Test Drive:
Husqvarna Viking Designer SE

MSRP $7599
husqvarnaviking.com
Reviewer:
Carolyn Beam

I was new to Husqvarna Viking sewing machines and to embroidery machines in general, so I was anxious to see how this machine performed. The manuals are very easy to follow and, along with the help menu on the screen, I had no trouble becoming comfortable with the Designer SE. The interactive screen is the largest of any of the sewing and embroidery machines and guided me every step of the way. Need help? Touch the help button on the screen and the icon in question, and the answer appears.

I started with the quilting stitches. You'll find 60 different stitches including a unique stitch setting for piecing to a stipple stitch for quilting in this stitch menu. The screen shows the exact stitch size and sewing direction, and all stitches can easily be adjusted on the screen.

I checked the on-screen Sewing Advisor for basic piecing with cotton fabrics, and the machine automatically set the stitch (including width and length), sewing speed and Sensor Foot Pressure. It will also tell you the best needle to use, presser foot and stabilizer, if needed. Now, time to sew. With the touch of a button, you can raise and lower the presser foot, start and stop sewing, cut the threads and more.

Free Pattern!
Make our Touch of Elegance quilt. Download the PDF pattern.

Designed and made by Carolyn Beam. Fabric: Moda Fabrics. Thread: Robison-Anton. Stabilizer: Ultra Clean and Tear by OESD. Embroidery included with Husqvarna Viking Designer SE.

Once I was comfortable with basic sewing, I moved on to embroidery. The Designer SE boasts the world's first Embroidery Advisor; enter the fabric type and weight, and you're guided to the best needle and stabilizer to use along with top and bobbin thread. There are so many beautiful designs built in. When I saw the floral border designs, I decided to try repeating one down the length of a fabric panel to make a strippy quilt. The embroidery was perfect and added an elegant touch to a simple quilt.

Free-motion quilting came next. In the Free Motion mode, the feed teeth automatically lower. By using the touch button to start sewing, the speed was automatically set, and all I had to do was guide the fabric. I could stop sewing by either touching the button or tapping the foot pedal. It worked great and was easy to keep my stitches consistent.

I've barely scratched the surface of this machine's capabilities. I've got more projects planned, and the ideas keep coming. It was easy to fall in love with the Designer SE. I highly recommend checking it out!

 By the Numbers

3 Embroidery hoops included: 4"x 4", 9 1/2"x 6" and 14 1/2"x 6"

16 Stitch menus with one-touch stitch selection

29 Needle positions are easily adjusted on the screen

175+ Beautiful embroidery designs included

700+ Built-in stitches shown actual size

65,500+ On-screen colors

The large interactive screen
guides you every
step of the way.

 Favorites

Two Motors. Separate motor for winding the bobbin.

Intuitive Sensor System. Automatically senses the thickness of the fabric and adjusts the height of the presser foot.

Embroidery Advisor. Recommends the best needle and stabilizer to use along with top and bobbin thread.

E! Light. Adjustable for every sewing situation-can adjust warmth and intensity of light.

This Test Drive article also appears in QUILTMAKER March '07 (No. 114). If you cannot find this issue at your local quilt shop, order back issues at VillageQuiltShoppe.com.