Husqvarna Viking Computer 500

[Jens Loco]

Hasanyone owned the Husqvarna Viking Ruby Deluxe sewing/embroidery machine? I'm looking to replace my DSM. I want one that can sew apparel, piece quilts, and also do embroidery. I've owned Singer, Bernina, and Janome machines and all of them have served me will but I don't have any experience with Viking or any embroidery machines. Consumer report has good things to say about them but there are only about 5 independent reviews online for this machine that I can find. 4 were good and 1 was not so good. I would greatly appreciate your honest input. If you have a similar machine of a different brand that you are particulary fond of, I would like to hear that too. Thanks y'all.

I have had several Vikings....but none since the Viking SELE which is discontinued....I have been very happy with the one's that I have owned...a Viking 90...bottom of the line...but it was first and I did fine with it....upgraded to a Viking 500...loved....then a Viking D1....and then the SE....the last two do embroidery....both of the last two still do more than I use ....I would say the dealer is important and also trying out the machine as the Vikings are a bit different....there is no presser foot lift as the machine does that automatically....I love that I can tell the machine to stop with the needle down and that the foot lifts a bit automatically so I can pivot without a knee lift like the Bernina's or the using the presser foot lift like other machines....OK,...at last count I had 10 machines...a bit excessive....I also have a Bernina 630, also discontinued...would do embroidery but I did not get the embroidery arm for it as I had the two vikings...ummm...there is always a feature or two on the higher end machines that I like better on each of the brands...but I really can't complain about any of them LOL....right now I am using my Viking D1, my Pfaff passport, and my Bernina on just one quilting project...and Lucey is waiting downstairs for the actual quilting....this projected started out a workshop...so I ;used my lightest machine..my pfaff passport....then switched to the Viking D1 for the auto lift on the curved piecing and the Bernina is already in my cabinet for adding the borders and binding...yeah...I am a bit crazy....Lin

I have always been a Viking fan. I owned a 1+ and my daughter has that machine now. I loved it! I upgraded to a Viking Diamond and I can't say it is all love. I've had to have it serviced every year and it seems I'm always having issues with it. I do absolutely adore it for piecing and that has not been my problem. The sensor foot wonderful and if doing applique or blanket stitch it is invaluable. My problems have always been with the embroidery part of it. I've heard nothing but good things about the Ruby though!

I have always owned Vikings from the 1+ to the designer diamond I have now. I absolutely love Viking machines as they are workhorses with very little problems. I've sewn from very fine fabric to several (and I mean Several) layers of denim. The embroidery is beautiful - I only wish the machine would change the thread wen embroidering- lol.

I have loved my Vikings for 30 years of sewing and quilting. But I am afraid to say I have had lots of issues with both my Diamond and then an upgrade(not) to a Diamond Delux. I have had tension issues, the back up button doesn't always work, and you press the foot control and it doesn't go! If I didn't own so many accessories and feet I would switch brands. The Diamond had an issue with the take up arm coming unthreaded. They had to reengineer a fix for that which took months for me to get it fixed.

Unfortunately the shop I bought it from changed hands and the repair guy retired too. Now I have to take it 1 1/2 hours away to a dealer who sends it to another city to get it cleaned or repaired. It was gone for 2 months this spring. I like to have it cleaned once a year because I use it so much.

I just had my Viking Designer 1 USB fixed, and was checking out the Diamond, and the owner/service man said he'd rather I keep my eye on the Ruby, that it was a much better machine, than the Diamond. The poor diamond has a flaw running thru it, it seems.

I do not have any experience with Viking. My only suggestion is to go with the company in your area that you believe will give you the best customer service. In all probability it all comes down to personal opinion. You will need support after any sale, so you want to be certain that you will get quality care. In my case that ended up being Brother. It was not the cheapest in my area, but I felt I go the most for my dollar. In the end, I would bet most combo machines can do about the same sewing, quilting, or embroidery jobs at their quality/cost point. Good luck shopping.

I too think it's ALL ABOUT THE DEALER!! I have had four versions of BabyLock embroidery machines, and currently run their first (older) six needle, which is awesome. I've traded in as I've upgraded and my dealer does good training, support and does a lot of trouble shooting over the phone. I do own a Pfaff that has the embroidery arm but I use it mostly for construction and have had the BEST luck with it. Workhorse! Purchased this at a show, the machine I took class on, but the dealer who ran the show does the service and is also very helpful over the phone.

