Mazo

Hello, I’m pretty new at everything and trying lots of different things. I picked up a Bernina 640, which I love. For some reason, I can’t stop looking what’s available out there. I found a Huszvarna Designer SE that I’m checking out that seems to be reasonably priced. Does anyone have this machine or have knowledge of the life expectancy? I’ve read lots of opinions and am a bit worried about replacement part availability. If it’s a workhorse, I might be able to overlook the parts issue. ... Thanks

Rhonda K

Are these embroidery machines? Combo sewing and embroidery?

You want to consider the format of designs you already own. Would they be compatible or do you have software to change it if needed?

Be sure the technology of the machine is compatible with your computer. USB available?

ckcowl

I have had my Designer One for fifteen yours, it has been a wonderful machine I love. It’s onlt been in the shop twice in those 15 years and parts have not been an issue. My embroidery unit is obsolete ( uses floppy discs) but we used it quite a bit in the beginning. I think the SE is a newer model.. I would get another Husquvarna if I decided to upgrade my machine.

mjkgquilt

The SE is a newer model. I have a Designer One and use my embroidery unit. Use HV embroidery software and all is well in my world.

Cheryl7758

I have a Designer 1 and a SE, I personally wish that I had never purchased the SE, I had it to the shop more times that I can remember, it recently "ate" a bobbin case due to a major thread jam - this has happen several times. It also has lost the ability to use a USB stick, although I can still use the cable to transfer designs from my laptop to the machine, dealer said that there are no replacement parts available so I can use the USB stick again. Of course I don't know if they just want me to update or if that is true. Fortunately, I have a Brother 10 needle machine that I use for most all of my embroidery these days, but I hate that I cannot take classes where you need to bring your embroidery machine which isn't any fun! I could take my Designer 1, but it used a disk and it would necessitate taking my laptop, a disk drive and doing the transfer of the design to that format before that class begins. The machine is a great "sewing" machine, but I wouldn't ever use it to do embroidery unless it was a small design, and wasn't on anything that I was giving as a gift.

Mazo

Thank you. I did buy the HV SE and used it only a few times. When I checked the usage and it had only been used a few hours. I might try to sell it before any issues arise and I really like the Bernina.

ktsidley

I love my SE and mine was used. It does everything I want it to do in both embroidery and quilt making.

joyce blint

I have had a Designer 1 for several yr and love everything about it. To the writer above, you can still use the floppy discs with an external hard drive. I never had mine updated and this method works perfectly for me.

sewingpup

I have had both of these machines and I still have the D1. A few years ago I asked the Viking tech about replacement parts....he said...the D1 probably could not be repaired if the computerized parts went..as non were available .this machine was more than 20 years old at the time...I still have it..but have not tried to embroider on it for several years...I am sewing on it right now and it is working fine....my new Bernina needs some work...I jammed the needle and now it works but is making a noise.....the SE I gave to a friend of me as she absolutely LOVES her SE....and I was told by the tech...that although the computerized parts are no longer being manufactured….that he has been able to find someone to "rebuild" the computer cards for it...I never did like my SE as well as the D1 I really think I am a 5.5 mm feed dog person which the D1 has....remember folks....these new machines are really sewing computers....and like computers, they seem to have a limited life span before they become obsolete and the manufacturers move on to the newer and more complex ones....

ezug

I think I got my Designer SE in 2009 and it has been terrific. Over time I bought 2 newer sewing/embroidery machines as I was making wedding favors and needed to run all 3. The SE has been a great workhorse; completely reliable, small enough to lug around and very consistent. Of course, the digital screens have all improved over time, but the one on the SE still is very clear and easy to interpret. I have never needed a replacement part (fingers crossed it continues that way ) It has been great! Have fun!