The Husqvarna Viking Opal 690Q is a computerized sewing and quilting machine that blends ease of use with features suited for more detailed work. Whether you sew garments, quilt, or take on mixed craft projects, this model offers a range of helpful tools and settings designed to improve accuracy and save time. Below is a full look at what it offers, how it performs, and what to keep in mind if you’re considering it.
Overview
The Opal 690Q is designed for intermediate users who want more control and convenience than what an entry-level machine provides. It stands out most in quilting applications, but the range of stitch types, built-in features, and helpful automation make it well suited for other sewing types as well. From everyday garment fixes to decorative stitching and free-motion quilting, the machine is equipped to handle a variety of projects without requiring constant manual adjustments.
The machine has a sleek look and a compact footprint for its class. It doesn’t take up an overwhelming amount of space on a sewing table, yet still offers a generous sewing surface, especially useful when working with wider fabrics or layered materials.
About the Husqvarna Viking Brand
Husqvarna Viking is known for producing dependable sewing machines that combine modern features with accessible design. Founded in Sweden over a century ago, the brand has built a loyal following for machines that prioritize both performance and user comfort. Across its product lines, there’s a clear focus on helping users of all levels work more efficiently without sacrificing precision or stitch quality.
The Opal 690Q falls into the mid-range segment of Husqvarna’s lineup. It’s aimed at hobbyists who sew regularly and want a step up from basic machines, without the higher cost or learning curve of top-tier professional models.
Main Features
The Opal 690Q includes several features aimed at simplifying setup and enhancing results:
- Sewing Advisor: One of the most useful tools built into this model. When you select a fabric type and sewing technique from the interface, the machine automatically adjusts stitch length, width, tension, and presser foot pressure. It’s a fast way to get optimal settings without trial and error.
- Bobbin Thread Sensor: The machine alerts you when the bobbin thread is running low. It doesn’t stop sewing mid-stitch, but the heads-up is helpful for avoiding surprises during long seams or quilting lines.
- One-Step Buttonhole System: Buttonholes are created automatically to match the size of the button, using a dedicated presser foot. The results are clean and consistent, and no manual measuring is required.
- Bobbin Winding from the Needle: You can wind a bobbin directly from the needle thread, so there’s no need to unthread the top of the machine. It’s a small feature that saves time, especially when switching between colors or filling multiple bobbins for a quilt.
Together, these features help reduce downtime and let you focus more on actual sewing rather than machine setup.
Stitches
The Opal 690Q includes 208 built-in stitches, organized across several categories: utility, quilting, decorative, heirloom, and buttonholes. There’s also a built-in font for basic monogramming or labeling small projects. The machine includes 7 fully automatic buttonhole styles, as well as 8 quilting-specific stitches that are useful for piecing and topstitching.
Stitch selection is done through the LCD screen, which displays both the stitch number and a visual preview. The machine also recommends the correct presser foot, needle type, and stabilizer (if needed), which helps reduce mistakes and frustration.
The decorative stitches are especially clean on this model, even at higher speeds. They maintain their shape well across different fabrics, and the consistent spacing and tension make them suitable for embellishing clothing, table linens, or gift projects.
Sewing Features
The Opal 690Q is equipped with several features designed to improve stitch quality and make detailed work easier:
- Automatic Thread Cutter: With the push of a button, the machine trims both the upper and bobbin threads and pulls them to the back of the fabric. This is especially helpful for keeping projects tidy and reducing trimming time.
- Needle Stop Up/Down: You can program the machine to stop with the needle in either the up or down position. Most people use the down setting for quilting or pivoting fabric during corners, and it works well here.
- Mirror Image and Stitch Elongation: Many stitches can be mirrored horizontally or elongated for custom effects. This adds variety without needing to adjust anything manually in your design layout.
- Programmable Stitch Sequences: You can string together multiple stitches into a sequence and save it to memory. It’s useful for repeated patterns or labeling, especially if you return to similar projects often.
- Free-Motion Quilting Settings: The machine includes both floating and spring-action modes for free-motion quilting, depending on your presser foot preference. With the appropriate foot attached, it handles smooth, controlled motion over quilt layers.
Overall, these features make the machine capable of tackling precise, creative work while also supporting efficient project flow.
Notable Highlights
A few features on this machine stand out in regular use:
- Sewing Advisor – Speeds up setup by adjusting key settings based on fabric and technique
- Low Bobbin Alert – Helps avoid thread breaks mid-stitch
- Automatic Buttonholes – Delivers reliable, even buttonholes every time
- Direct Bobbin Winding from Needle – Saves time during thread changes
- Clear LCD Screen and Navigation Buttons – Makes switching settings easy and intuitive
These functions don’t necessarily add complexity but do help streamline the sewing process.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Clear interface with real-time stitch previews and advice
- Built-in tools reduce need for manual adjustments
- Consistent stitch quality, even on layered fabrics
- Helpful quilting support features, including free-motion settings
- Doesn’t require a large footprint or extra table extensions
Cons:
- No manual presser foot lever—it’s electronic, which may feel unfamiliar at first
- Throat space is decent but may be tight for oversized quilts or bulkier projects
- Only one built-in font, which is fairly basic
Pricing
As of this writing, the Husqvarna Viking Opal 690Q generally retails between £1,200 and £1,600, depending on region and retailer promotions. For the features it offers, it falls within a reasonable mid-range price point. It’s aimed at users who sew frequently and want added control, stitch quality, and convenience features, but don’t necessarily need the power or size of an industrial or top-end machine.
