The History of Viking Sewing Machines
Dating back to the late 19th century, Viking sewing machines have had quite a rich and impressive lineage. Founded in Husqvarna, Sweden, in 1872, the original Viking brand, also called Viking Metal Industry, was a metal working and manufacturing company that made several products besides their own sewing machines.
Over the years, the Viking brand moved hands several times and eventually in 1979, it was bought by the White Sewing Machine Company, now known as Janome America, Inc. As the owner of the Viking brand, the White Sewing Machine Company decided to move the manufacturing of Viking sewing machines from Husqvarna and their production has been in Taiwan since then.
Benefits of Viking Sewing Machines
Viking sewing machines are highly sought after for a number of reasons. Firstly, Viking machines are known for their superior build and quality. Despite being manufactured in a different country to where it was originally conceived, Viking sewing machines are still held to the same exacting standards in terms of construction and engineering as they were in the late 19th century. This makes Viking sewing machines incredibly reliable and durable.
In addition to their superior craftsmanship, Viking sewing machines also cater to all types of sewers. Viking machines are perfect for the beginner to advanced level sewers as they come with a wide array of features and a variety of presser feet to give users maximum flexibility. This makes it a great all round sewing machine for both hobbyists and professional sewers.
Types of Viking Sewing Machines
One of the great things about Viking sewing machines is that there is something for everyone. While there are a variety of machines available from the Viking line, there are some that are particularly popular among sewers.
The most popular among Viking models for hobbyists is the Husqvarna Viking Emerald 116 machine, which has a wide array of features that make it perfect for the beginner sewer. It has a number of features such as a large extension table, drop feed, one-step buttonholes, needle threader and adjustable tension.
For experienced and professional sewers, the Husqvarna Viking Platinum 745SE is the go-to machine. It has a heavy-duty motor and a larger work space with a five-and-a-half inch arm. It also has a wealth of extra features such as seven one-step buttonholes, built-in needle threader, two LED lights and a reversible attachment foot.
Viking Sewing Machines: the Pros and Cons
Despite the impressive credentials of Viking sewing machines, they are not without their downsides. While they may be perfect for experienced sewers, new or beginner sewers may find them to be overwhelming as they come with a large number of different features. This could make it difficult for someone who is new to sewing to understand and get to grips with.
Furthermore, Viking sewing machines have a tendency to be quite expensive. While the lower end models go for a decent price, their higher end models are quite pricey, which may put off some new sewers from investing in a Viking machine.
Critique from the Sewing Community
It is no secret that Viking sewing machines are highly venerated among sewers and sewing communities. That said, not everyone is a fan of Viking sewing machines. While most sewers agree that Viking sewing machines are incredibly well-made, they also tend to agree that they can be a bit intimidating for new sewers. While this can be beneficial for experienced sewers looking for a machine with plenty of features, it can be seen as a disadvantage for new sewers.
Conclusion
Viking sewing machines are highly praised in the sewing community and for good reason. They are incredibly well-made and reliable machines that come with a wide variety of features to give sewers maximum flexibility. They are perfect for the advance sewer, but may be a bit overwhelming for the beginner sewer. In terms of price, Viking sewing machines can be quite expensive, with the higher end models being quite pricey. However, despite their hefty price tag, Viking sewing machines offer excellent value for money, making them a great investment for the serious sewer.
