| Viking:Topaz 30 (Sewing Machine) | | Viewed 1506 time(s) |
10 more reviews for this machine | Review rated Helpful by 3 people Very Helpful by 4 people | | Reviewed by: | Talleymom | 
 | About Talleymom | | TX USA | | Member since: 10/11/06 | | Reviews written: 25 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 4 people | | sewing machines reviewed: 1 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 11/29/11 10:26 AM | | Approx price paid: | $4000 | | Had this machine for: | 1 month | | Recommended? | Yes | | Online Merchants: | Amazon.com | 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
- Embroidery Machine
- Auto Threading
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Discuss Sewing Machines with PR members Sewing Machine Forum | | What Talleymom likes about this machine
This review is written by a Bernina Snob. I have sewn on Bernina machines for the last 30 years. I still have my Bernina 1020 mechanical machine. I will keep it for a fall back machine. I am going to send my Bernina 1630 to a new home. Changing brands was hard. But, after looking for almost three years and comparing things, I liked the features of the Topaz the best. Also, the staff where I bought it did not try to up-sell me on a more expensive machine.
Now on to the likes.
Sewing advisor - automatically sets the best stich, stich length, stitch width, thread tension, sewing speed and sensor foot pressure for my project.
Thread cutter
Needle Threader - not automatic. You must lower it, place the thread in the groove, and pull the thread loop through. I don't mind doing this. Makes it feel like I am still in control!
Viking Topaz 30 has a longer throat arm, and this makes it ideal for machine quilting.
Stitch width safety - It is wonderful when you are using the single hole throat plate for sewing fine fabrics. In order to use a zig zag stitch you have to remove the single hole plate and cancel the safety. No more broken needles.
One Step Buttonhole foot
Winding the bobbin while the machine is threaded
Bobbin winder speed control
Drop in bobbin
Sensor foot down and Pivot Position - With the needle down function the presser foot will raise to allow you to pivot the fabric. You can turn off this function if you are sewing something that requires the fabric to be be held fast at all times.
Fix stitch function - allows you the eliminates need for backstitch and tie off in some cases
I like the look of the stitches from this machine. They are very neat on both sides. Having sewn on the 1630, which forms the stitches a little differently, I sometimes did not like the look of the underside of the stitching line.
Over all, I really like this machine. I find it much more user friendly than the Bernina 1630. Don't get me wrong, I love the 1630, but it is now almost 30 years old. The new technology makes a difference.
The $4000 price includes the embroidery module and mid level software package, the quilter's package, straight stich throat plate, and taxes.
The quilter's package includes the 1/4" foot, walking foot, and the free motion spring action presser foot.
Snap on presser feet. This is something new for me. I am a big proponent of the right tool for the job, so I have many presser feet for all my machines. This is the first machine I have owned with snap on feet. Where has this feature been all my life?
I tend to always look at things for the beginner's perspective. I would not recommend this machine for the beginner. The features and sheer number of stitch options would be a bit overwhelming for the beginner. Also because the machine does so much of the "thinking" for you, you will not do the reseach on the best options for sewing certain fabrics. You will miss out on a wealth of information that is right here on this site. If you are comfortable sewing straight seams, simple curves, collars, set-in sleeves, and many basic construction techniques; and you feel you are ready to move to the next level. This is a great machine for you. This machine will encourage you to try new things, and allow you to perfect many new techniques. Since I have had mine, I have done some sewing techniques that I have not used in a long time.
What Talleymom does not like about this machine
I really haven't found things I dislike. I have had to get used to some of the functions. I have sewn for years on a Bernina 1020 and 1630. There is a learning curve for this machine. I do miss the knee lift hands free system on the 1630. However, as I sew more with this machine I am liking the automatic presser foot raise feature more, and it is becoming a non-issue.
I am not a fan of the zipper foot, but then I usually put in invisible zippers. | *LOGIN to add a comment to this review
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| Reader Comments | | Artsewer | 11/29/11 | Nice review, thanks. I pm you as I have some questions on your 1020. | | * * * | | Mufffet | 11/29/11 | Thanks for a good review. :) | | * * * | | Felsenfelted | 11/29/11 | I have been looking at the Topaz 30 embroidery machine. The price right now seems to be lower than what you purchased yours for. I was quoted $3600 but that does not include the software for $400. Don't know if that was included for you. I have been looking at the Viking Ruby which is the next step up from the Topaz and has a large color screen instead of the smaller b/w version that the Topaz offers. I really like to see what I am doing -- but the Ruby may be alot more money just to get this feature. I will know after today what kind of "awesome deal" the lady said she had for me. lol I also visited the Brother dealer and love the new technology and user friendly website. I am a previous Viking owner -- my machine is 27 years old and I have loved it. I now want to upgrade to an embroidery machine. It is very difficult to switch brands considering both my mom and grandma were also Viking people. I must admit though that the Brother is really tripping my trigger with the technology and user friendly screen. I need a good price to help me make the decision on either brand. Thanks for your review - it helped me! | | * * * | | Copyright72 | 11/29/11 | Nice review! You may already know this but, Viking does have an optional narrow zipper foot and invisible zipper feet, one metal and one clear. The clear version just came out not too long ago. I'm not a big fan of the standard zipper foot that they supply with their machines either. | | * * * | | xoxoamypierce | 3/4/12 | Thank you for the excellent review! I am new to embroidery and trying to decide between the T30, Bernina 640, Babylock Elegante 2 and the Brother 4500 D . It sounds like you have done extensive research
- any suggestions/warnings would be greatly appreciated :) | | * * * |
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