Hi, friends!
If you follow me on Instagram, you probably know that I got a new sewing machine a few months ago. I had been looking at sewing machines for a couple of years as I figured out what my needs are vs. my wants and decided on a machine that would suit me and be something that I wanted to sew on for years to come. I shared a snapshot of my spreadsheet and later my new machine and several people asked for both a review and a breakdown of how and why I chose the Viking Jade 20.
I have several sewing machines. You can see some of them in the most recent tour of my sewing room. I collect vintage sewing machines, so most of them date from 1900-1970. But I really enjoy doing most of my sewing on a computerized machine, thus the reason why I wanted a brand-spanking-new sewing machine. I have been sewing for many years on a computerized Singer 160 Anniversary machine, which has been a workhorse in my sewing room. I have sewn pretty much every type of fabric on that machine with very few issues. The only fabric that I can think of that I haven’t sewn on that machine is plastic. Otherwise, I have sewn everything from silk chiffon and charmeuse to leather and heavyweight denim. Plus, I never broke it!
But, there are some features that machine was lacking. This became even more evident when I made a spreadsheet that compared various models that I was considering. My spreadsheet really helped me to decide which machine I wanted and helped separate need from want. Below is a screenshot of my spreadsheet that I made November 2016. You can view the spreadsheet in it’s entirety here.
Sewing Machine Comparisons
Before I constructed my spreadsheet I sat down and figured out what features were important to me and which ones were a bit frivolous as I would likely never use them. I constructed a list of features that my new machine definitely had to have:
- One Touch Stitch Selection
- Start/Stop Button
- Needle Up/Down
- One-Step Buttonholes
- Twin Needle Capability
- Good Lighting
I had been perusing sewing machine sites for quite a while looking at machines, reading about their features and watching videos. If you fill out a questionnaire and click that you’re an advanced sewist, they will always point you towards a high-end machine that most likely has embroidery capabilities. While it might be nice to have an embroidery machine, it is not something I need. For one, I prefer hand embroidery. Two, they are always costly. I sew garments and I basically need a straight stitch, zig zag stitch and an automatic buttonhole. I don’t need 5,000 stitches I will never use. An accomplished sewist does not need all of those bells and whistles to sew a fine garment. I have no problem with anyone who likes fancy features, but I’m a practical person and a practical sewist as well. I can sew on a basic machine, but I just wanted a few more things that would make my sewing easier.
Cost is also always a factor to consider as is the distance to a dealer or the availability to buy online. I was looking for a machine that was in the $800 or less range. I live over 100 miles from the nearest Pfaff dealer and it’s 50 miles to my nearest Husqvarna Viking dealer. This made it difficult to compare prices as for some reason, they want to keep the prices a secret. WTF?! That’s my biggest pet peeve about higher end sewing machines brands. It’s much easier for people who live in rural areas to purchase online and yet you are limited with your options. I don’t have a problem traveling to a dealer, but I’d prefer to have one closer to me where I can test drive a machine, chat about a machine, buy accessories and get my machine serviced.
After considering all of my options and sewing on the machines that I could get my hands on, I narrowed it down to the Viking Jade 20 and the Janome Mod 100. The Janome was a better deal at Costco at the time and came with additional accessories. In the end, I decided on the Viking. Yes, it had somewhat to do with aesthetics as the Jade is a beautiful machine. The Janome….. not so much. I had sewn on the Jade and I loved it from the start. I saw it in the store when it was first released and found it to be eye-catching. It also is in my favorite color. I thought about having a machine that I wanted to sew on for years to come and that was the Jade. It was on sale for Black Friday and my family got it for me for Christmas. 🙂
I have been sewing on my Husqvarna Viking Jade 20 for four months now. I didn’t want to review this machine until I had sewn a variety of fabrics and tried out many of the features. I feel confident that I’ve tested this machine out thoroughly now and can share my honest opinions. When I was researching machines I could not find any reviews on the Jade other than this helpful set of videos from Sewing Mastery.
