I love this sewing machine! It does a lot more than I'll ever want and executes everything that I do beautifully. I took a long break from sewing, and when I went to use this machine again it was like riding a bike. It is set up so that it's very hard to make a mistake (like, threading it incorrectly). It has features that are very nice, like adjustable speeds, variable stitches and needle positioning, and all of these are accessed by the push of a button. It's very easy to thread and load, too. The only reason I gave it a '4' rating rather than a '5' is because it was very expensive, and I feel that there are other machines out there that perform as well that are less costly. However, Husqvarna has excellent customer service, and occasionally will have a trade-up program that will allow you to purchase a less expensive model, use it for a specified amount of time, then trade it in for an upgraded model.

frogdoc

Midland, MI

I purchased this machine 20 years ago. It works flawlessly. I do take it apart to clean the fuzz out about once a year, but that is it. No oiling, no other maintenance. It always works. I have a short husband and jeans are not made for his inseam length...ever. So, right after I got married, I purchased this machine because it promised to power through 12 layers of denim. There is a special too that comes with the machine to help you over those thick denim seams, but it goes through with no problems....make sure you have a good thread though. Also, you will need to get a denim needle. This machine is reliable and dependable and it is inspirational. The button holer takes some getting used to, then it is very easy to make all your button holes the same on a shirt. It is programmable and will do a mirror image of the embroidery. It is not super fancy embroidery, but it is impressive enough for my 14 year old daughter..and that is good enough for me. Love it!

quickgal

Liberty, SC

I love my Husqvarna Viking Lily 545. I am an occasional sewer and definitely not a professional, but this sewing machine is very easy to use and can easily power through a couple of layers of denim. It is fun trying out all the different stitches and the embroidery feature

sigginj

Scotch Plains, NJ

I have had this machine for years. I am a home sewer, a quilter, and a costume designer and this machine has held up with no problems after all that I have put it through. This model was my first Viking. It took a little getting used to all of its functions, but, after that, I've been a "Viking" girl ever since. I now own 4 Viking machines that serve different purposes. I'm hoping to get another in the near future.

pammalamma

Madison, TN

I am a crafter and a moderate seamstress.  Over time I have owned several sewing machines but never had a Viking.  Everyone praised them but I never seemed to have the money to spring for one.  A couple years back I finally made the decision and bought a **Husqvarna Viking Lily 545**.  I have loved sewing with it and appreciate the simplicity of the bobbin winding and threading pattern of this Viking.  The Lily comes with a horizontal spool which has proved to be great.  [A vertical spool also comes with the machine and can be used if preferred.]  This allows you to wind a bobbin directly from the threaded spool of thread.  Very Convenient.  I wish I'd bought one sooner.The display window on the Lily gives you all the information you need to sew perfectly. It shows every setting you make on the touch pad and helps as a troubleshooting guide.  The touch pad holds 40 buttons that total 80 choices by using Menu 1 and Menu 2.  Choose from the numerous stitch patterns, tension settings, stitch lengths and stitch widths offered.  In addition, you can choose numbers and alphabet letters to automatically enhance your sewing project or quilt.  Just program and let the machine do the work!  You can also program the Lily to save your sewing preferences so when the presser foot is  in the down position the machine automatically resets settings to those saved.  [Just like my Mom's Cadillac seat settings.]  The Lily machine comes with several feet including a 1/4 inch foot that is perfect for those tiny seams on a pieced quilt.  One of my favorite features about the machine is its ability to sew a mock hand quilting stitch.  Attach the optional quilting table and the surface is perfect for creating your next quilt project. The unit is compact and fits together for the easiest portability of any of my other machines so it is perfect to take to a sewing or quilting class. The only thing I don't like about my Lily Viking machine is that the snap-on foot holder stretched out with use and had to be replaced.  Other than that I have nothing to complain about.  This machine makes sewing fun and because it is easy to use is a joy to work with.Many sewing centers offer free sewing classes with the purchase of a machine.  These classes are invaluable to teach you how to use a new machine.  Having taken them I would never buy another sewing machine that didn't offer the classes. Let the creative side of you shine with a sewing machine; better yet, make it a Viking.

Meri

Northern, FL