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Husqvarna review: Sapphire 835 Sewing Machine 15

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3:30 am EST
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I bought a brand new Sapphire 835 Husqvarna Sewing Machine on Oct o5, 2009 for $1, 398. Six months after using this machine, the stiches kept tangling at the back and I will have to rethread everytime. The needle would break, too. I found out much later that the main cause was the thread comes out of the thread take up lever. In August of 2010, I took my machine to the dealer for repair. I was told by the dealer that when he called Husqvarna to order the replacement part, Husqvarna told the dealer that the company was aware of the problem and that they were in the process of correcting this. My dealer told me that the part will be replaced at no cost to me because it was a factory defect. One month passed by and I kept following up when my machine will be repaired. I was told that the replacement part is on back order. It has been more than 2 months now and still, the replacement part is on back order. I have emailed personally Husqvarna to make a complaint, but I got the usual run around. It is so frustrating when I can't do anything. My sewing projects are on hold, I can't use my machine and to think that I spent so much money on this thing. It did not even last for one year. I had a very cheap (less than $200) Singer sewing machine before this and I used it for 16 years without breaking down, not even once. I am so sorry that I gave it away!

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15 comments
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danllks
Los Angeles, US
Aug 08, 2014 2:44 pm EDT
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Alternatively, you can check this http://usemyreviews.com/top-janome-sewing-machines-reviews-2212-8077-computerized-vs-hd1000-magnolia-7318/

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danllks
Los Angeles, US
Aug 08, 2014 2:44 pm EDT
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You can read reviews at UseMyReviews for understanding hidden features as well.

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cstp
East Alton, US
Jul 14, 2014 11:47 am EDT

I bought the designer diamond royale, this machine is great to a point. It keeps giving me a message to check needle thread. The needle thread is fine, but it won't quit. It will sew about 10 stitches then again I get this message. Anyone else have this problem and a solution?

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Grandma Rita
Dugald (Springfield), CA
Jul 07, 2014 4:42 pm EDT
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I purchased the Viking Sapphire 835 in 2011 and just now am having problems with getting messages like my presser foot is too high when I am doing free motion quilting. All of a sudden the needle post falls down and I can't sew anymore. This is twice in a month. They fixed it the first time saying that a post had come out, well they didn't fix it well enough so now, when I'm under pressure to get quilts done, it happens again. Yes it is frustrating but the reason I purchased this brand was because I am in a room with 30+ quilters and at least 50% of them have the brand, . I decided it had to be a good machine. I love the machine except for this repetitive problem. I have also had problems with the looping on the bottom and having to re-thread but changed needles, slowed down my machine (all while doing free motion and it seem to be OK

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Marina Sharts
Summerville, US
Jun 13, 2014 9:55 am EDT
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I have had my Viking Sapphire 835 just over a year. I bought it because of the extra long work area and the price. I traded my old Viking as they said the machine could not be fixed as it was 20 years old. The new machine breaks thread frequently and to re-thread you have to start from the beginning as the thread is up under the middle plastic part. It is difficult to attach the walking foot as space is so limited. i have had it to the dealer 2X and I am sorry I did not try other machines before buying.Or the quilter's edition. The little box for tools is so cheap a part broke the first month. I have had Singers, Berninas and old Kenmore machines and I never had so much trouble with any of them.

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I hate my machine
Loveland, US
Apr 01, 2014 10:16 pm EDT
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I bought a viking sapphire 875q. It was my first new sewing machine and it was expensive
by my standards. I have not had it a year and I am constantly re-threading needle, clearing threads under plate, and trying to pull fabric out if feed dogs. I took it to my viking dealer, it was gone for two weeks and it came back the same way. They didn't do a thing and the lady was so rude at the dealership. How can Viking get away with such poor service? How can I elevate my complaints to someone who cares? How can I get my machine fixed? I will never recommend Viking to anyone ever!

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FranVDV
Rome, US
Feb 22, 2014 8:54 am EST
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I purchased a Sapphire 850 in June of 2008. This machine sewed like a charm - everything (free motion quilting, embroidery stitches, thick layers, thin layers, buttonholes for nearly six years. The only issue I had with it was that it seemed I had to have miles of thread out before beginning stitching or it would unthread itself; I dealt with that by using enders and leaders for most work - I am a quilter. In January of this year, it started shortening up the stitch length no matter where I set it and did some bizarre things such as sewing backwards or sewing zig-zag. I packed it up and took it into Jo-Ann's to be sent to the repair center some 50 miles from here. At the time I told them how much I liked the machine and mentioned the unthreading problem. I picked up the machine this past week and have sewed a total of three hours on it - it seems to be fine. They fixed (at no charge) the unthreading problem by installing a part on the take-up arm - apparently this was a problem with this particular machine. The work order states that they 'rebuilt the feed dogs' - I don't know what this means - lol. I do clean the bobbin area on a regular basis - at nearly every bobbin change. I've sewed for 60 years - started when I was 11, and have always had Singers. I wanted the wider harp area and this machine fit the bill. I hope to have many more years with this machine.

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cle from the Great NW
Mt. Vernon, US
Jan 02, 2014 9:23 pm EST

I recently purchased a Viking Sapphire 835 as an end of season closeout. It was a great deal and a beautiful machine. I came home and researched the machine and got a bit worried about my choice.