This machine was like upgrading to a Mercedes for me. It sews so beautifully and does everything with precision. It’s quiet and easy to use. The stitches are perfect and the automatic buttonholes are exceptional. Granted, I don’t use many of the stitches other than a straight stitch and a zig zag stitch. I’m happy to have the stretch stitch (lightning) now for knits and to be able to use a twin needle. I’ve used the darning stitch and the bartack stitch, but not many others. Thus the reason why I don’t need thousands of stitches!
I am very spoiled with my old Singer as I really like pressing a button to quickly pick a stitch and have everything automatically set up for me. My Jade does all of that! I’m also happy that the stretch stitch (2) has a button, too.
This machine has a neat feature with the “fix” button. It is an automatic backstitch that you can use at the beginning and end of your sewing. I use the start/stop sometimes with speed control, but I find it’s not really something that I use that often with my garment sewing. I do think I will utilize it more whilst sewing quilts or home dec.
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As you can probably tell from the photo below, it converts to a free arm. It also has a drawer on each side for holding accessories. The storage space is not as big as I was used to in my old Singer, so I had to put some of the things that I usually keep in my sewing machine storage compartment into a drawer in one of my sewing desks.
The Jade has a cool feature in which it basically makes it own sewing case. A middle compartment which can hold your cords and foot pedal slides into the center and encloses all of it for storage and travel. It doesn’t do much to protect it, but it keeps most everything dust free.
So, I’ve told you many of the things that I love about this machine, but what don’t I like?
- The needle plate
- It’s hard to read the stitch widths on the guide
- The cover
- When the cover that encases the thread spool comes down, it covers up the needle up/down button. I don’t sew with the cover up as I watch movies/shows while I sew and I can’t see over the top of that.
- The grey color on the back
- Definitely not a huge factor, but I wish the entire machine was white and green without the grey.
- No automatic thread cutter
- That was the only other feature that I would have liked to have on my new machine, but it was not a deal breaker, so I did not put it on my list of priorities. The next version up from the Jade 20, the Designer Jade 35, does have that feature. The Jade 20 has a manual thread cutter.
Along with my new Viking, I got a lot of coupons to use in the Husqvarna Viking Sewing Gallery. Also, as part of the Sew Savvy Savings, you get rewards and they have occasional sales on accessories. I’ve made a list of feet that I need want and I also have an extension table on my list.
I just love my Viking! <3 I’m definitely a Viking convert!
Happy Sewing!
I’m thinking of purchasing the Jade 20 tomorrow or the Opal 650 (both by viking), but all I would use the machine for is to make quilts. Is the Jade a good choice? Thanks
Yes, the Jade 20 is definitely capable of quilting. I have been very happy with mine. Spend some time with both machines and see which one asks you to take it home. 🙂
Hi Tanya – While working with my Jade 20 today I decided to fill some bobbins with popular colors of thread so that they would be ready when I needed to use them. The machine fortunately came with 5 clear bobbins, but I had also bought a colorful pack of 20 that the saleswoman at the Viking dealer picked for me. As it turns out, the new pack of bobbins does not fit on my machine! I called the store because I could not find the information in my owner’s manual. They did not know and had to call me back. Apparently it takes Class 15 bobbins (?) Is this what you use?
I have a Brother and I really love it, but need to upgrade to a machine with a much larger throat/harp for quilting. Brother includes the walking foot and free motion/darning foot with the machine. I have seen that the more expensive machines often don’t include the walking foot. Does this machine come with the quilting foot or feet, and how much are they to purchase separately, if you know?
Ironically, it does seem that the more expensive machines include fewer feet! I don’t have the information at my fingertips, but the Viking web site lists what is included for each machine. The walking foot is not among them – I do remember that. When I priced it at the dealer, it was $150. I’m almost certain you can get a non-brand name foot for a much better price.
I’m doing my sewing machine research now & most online reviews talk about Janomes & Juki’s as the best machines. However, I test drove some Viking Opals at JoAnns & thought they were great. There are rumbles in my chat groups that now that Pfaff, Viking & Husqvarna were all bought out by the same company (Kohlberg something) that they arent’ as good anymore. But I really liked test sewing on the Viking and the Pfaff…. I’m wondering now that your are a year out from your purchase what problems (if any) have you had?
