Versatile Viking Quilt Designer II
An overall well-performing machine for most sewing and quilt piecing needs. Stitch Performance I have tried several times to do free motion quilting with this machine and have not been pleased with the results. I ensure a new (correctly sized) needle, proper thread, and the right foot each time I try but still end up with a lot of skipped stitches. For regular sewing, I am generally very happy although I find I have to check the tension quite frequently to ensure it is even. Ease of Use This machine is very easy to use and has nice features such as needle up/down and the automatic cutter. Fabric Handling Like many machines, I use a scrap of fabric to get each seam going or else I find the machine tends to grab the fabric and thread down into the stitch plate and make a garbled nest of thread which I must then cut out with scissors. Versatility There are a lot of stitches on this machine and many settings (e.g., needle position, stitch length) within each sub-category of stitches. Design Overall it is very intuitive and easy to use; the buttons and switches are where I expect them to be. It does not have a great deal of throat space for quilting, however, I did not buy it for that specific purpose so it would not be appropriate for me to hold this against the design. Durability I have had this machine for eight years and have been very pleased with it's performance. It still looks like new after all these years of frequent usage.
ecormack
USA