The Husqvarna Viking Opal series is higha ly computerized sewing machmachine from Husqvarna. With the Opal series, Husqvarna offers a generous amount of stitches and a highly technological sewing machine. It gives you a chance to save your own stitches, visualize stitches in real size before sewing, and a semi-automatic button sewing system, known as the Perfectly balanced buttonholes (PBB). In this article, I will tell you about The Husqvarna Viking Opal 650, its features, and my experience with it.
The Husqvarna Opal series can be your greatest friend, and most likely the best sewing machine you have experienced. But with all these features, the Husqvarna is advanced. You must understand basic technology, But most importantly, you have to be willing to learn.
The Price: Husqvarna series costs from 800 USD to 1200 USD.
Included in this price is a generous amount of accessories.
The machine we are reviewing, Husqvarna Viking Opal 650 costs 850 USD.
The Most Important Features of the Opal 650:
For any sewing machine, Having a well-lit and big surface area is important. But the needle threader and an extra high-pressure foot are also an absolute must-have. Thankfully all of this is included in the Opal series. You get a generous 8" sewing surface, 3 LEDs, and a standard built-in needle threader.
The features that separate the Opal 650 from other sewing machines.
There are 3 built-in fonts for personalizing, labeling, and dating your sewing projects.
Program and save personal stitch settings to the “My Stitches” menu.
160 beautiful stitches for endless creative opportunities including 7 mm stitch width.
The Perfectly Balanced Buttonholes (PBB) and the Exclusive Sensor One-Step Buttonhole Foot automatically sew perfect one-step buttonholes every time.
The Exclusive SEWING ADVISOR® feature optimizes your sewing with automatic settings.
Stitch length: 0 mm - 28 mm (maximum stitch length determined by selected stitch design)
Stitch width: 0 mm - 7 mm
Advertisement:
User-friendly:
I must admit, The Husqvarna Opal series looks intimidating, The amount of buttons and the LED screen makes it look a lot more advanced than it is. Threading and operating this machine was much easier than expected. In the beginning, you are left with a feeling of "it just works". but after 5 rounds with the machine, you feel you have mastered it and you feel completely in control of your sewing project. It was probably the most rewarding feeling I ever had with a sewing machine.
Buttonholes:
There are some features that took time to master. The Button system was hard to learn and understand, and when you have learned it, you will most likely have forgotten it the next time you need it.
If you are sewing multiple buttonholes and attaching multiple buttons in a row, this feature must be like heaven. But I rarely do.
Sewing with the Opal 650:
The varsity of stitches and all the customizations make the Viking Opal 650 a dream to use.
If you are a "threader dreader" the Opal 650 is your best friend, you do understand how to thread it right away, but take a look at the instruction before you thread it. They are easy to understand as well.
When talking about sewing with the Opal 650 we must not forget the mirror feature. It does what it says, it mirrors the stitches. If you are sewing around corners or sewing in the opposite direction the stitching will be mirrored. This feature impresses me every time.
You do also have more common features like the start/stop function and speed adjuster. These buttons are easily accessible right over the sewing foot, meaning that you don't have to take your eyes away from the needle. You do also have a function called the fixed seam. With a touch of a button, the sewing machine automatically fastens the loose threading. You can turn this feature on and how during sewing.
I work with a lot of stretchy fabrics. I have on some occasions had problems with sewing over multiple layers of stretchy fabric with the Opal 650. This issue happens so rarely that I don't consider that to be a big problem.
Advertisement:
The Size:
There is no secret that the Opal 650 is a bigger sewing machine. For me, this is a big plus, because that does also mean a huge storage compartment!
The weight of the Opal 650 is 8.5 kg (18.74 lb), so it's quite a heavy machine. You will also get a plastic cover for protection. It is almost half a meter long, (45cm, 17.7 in) and 31 centimeters tall, (12.2 in). This is not a machine that is easy to hide and it demands space. There is a thick plastic hardcover included. It's a good cover, but I wish it was straps or other features that could keep it in place because it feels very loose on the machine. There is a handle on top of the machine that feels sturdy and comfortable.
There are many good reasons for its big size. The obvious ones are a big screen, a generous well-lit work area, and many options you can select with just a touch of a button. The size does also offers more subtle features such as a big storage compartment. The big storage compartment is handy, especially when you get a good equipt machine like the Opal 650.
Who is Husqvarna Viking opal 650 made for:
The Husqvarna Viking Opal 650 is a versatile sewing machine. It's very easy to use, but harder to learn than a less technological sewing machine. But once you get a hang of it, sewing with the Husqvarna Viking Opal 650 is a dream.
I recommend the Husqvarna Viking Opal 650 for any sewers that sew more than once a month. If you have a smartphone and know how to use it, you will have no problems learning this sewing machine.
If you are solely sewing on jersey fabric, I would not recommend the Viking Opal 650.
Advertisement:
Comments