I had Viking from 1972 until 2004, and a Pfaff from 2004 until 2 days ago. I hated the Pfaff, though it was nearly twice the price of the new Viking. I never felt I could rely on my Pfaff. The tension complaints described for the Sapphire by users above could have been me describing my old Pfaff (2025). I had the Pfaff tuned and cleaned 6 months ago, one more time, and it has not given me a complaint since. 8 years of grumbing made me move up the the Viking.

Now, the Viking Sapphire 835: I have only had it a few days. I asked to sit down with someone at the shop that sold me the machine for hands on instruction for 45 minutes so I could thread it and follow the screen instructions. I have 7 days in which I can return it for a complete refund, so I have been putting it through it's paces. I have used 12 different thread spools (all brands and ages) and wound 6 bobbins. I have hemmed, seamed, adjusted width, length and needle position. I am working on a quilt now.

Seams are very straight, stitches clean and tension even. Better than my Pfaff ever was.

I don't normally get a warrantees, but I did for this item. It was $199 and it gave me some reassurance that I could manage if there were major complaints in the future with the Viking. It allows 3 years of coverage after the year already included for the machine.

I have no complaints--none. Yes, I would recommend this machine.

I am in my 60's and have sewn since my early teens on a Singer early on, a treadle Singer while in college. I have made everything from stuffed bears, motor cycle cushions to coats and blouses. Quilting is new for me. I plan to do more since I now CAN rely on my sewing machine.

cle from the Great NW

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wyqltr
Kirby, US
Sep 15, 2012 6:50 pm EDT
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I have always had Good luck with HV machines I am lucky enough to have a husband who understands the need for a back up machine. So I do have more than 1

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Lonna G
Goodyear, US
Sep 15, 2012 12:23 pm EDT

I took my HV Saphire machine in for servicing. I have had the same problems reported, above, w/ the Saphire. It has already been 6 weeks and the local people tell me, "That's just the way it is and there is nothing you can do about it!" This is the ultimate disgraceful reply to a customer. Further, when I asked for info to report up their corporate line, they told me they didn't have it and I could call the service center. I have emailed the company but I do not expect customer service there, either, as customer attitudes always are reflected down the line to the end person who keeps the company going, THE CONSUMER. It is time to revolt, ladies. Public reporting of these problems does make a difference. There are lots of places to get started including the BBB, Facebook, blogs, consumer rating sites.

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wyqltr
Kirby, US
Jan 25, 2012 7:11 am EST
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I have had several Husqvarna sewing machines always trading up I have had a scandinavia 200 trade ed up for desiner SE, which I used till this summer > Have purchased a scandinava 300 for my daughter she gave it to her teenage daughter bought an SE. I purchased a Sapphire 870 when they came out liked it so well I traded up to a Topaz 30 because it gave me a backup for my embroidery machine, then I tried a diamond price wise I decided to stick with my SE. Then I tried a Ruby it was more affordable than the Diamond & I really liked the larger sewing area as I like to free motion quilt, fantastic! Now I can embroidery as well as sew at the same time or with out the trouble of breaking down my embroidery unit. However 2 weeks after I sold my SE I was kicking my self! As I no longer had a machine small enough to take to retreats & classes. So we went looking for a machine what we found was a Sapphire 835, knocked down to $850. We bought it.I haven't used it much, so I'm hoping I have as good a luck as I have had with all my others. I have also had good luck with communication with the company. If you go on their web sight Husqvarna USA click on help the click on contact tell them how frustrated you are & what is going on I am sure they will help as best they can for the complaints & area they serve. Have you thought of asking your dealer for a knew one or a loner some dealers do this mine is nice she dose . For the lady who loved her singer, the same company who made your Husqvarna now makes Singer & has for a while now. I bought my daughters Singers from walmart they were broke down in 6 months would have coast more to fix than a new machine . I too had an old singer that were like an old work horse but hated the hassle of cams.My suggestion is to work on your dealer & let the company know who your dealer is. One may catch more flies with honey than vinegar but, I have found out the squeaky wheel gets the grease let everyone you know, know what & how your dealer has handled the situation you may be surprised about the out come, as word of mouth advertising is the best there is, and it goes 2 ways! GOOD LUCK LADIES

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Teenangel
Port Orchard, US
Sep 22, 2011 1:59 am EDT

The parts are readily available to an authorized Husqvarna Viking Service facility. I, for instance, have them in stock. Usually, the parts are no charge, but the labor is chargeable unless your machine is less than 1 year old.

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Vanessa Leeson
, US
Oct 09, 2017 2:00 pm EDT
Replying to comment of Teenangel

what are the parts? I have an 870 and am 300 miles from an authorized dealer. I take my machine to a retired authorized dealer...Is there anyway I could get the parts to my retired dealer?

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Moss L
Dildo, CA
Jun 02, 2011 9:32 pm EDT

Hopefully they will get the new part soon.

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Mary Kok
Libertyville, US
Mar 10, 2011 5:28 pm EST

I am also having the exact same issues with my Viking 835 as you mentioned. I purchased my machine on April 30th, 2010, but due to health reasons, did not get involved in much sewing until a few months ago, and thats when I discovered the problems. I was also told that the take up lever was at fault, and it was on backorder. The dealer called and said to bring it in today, and they will send it to Viking for repair. My projects have all been on hold and I am really frustrated.The machine was expensive and I never expected it to be faulty.According to a previous review which I read, Viking was aware of this problem, and replaced the faulty models [#s830, 850, and 870] with the 835, 855, & 875, which weresupposed to fix the problem, but as you are aware it did'nt happen.