I’m still in love with my Viking and haven’t had any issues at all! I also use her almost everyday. Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff are owned by Singer.
SVP Worldwide
Hi,
I have to buy a new sewing machine, and I like the Viking Jade. Is this machine noisy?
“Noisy” tends to be a relative term. I find it to be reasonably quiet, as sewing machines go.
I put a mat under my sewing machines to help deaden the noise.
Does it have a speed setting so that when you press on the pedal it stays at the same speed/
The speed control is for the start/stop button.
J, there are 5 speed settings to choose from. As a beginner I cannot keep up with the machine just yet, so I like to go slow. Very slow. You can pre-select the speed before you start-or change it on the fly. If you change the speed while you are sewing along it will not show up on the display, but if you pre-select the speed it will tell you where you are in the speed range. If you are interested in the Jade 20, it might be helpful to go to the Husqvarna Viking web site and review the features. The manual is also available to download and read. If you are an experienced sewist, you might be frustrated that the machine does not save your settings from the previous session. The more expensive machines do. This is not a problem for me as it’s teaching me to be more careful while I learn. I’m very happy with mine so far and am glad I took the time to research and try a number of machines before purchasing.
Hey Tanya, Thanks for your review. I saw this machine, on sale, at Joanne’s, yesterday. It is very cool looking. I did not realize that Viking made sewing machines. The Viking brand is popular with me because out of all my kitchen appliances (purchased as last season, back room, scratch and dent discounts) my Viking wine fridge is the only appliance that hasn’t had an issue that needed a $$$ fix or total replacement! I already have a Janome, which is ok, but needles break frequently and my fabric (home sewing) regularly bunches up, hence the pleated look on some of my seams. Your site is very colorful.
I recently bought this machine because my old Singer broke, and am trying to not regret it. I got a good deal, but didn’t do any research before purchasing because I was in a rush to finish gifts before the holidays. I’m inexperienced with knits, but was making a pair of pj pants, and had an awful time with this machine. With my old Singer, I could fake it and at least hem pants, but this Viking wasn’t quite so simple. I stopped into a store with a Viking dealership and the employee told me that this machine doesn’t handle knits well and I should return it. She also tried selling me a much more expensive machine. It looks like you’ve used your Viking for knits. Any insight you can provide would be appreciated – is it my lack of experience, or is this machine really not great for knits? Was the sales person right, or was she just trying to sell me a higher-end machine? I sew a variety of things (bags, garments, home dec, etc.), but don’t need anything too fancy. I would like to learn to work with knits.
Hi Heather – I haven’t had a problem with sewing knits on my Viking. I use Schmetz ball point jersey needles and the lightning stretch stitch. The machine sews knits just as beautifully as it does wovens. Jennifer also has this machine and sews more knits than I, as I sew mostly woven fabrics. https://www.amakerheart.com/
Hi Tonya — I’m trying to determine if the Jade 20 can make a hand-quilt-like stitch, either by using invisible thread on top and cotton in the bobbin or by selecting one of its installed stitches. I read somewhere (have to find that again!) that the stretch lightning stitch can look like a hand-quilt stitch. Do you know if this machine can reproduce hand quilting? Thanks, and thanks for the detailed review, very helpful in my search.
I think it might if the stitch length is adjusted. My old machine (Singer anniversary edition) has a hand quilting stitch, but I don’t see one on this machine that looks like that.
thanks for getting back to me on this!
Kristie and Tanya- I haven’t had my Jade 20 long, and I’m not experienced in sewing or quilting yet….but the manual says that Stitch 21 imitates the hand-quilting stitch. Stitch numbers 34 through 57 are also listed as quilting stitches, but I think Number 21 may be the one you are looking for.
Good job looking at the manual! 🙂
Thank you so much for the stitch info…very helpful!
Hello! My Pfaff sewing machine just broke. It was the computer board so I need to replace it. I read your review and was very impressed thank you. That particular just happens to be on sale at Joann’s on Black Friday. I have just one question for you since you’ve sewn with all the fabrics and more that I have sewed. Have you used it quilting? I’m a beginning quilter but most of my sewing is clothing and repairs.
