Tuesday, 23 June 2009

Husqvarna Automatic / Viking 21A Sewing Machine Manual

This is my trusty sewing machine- I've posted about her before.



I get alot of request for the manual (last count 55!!) over on the old blog, and while I enjoy reading the stories behind where everyone is getting their new-old machine from, it's getting kind of hard to keep up, plus I know how much more satisfying it is to hit download and for the manual to appear!

So I've created a Google Site where I've uploaded the manual to. You should be able to easily download it from there. Let me know if you have any problems, and I will do my best to fix them.

Also, if you've recently aquired one of these machines- lucky you! A lovely old machine who will sew beautifully for you if you give her all the love and attention such an old girl deserves. Even if you think she is in good condition I would recommend taking her for a checkup- your local sewing shop should have someone they use. They will just give her a good clean and oil, and fix anything that may have seized up or stopped working. Well worth it!

Happy Stitching!

Edited to add: Facebook groupd created here or search for Husqvarna Automatic / Viking 21A

Thanks to Aleksander for posting up the pattern card.

84 comments:

  1. Good on you! The one thing I'm not loving about blogger is the inability to post pdfs into posts, which I'd like to be able to do... I didn't think of doing it via google!

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  2. Thank you so much for the manual! My husband was about to throw the machine out the window before I found your upload and could solve the threat tension problem. //Hanna from Sweden :)

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  3. Jessicah, many thanks for your generous act of making the manual available - madi, Avoca, Tasmania, Australia

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  4. Thank you sooooooooooo much Jessicah!
    I so happy with my lovely old machine and I will understand and nurse her much better now that I got the manual thanks to you ;o)
    Happy stitching to you from Denmark
    TineCharlot :)

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  5. Thank you so much for the manual. I have just purchased my machine and will treasure her. I learned to sew on one just like her.

    Thanks again! USA

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    1. "I learned to sew on one just like her."
      Lucky you! I now have my mother's Husqvarna (must be about 50 years old) but I taught myself to sew on a grotty old Globe, which was all I could afford at the time.

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  6. Thank you for posting the manual. I grew up using this machine, which was my grandmother's, and I still use it today. It's a great machine! However, somehow along the way I lost the manual. Thank you again for sharing. -- Ellen in Michigan, USA

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  7. Thank you so very much for uploading the manual. I recently found this machine in an old apartment, and I've been having trouble figuring out how to bobbin winding, but now I know! Thank you, thank you. :) :)
    Trine, Norway.

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  8. Jessicah - gracias, muchos gracias! :)

    My girlfriend bought this machine many years ago (in '91) - second-hand, without the manual. She figured out most of its functions and features (well, she's a taylor, after all... :) , but it is nice to get the manual and know it for sure.

    Again, thanks a lot - Karol* from Poland

    ______
    * "Karol", not "Carol" - same as "Charles", "Carlos", "Karl" - or the like. :)

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  9. Anchorage, Alaska

    Thanks for providing a great resource for all to download. Like many of who've commented, I acquired this classic machine from my mother and to the best of my knowledge it is 48 years old. I learned how to sew on with it when I was twelve. My mother needed a machine that was easier to thread so I gave her a two-year old Janome in trade.

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  10. Thanks for posting the manual. I just bought a 21E model and it is similar to yours. I was able to figure out the oiling procedure thanks to you!

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  11. Thank you for the manual. I´m in Sweden where the machine is made and I couldn´t find the manual anywhere. Crazy! So, thenks again.

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  12. Jessicah- you're the best! I have this machine, which I got from my mother, who had gotten it from her mother, who has passed on. It came to me with no instructions. I have been using it for years, but knew it could do all sorts of wonderful things, I just didn't know how. Thank you for providing the key to this treasure! I just wanted you to know that I am so thankful.

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  13. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  14. jessica - thanks for the manual, my husband found this machine this morning. Next to a large trash container near the buildingsite were he is working, Now I have the manual I can start searching how everything works.
    Hopefully nobody tried to put this machine in a regular plug because the machine is only working on 110V and a regular plug in belgium is 220V. Keep my fingers crossed untill a friend electrician comes and looks at it.
    Thanks ... Greet (Belgium)

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    1. Hi Greet,

      I'm a proud owner of a Husqvarna 21A from Belgium as well! I was wondering if you still have your machine and i you've got it working. And if yes, what kind of transformator do you use to get it working on our 220 volt net? If you still have it, but don't use it, I'm looking for some spare parts for my machine, so maybe you can help me?

      Greets,
      Nele

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  15. Has any one of you the stich chart that comes with the cam's A, B and C

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  16. Hi Greet,

    The info about the different cams is in the manual!

    Thanks,
    Jessicah -spinningayarn-

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  17. Thank you for the manual! My grandmother's old Husqvarna has been waiting for being used again since the 70's. It seems like it will be happening in 2010... ;)

    New years greetings,
    Heidi in Finland

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  18. Does anyone know the blue book value of these great machines?

    Sarah

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  19. GREAT GREAT GREAT!!!!!
    This is the old machine that my grandfather (professional taylor) both for my mother in 1960's from München - Germany, so the manual that i own is on german. So year ago i took the machine from my mother, repaired it and started translating the manual on internet. