Viking Designer Diamond

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Viking Designer Diamond

by June
(Southern California)

I purchased a Viking Designer Diamond thinking that I was upgrading from the D1. I have nothing but trouble with the machine. The machine is noisy and does not sew well.

The first time that I took the machine in for repair (2 days after purchase) they kept it for over two months. The second time (30 days later) was again for over two months. The mother board had gone out that time.

I would not recommend this machine to anyone at this time. They evidently have some productions problems to work out.

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Viking Designer Diamond

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Sep 14, 2009
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dud diamond
by: helena llewellyn south wales uk

they all have some problems to work out by the looks of things. no new machine on the market today seems to work properly. i think the manufacture is done too cheaply to save them money and make huge profits. aftercare is a joke as they seem to think that after we have bought the product and they have our money in their greedy little hands that they are untouchable. yea. i don't think so pal. it's up to all of us to complain and they sue for replacement or refund of our cash. i did. i bought a pfaff 2170 for £3000 and had problems from the minute i switched the bloody thing on. repair, repair, repair. in the end i started legal proceedings that made them sort it out. it is working fine at the moment. don't be quiet and let them tread on you, stand up and do something. it's the only way. regards helena

Sep 15, 2009
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UPSET GRANDMA OVER my vikingmachine
by: grannymimi

I am just as un-happy with my viking sewing machine...that I paid well over my budget on the concept that THIS WAS THE MACHINE to own and enjoy. Nothing but trouble and after each and every repair it came back with more problems than it started with. Grrrr.
First time the pedal was not making contact to the machine and no power was enabled. SO....back to the store in Willow Glen, S.J. usa....where the store owner said no problem...will get you a new one. Several weeks later...I went back to get the machine and my model was no longer being manufactured so he replaced it with another used machines pedal.
When I got home the power worked...but now the little computer cards for the decorater stiches no longer worked.....
SO back to the store...where I asked him if they took mine out and changed it with anothers.
Grrr. The only response was a frown and was told absolutely not. So when I asked to purchase one...that item too was no longer available. BY this time I was in tears and
just took the machine home and stuck it in a closet.
Now I am ready to purchase another machine and the viking is worth very little to trade in.
Looking forward to sewing for my 12 grandkids...but not looking forward to buying a machine that is costly and does not work.
Granny is MAD as the dickens.....

Sep 15, 2009
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mad granny
by: helena llewellyn south wales uk

hiya, how long ago did you buy this machine? if it is still under warranty take it back and demand repair or renewal of said machine. check your laws on faulty consumer products. here we have trading standards to help and advise us. once they get involved and write to these people their attitudes change immediately. threaten legal action if you have to, and follow through with it if need be. small claims court will sort this out ( i watch judje judy here she is wicked) so long as you have all your repair reciepts and date of purchase you will get what you want. i.e. new machine or refund. please don't just stick in a cupboard and forget about it. it's your money in that cupboard don't forget. if we all did that then we are bigger fools than they are already taking us for. complain and keep complaining it's the only way we are going to get what we pay loads of money for. madam, stand up and don't be a lemon. we are never going to get decent machines and our money's worth if all the duds are in cupboards rotting away. regards helena

Dec 09, 2009
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Diamond has problems
by: camtidwell

The Diamond has a lot of good features but mine has had repeating problems. My Diamond is in for the third repair -- same problem of missed stitches and thread breaks. If this doesn't fix it this time I am considering legal action.

