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| Viking:Emerald 183 (Sewing Machine) | | Viewed 1153 time(s) |
11 more reviews for this machine | Review rated Helpful by 1 people Very Helpful by 13 people | | Reviewed by: | stirwatersblue | 
| | About stirwatersblue | | KS USA | | Member since: 12/13/08 | | Reviews written: 2 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | sewing machines reviewed: 1 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 11/24/09 3:58 PM | | Approx price paid: | $699 | | Had this machine for: | 11 months | | Recommended? | Yes |  | Features
- Computerized
- Needle Threader
- Needle Up/Down Setting
- Embroidery Stitches
- One step buttonhole
- Drop-In bobbin
- Free Arm
- Adjustable Stitch Length and Width
- Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure
- Adjustable Needle Position
- Auto Threading
| | What stirwatersblue likes about this machine
Pretty much everything. The stitch quality is beautiful; I've had no tension issues; overall it's very intuitive, responsive, and reliable. It took me a year to decide on a new machine, and I am thrilled with this one overall.
I particularly like the many different needle positions (I came from a machine with only 3--center, left, and right; and I believe the 183 has 11), which is particularly handy for things like sewing boning channels in corsets, etc. I also like the snap-on feet; they change out very easily, and I often find myself swapping them out several times during a project. On my last machine, I never changed the foot in ten years! The machine came with two standard feet, a Teflon foot, a double-wide zipper foot, a 1/4" foot for quilting, an overcast foot, a straight-stitch foot, and a transparent foot. This is an electronic machine (so between mechanical and computerized), and I find the controls very easy to understand and get used to.
One of the primary reasons I chose a Viking was the ability to sew functional eyelets (for lacing holes for corsets, etc). The eyelet plates (2 sizes, 6 and 8 mm) are sold separately (about $10 apiece). I haven't used this feature yet, but look forward to actually finishing a project so I can test it out!
I'll admit that I have not used the needle threader or any of the buttonholes. The needle up/down feature is activated by a button on the front of the machine (not in the main control panel); there is also a "fix" button I use frequently, which ties a little knot at the beginning or ending of a seam.
When I bought the machine, I was looking for something with a lot of different features that could help take my sewing to the next level, and I think this one will definitely grow with me, and I see myself sewing on it for years to come.
One thing of note: The 183 is the top of the Emerald line, and it's a different "category" of machine than the other Emeralds (a "6" instead of "5," according to the Viking Accessory Guide), which means it takes a different variety of feet and accessories. The Accessory Guide often says "not for Emerald line" for many of the accessories, but for the most part that refers only to the 116-122, NOT the 183.
What stirwatersblue does not like about this machine
There are a couple of things that I do find mildly irksome.
1.) I think the area around the needle is a little bit cramped--I find it a little challenging to maneuver the little screwdriver to change the needle, etc. On my last machine, I used a dime to unscrew the needle, which was a lot easier. I don't notice that it seems crowded while I'm actually sewing, though (just when changing the needle).
2.) After nearly a year, I still don't have the hang of the backstitch button. Pressing it firmly sets the machine to reverse; tapping it lightly is supposed to signal it to do a single backstitch, then continue forward... but this feature doesn't always work on my machine. Fortunately, it has the fix (knot) button, which I've been using since I can't rely on the backstitch. I don't know if this is a quirk of my individual unit, or the whole line (or even user error!).
3.) I had a little trouble getting used to the speed control--but that was absolutely operator error, and now that I have it figured out, things are fantastic. I had the machine set to the highest/fastest setting, and it was a little too fast for my preferred normal speed; edging the toggle button a little to the left slowed things down perfectly, and now that I remember that I can adjust it, I'm changing it all the time (very slow for careful tasks like binding; the fastest setting for long seams, etc).
4.) I don't know if this even qualifies as annoying, but I think it's helpful to note that the 183 takes different bobbins--it doesn't use the standard green Viking bobbins, but a different size/type. I get the bobbins at the shop where I bought the machine for 25 cents apiece; the price at JoAnn, etc, is much, much higher. | *LOGIN to add a comment to this review
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| Reader Comments | | dbsewer | 11/24/09 | Excellent review. This is such a nice machine. You got it at a good price, too. | | * * * | | catsmeow | 11/24/09 | Excellent review! | | * * * | | johnr55 | 11/24/09 | The ability to sew slowly, maybe a stitch at a time on occasion, is a valuable asset. It is one of the few features I value on my upper-line machines. I actually have several wood spacers just for blocking the pedal on some of mine! Is this machine Swedish-made or one of the Chinese ones? Thanks for the review- | | * * * | | sew2006 | 11/24/09 | Here's something to try on your machine with the reverse button. Touch the button when the machine is stopped, it will most likely keep sewing backwards. When you tough it again it will sew forward. If you touch the button while sewing quickly it should make a couple stitches in reverse than sew forward. There are a couple other machines on the market with a double function reverse lever (permanent reverse). | | * * * | | Mufffet | 11/24/09 | Good to know about this machine! What bobbins does it take? Do any other machines use the same bobbins? It is a lovely looking machine as well. | | * * * | | stirwatersblue | 11/24/09 | Sew2006, yes, that's it exactly (backstitch button). I just haven't figured out how to get it to work every time!
Muffet, I am so bad at identifying bobbins! So now I just bring a bobbin to the shop, tell them what machine I have, and let them match them up for me. I realize that's not terribly helpful! I read a couple other of the latest 183 reviews, though, and someone else had a little more detail on the bobbins. | | * * * | | stirwatersblue | 11/25/09 | Sew2006, yes, that's it exactly (backstitch button). I just haven't figured out how to get it to work every time!
