Viking Designer SE, Designer I

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Viking Designer SE, Designer I

by Shirley Grossenbacher
(San Antonio, FL USA)

My first Viking machine was the Husklock 1001L surger I paid $1000, for it back in 1996. It was and still is wonderful. (I owned a commercial surger before that)

In 1999 I purchased the Designer I, I knew I had the best sewing machine in the world. It sewed GREAT and the embroidery was so professional. Then the Viking Designer SE came out and I had to have the latest and greatest.

When I went to purchase it they also had a new Huskylock with a stitch I've always wanted on the surger. So I bought both the Designer SE & the Huskylock 936 surger. I've not had any problems with any of the four Viking machines I own.

I live in Florida and purchased the last three machines at Tampa Bay Sewing located in Joann Fabrics. They are so good to deal with and if you have any repair problems, they get your machine in and out very fast. I love my Vikings and enjoy shopping at Tampa Bay Sewing Center.

The Designer Diamond is the newest out and it sure looks very tempting. I'm trying to hold back but the forces are drawing me closer & closer. I'm sure before long I'll own that one also. I don't work at Viking or Tampa Bay Sewing, or anywhere else for that matter. I'm just a consumer who owns the Viking machines and truly loves them and believes they are the Best sewing/embroidery and serger machine you could ever own.

I rate them 5 stars plus. And if you want to design your own embroidery, you can buy the software for your computer. Now that's a lot of fun........
Sincerely,
Shirley

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Viking Designer SE, Designer I

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Aug 14, 2009
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viking designer se designer 1
by: helena llewellyn south wales uk

hiya shirley, i have a viking platinum 770. iv'e had it 10 years and it has never had to see a mechanic. it always sews perfectly and i love using it. some people have so many problems with theirs i feel sorry for them. i see you are as happy with your vikings as i am with mine. regards helena

Dec 16, 2009
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selling
by: Cheryl

Hi, is anyone intersted in selling one of their older machines.

I have wanted a quality sewing/embroidery machine for years but have never been able to pay high dollar for them. I am now retired and my pension still will not allow it.

I do some charity work and sew by hand as well as embroider by hand. The machine would obviously be much faster.

If anyone has one they are willing to part with please let me know.

Thanks Cheryl

Dec 16, 2009
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selling
by: helena llewellyn south wales uk

hiya cheryl, i see a lot of them on ebay for sale. i bought a brother pe 150 last year and it works like a dream. only does up to 4x4 but is a great little machine, it's so easy my 8 year old niece is learning to use it and she loves it. good luck helena

Dec 17, 2009
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Designer I for sell
by: Anonymous

Hi Cheryl, I am interested in selling my Designer I embroidery machine. It's a great machine, I have less than 20 hours of embroidery time on it. When the Designer SE came out, I had to buy it because it was the newest out. Let me know how to contact you and we can talk more about it.
Thanks,
Shirley

Dec 17, 2009
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selling
by: Cheryl

Hi thanks for the responses. My email is contagioussweets@comcast.net.

Please understand I truely cannot pay much.

My daughter has a chronic illness and was hospitalized again lastnight.

Thanks again for any who can respond.

Cheryl

Dec 18, 2009
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cheryl
by: helena llewellyn south wales uk

hello cheryl, i'm sorry for your trouble. i hope the new year brings you peace of mind and santa brings you a new embroidery and sewing machine. best wishes and kindest regards helena

Dec 18, 2009
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selling
by: Cheryl

Thanks for your sentiment and I know I will get one soon. Just not sure when. You know the Lord supplies our needs.

Dec 20, 2009
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cheryl
by: helena llewellyn south wales

he does. he does, just not as quick as we would like sometimes. kindest regards helena

Jan 23, 2010
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Viking Designer SE
by: Charlene

I purchased Viking Designer SE 2 years ago, 2008. A beautiful machine when it works. The machine has been away for repairs for a total of 6 months...A $7,ooo.oo piece of junk that Viking will not stand behind. If you are thinking of spending that much money for an embroidery machine, check out the "Happy Voyager" . Extremely well made and much more versatile and much better service..

Jan 26, 2010
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What problems are you having?
by: Shirley

Charlene, I'm sorry to hear that you're having that much trouble with your Designer SE.
I've never had any trouble with any of my Viking machines.
Do you have the machine now at your home or does the factory or store where you bought it still have it?
I'm interested in knowing the problems you're having if you will share them.
Six months is a long time for a repair shop to keep any machine.

Shirley

Jun 26, 2010
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Viking Designer I
by: P. Kathleen Shigemi

I purchased the Viking Designer I sewing machine about 7 years ago, and I use it like a well-fed work horse. This is a superior machine, with very, very few problems. Tension - that nasty issue that lurks about every time you power up -- NOT with my Designer I.

