Husqvarna/Viking Designer Topaz 50 Review

While on a visit to Ace Sewing and Vacuum in Pompano Beach, Florida, I had an opportunity to review the new computerized Topaz Designer 50 sewing, embroidery and quilting machine from Husqvarna/Viking.

At A Glance

In truth, when looking at certain machines from Husqvarna/Viking, the only real difference is the accent color. The Topaz 50 looks very much like the Sapphire 930, the Sapphire 960Q or even the Designer Diamond Royale.

The only immediate difference that you can discern is the color. The Topaz has an accent color all its own… sort of bronzy in a way.

Although the LCD screen is slightly different on the Designer Diamond Royale, all four of these machines have identical function control features… start/stop; needle up/down; fix; automatic thread cutter; reverse stitch; presser foot up/down; and variable speed control.

Each has an automatic needle threader, drop feed and a free arm, as well as an on board stitch selection guide inside the lid.

They all thread alike and they all have the same bobbin winding system. Each machine comes with a backlit LCL color touch screen and a stylus.

Although the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Topaz 50 has a lot of features in common with its sister sewing and embroidery machines, it is different in many ways as well.

It comes with a standard embroidery unit and 261 on board decorative and utility stitch options, which include more than 150 decorative stitches, heirloom stitches and two alphanumeric fonts along with an automatic sensor buttonhole feature.

Features

• 261 on board utility and decorative stitches
• 2 alphanumeric fonts
• 159 on board embroidery designs
• Thread sensors (upper and lower)
• Design stop button
• On automatic board thread cutter
• Automatic needle threader
• Automatic tension adjustment
• Adjustable stitch length and width
• Needle up/down
• Start/stop button
• Sewing advisor
• Embroidery advisor
• Ability to rotate design in one degree increments
• Memory capable of holding up to 24 stitch sequences
• Husqvarna/Viking exclusive My Files+ embroidery stick
• USB port
• On board stylus holder
• On board stitch selection guide

Working on the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Topaz 50

Winding the bobbin and threading the Husqvarna/Viking Topaz 50 is simple enough for any beginner to master. The on board thread and bobbin winding guides are clearly defined and very easy to follow. The drop in bobbin is a cinch to put into place accurate on the very first try.

Before sewing, the first thing you must do is determine whether you will be using the machine in the sewing or embroidery mode.

If you intend to perform straight sewing tasks, the embroidery unit must be removed. There is an icon on the touch pad which indicates whether you are in embroidery or sewing mode.

The next thing you need to do is select the type of fabric you will be using. The rows at the lower edge of the touch pad indicate the types of fabric that this machine is designed to work with.

By selecting the correct fabric choice, your tension is automatically adjusted to accommodate the work at hand. Your choices are:

A. Woven – light
B. Woven – medium
C. Woven – heavy
D. Knit – light
E. Knit – medium
F. Knit – heavy
G. Leather/vinyl

1. Stretch light straight
2. Overcast – light
3. Overcast – semi light
4. Overcast – baste
5. Overcast – 3x zigzag
6. Overcast – hem
7. Overcast – buttonhole

Selecting the desired stitch is not as simple as one might wish, but very easy once you get the hang of it. There are several different stitch menus to choose from.

To get to the desired menu on the touch screen, touch the menu icon with the stylus or your fingertip. Once the main menu is displayed, refer to the stitch selection guide to select the menu grouping where your desired stitch option is located.

Then toggle the left/right arrows until your desired stitch is visible on the screen and make your selection. Default stitch length and width settings are displayed along with an icon depicting the presser foot that is ideal for each particular stitch.

The stitch quality on the default settings was not as dense as I would have preferred, but the stitches were well defined and sturdy.

There is no concern here about the stitches being too loose or so tight that they begin to show signs of puckering.

One of my pet peeves with lots of the newer sewing machines is the placement of the drop feed. While I’m not all that enthused about the placement of the drop feed control on the Husqvarna/Viking Topaz 50, it is at least easier to reach than on some others.

You can find the drop feed control lever on the front of the machine, just beneath the bobbin housing. You must, however, remove the embroidery unit or the on board accessories case in order to get to it.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

• 9 Snap on presser feet
  • Utility
  • Buttonhole
  • Zipper
  • Decorative stitch
  • Blind hem
  • Non-stick glide
  • Edging
  • Embroidery/Darning
  • Sensor one step buttonhole
• Stylus
• Thread net
• Felt pad
• Screwdriver
• Lint brush
• Seam ripper
• 4 Spool caps (2 large/1 medium/1 small)
• Multipurpose tool/button reed
• Pictogram pen
• Hoop clips
• Six extra bobbins
• USB embroidery stick
• Scissors
• Extra needles
• Embroidery thread
• Fabric and stabilizer
• Sampler book
• Owner’s manual
• 2 Embroidery hoops
  • Royal hoop (360mm x 200mm)
  • Splendid square hoop (120mm x 120mm)

Maintenance

	After each use	Monthly*	Once Each Year**	As Needed
Clean race hook and feed dogs
Wipe head with soft dry cloth
Wipe head with soft damp cloth
Lubricate
Service by sewing machine repair professional

Tying Off The Loose Ends

The Husqvarna/Viking Topaz 50 is one of those sewing and embroidery machines that have the potential for being a joy to work with. It is quiet, sews smoothly and there is no vibration.

It is easy to thread, which is tempting to say that a beginner might be comfortable using it.

However, because of the complicated steps you must follow before actually sewing, I hesitate to consider its use by anyone who is not already adept at the workings of a sewing machine as well as the nuances of the different types of fabric, fabric weights and the like.

The stitch quality is acceptable, but in order to attain truly professional looking quality on some of the decorative stitches, it is necessary to manipulate the length and width adjustments.

I like the feel of sewing on the Husqvarna/Viking Topaz 50. It is a solidly built machine that seems to be ergonomically designed because it is so comfortable to work with.

My back, neck, shoulders and wrists were completely comfortable during the time I was performing this review.

This is a very important feature when you consider the fact that the longer we sit at a sewing machine, the greater the tendency to develop tightening muscles in the back, neck, shoulder and wrist, resulting in unwanted aches and pains.

I believe anyone who is at or above the intermediate skill level will be able to adjust to the Husqvasrna/Viking Topaz 50 and be very happy with it.

This is a solidly built machine and is easy to care for. It has the workmanship and reputation of the Husqvarna/Viking brand and for many people who are familiar with the legacy of the Husqvarna/Viking name, that is enough.

Why not visit your local Husqvarna/Viking dealer and ask for a demonstration of the Topaz 50? If you are in the market for a new sewing and embroidery machine, you owe it to yourself to take a close look at this machine before making your final decision.