Muffet, I am so bad at identifying bobbins! So now I just bring a bobbin to the shop, tell them what machine I have, and let them match them up for me. I realize that's not terribly helpful! I read a couple other of the latest 183 reviews, though, and someone else had a little more detail on the bobbins. | | * * * | | Sewnknit | 11/25/09 | Very good review. Thank you. | | * * * | | BeautifulRune | 11/25/09 | I have this machine at home and love it for the most part. How do you like the alphabet and the buttonholes. I have yet to be able to make mine make anything even resembling a nice buttonhole. | | * * * | | SG1 | 11/25/09 | I have this machine as well, and I love it. My dealer told me it uses "standard Janome bobbins." I bought a giant bag of bobbins from them for $5 and haven't had a single problem. | | * * * | | Lil Flo | 11/26/09 | This seems like a very nice machine. I looked at these when they first came out. I love the look of it. Very pretty! Viking sm have very nice straight stitches in my opinion. Thanks for the review! | | * * * | | newbug | 1/14/10 | I went today to Joann's fabrics in Colonia, NJ.
To get parts and some feet for my Madison (the top hinge broke).
While I was there I tried out the Emerald 183 that I had heard so much bad stuff about and figured I had a hour or 2 to play.
So here is what I found.
The machine is a little complex at first, the saleswoman showed me how to do some things like sew a name which came out pretty good without using a backing behind the fabric.
She also recommended not using Coats and Clarke thread but Gutermann that was sold by the Joann's store, so purchased some for myself to compare when I get around to it.
I did free motion sewing using the slowest speed on the speed selector and it was so good that she didn't believe I did it without a free motion (stippling foot), or any foot.
It was extremely controllable and looked great, in fact after using my Madison at home on the same fabric but with junk tread 3 for a dollar you would definitely pick the 183 over the madison. I will have to try the better thread on mine to see what the true factor is (machine or thread).
The needle up down is very nice and I didn't try the needle threader.
Machine weight was nice not like the $70.00 Walmart units but not Singer 1955 either.
The only thing I didn't like to be honest was that when you press on the pedal in normal sewing the speed starts slow then speeds up. Why she didn't know and neither do I but that did not happen when I was sewing free motion?
She stated that Emerald 203 doesn't do that, I didn't try that machine so I can't say.
I can't say what the long term results would be and how it compares to other machines in it's class.
What I can say is at first look I liked it and would go back again to try it or the 203 for further testing.
I also want to say the saleswoman was very nice and helpful knowing I was not buying a machine that day, but I did buy around $150.00 in viking parts and acessories that will work on both my Vikings and the 183 and 203.
I will be stopping by again one day but it is about 25 miles to the store so it won't be a everyday thing.
Keep on sewing............................. | | * * * | | newbug | 1/21/10 | Ok after coming home and using the Madison with a better grade of thread the sewing is just about the same but the stitches on the Emerald 183 are very nice, for free motion sewing I really liked the Emerald.
I did not try the reverse function but the Madison works great going into reverse.
I will try it the next time that I go there to pickup a few things at JoAnns.
Well one thing that does bug me is that someone said the fuses kept blowing on their 183, now what actually happened?
Did you get it fixed?
Did you trade it in, sell it or what?
Things that a person might want to know about your machine good or bad would be nice, remember this site is both a love and bitch area, so tell the readers the facts just don't leave us with a dead comment.
Did Viking replace or repair it?
Are the new machines having the same problem?
Is it a design or made in China problem?
please keep us informed.
Remember it may be cheaper to buy it made and sold in Walmart but how many people actually throw away that garment etc. that Grandma or Grand Dad made by their own hands? Think about it.
Keep on Sewing it is one of the things that is still made in your country wherever that may be.
| | * * * | | newbug | 2/3/10 | Well here it is Feb 3, 2010 and I am still waiting for my Emerald 183 it has been delayed shipping due to the terrible weather.
now the other problem is that the needle cover plate that is what they call it is missing. Actually I see it as the bobbin cover.
No big deal right?
Well actually no one has it in stock not even Viking.
So they tell me it should be ready for shipping to the local Viking dealer around the 3rd week of Feb.
A plastic bobbin cover that hard to get?
Anyway I will report on it after I get some time with it.
I did quite a bit of sewing with the Madison this week and last making stuff for cars. Seat covers and car bra.
It was a little taxing for both me and the machine but we are both well again.
Later. | | * * * | | newbug | 2/4/10 | Well here it is Feb 3, 2010 and I am still waiting for my Emerald 183 it has been delayed shipping due to the terrible weather.
now the other problem is that the needle cover plate that is what they call it is missing. Actually I see it as the bobbin cover.
No big deal right?
Well actually no one has it in stock not even Viking.
So they tell me it should be ready for shipping to the local Viking dealer around the 3rd week of Feb.
A plastic bobbin cover that hard to get?
Anyway I will report on it after I get some time with it.
I did quite a bit of sewing with the Madison this week and last making stuff for cars. Seat covers and car bra.
It was a little taxing for both me and the machine but we are both well again.
Later. | | * * * | | newbug | 2/9/10 | Ok here it is the Machine arrived today.
Now I am just waiting for the part to come from Viking to get things going.
Not sure if I can sew without the cover but probably not.
I will keep my posts up to date.
Parts bobbin cover also arrived so soon I will be testing this machine also.
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