Dec 09, 2009
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dud machines
by: helena llewellyn

don't consider. DO. make it quite clear to them that this is going to happen. i did it with pfaff over my 2170. works fine now but i had to go to the max to get that. good luck and kind regards

Feb 08, 2010
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Designer SE and Designer Diamond
by: Dizzy864

The computer of my SE kept blowing from when it was 3 months. It was away for repair for over 3 months. Finally Husqvarna exchanged it for a new SE. 10 months later I was having the same problems plus the screen blew. It was away for repair over 4 months. I collected it three times from over 30 miles away only to find the screen had blown again on the journey home! I refused another new SE and paid £200 for an upgrade to the Diamond. To include everything that came with a new Diamond - accessories and a 2 day course. I tried to book the course, to be told that as the machine was an exchange I could not have the free course.
I've had a lot of problems with thread breaking, which I thought was the thread but I now realise it's random. Threads work fine one time but not the next. I've had the Diamond 16 months, now it won't make stitches.
I'm really fed up with Husqvarna and wish I'd gone for a cheaper alternative make but perhaps that's just the grass appearing greener on the other side!

Feb 11, 2010
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Viking Designer Diamond
by: Anonymous

I have a Viking Designer Diamond that is only 3 months old, and I can tell you, do not purchase Viking products. Their products are no longer being made in Sweden, they just announced they are going to make the diamonds, their TOL machine, in Shanghai. They have been using parts made in China for quite some time, which is why people are having so many problems, and customer service is terrible. I am very disappointed, so much so that I went and bought a Babylock yesterday just so I can sew. I will be paying for 3 years.

Apr 25, 2010
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Viking Sewing Machines
by: Anonymous

Is it true that Vikings will no longer be made in Sweden, but China?? This may change everything

May 04, 2010
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Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond
by: Don't but it

Yes, it is true that now all Husqvarna Vikings, and Pfaffs are now being made in Chine! My dealer advised me not to purchase a Pfaff or Huqsvarna Viking because they are coming back in for repair after repair, like hot cakes. Many people or very upset, and unhappy and then are trading in for Babylock. I was one of them, I bought a Pfaff creative vision (Designer Diamond counter part) and was in for repair 5 times within a month after purchase. I then traded in for the babylock ellisimo. Wonderful machine, never again will purchase Pfaff, or Husqvarna Viking. Things made in China are just so low quality and cheap! Don't waste your money.

May 18, 2010
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Designer Diamond
by: Anonymous

Have had a Husqvarna for 18 months. Have had no problem till now. We are told not to wind bobbins at high speed. This I have followed religiously. I also do not sew at top speed. Now I have to renew the bobbin mechanism as some part has melted. The dealer has been advised to replace the motor in the bobbin as well. I am making under instruction an embroidered quilt at the moment and going through 5-6 bobbins in one sitting so have to have plenty up my sleeve. I have now been advised to wind no more than 5 at any one time.
Am I too rough on the machine by undertaking such a large project. I use the machine every day. Is it made only to be used once a month. The pamphlets certainly don't indicate that.

Aug 26, 2010
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So far so good
by: Anonymous

I bought my Diamond when it first came out (2 years ago?) I had it in for repairs once due to a tension problem during embroidery. I must say that I do like it a lot.

Sep 07, 2010
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Reviews Very Helpful!
by: Anonymous in Tn

thanks for the reviews - this may be a"blessing"
my local shop offered a floor model Diamond for $5,400 - not wanting to finance I was waiting to get the "cookie jar built up" called them today and the unit has been sold but I can still get one at retail --- $9,000! Cookie Jar is no where near that and now with these reviews I am really
having second thoughts about Viking Products
since other reviews said they are being made in
China. I went to the Viking wesbsite and ask
about products being made in China - will post
the reply I get back for those that are still interested in this product. Its not totally off my list, but its not at the top -- at this point I don't have any brand at the top. Thanks Again!

Sep 08, 2010
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Designer diamond takeup lever problems
by: Anonymous

I have been using a deigner diamond for about 10 months after upgrading from designer SE. When I emboider I have to watch the machine like a hawk because the thread jumps off the take-up lever (the part that moves up and down together with the needle). This happens even though the tension is oerfect. Then watch the mess below the embroidery. Agents don't help and deny this is a basic design problem with the machine. If it is not a design problem then why are my friends with the diamond having the same problem. Is this a general problem and is there a recall or a fix.

