Bag Making with a Domestic Machine - Husqvarna Viking Jade 20 Review and Unboxing

Today we're checking out a machine that I've never used before, the Husqvarna Viking Jade 20. Come with me as we unbox this new machine and put it through its paces, and see if it's a good fit for bag-making!
NOTE: I am not affiliated with Husqvarna Viking in any way, and this is not a paid promotional video. I purchased everything you see in this video and did not receive any compensation or free items for doing it.
Chapters
Intro - 0:00
Today's Video - 0:19
Machine Overview - 2:10
Unboxing - 5:50
Carrying Case - 8:57
Included Accessory Kit - 12:08
Features - 17:37
Test Stitches - 38:56
Assembling our Sample Bag - 45:52
Final Thoughts and Outro - 50:14
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[@sosuhob]

How wonderful to see you using the machine for something real. One of the best reviews ever!

[@EmporiumThreads]

Thank you Henrik. I believe there is no better test than an actual project.

[@lindalombardo3309]

Thank you for such a detailed review. I recently purchased this machine I know I made the right choice!

[@nimaflorio5502]

Such an informative video. Thank you!

[@nkha23]

Thus was my first Husqvarna Viking. I was drawn to its modern look. Then I read its features and reviews and made the leap. After being discouraged from seeing for 3 years, this machine lit the fire back in me. I feel in love with Husqvarna Viking after that. Now, I'm the owner of several, including embroidery and serger/coverstitch machines.

[@darleneelko1956]

Rae, thank you for an excellent video. I'm a long time Husqvarna fan... my little work horse after 45 years is ready to retire. I sew on this machine almost daily. Lots of projects. I've been looking at the newer models. Jade looks good. I've had my eye on an Opal.

[@EmporiumThreads]

You’re so welcome! I actually do all of my tutorials on my Opal 650. They no longer make the 650 but they do have the Opal 670 and I love my Opal so much, I would recommend it! I have had my Opal for about a decade now and it’s never given me a days trouble!! I hope you get a new Viking and enjoy it!

[@darleneelko1956]

@@EmporiumThreads Yes, I'm looking at the Opal 670. I'm thinking the walking foot is a must have for my sewing needs. My sister reminded me it's a walking foot, not a running foot! Yes, I'm a speed queen on my machine. My current Husqvarna is 45 years old, used almost daily. We've had a good life together.

[@brigittavesei4796]

Thank you for the thoroughly detailed review. I don't make bags -- at least, not yet -- but I am thinking of upgrading from my very old Viking mechanical machine. Your video explained a lot of this machine's features, and has convinced me that it might be worth upgrading. I love my old machine, but some of the features on the Jade seem very appealing. I really appreciate the time you took to put all this information together.

[@EmporiumThreads]

Thanks Brigitta! I hope that if you do upgrade, you love the machine. Newer is not always better but sometimes new technology and features can be worth it. I would still keep your older machine, especially if it’s all metal parts inside. Those metal work horse machines are worth their weight in gold! I am so glad you found the video helpful.

[@cathygrant665]

I have this machine and love it. I also have the Topaz 50 which is an embroidery/sewing machine that I also love. I make all my bags with these machines.

[@EmporiumThreads]

Topaz users unit! I love my Vikings and my embroidery machines are also from the topaz line (40 and 50). I love these machines too!

[@jozammy1573]

Great video!!!

[@Froogsey]

Thank you for a detailed video. I just purchased this machine on Dec 31. I make totes and needed a wider space. I am excited to make a tote and may add some detailed stitching that I wasn't able to do before.

[@EmporiumThreads]

I hope you love your HV Jade Lis! Make beautiful things :)

[@LucVo2020]

Thank you so much👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@soapymom2]

Very nice! I’m definitely going to check into the giveaway!

[@teresadejong3011]

I am a bag maker too, and use both my domestic and industrial machines. My biggest complaint about current domestic machines is the huge bulkhead to the left of the needle. It hampers sight lines and gets in the way ! Extra lighting is great, but not if you can't see what it's shining on.