I converted the floppy disk to a memory stick for embroidery, making it more user-friendly in today's techno world. I wish I could do more adjusting of my embroidery designs at the machine itself instead of the computer, but that is a minor preference. The hoops are pricey, but worth the expense. The speed control, and different pressure feet make sewing, quilting, and embroidery a cake-walk.

I LOVE to use as many features of the machine as I can, and it makes sewing exciting, easier, and efficient.

The stitching (in all varieties) is superior, and adjustments at all levels are user-friendly. My two daughters and a friend from the Netherlands took no time at all to fall in love with the Designer I. I LOVE the auto needle and pressure foot up/down and thread cutter.

My BEST advice - keep the machine free from thread bits and lint. I purchased a small air compressor and use it frequently - it truly helps keep the machine running smoothly and quietly.

I HIGHLY recommend the Husqvarna/Viking Designer machine as ideal for high-end sewing, quilting and embroidery.

My daughters each have much older Husquvarna's (20 years old), and they continue to work exceptionally well -- reliable and with enough functions to satisfy the recreational sewer. Clean and oil them, and these machines will just keep going.

Jul 21, 2010
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Viking Designer SE & Sapphire 835
by: Sewingmawree

I started with a Viking Lily machine in 2004. I upgraded in 2005 to a Quilt Designer. I then upgraded to a Designer 1 in 2006. My last upgrade was a Designer SE in 2007.

I have loved my Designer SE for the 3 years I've owned it. I can honestly say, no problems with any of the components (embroidery hoop, stitch regulator, button hole foot, etc.) I have ergonomic issues and these machines are wonderful for appliques; you don't need to lift the foot every time you turn your project.

I bought the Sapphire 835 for a class sewing machine in November of 2008. My first one would loop the thread on the bottom. I took it back (my service man couldn't fix it) and in 3 weeks, it was replaced with another new machine. I have no complaints on this machine either.

Aside from being noisy (they didn't insulate enough on the inside) the Sapphire has worked very smoothly. Both machines are ergonomic and I am extremely satisfied with these sewing machines.

I do not wish to upgrade in the future since I plan on retiring in 3 years. I am very happy with these machines and would recommend it to anyone.

Aug 12, 2010
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Sewing Machines for sale
by: Anonymous

We have one HUSQVARNA VIKING HUSKYLOCK 936 in like-new condition with carrying case $750

We have one HUSQVARNA VIKING 500 in like-new condition with carrying case $450

Email for more information. adreply@adgumbo.com

I am in Tampa

Aug 29, 2010
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Husqvarna Viking Designer One
by: Anonymous

I've had my Husqvarna Viking Designer One sewing machine now for 8 years. In general it's been a great machine, and I do love it. There are some issues with service when something goes wrong, though.

When I initially got it there were some problems with working large designs. After working for a while, the software just kind of lost it and started taking random stitches all over the place. I took it back to the dealer to be repaired. It was returned to me and still didn't work. We went through that about 5 or 6 times before the dealer could send the machine in to Husqvarna Viking themselves. Some three months later, my machine was finally repaired.

For most of the years in between the machine has worked beautifully. I've kept it serviced and cleaned regularly.

A couple of months ago, several things seemed to go wrong at once: the thread cutter stopped working and the bobbin thread started tangling on the back of my embroidery designs. I took the machine in to a local dealer for repair. I heard nothing for three weeks, but then it came back and was supposedly repaired. Not only was it not repaired, it came back in worse shape than when I sent it in.

There is now something wrong with the thread tension. So, I took it back in. At this point, the saleslady started in with trying very hard to get me to trade in for a newer (better?) machine. I finally convinced her I wanted my machine fixed. Her response was that she and her manager were going to "play with it" and see what they could do. That wasn't acceptable to me, as neither is a certified repair person. She told me she would send it in for repairs.

Two weeks later, she's done nothing of the kind. Upon calling to find out what was going on, she informed us that she and her manager couldn't find anything wrong with it, so they didn't send it in. And tried again to sell me a new machine.

The impression I'm getting is that Husqvarna Viking isn't interested in repairing their machines. They'd much rather refuse to fix it in the hopes that they can convince you to buy a new one.

In that, they've been successful. I'm now looking at buying a different brand.

Aug 29, 2010
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Viking Designer SE
by: Gail

My Viking Designer SE is 3 years old. It has been in the shop five times, and currently is in the shop. They have had it for 2 weeks, but they are 2 weeks behind because of so many repairs on their machines. So, I should get it back within 4 weeks total. So far, it has been in the shop for a total of 3 months in the 3 years I have owned it. I paid almost $8,000. for it and hate to take a loss, but that might be my next option -- to get rid of it.

