If you’re just getting started with sewing or want a dependable machine for everyday projects, the Husqvarna Viking Emerald 116 is worth a close look. It strikes a nice balance between simplicity and function, making it a good fit for beginners while still offering enough versatility for more experienced users. In this review, we’ll walk through its features, performance, stitch options, and overall usability so you can decide if it fits your needs.
Husqvarna Viking Emerald 116 Sewing Machine Overview
The Emerald 116 is part of Husqvarna Viking’s Emerald line, which includes a few models tailored for home sewing. Husqvarna Viking has a long-standing reputation in the sewing world, with more than 160 years of history behind the brand. The 116 is designed to be user-friendly and practical, with a mix of utility and decorative stitches, basic automation, and a sturdy build that handles everyday sewing tasks well.
Whether you’re hemming pants, making crafts, or tackling home décor projects, this model offers the core functions needed to get the job done without feeling overly complicated.
Key Features
The Emerald 116 offers a solid set of features for its price range. It includes:
- Stitch width: Up to 5 mm
- Stitch length: Up to 4 mm
- Snap-on presser feet for quick changes
- Adjustable presser foot pressure, useful when working with different fabric weights
- Built-in needle threader to save time
- One-step buttonhole, fully automatic
- Thread cutter for convenience
- Built-in carrying handle for portability
These features help streamline basic sewing tasks and make it easier to switch between fabrics or stitch types without fuss.
Stitch Selection
The machine includes 16 stitches with 60 stitch functions in total. You get a nice mix of essential stitches for construction and repairs, plus a few decorative and stretch options. The tri-motion stitches are especially handy for working with knits or reinforcing seams. While it doesn’t have a huge library of stitches, what’s included is useful and thoughtfully chosen for common sewing needs.
Accessories
The Emerald 116 comes with a generous selection of accessories that make it easier to start sewing right out of the box. Included are eight presser feet:
- Utility Foot A
- Utility Foot B
- Buttonhole Foot C
- Adjustable Blind Hem Foot D
- Zipper Foot E
- Non-stick Glide Foot H
- Edging Foot J
- Automatic Buttonhole Foot R
You’ll also find a standard accessory kit with bobbins, a screwdriver, seam ripper, quilting guide, and needles. A hard cover is also included to protect the machine when not in use. These extras give you good value and make the machine more adaptable for different types of sewing.
Emerald 116 Sewing Machine Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Easy to use, especially for beginners
- Good stitch variety for the price
- Handles a range of fabric types with the right setup
- Sturdy and reliable performance
Cons:
- No automatic tension adjustment
- Lacks a needle up/down button
- No adjustable speed control
The missing features won’t be deal-breakers for most beginners, but more advanced users may notice their absence during more detailed work.
Fabric Handling and Performance
The Emerald 116 handles a broad range of fabrics well. It sews smoothly through cotton, linen, wool, and even trickier materials like satin or velvet. With the proper needle and presser foot, it can manage medium-weight fabrics like denim and corduroy.
However, it’s not suited for thicker materials like leather, suede, heavy canvas, or multilayer quilting. If your projects tend to include those, you’ll want to consider a more heavy-duty model.
Overall, the machine performs consistently and is easy to control. The manual is well-written and walks through setup, threading, and stitch selection clearly, which is helpful for beginners still learning the basics.
Price and Availability
With a retail price around £399, the Emerald 116 offers solid value for its feature set. It’s widely available online and in stores across Europe and North America. You’ll find it through Husqvarna Viking’s own website as well as larger retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. For those looking for a quality starter machine without spending too much, it’s a fair investment.
Final Thoughts
The Husqvarna Viking Emerald 116 is a well-rounded sewing machine that does exactly what most home sewers need. It’s simple to operate, comes with useful accessories, and delivers clean, reliable stitches across a range of common fabrics.
While it’s missing a few convenience features found on more expensive models, it makes up for it with ease of use and dependable performance. It’s an especially good fit for beginners, hobbyists, or anyone looking for a straightforward, everyday machine for general sewing tasks.
If you’re after a machine that’s easy to learn on but won’t limit your creativity as you grow, the Emerald 116 is definitely one to consider.