[@EmporiumThreads]

I definitely agree with this sentiment. A more slender area around that needle bad and automatic threader is a great help. Getting a machine without fancier features like auto threading and the like will help lessen that bulk in the area. This is a good tip for newbies- try to find a good machine with less bulk to able better sight! Good call, Teresa :)

[@nearlynativenursery8638]

Your are beautiful as well as making a stunning tutorial for this V jade 20 machine. I just pick one up new on clearance for 439.00. I sure hope this was a great deal? I wanted it for making survival and tackle gear as well as repairing sails and upholstery for my 42' sailboat. Thanks so Very Much. I appreciate your time and skill at making bags Great job. Jim Rodgers

[@EmporiumThreads]

Thanks for the kind compliments Jim. I don’t know what the current going rate is for that machine but I hope you are enjoying your new toy! If it’s not up to the task of those thicker fabrics, you might wanna check out the Elna Ef1. I sew really thick vinyl and canvas on that and it’s a great machine. I did a review on that machine as well here on the channel (as well as 2 others). Thanks for watching!

[@duckypam]

Ha ha you are so goofy at the end, thanks for this video. I have a heavy duty brother now that does most of that, but I'm dying to get that H/V narrow zipper foot. I cannot get zippers straight on my brother with the junky zipper feet.

[@EmporiumThreads]

It’s likely that brother makes a narrow zipper foot as well. Perhaps ask your dealer or search online. They are awesome. If not, also try searching for a piping foot. It works well for zippers too in many cases.

[@ivanaveselinovic7963]

Thank you, thank you, I just wanted to order it and I saw your video, thank you again!

[@EmporiumThreads]

You’re welcome, I hope it was helpful!

[@jenpatterson8309]

I had this machine hubby bought it for me for Christmas I loved it and the fix stitch was awesome unfortunately my machine from the beginning the port kept malfunctioning took back to Joanns we have the Husqvarna store in ours they were Sold out they returned my money and ended up going and buying the Juki TL-18 and is my favorite machine

[@EmporiumThreads]

Which port was the issue for you? The power or the foot peddle?

[@jenpatterson8309]

@@EmporiumThreads was the foot pedal

[@eramos536]

Thank for this informative video. May I ask what thread weight / Tex are you using to sew and TS your faux leather / vinyl? Thank you.

[@EmporiumThreads]

I am using Gutermann Sew-All thread. It says that it’s 100 weight but that is a different measurement than tex. They don’t disclose a Tex rating, unfortunately. It’s a 100% polyester thread. Hope that helps.

[@jenniferbordoni2639]

Great video! Does this machine come with an extension table? Pictures I’ve seen show it does but I can’t be certain.

[@EmporiumThreads]

It does not come with one. Just what was pictured here on the video out of the box. You can likely purchase one for it, however I’m not 100% sure which table would fit this model.

[@annabanana11111]

Thank you for the video! I am a newby but I was wondering if the open lid is disturbing/distracting during the sewig process? I was also looking at the Pfaff Passport 2.0 for comparison which doesn't have this lid

[@EmporiumThreads]

The lid doesn’t both me. You can easily sew with it closed. I have 3 other Vikings and I always sew with the lids open. Somehow it feels odd to me to have them closed when I’m using them so I always open them so it feel “complete” to me. Definitely a personal preference though.

[@dianne20010]

I would like to see you make a bag with it

[@hannahstarrtempleton5]

Thank you for such a thorough review! My sewing machine just died and so I'm frantically looking around for a good replacement. Like you said, the throat space is such a draw! I've never used Viking before, so I i borrowed my friend's Emerald and so far I like it, but I do have some questions you didn't cover in your review. Can this machine accept different thread weights? One big difference between these machines and a Singer is the size of the "head" (the space to the left). I just noticed when I i was sewing a bag recently that I would get hung up on that side, rather than the throat side. Is this a problem you have with the Jade? Is the head side really as big as it looks in pictures?

[@EmporiumThreads]

I would recommend going over a typical sew all/ Tex 35 size thread personally but that’s just something I’ve learned. Domestics in my experience can be finicky with larger threads. I have always used gutterman sew all thread and had great results so it’s what I stick with in my Vikings. As far as getting hung up on the head, I’ve never had that issue on any machine. I can’t really speak to that issue to know if it’s avoidable or not. I believe the jade has the same foot height as my opal 650 which I shoot most of my tutorials here on the channel on. So If that is any testimonial helps, you can see I don’t have issues getting hung up on the foot or head area :) hope that helps! You may check out my other videos on machine reviews. I have 3 others and while I did like the jade, some of what you’re looking for would maybe better served by one of the other 3 machines I reviewed especially for bag making. Good luck on your search!

[@dianne20010]

Can you use the to sew with leather and heavyweight duty

[@EmporiumThreads]

I would not recommend this machine for leather.

[@lindalombardo3309]

May I ask where you purchased the teflon foot?

[@EmporiumThreads]

I got it through my dealer at the Viking gallery. I am sure you can get it online also. It’s a genuine Viking foot.