Aug 29, 2010
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Find a new Viking Dealer
by: Anonymous

People, you have to clean your machine with each use. Change your needles. Take the sewing machine in for service each year. If the dealer gives you a hard time,change dealers. I did and have no stress. These sewing machines are great. I drive an extra hour for my new dealer. I bought my Diamond sewing machine in Montgomery, AL. The dealer almost destroyed my sewing machine. It was 71 miles for me to drive from my home. I now drive to Birmingham, AL for another dealer that am sooo happy with. This takes an extra hour to drive. About 140 miles for me to drive. (Thimbles) Two in-a-half hour drive.
We have to take care of our cars, change the oil, tires, wash. Okay, Our sewing machines have to be cared for as well. Get a sewing friend to call with the same machine for advice. My dealer will help you add the softwear, walk you through any sewing issues.
I also take sewing classes in Selma, AL at a fabric store. This shop owner uses Viking machines and is teaching me how to use my machine. Her Viking is twenty years old. She still knows how to work my machine. Most machines are similar. She charges a small fee for a sewing day. Get out and enjoy learning all about your sewing machine. Viking machines are work houses. Great machines. I also have a SEL.

Aug 29, 2010
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buying sewing machine
by: Cheryl

I do want to thank all who have responded to the request for a machine.

I recently bought a Brother and it does all that I need.
Again thanks for the input.

Sincerely Cheryl

Sep 11, 2010
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Buyer Beware!
by: Carol B.

I've had 3 Vikings, this last one being a Designer SE. I purchased this one in 20005. Lots of problems! Thread will often come off the hook while sewing, always knots up when starting a seam so I hold the threads,often the foot
gets stuck going over a small bump because of different seam heights,stitches never look as nice on the back as front,fancy sitches sew differently,had it in for tune-ups several times this last time I had to buy a new accessory table as the little hinges all broke off the doors. I have been sewing for over 50 years, many of them as a business and I have NEVER sewn on such a bad machine. I have wasted over $7500 on this machine and can no longer afford a new machine on social security.

Sep 11, 2010
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machine for sale
by: Cheryl

Thanks for you input but I now have a machine and am no longer in the market.

Sep 12, 2010
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Viking Designer D1
by: Patrick Carroll

Having read many of the disappointing reviews from owners of Husqvarna sewing machines, it is clear that the problems my wife had with her Designer D1 were not unique.

We purchased the Viking Designer D1 about 7 years ago and began having problems with the embroidery function right off the bat when it created monstrous tangles under the fabric surface.

We took it back to the dealer (a Husqvarna trained repair technician) several times for "adjustments" without success. Then they decided to exchange it for a demo model that at least worked properly.

She is still using that machine today without problems, but I would not buy another one until the company smartens up and pays more attention to quality control. Offloading the manufacturing to a Chinese company may save some money but it is just asking for trouble and customer dissatisfaction. So much for that "Swedish quality" their ads talk about.

Oct 03, 2010
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Viking Designer 1
by: Sandra

I love sewing with my Viking Designer I, although I have had a few problems. Purchased it around 2001, and although I can not remember it seems the transformer was changed because of a recall. It had a "COA" in May.

I recently purchased the texture hoop, and was eager to put it to use. My sewing machine would/could not recognize it. On very tiny lettering the packaging stated that some Designer I's required a manual adjustment. When I called to check with the Dealer, I mentioned that the machine was becoming very hot, and that I was having to turn it off between embroidering. I was informed of the recall and told once the serial # was checked, we would know if the transformer was changed. It had been! I was told I still needed a new transformer and I would have to pay.

It's been over three weeks now and the dealer still has not received the transformer. What is going on? Why purchase a particular brand & model, if you can not get parts to repair it? My heart is broken and I feel like crying. I have so much sewing to do, I try to sew every day. Now.......

As much as I'd love a new embroidery sewing machine, there is no way on God's green earth, we could afford one. I felt extremely blessed to own the Designer I.

The thought that goes through my mind... was the machine well made, or was it just made to last a few years.

I would still have my Singer 620 sewing working, if my repairman had not broken it. It sewed beautifully, the best stitches and easy to use. Is there anything manufactured today that is made to last for those of us who cannot replace the things we own?

Oct 25, 2010
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Designer 1 nightmares
by: Jackie Davidson

I purchased my Designer I about six years ago. I have NEVER been able to get the embroidery attachment to work. My neighbor has embroidered on her two Vikings for years and had no problems but she cannot get my machine to work, either. The dealer is worthless. They sent it to the Viking center to be repaired...it still doesn't work. I would NEVER, NEVER, EVER purchase another Viking machine...way too much money for what you get. I am so frustrated that I spent $6000 for this worthless machine.

