Husqvarna Viking Huskylock 936 Review

Rating
Ease of Use:
Flexibility:
Durability:
Price:

My prior experience with sergers has been to find the cheapest machine I knew wasn't a complete piece of junk. So far I've had mixed luck. My first serger kind of functions (and I did have it repaired once for nearly as much as the machine cost brand new). The second is still in fine working condition.

I've found that the cheaper purchases often turn out to cost more in replacements and repairs than it would have if I'd gone for quality in the first place. (Someday I'll show you my digital camera graveyard to prove it.)

So sometimes it pays to make a long-term investment on a more expensive piece of machinery, with the knowledge that it should last you for many years. If you're looking for a combination serger/coverstitch machine, or even just a serger, the Huskylock 936 would be a magnificent choice for such an investment.

This will seem like a silly thing to start out with, but I think it's important... it comes with an instructional video in DVD and VHS format. And I know you're thinking the same thing I was thinking when I got my first serger and saw that it came with a video... “Ha! I don't need that.” *insert scoffing noise here*

But then you'll read the instructions for threading in the manual and look at the little threading diagram on the serger itself, and you will try, but be unable, to stop shaking with fright. Then you'll say, “Where's that video?!?!?”

If you read the instructions and look at the diagram and you don't have that reaction, then you are braver than I, my friend.

But seriously, if you are not competent at threading a serger, I strongly suggest reading the instructions AND watching the video before you attempt it. I'm not trying to scare you, because it really is not a difficult task. But you must do everything in the correct order or the machine won't work. You'll save yourself a ton of anxiety and frustration if you take the time to acquaint yourself with the process.

What's really awesome about this machine for both beginners and pros is the automatic differential feed. My older, cheaper machines have manual differential feed that works fairly well once I'd figured them out. The problem is that it took a lot of trial and error to determine what settings worked best with different fabrics, and many people just never learn to do it. And assuming you did the experimenting, you then had to count on remembering the settings each time you use a different fabric.

The Huskylock 936 has 16 pre-programmed stitch settings out of the box, with 6 fabric settings: light, medium, and heavy woven, and light, medium, and heavy knit- as well as 50 memory settings for you to record your own custom settings. In addition to differential feed settings, you can also set the stitch length and it keeps track of the tension settings.

So far I haven't had to use anything but the pre-programmed settings. Taking the guesswork out of differential feed makes it perfect for a serger noob. Having all of the extra settings to play around with is a convenient bonus for those of us wanting greater flexibility.

Overall, the machines runs very smoothly, producing tight, even stitches on every kind of fabric I've put through it.

Some other perks?

• It comes well stocked with accessories- oil, thread covers, screwdrivers, needles, and my favorite... the needle threader. Why every sewing machine doesn't come with one of these is a mystery to me.
• It also comes with an extra/replacement accessories order sheet... which includes REPLACEMENT KNIVES!!! Not one of my other machines had this perk. Scratch that... it's not a perk, it's a necessity. And not only do I not have to scour the internet just to find the blasted things, but they're CHEAP. Like half the price of the blades for either of my other machines, cheap.
• The presser foot is open, which makes threading the needles (which is arguable the hardest part of threading a serger, if you ask me) so much easier.
• It has 3 speed settings... another fantastic feature that I can't believe isn't included with more machines.
• It's so quiet... This thing purrs like a kitten. If anyone complains about this machine being noisy, they've never used another machine.
• There is a warning beep when it's “overloaded”, which means less busted needles!

Before I'd used the machine, my impression was that it would be best for people with some prior experience using sergers. Mainly I worried that new users would be intimidated by the extra features. However, after using it for a few weeks, I'm convinced this machine would be perfect for just about anyone. Husqvarna Viking in general is one of those companies you only hear good things about, and now I know why.

The only semi-negative thing I can say about this machine is that it is a bit pricey. It's not overpriced, just expensive. And remember that you're essentially getting two high quality machines in one. Particularly an added bonus if you are limited on space.

Find a Husqvarna Viking dealer near you!

Coverstitch function review to come soon!