions for my new home on this 18 year old machine. And loving it!

Jan 23, 2010
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Viking 1100 NEW
by: Bonnie

I purchased my Viking 1100 about 10 years ago, used. It has been a good machine, sewing most anything I want to sew.

I did have trouble when I tried to use it for freemotion embroidery, however, now that I have purchased a darning foot for it, it is working fairly well. I do still get thread fraying, and nests every once in a while, but I'm beginning to think that is normal. The poly embroidery thread (Isacord, so a good one...) jumps out of the uptake lever... causing most of the problem.

The program buttonhole foot does not work at all. I'm not sure why.

The bad thing now, is that the clear plastic for the needle light it crumbling. I've been told it is due to the heat of the bulb. It is now taped to hold it in place, without a bulb in it, as the bulb is dead and I need to buy a new one. I fear that the bulb will overheat the tape, and I'll just end up taking it out anyway.

I have a dealer looking for a new part, however, I was told not to count on them finding one, as the company is no longer making many of the parts, and the parts they are still making are the major parts.

I still have my 6470 that I bought new. It doesn't have this type of problem... guess I will pull it out and put it back to work.

Feb 15, 2010
Rating

My 1100 NEW
by: Anonymous

I too had purchased a 1100 around 1991. That machine has sewed everything that I have wanted to sew and quilt. It was a good work horse as I had 5 kids and sewed for them all. As the gkids came along I sewed for them as well. From childrens clothes to wedding dresses to babyclothes and quilts. Sewed for myself too. The dealer that I bought the machine from thought he would like to put a mileage gauge on that machine just to see how far it would sew. Never had any problems with that machine. Had it service very few times. It always worked well for me. I decided to buy a new machine and went for the 870 shappire from viking. I must say that I miss my old machine so much. After 19 yrs I knew that machine like the back of my hand. Gave the 1100 to my oldest gdaughter and she is sewing on it just like I had years ago. I think if I found another 1100 I would buy it as a back-up machine.
I wish that I would have kept that machine, but I also know that it's being used by someone that appericate it too.

Jul 04, 2010
Rating

A Keeper NEW
by: Barb R

I bought my 1100 in 1989. It cost more than my car, but my goodness it has been worth every penny!

I was a garment sewer when I bought it, then it sat barely used for a few years until I took up quilting. I bought a free motion foot and have been having a blast.

While there have been shredding issues with some threads, I have found that by lowering my speed and doing a practice sample using different sized needles first, I have managed to overcome all but the most stubborn problems (Sulky variegated cotton still confounds my machine and me).

I would think twice about "upgrading" to a newer machine. I know it's a cliche, but they truly don't make them like they used to. My friend got a new Sapphire a couple of years ago and has had a lot of trouble with it. The motor was replaced twice in the first few months. Then they just gave her a new machine. But it is still not quite right. My advice is to stay with old faithful!!

Feb 28, 2011
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cassettes NEW
by: Anonymous

Does anyone know which cassettes are compatabile with the 1100 and which are not?

Mar 07, 2011
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A Machine Built to be a Legend NEW
by: Dawn

I still have my Viking 1100. I bought it new and used it on an off all of the years I have owned it. My Embroidery Cards/Cassettes are either misplaced or stolen so I have been trying to replace them. My machine did not have the added 'chip' installed. I would appreciate any help to determine which ones will work on this machine.
I am now looking into the new embroidery machines but find it hard to compare them to a machine that was built to last.
I only serviced this machine once to clean it. There has never ever been any mechanical issues with it.
I see this machine as a sewing legend.

Mar 08, 2011
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1100 cassettes NEW
by: Barb R

Dawn, I'll check my cassettes to see if they have any numbers on them. Will get back to you later today or tomorrow, if that's okay.

Barb

Apr 27, 2011
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Great machine NEW
by: Dixie

I absolutely would recommend the 1100 to everyone. Purchased used & had some problems with timing until I found a reputable Viking repair man. Nothing wrong but a lot of thread buildup on the inner parts.I've been searching for a new throatplate & found out Viking has quit manufacturing the part for this machine.What a shame as I purchased it from another website.
Their lose, my gain.My machine is 30 years old & I believe it could run well for another 30 yrs.

Apr 27, 2011
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Throat Plate NEW
by: Barb R.

Dixie, where were you able to find the throatplate. I'm thinking of trying eBay because my local dealer couldn't get one for me.

Apr 28, 2011
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Throatplate info NEW
by: Dixie

Throatplate reply to Barb
I found the throatplate at
sewingmachine221sale.bizland.com/store/page87
Hope this helps you.

Apr 28, 2011
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Throat Plate NEW
by: Anonymous

Thanks, Dixie. I've saved that page in my favorite places.

Barb

Aug 15, 2011
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Looking for Cassettes for viking 1100 NEW
by: Lindas

I just bought a used Viking 1100 on approval, tried it and love it, then found this web site that makes me a believer.

I do have the same question as others. Does anyone have the cassettes for sale or know where to find them? I have googled but can't find any.

thanks,
Linda

Aug 15, 2011
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Cassettes NEW
by: Anonymous

Congratulations on your new "baby" - I'm sure you'll love her just as much as we do!

The only suggestion I have for finding cassettes is to get the word out - you might contact the gentleman who runs the sewing machine 221 with your request. He might have other suggestions for you.
http://sewingmachine221sale.bizland.com/store/index.html

Good luck and have fun!

Aug 15, 2011
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Jan 18, 2012
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Embroidery Handbook and Manual NEW
by: Anonymous

Would anyone be able to tell me where I can buy the embroidery handbook and manual for the Viking 1100? I have been searching and cant seem to have any luck. My grandmother cant seem to find hers and I wanted to suprise her with them. Thank you in advance!!!! Christina

Jan 19, 2012
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Viking manual NEW
by: Anonymous

I found the Viking 1100 manual online quite easily. Just google it. I will see if I can find the website later.

Jan 19, 2012
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Viking 1100 manual; where to purchase NEW
by: Anonymous

The website to purchase the Viking 110 manual is:

http://www.sewingmanuals.com/Sewing_Machine_Manuals/Viking.htm

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