But...my Viking experience has not been the best. I got sucked into their mid arm quilting system with stitch regulator and computer (Qbot). I had trouble with support both online and from the chain store where I purchased it (which left me with NO HELP AT ALL) after spending a lot of money on it. My saleslady quit right after I took delivery, so I didn't get my lessons...When I contacted corporate, they were dismissive, difficult to reach and did not follow through. It took me three independent repair places to have it fixed and the last guy took six months to find the problem. I don't have it back yet, but will be getting rid of it. I did not find the online groups to be helpful, and the website had little to offer as well, and never got back to me by email when I tried to contact them for repair advice. Very disappointing experience all around.

I have a need to update my software for Husqvarna Viking Designer 1. The software I have is from 10 years ago (roughly) Customizing and Digitizing 5.0 and Buzz Tools to convert designs. I have been out of the embroidery loop SO LONG that I find that I seriously need help figuring out all these new fangled programs that have come on the scene. If anyone would be willing to update me on these I would GREATLY appreciate it. I am not opposed to getting a non-Viking software program if there is one that will work with my D1 - I still have the one with the floppy in the side - not the USB. I have mostly used the Customizing, but like to be able to change things sometimes, so I'm not really sure what I need. If I have not given you enough information to figure it out - it is because I don't know the information to give you. Please feel free to ask me questions in order to best determine what I would need. Thank you SO, SO much for your help!

I know Husqvarna, Pfaff (same program) Brother & Bernina own Designer 1, Pfaff CV & Brother 1500D believe the best program for Designer 1 is 4D Extra this will let you do everything in basic & easy to use plus convert to SHV. If you want to digitize Bernina is the best but you will need to hang on to your old program to make converting easier 4D is a HUGE improvement on Customizing 5 & Buzz Tools & works well with your machine.

I have exactly the same problem!!! I want to buy designs and use them, but I can't transfer them from my computer (using Microsoft XP) to my reader/writer, and programmable card. Do I need to buy another computer and load in the old Microsoft 96? I don't want to spend a fortune buying new software when what I have used to do everything I needed it to do. This is the downside of owning a computerized sewing machine. Please, if there is anyone in cyberland that has an answer, I'd greatly apreciate it!!!

Do you know how much that would cost to purchase? I talked a little with the Viking Dealer here in town, but I've been burned by one I went to before I moved here. He said the amount would be approximately $700 or $800...does that sound right to you?

Also, I was wondering, I don't really care to do extremely hard digitizing, but what simple digitizing I've tried with the 5.0 was VERY HARD. Is there anything that would let me take a basic outline or some lettering and digitize that? Would the software you suggested work for that?

I purchased Embird and it is very easy to learn. You can purchase it individual modules. Embird basic then later add the Studio if you wish to create your own designs. Then other parts. The program is user friendly and so many are familiar with it so you can get a lot of help online. Carolyn Keber has great tutorials. There are also great tutorials from the Embird site itself.

Hi Jo Ann, I too own the old viking software. I also have XP and have not had a problem with loading designs to my programable cards. What machine do you own? I own the Viking #1 plus and the Designer 1. I also have the 4Dembroidery studio and 4D stitch editor. The Viking software is expensive, but I feel it is well worth the cost.. Maybe if you told me what you were trying to do, I could help you. If you have AOL instant messenger, we could get on together and I know I could guide you. You wouldn't be the first that I have done this with. Just let me know....

Hi Angie, From what I hear from others, the Embird is a good program. I haven't tried it, but I may just to see what it can do. I really prefer Viking's 4D Emb. Studio and stitch editor. The two programs would run around $700.00, but a lot of dealers do offer a 15% discount every few months.

I settled on Embird and am very happy with it. The price is very reasonable and also has additions. I have purchased several. They have just updated their software. Small upgrades have been free up until now. This upgrade was a whopping $15. All of the additional modules for the upgraded product have no additional charge. I buy mine from secretsof.com. Their prices are discounted from the Embird page and there is also a free club with free monthly tutorials.

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