HUSQVARNA® VIKING® - About Us
Making history since 1689.
Like all projects big and small, the need for change inspired our beginning. In 1689 a royal arms factory was born in Huskvarna, Sweden. Almost two centuries later in 1872, facing declining demand for firearms, the artisans of the factory were inspired to make a more peaceful product—sewing machines. Today, Husqvarna Viking® is a worldwide organization that still designs high-quality sewing machines in Sweden and markets our products to passionate sewers all across the globe.
1869
The royal beginning
Husqvarna was founded as a royal arms factory. In the early 1870's, Husqvarna started finding it difficult to get orders for rifles. New manufacturing objects needed to be found. And that is how the arduous work of the little arms factory lead to the position Husqvarna enjoys as one of the world's most prominent sewing machine manufacturers.
1872
Lighting the way
The Board of Directors decided on February 5, 1872 to start manufacturing sewing machines. The first model was given the name "Nordsjernan" (The Northern Star).
1883
A leading line
The Freja model was an immediate success. It was capable of sewing stitches in a neat line - something earlier models could not do. This machine was driven by gears, and all small mechanical parts were enclosed. In various guises, the Freja model was manufactured until 1925.
1903
One machine for all
Introduction of the oscillating bobbin - "the sewing machine for families and craftsmen." This dominated the world market for more than 50 years.
1934
New measures in form
The 30's were characterized by functionality, which contrasted strongly to the earlier ornate styling. The style had become more strict when the first Husqvarna electric sewing machine was presented.
1947
Freedom creates possibility
The first free-arm machine was introduced: the Husqvarna Zig-Zag. The free arm offered easy access to tubular areas, while the zig-zag stitch opened the door to many new sewing possibilities.
1953
Revolutionary bells and whistles
The class 20 was introduced. Exclusive features such as a gearshift transmission, a jam-proof hook that needed no oil, and one-piece, cast iron construction helped make this model a tremendous success.
1960
Taking the lead
The biggest innovation yet brought the 2000, an easy-to-use machine, with color coded settings and automatic feed for elastic stitches.
1972
Pioneering progress
The Husqvarna Viking factory pioneered a development that led to the Husqvarna Centennial series, the first lubrication-free sewing machine. Also new were open thread guides, and easy to adjust foot pressure. Snap-on feet and micro-adjustment for buttonholes were also added.
1979
Technology takes the stage
Model 6680, "the computer sewing machine" became a reality. Husqvarna utilized a micro-computer to electronically guide the formation of stitch patterns.
1980
The arrival of lettering
The world's first "writing" sewing machine, the 6690, was able to sew letters.
1994
Innovation meets creativity
The Husqvarna Viking Orchidea was introduced offering sewers unlimited creativity. It gives sewers exclusive features, making the Orchidea exceptionally easy to use, such as One Touch Direct Stitch Selection, Sewing Advisor tm, Infodisplay tm, Programdisplay tm, and more. And it boasts an incredible plus - professional-quality machine embroidery.
1998
A novel introduction
Husqvarna Viking introduced a completely new sewing experience: the Husqvarna Viking Designer I with such World unique features as The Sensor Foot Lift, Sensor Foot Pressure, Selective Thread Cutters, Colour Touch Screen and Built-in Disk Drive.
2004
Ingenuity worth celebrating
The first Husqvarna Viking computerized sewing machine celebrates its 25th anniversary and the first embroidery machine from Husqvarna Viking celebrates its 10th anniversary!
2011
Setting new standards
For the DESIGNER DIAMOND deLuxe™ sewing and embroidery machine we set our hearts and minds on fulfilling a challenging task–to sew more beautiful embroidery than ever, even with challenging novelty threads, and with less effort. You have to experience its brilliant convenience and state-of-the-art innovations to grasp what we mean.
2012
A rare tribute
Since our first sewing machine, the NORTHERN STAR™ saw the light of day the HUSQVARNA VIKING® brand has been at the forefront of sewing innovations that delight sewers. As we celebrate our 140th anniversary, we present a specially designed Limited Edition line with two machines appropriately named TRIBUTE™ 140M and TRIBUTE™ 140C.
2015
Thoughtfully Made for Sewers, by Sewers™
Our reimagined DESIGNER EPIC™ machine tailors the sewing experience around your wants and needs through the industry first tablet-like interface, the JoyOS ADVISOR™ feature with step-by-step animated tutorials, WiFi and cloud storage capability, the biggest, brightest, but yet lightest top-of-the-line machine on the market* and much, much more. The result is a brand new sewing experience where your own creative exploration can come to life in special ways. * when compared to Brother Innovis Dream Machine, Babylock Destiny, Janome Horizon MC, and Bernina 830/880. Valid as of 2015.
FUTURE
The future of HUSQVARNA VIKING®
Now you know our story–how it all began and the tremendous developments we’ve made in sewing and embroidery. We are proud of our heritage. It inspires us every day. And we are especially proud that you, our loyal sewing enthusiasts, have been a vital part of our history and our future. The mission of Husqvarna Viking has always been to provide sewers all over the world with inspiration and a wide range of tools that make iteasy and fun to sew. We are excited about the innovations to come and continuing to spread the joy of sewing.