It may be more of an investment than basic machines, but its performance justifies the cost for serious hobbyists or growing quilters.
Warranty and Manual
The machine comes with a 25-year limited warranty on mechanical parts, typically covering five years on electronic components and one year for labor. The included manual is clearly laid out, with diagrams and troubleshooting sections that are genuinely helpful. It’s not overloaded with technical terms and makes it easy to learn how to use even the more advanced functions.
Support and service options will depend on your local dealer, but Husqvarna Viking has a well-established service network in most regions.
Accessories
Included accessories:
- Presser feet: utility, zipper, buttonhole, blind hem, decorative, and quilting feet
- Extra bobbins and needles
- Seam ripper, lint brush, screwdriver
- Spool caps and felt pads
- Hard protective cover for storage and transport
Additional specialty feet and accessories (like walking feet or free-motion rulers) are available separately and compatible with this model. The included accessories are enough to get started on most standard and quilting projects.
Final Thoughts
The Husqvarna Viking Opal 690Q is a well-rounded sewing and quilting machine for users who want more than just the basics. Its built-in guidance, automatic settings, and precision stitching help take the pressure off setup and let you focus on the actual project. With support for quilting, garment sewing, and decorative work, it’s a solid choice for anyone who sews regularly and wants a machine that can keep up.
It’s not aimed at beginners or those doing heavy-duty industrial work, but for hobbyists and serious home sewers, it offers strong value, reliability, and ease of use in a manageable package.
Husqvarna Viking Opal 690Q Sewing Machine Feature Table
Here’s a table showing all the main features, functions, and accessories that come with the OPAL 690Q sewing machine. It breaks down what you get with the machine and highlights the technology and tools that help make sewing easier and more enjoyable. Whether you’re interested in the built-in stitches, the automatic settings, or the included presser feet and accessories, this list gives you a clear picture of what’s included and how it can support your sewing projects.
| Model | Husqvarna Viking OPAL™ 690Q | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Feature | Detail |
| Sewing Features | EXCLUSIVE SENSOR SYSTEM™ & SEWING ADVISOR® | Yes |
| Start/Stop Button | Yes | |
| Automatic Thread Cutter | Yes | |
| TouchScreen Display | Yes | |
| Electronic Self-Adjusting Thread Tension | Yes | |
| Bobbin Thread Sensor | Yes | |
| Sewing Surface Size | 8″ (200 mm) | |
| Number of Utility, Quilt, Decorative Stitches | 208 | |
| Max Stitch Width | 7 mm | |
| LED Lights | 3 (reduce shadows) | |
| Included Presser Feet | Utility Foot A, Decorative Stitch Foot B, Buttonhole Foot C, Blindhem Foot D | Included |
| Zipper Foot E, Edging Foot J, Sensor One-Step Buttonhole Foot | Included | |
| Glide Sole, Quilter’s 1/4” Piecing Foot P, Clear Open Toe Foot, Embroidery/Darning Foot R | Included | |
| Other Included Accessories | Seam ripper, brush, screwdriver, felt pads (2), multipurpose tool/button reed | Included |
| Bobbins (5), stylus, quilting guide, spool caps, threads, foot control, cables, needles | Included | |
| Warranty card | Included | |
| Additional Features | Tapering Feature | Yes |
| Pictogram Stitches | Yes | |
| Save to “My Stitches” | Yes | |
| Perfectly Balanced Buttonholes | Yes | |
| Sensor One-Step Buttonhole Foot | Yes | |
| Sew On Button Program | Yes | |
| Sensor Foot Pivot | Yes | |
| Jam-Proof Rotary Hook | Yes | |
| Permanently Lubricated | Yes | |
| Specifications | Touchscreen Size | 3″ (64 x 48 mm) |
| Total Stitches Including Fonts | 565 | |
| Programmable Fonts | 4 | |
| My Stitches Memory | 12 memories, 240 stitches | |
| Needle Positions | 29 | |
| Snap-On Presser Feet Included | 10 | |
| Buttonhole Styles | 7 | |
| Needle Stop Up/Down | Yes | |
| FIX Function | Yes | |
| STOP Function | Yes | |
| Stitch Width | 7 mm | |
| Twin Needle and Stitch Width Safety | Yes | |
| Electronic Speed Control | 5 speeds | |
| Instant and Permanent Reverse | Yes | |
| Built-In Needle Threader | Yes | |
| Bobbin Winds From Needle | Yes | |
| Built-In Spool Pins | 2 | |
| Thread Cutters | 3 | |
| Soft Cover | Yes | |