Meet the Husqvarna VIKING Onyx 30: Stylish, Smart & Ready to Sew!

It’s a new week, and a new sewing machine from Husqvarna VIKING. This week, I’m introducing the Husqvarna VIKING Onyx 30 – a sewing-only machine. It has a sleek new look, which looks familiar. The body looks like the top-of-the-line Husqvarna VIKING Designer EPIC 3. I love that the machines have a matching aesthetic to them. They look like one big happy family in the sewing studio!

I’m excited to test it out. Let’s get started.

As I explore the features, I want to check out the decorative stitches and make a few projects, so stay tuned all week. Today, let’s check out the physical features and accessories of the Onyx 30.

There’s a dust cover with a front pocket, which is the perfect place to store the User’s Guide!

I love these cloth dust covers as I find them very practical. Finding space for the dust cover on the sewing table is no problem when using the sewing machine. When finished for the day, slipping it over the machine is easy and helps to protect it from dust and lint.

We all know how much dust and lint can quickly collect in an active sewing space. It looks tidy, even if you need to store the machine in open view.

If you want to dress up that cover, why not add decorative stitches or appliqué?

Speaking of the User’s Guide, if you’ve followed any of my blog posts, you know what I say about the User’s Guide. Yes, get it out and read it because you’ll be amazed at what you can learn.

There’s so much learning that can take place from browsing this document. It’s not lengthy, so it won’t take much time to browse. I recommend sitting in front of the Onyx 30 when reviewing the pages so you can identify each component by name and location. After reviewing many sewing machines, I still learn something each time I read the User’s Guide.

Be sure to check out the Details and Additional Features on the website. It’s a great way to identify all the great things that the Onyx 30 is capable of, and you can find out how to make them work from the User’s Guide. Some features are not always evident when starting with a new machine. I always check out both documents when learning a new sewing machine.

While I have many favorite features on a sewing machine, I LOVE this built-in measuring guide. I don’t know how often I have pieces of fabric from a block that I “forgot” to label, and I use this guide to help identify which piece is which! It’s handy!

The Machine Operational Controls are right above the sewing area. From the left, there’s a Reverse, START/STOP button, Needle Up/Down, Tie-Off, Automatic Thread Cutter, and the Speed Control Lever. When sewing, these functions get used regularly, so it’s nice to see them right where we need them.

The Thread Tension Dial is on top of the machine. There’s a short but very well-explained section on tension in the User’s Guide. It’s incredible how many people fear tension, yet it’s easy to learn. Get some scrap fabric and play – you’ll be happy you did. And guess what? When it’s time to return to the factory settings, bring that dial back to four! Super easy!

There’s a large screen on the left side (not shown in the photo), and below that, you’ll find the Stitch Control Panel, where we can select and change stitches. The buttons are large and easy to manipulate. Some have a slightly different look, so I’ll be reading the User’s Guide to assist me when I turn the Onyx 30 on. I can’t wait to see what all those buttons do!

There’s a nice collection of accessories, enough to get you started on any project. You also have tools to assist with maintaining your machine. There are spool caps and a felt pad, bobbins, a tool for changing the needle, needles, a secondary spool pin, and a brush with a seam ripper in the handle!

There’s a good selection of presser feet as well. There’s the Utility Foot A, Presser Foot B, Blind Hem Foot D, Zipper Foot E, Quilter’s ¼” Piecing Foot P, Edging Foot J, Non-stick Glide Foot H, and the Buttonhole Slider Foot C. So your presser foot needs for any basic sewing and quilting project are covered.

What’s nice about the Onyx 30 is that it will take almost all the standard Husqvarna VIKING feet to try out feet meant for different techniques. That’s a huge bonus, making this machine a great secondary one for traveling, retreats, classes, etc. Leave your large machine at home, but take the small one and bring the feet!

There’s an accessory tray with plenty of space in the front and the back for storing your presser feet and accessories.

After removing the tray, you’ll find the free arm, providing better access when sewing small items. I love this feature, especially when sewing clothing or small bags.

I was surprised when I pulled out the accessory tray. Inside, I found the Sewing Guide Reference Chart, which you can take out and place on top of the sewing machine for handy reference. This chart helps you select the best stitch and settings depending on the sewing technique, fabric type, and weight you’re working with. It’s an excellent feature for anyone new to sewing and needing help. It’s also great if you’re working with a new fabric type and need a guideline to get started. Remember that the settings are starting points; you can make any changes to get the best stitch possible.

While there’s a fair amount of space to the left of the needle to support any sewing project, I always like to work with more. So there’s an optional extension table, which gives us plenty of room to work. One of the first things I do is remove the accessory tray and slide the extension table on. Look at that room now – it’s perfect for quilting, piecing, or whatever I sew.

You do not want your project to fall off the left side of the sewing machine, as that can cause drag, which can cause the needle to flex and result in broken needles and possibly damaged projects. When the project stays on the extension table (on the left), the risk of broken needles lessens significantly.

I almost forgot to mention the Built-In Needle Threader. OK – I used to pride myself on using a sewing machine with no reading glasses. I could thread any needle by eye, and now I have to confess, the needle threader is a godsend!

To keep your needle thread in good working condition, here’s a tip:

Needle threaders are for Size 80/12 needles and larger! Thankfully, Size 80/12 is the most common needle for sewing. The eye on a Size 60/8 or 70/10 is smaller, and the wire on the needle threader can be damaged (bent or broken) when used with the smaller needle size. Take care of this precious feature – you won’t want to be without it!

Also, be gentle with it. The hook on the needle threader is a delicate wire, so treat it with respect if you want it to last.

If you are wondering, this machine weighs 14.3 lbs, including all accessories. That’s a pretty practical machine for travel!

Tomorrow, I’ll investigate some of the features as I set up to work with decorative stitches on the Husqvarna VIKING Onyx 30 later this week. I can’t wait to get started!

Have a great day!

Ciao!

This is part 1 of 5 in this series

Go to part 2: Mastering the setup on the Husqvarna VIKING Onyx 30 Sewing Machine