Oct 03, 2010
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Designer diamond takeup lever problems
by: Anonymous

For the take up problem, there is a free hardware fix you can get on your take up leaver. It takes about an hour to fix so you can make an appointment and wait to take the machine back home with you. Since this fix, I have had no one problem with the nesting and the thread jumping out of the take up lever. I do believe they also have the same fix for Pfaff.

Oct 05, 2010
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Husqvarna Diamond machines....
by: South Africa

It would appear that Husqvarna Sweden is adopting Mafia techniques to keep the dissatisfied customers quiet. The only route that a customer can follow is to the dealer him/herself - we cannot go further eg to Sweden if we feel that the dealer isn’t dealing with the problem appropriately.

If the dealer does make a ‘noise’ that annoys the Sweden offices – then the dealership will be closed down – permanently, as has happened in Israel, recently. So, no matter how the dealer may feel about the state of affairs regarding this very over advertised Diamond sewing machine – their ‘hands are tied’ for fear of them losing their business, leaving us very frustrated and annoyed customers - with machines that are as good as dandruff!!

Now isn’t that typical of a business that is obviously not dealing with the problem at hand and prefers to ‘shut people up’ instead of dealing with the problem. Not long from now- they will see the error of their ways and, hopefully it isn’t too late.

Oct 05, 2010
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Designer one viking
by: Anonymous

I have had my designer one bought it about eight years ago and it was already one or two years old I have not had any problems with it or the embrod unit I do love it and I do agree I think it is loud and I am disappointed that China will be making the Vikings in the future if I have to have a new machine it not be a Viking simply because America needs jobs not China. I will continue to sew with this machine until it wears out.

Oct 19, 2010
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Dreadful Diamond !
by: Anonymous

My expensive DD is a real disappointment. It has been back to the shop 3 times too. Won't tell me when the bobbin is low and so continues embroidering when bobbin is empty. Recently the top thread has started jumping out of the tension disc.You should see the mess that makes underneath. I beleive this was a problem with another of the Hus and a part was made that kept the thread "in" I'm told I need it too but it will be costly.!! I paid $12.000 Au,for my Diamond and at that price don't think I should be paying out for a part that obviously should have been included on this more exi model.I don't think the sewing quality is good either and it sounds tinny!! I had been using a 1972 830 Bernina till this purchase with no problem what so ever!! I'm not sure these new "fancy" computer models are all they're cracked up to be!!

Oct 25, 2010
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Trouble 2
by: Anonymous

I bought my Designer Diamond in March. After one week it wasn't working, wouldn't sew, period, and they replaced it. 5 months later my 'second' one is in for repairs. It was supposed to take 1 week. 4 1/2 weeks later and still no machine. The warranty will be up before I get it back! They had to order a part, it came, it didn't fit. How come???? New part came, it fit, but machine still didn't work. Now they have a part on back order. They finally gave me a loaner machine to use with my embroidery unit. Everything was fine for the first 30 things I embroidered and now the unit is getting very noisy. Viking has always been the best, but I think this time theymay have gotten it wrong. If it isn't working right this next time I will consider asking for a different machine or my money back.

Nov 22, 2010
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Hv diamond problems
by: Anonymous

Wow I have been having problems with my diamond since I bought it 2 yrs ago. this is first X I've looked on line to see if i am the only one. I find I am not alone told I use wrong thread or I need surge protector. My diamond stops in middle of job over &over again. Lights flicker. Machine shakes. And then makes horrendous noise so I have to shut it down. They want to replace the motor but I don 't think this is the problem. Thread falling out of take up use to happen continuously but by using thread hook and putting thread spool on table in front of me has helped. But a $10,000machine should not behave like this. Does anyone have an idea about why my machine is shutting off or making terrible noise when embroidering

Nov 23, 2010
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Disappointed with Diamond
by: Pam

