Top TEN reasons why I love the Husqvarna Viking Opal 690Q

After spending a lot of time with the Husqvarna Viking Opal 690Q, it was hard to choose just ten reasons why I love this sewing machine. Can you guess which one is my Number One?

The ability to program and save my own stitch combinations or settings is awesome.

Let’s say that my favorite width of satin stitch isn’t one of the built-in ones – then I can create my own with my personal preference for width and length.

If I want to make a signature tag for all my projects – there’s no need to make hundreds at once. The stitch will be in ‘My Favorites’ menu, ready for me to stitch up the tags when I need them.

Don’t like the settings for the 1/4″ seam allowance?  – Create your own…

The possibilities with this feature are endless.

I love the fact that I can change the way the functions work. So nice to know that I can put on the single hole throat plate or use a single hole presser foot and if I change the stitch, the sewing machine will remind me that I will have to make some changes. I can have the FIX, Thread Cutter and Sensor foot on automatic or I can use them manually should I choose.  There are times when you absolutely want these features turned on and others when it is best if the functions are done manually. Nice that we have the choice.

The TouchScreen is amazing. I love being able to see my stitches before I stitch them out. The TouchScreen is clear and responsive. I like the fact that while there are many stitches, options and settings in the machine, they’re all nicely tucked into their appropriate menus. This allows me to focus on only the function that I want. I’m not overwhelmed by a lot of choices at any given time.

The stylus is easy to use and in a very handy location.

The Opal 690Q is an easy machine to learn.  And if you are anxious to get quilting or sewing, you can take it out of the box, plug it in and start to sew. Check that stitch width though!  I would recommend spending some time with the manual so that you can appreciate ALL the features that this machine has. But none of them are complicated.

That is a HUGE amount of stitches. While you would think that many stitches would be overwhelming, they are nicely organized into FOUR menu groups according to their purpose. The fact that each stitch can be adjusted by changing the length and the width means you have a LOT more than 200 stitches. The possibilities are endless and I would strongly suggest that you pick a couple and play with them.

While I greatly appreciate all the functions in the Function Panel, I love the STOP function.

When you’re sewing decorative stitches and want to completely conclude that stitch or you want to just stitch out ONE unit of a stitch, the STOP function takes all the guess work out of the job. The sewing machine then ties off the thread.

That is a hard one to beat!

What can I say – the curve of the Extension Table is gorgeous. The fact that your arms just sit on that table without the least hint of strain or stress makes me think that the Husqvarna design team spent a lot of time thinking about this element. For someone who spends a lot of time at the sewing machine, this small detail is HUGE.

The curve will also eliminate any drag when you are sewing big pieces together – like the backing of a quilt and when it comes to quilting a quilt? This is just a brilliant design.

Imagine having someone setting up your sewing machine every time you start something new?  Yes – it doesn’t get better than that. You simply input the type of fabric you’re using and the style of stitching you’re undertaking and the Husqvarna Viking Opal 690Q takes care of the stitch length, the presser foot pressure, the tension and a whole lot more.

Yes – you can override any or all of those settings if you choose.

This is another function on the Functions Panel that I just love. When this function is engaged, the sewing machine will stop sewing. The needle will stop in the fabric. This is an absolute when you’re doing applique or quilting. If you need to take a break, the needle will hold the fabric in place until you can continue. In conjunction with the Sensor Foot, this combination is brilliant.

…And the Number One reason why I love the Husqvarna Viking Opal 690Q – did you guess?

Yes I love the SENSOR FOOT so much that I would NEVER consider purchasing my main sewing machine without this feature.

The Sensor Foot provides hands (and knee or foot) free control of the presser foot. This feature has FOUR positions for the presser foot and each of them is easily reached by using tapping the foot pedal, using the controls on the Functions Panel OR setting them for automatic pivot while you sew!

Not only is this feature a MUST for applique, but when you’re piecing, the sewing machine will stop and the press foot will raise up slightly – just enough for you to tuck the next piece under the presser foot without having to lift the presser foot and without having your fabric shift.

This feature is a definite deal breaker for me. To buy a sewing machine without the Sensor Foot is like buying a car without a steering wheel. 

If you weren’t convinced that the Husqvarna Viking Opal 690Q is an awesome sewing machine before… you should be by now. I hope you’ve enjoyed counting down the top ten reasons why I love the Husqvarna Viking Opal 690Q.

I can’t think of anything that’s missing. The Opal 690Q will meet the needs of the new and experienced sewist. It provides room to grow and the endless possibilities – you’ll never tire of finding something to sew.

Have a great day!

Ciao!