Nov 27, 2010
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thank you 936 Serger
by: Anonymous

Thank you for your comments on the 1001L serger and that you upgraded to the 936. I just put a bid on a 936 since I now have a user who says it should be a good machine. That is worth more than any sales pitch.

Dec 14, 2010
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Viking Designer SE
by: Dale Bj

I purchased the Viking Designer SE machine as an upgrade. At first it embroidered nicely and sewed reasonably well. I was disappointed over the number of skipped stitches when doing quilting and the unevenness of the stitching on any type of bulky fabric. Use the evenfeed presser foot and tried the roller foot and still has trouble. Took it in and they said nothing was wrong.

Embroidery unit quits periodically in the midst of embroidering. **##** Took it in again and was told it was because I used a non Viking USB, and paid $$ to have the control panel replaced. Now it sews worse than ever and I still have the issues with embroidery. Have had it in for repair several times to no avail.

Have tried contacting Husqavarna, who just redirects me to the dealer. They do not stand by their products. I am disappointed in this Viking Designer SE machine and lack of service behind it.

Has anyone else experienced problems or have been told it is all due to using another USB? I am thinking of having a computer tech look at it....any suggestions....the next closest dealer to me is 100 miles away. I guess I lost confidence when the last cleaning, etc left my embroidery unit with black grease all in it that transferred to my project! Boy was I mad!!!

Jan 05, 2011
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Drsigner 1
by: Anonymous

I have bought a used Designer 1, simply because I cannot afford a new one. The sewing part of the machine is great, no problems yet! Just learning all the in & outs of the embroidery, stabilizers, threads, ect.
My Designer has the floppy drive. It worked fine at first, but now I have a disk stuck in it.
When I check out my dealer there are mixed reviews on their service. I asked about up-grading to a usb port, that is going to cost about 800.00. Thats a lot for a usb port, at least I think it is.
Was also thinking about up-grading to an Designer SE after reading the reviews I am rethinking that.
I have the 936 serger and have had no problems with it, works great. I held on to my old Janome 8000 simply because it sews so great. If my Designer1 has to go into the shop I still have a sewing machine.
Does anybody live in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area and can recommend a good dealer that I won't get the run around on. I use my machine too much to have it gone for months.
e-mail thedcwards@gmail.com
Thanks glad I read this.

Jan 11, 2011
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viking designer 11
by: Anonymous

Can anyone tell me why there is no comments on the Designer II as i am looking at a used machine on line but cannot find any reviews???? I am new to this so this may be a stupid question

Jan 17, 2011
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Designer 1 Problems
by: Anonymous

I purchased a used D1 from the Husqvarna Dealer (her machine, used very little) in 2007 because she was upgrading to a the new SE that had just come out. I paid approx $500 to upgrade to the USB port. I have had problems from the first day I got the machine.

Sometimes the machine will read the USB stick and sometimes it won't. After a few trips to be repaired/examined, they thought the stick was corupt, then there were too many designs (20) on the stick, and then more excuses. Finally, after taking the machine in many times about the same problem, they replaced the usb processor/USB drive inside the machine. Still the same problem.

The dealer has worked with me but I am so frustrated with the machine that I don't even want to do embroidery on it. I do use it for sewing (personal and upholstery business) and it sews pretty good - doesn't like upholstery thread, though.

I want to purchase another embroidery machine, but cannot justify it. However, when I am able to purchase another machine, it will not be a Husqvarna. I am looking at the Babylock (even though the dealer is over an hour away).

If you are looking at purchasing a D1, don't spend the money on upgrading - get a different machine!!!

Jan 20, 2011
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Viking Designer I
by: Anonymous

Purchased a Viking Designer I in 2001 and had great service in Pa, been in Fl for 5 yrs and service is nearly non-existent and very poor. The Dealers only want to UP-grade, the problems on the machine are never fixed. Joann-Ann Fabric Shop rents to a Viking Dealer who in turn handles the service to an outside serviceman, BUT the Viking Dealer accepts NO responsibility for poor service and says "they merely send it out".

I am now awaiting AGAIN for my machine for the 3rd time in a year for service. I am in high hopes that just maybe have found a quality service shop. I have written to Viking several times and NO answer. I would NEVER recommend a Viking. Unreal - $4500 for a machine that is the "worst" machine I have ever owned, pretty much in line with Singers Touch and Sew in the 70's, now known as the Touch and Throw. Thank you and will keep you posted.

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