Boy, I can sure see that I am not alone! I upgraded from my Designer SE to a Diamond and am I glad I kept my SE. I have had nothing but problems with my Diamond. I did take it in and they fixed the take up lever and that helped the thread jumping out and tangling on the back. They had it a week. I also took it in for tension adjustment, another week. It kind of works better. In total I've had it in three times. It is noisy though and stops repeatedly during embroidery with either a top thread or a lower thread message. I'm going to take it in AGAIN. The cutter doesn't cut properly on the front for the bobbin, I think this causes a problem when restarting also. ARGH!

Dec 03, 2010
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More Diamond bad news
by: Anonymous

I thought I was the only one having the problem with the take-up lever. My dealer told me it was the thread I was using but it doesn't seem to matter what kind I use. It has even done it with regular sewing thread during regular sewing. Not just with embroidery. I am sorry I ever bought the Viking machine and wish that I had gone with a Babylock or Brother machine. Save your money and avoid this machine if you don't have one already. They are very expensive and large to use for paper weights.

Jan 02, 2011
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Diamond
by: L York

Just picked up a diamond after having a designer 1 for years - will see what kind of luck we have will keep you posted - by the way designer 1 - top notch machine.....

Jan 19, 2011
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Diamond Problem
by: Isis

The only problem I have had with my three year old Diamond is with the thread take up lever. My dealer, from whom I will never buy another thing, said I was not using good thread.
Madiera not good thread...really! I asked my dealer about the fix for the uptake lever, but they were clueless. Does anyone have any more information on this fix?

Other than this problem the machine has worked very well under heavy use, though it is rather more noisy than one would expect out of a machine in this price range.

Since learning the machines are Chinese produced I will not be buying another Viking product.

Feb 01, 2011
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Wouldn't Buy This
by: Pam

I don't own one of these expensive machines but have studied it in action. I couldn't believe that for the money you pay, you can only load one color of thread at a time! Sure the ads look great with the girl in the pretty red dress but think of all the times you would have to sit there and change threads out. For this kind of money, I would get one that holds several different spools like the new Brother that holds 10!! I just thought I would add that comment here because I too was amazed at it until I saw it in person and realized the one-thread-at-a-time feature because for this kind of money, it should hold several spools and have several needles.

Feb 01, 2011
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designer diamond
by: Anonymous

My dealer installed the part to fix the take-up lever problem and since then the machine has been embroidering well. As for sewing, it isn't up to the quality that I would expect from a machine of this cost. It skips stitches over seams and doesn't feed the fabric evenly. Perhaps I'm just not good enough for such a high end machine. Maybe I should just go back to my 1968 Kenmore.

Mar 07, 2011
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Viking Diamond
by: Bluesgirl

This machine is every person's dream come true of owning a sewing machine. Top of the line!!
I would recommend this machine to anyone..The Embroidery is absolutely beautiful and I have not had one problem with the machine.

Nov 08, 2011
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Diamond Deluxe
by: Anonymous

I'm wondering if it does any good discussing the machine on these sites. Does Viking ever see these comments. I really don't think viking is concerned about customers anymore. If they can't or don't want to answer my question,, they simply ignore me.

Nov 09, 2011
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Switched to brother Quattro 6000d
by: Anonymous

I'm anonymous nov 22 2010 above. I was lucky to get someone to take my HV diamond off my hands in exchange as a trade in for a brother Quattro 6000d. It is a dream machine. The embroideries alone surpass the diamond in quality. I make some money selling my embroideries and was told also by my HV dealer that HV would not warrant my diamond any longer. The first question to my brother dealer was about the warrant. He looked at me strangely and sad it did not matter what i made or did with my end product. The brother was totally warranted. I embroider daily. Have had my brother since December 2010. No problems. Love it. No problems using the software I use 4Dpro and conversion from vp3 to. Pes is so easy.

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