Husqvarna Viking Emerald 118 Sewing Machine Manual

The Husqvarna Viking Emerald 118 is a versatile mechanical sewing machine designed for beginners and intermediate sewers. It features 18 built-in stitches, 4-step buttonhole, free arm capability, built-in needle threader, adjustable stitch length and width, top drop-in bobbin system, and multiple presser feet. Powered by 120V AC, this reliable machine offers easy operation for various sewing projects. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Stitch Selection Guide 7. Presser Feet Usage 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Accessories Included 10. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mechanical sewing machine with 18 stitches, free arm, built-in needle threader, top drop-in bobbin system, and multiple presser feet.

FeatureDescription
Built-in stitches18 stitches including utility, decorative, and stretch stitches
4-step buttonholeManual buttonhole creation with precise control
Free arm capabilityFor sewing cuffs, sleeves, and other cylindrical items
Built-in needle threaderEasy needle threading assistance
Top drop-in bobbinEasy bobbin loading with clear cover
Stitch length controlAdjustable from 0-4mm
Stitch width controlAdjustable up to 5mm
Reverse stitch leverFor reinforcing seams
Presser feetIncludes general purpose, zipper, buttonhole, and blind hem feet
Power and light switchConvenient front-mounted controls

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect all contents. Place on stable, level surface.

  1. Remove packaging materials and protective covers from machine.
  2. Attach foot controller to machine and plug into power outlet.
  3. Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.
  4. Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide thread through bobbin winding tension disk.
  5. Insert bobbin: Open bobbin cover, drop in bobbin with thread unwinding counterclockwise.
  6. Thread upper thread: Follow numbered threading path on machine.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during operation. Always unplug when not in use.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; test basic functions.

  1. Plug in machine and turn on power switch.
  2. Select straight stitch (pattern 1) for initial testing.
  3. Place fabric under presser foot and lower presser foot lever.
  4. Gently press foot controller to begin sewing.
  5. Practice basic stitches on scrap fabric.
  6. Test reverse stitching for seam reinforcement.

CAUTION! Always start with needle in highest position. Keep work area well-lit.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: Stitch selection dial, stitch length control, stitch width control, reverse stitch lever.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select desired stitch pattern (1-18).

Stitch Length: Adjust for shorter or longer stitches (0-4mm). Stitch Width: Adjust for zigzag and decorative stitches (0-5mm). Reverse Stitch: Hold lever to sew backwards for reinforcement. Presser Foot Pressure: Fixed for general sewing. Thread Tension: Adjust dial for balanced stitches (usually 4-5 for medium weight fabrics).

Stitch Selection Guide

18 built-in stitches for various applications.

  1. Straight Stitch: Basic sewing, seams (length 2.0-2.5)
  2. Zigzag Stitch: Finishing edges, appliqué (width 3-5)
  3. Blind Hem Stitch: Nearly invisible hems
  4. Stretch Stitches: For knit fabrics
  5. Decorative Stitches: Multiple pattern options
  6. Buttonhole Stitch: 4-step process for perfect buttonholes

Tip: Always test stitch on scrap fabric before sewing project.

Presser Feet Usage

Includes multiple presser feet for different functions.

  1. All-Purpose Foot: General sewing, straight and zigzag stitches
  2. Zipper Foot: Installing zippers, cording
  3. Buttonhole Foot: Creating buttonholes (used with 4-step process)
  4. Blind Hem Foot: Creating invisible hems
  5. Button Sewing Foot: Attaching buttons

WARNING! Always raise needle to highest position when changing presser feet.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

  1. Clean lint from bobbin area after each project
  2. Oil machine as per manual instructions (2-3 drops in designated points)
  3. Wipe exterior with soft, dry cloth
  4. Replace needle regularly (after 8-10 hours of sewing)
  5. Store in dust cover when not in use

CAUTION! Unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance. Use only recommended oil.

Accessories Included

Standard accessories with Emerald 118:

Safety Information

Important safety precautions for sewing machine operation.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Machine won't startPower connectionCheck power cord connection; ensure foot controller is plugged in properly.
Thread breakingTension/thread qualityCheck upper thread tension; use quality thread; rethread machine.
Skip stitchesNeedle issuesReplace needle; ensure correct needle type; check needle installation.
Bobbin thread bunchingBobbin threadingRethread bobbin; ensure bobbin inserted correctly; clean bobbin area.
Uneven stitchesTension settingsAdjust thread tension; check both upper and bobbin threads.
Machine noisyLint buildupClean lint from bobbin area and feed dogs; oil if necessary.

Service: Contact authorized Husqvarna Viking service center for repairs.

Support: Visit www.husqvarnaviking.com or contact customer service.

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