HI Marlene – I’m sorry I didn’t respond earlier as you most likely have already bought this. But, yes, I made a quilt and pieced quilt block on it already.
Hello! What size bobbin do you use. I just bought mine and I need more than provided with machine. I purchased at Joann’s and employees had no clue. I called the Husqvarna customer service she wasn’t sure, but said Class 15. I purchased those and they have ridges and the ones with machine don’t. I would appreciate help from someone who owns one. Thank you!!
Hi Dinah! I’m not sure which size bobbins that it takes as I don’t have the packaging anymore that my extra bobbins came in. The viking dealer where I bought my machine tells me which ones fit my machine. Not sure why the employees at your Joann’s don’t know.
Tanya, I just test-drove this machine yesterday and – after 6 weeks of intense online research, studying reviews (and soul-searching) in order to make the right choice – I think I am in love with the Jade 20. Although I have done hand needlework for many years, I have a checkered past with regard to sewing machines – but this one seemed to actually like me! It was easy to use, quiet and has lovely features and stitch quality-and it’s portable to boot.
Santa gave me a budget-and of course this model was ‘over’. But I liked it so much I may put in the difference (It is on sale until the end of December.) and run with it. I have one more brand to try before making a decision, but I sat in the parking lot of the store for several moments before slowly driving away. As a relative beginner (and a very late bloomer) I had planned to get a more basic machine, but the Jade 20 didn’t seem to mind that I barely knew what I was doing. I want a machine that makes me want to spend time with it, and I think that is going to be key in my final decision.
Hi Linda! I’ve been sewing on my Jade for almost a year now and I still love it. I’ve had no issues with it. I think it’s worth going over your budget a little if you like it as much as I do as it’s not something you’ll replace for a while (or a very long time!) and you’ll use it often, so it’s worth it. I do know what you mean by the price as it’s hard to spend that much, even for me, when it was a gift. It was a dream fulfilled when I got mine and started sewing on it. Hopefully you can get a little better of a deal! I know they sell floor models, but at my store, she said they were only $20 cheaper. Good luck! 🙂
Well, it’s already on sale so there isn’t much chance of a further price reduction. However, it would be nice if they threw in some bobbins, a spool of thread or something like that. I haven’t stopped thinking of it and watched a few short videos online showing how to use it. My significant other walked by and said, “You are falling in love with that machine, aren’t you?” (Was it obvious?) The online support is just what I need-with no family or close friends who sew. Although we are still going to look at a Juki tomorrow, it’s going to take a special machine to draw me away from the Jade 20. 🙂
Linda – they threw on free needles with mine, along with the bobbins that came with it. I also got a coupon book, where I picked up bobbins and some extra feet.
Just wanted to update / let you know that although test-sewed looked at a Juki over the weekend (which also would have a nice machine for me-at a lower price point), I ordered the Jade 20 through a local dealer yesterday-before the holiday sale ended. I am confident I made the right choice and look forward to learning to sew-however limited that personal journey may be, given my late start with the hobby. (Now to try to be patient while awaiting its arrival…)
Have fun with it, Linda! It’s a year anniversary for me and I still love mine!
My Jade arrived earlier than expected (right after a blizzard) and I picked it up Sunday afternoon at the quilt shop. With my work schedule it is hard to do much during the week, but I hope to begin getting acquainted tonight or tomorrow. I haven’t sewn a thing by machine in years and hope the process goes smoothly…
How much does your machine weigh? I store mine in the basement and sew on the dining room table so I need a machine that is not too heavy.
It is 7 Kg, I just got it and I love it
thanks for the info. That would be 15 1/2 pounds which is certainly doable.
Yes, you can easily carry it around, but it’s not too light that it moves around the table when you’re sewing.
I purchased the Jade last fall and just loved it, but it kept having an error code come up on it and I had to wait for it to clear. Annoying. I took it back and they gave me a different one and the same thing happened repeatedly. They said it was our house wiring. We had that all checked and everything is fine. Sadly, I had to return it. My husband was afraid I would burn the motor out on it with the power error it was getting. But is sewed beautifully! I still
Miss it. I purchased a brother soprano.
Oh, that’s terrible! 🙁 Thankfully, when I get error it’s just because I’ve done something wrong.
Hi, thank you for this review. I am thinking about to buy this Sewing Machine and I found it vert helpful, but I still have a question for you, What kind of fabrics have you sewed with this JADE 20?
very*
I have sewn lightweight fabrics like silk crepe de chine and silk habotai and voile to canvas and denim with it and no problems going to from light to heavy fabrics.
In 1983 I bought a used Husqvarna. I had accidentally dropped and destroyed my beautiful new Singer on the floor! :o( I was sick about it for years. I did not want to buy the Husqvarna, but I could not afford another new machine. Since then I have LOVED this machine! Sadly about 15 years ago, one of my kids turned the needle adjuster backwards and broke a gear in it. This year I took it in to be fixed but there are no parts. Even broken this machine is a workhorse. Your machine is beautiful! I am a huge devoted fan of Husqvarna. I am searching for another used one now. :o)
Hi Tanya! Thanks for this great review. I’m going to my local Viking dealer TODAY to look at the Jade and basically have the same list of needs as you (garment sewists in solidarity, amiright?). It’s too bad the dealers don’t get it together and sell the ultimate GARMENT sewing machine with the perfect feet bundle and so on. Maybe someday!
Your list looks like mine! I saw the Jade in the store and really liked it. I loved how quiet it was. I don’t think it’s very pretty but I like how it all folds up. I’m also looking at the MOD 100 (I don’t like the look of it either) because I like the deal at Costco with the extension table and quilting accessories. It’s a great price too. I’m just having a hard time finding any reviews on the 100. Did you ever sew on that one? I want to know if it feels solid or cheap. I know the Jade feels solid. I, too, am trying to figure out what my needs and wants are.
I wasn’t able to sew on the Janome at Costco, but one of the great things with ordering from there is their return policy, so if I had decided on that machine, I knew that I wouldn’t have been locked in to anything.
Mine is on order at the local dealership. Can’t wait to start using it. I tried the one in the store and was VERY impressed. Glad you have had such a positive experience. It makes me feel justified in making the same selection.
I like the lines of the machine you chose- it’s definitely a little bit different than the usual look and I’m happy to hear that you’re happy with it.
I’m so glad you wrote this post- I’m on the hunt for a new machine and I have pretty much the same specifications that you do. I’m totally printing your spreadsheet and going to insist on trying them all out at the local sewing machine shop!
What a very sleek and stylish machine you have. Very Modernist lines. It makes all the difference to your seeing with a reliable machine. I am glad that this one is so good. Xx
I’m so glad that you’re happy with your new sewing machine! It just makes sewing so much more enjoyable when we’re sewing on a sewing machine that we love!
Congratulations! I’m not familiar with the newer machines but I have loved Viking machines since I was introduced to them in the 1970’s. My boyfriend’s mother sold them and I got to try a few of the display models as well as use her machine on a regular basis.
Years ago (mid 1980’s) I purchased a used, basic Viking machine and it does everything I have ever needed – I think it has 8 or 10 stitches (about 6 more than I need). The buttonhole isn’t fully automatic (it is 4 steps for each buttonhole but totally repeatable once set up). I never made as many of my clothes as you do but I made everything from professional looking jackets & skirts for work to most of the window coverings in my house with that machine.
My mother-in-law will be moving in with us and I’ll be gaining her electronic machine & a serger (and her mother-in-law’s old Singer) so I’ll have more machines than I need! Hopefully I’ll get back to sewing soon & put all the machines through their paces!
Always excited to see what you’ll make next
It’s gorgeous. I love the green and it sounds like a dream to sew with. Congratulations! Someday I’m going to upgrade too. I love my little $70 Brother that can sew anything, but there will come a time…
I have three Vikings and love them all. My Scandanavia 400 has an embroidery capability I almost never use. It’s fun to play with though. I know you will enjoy your new machine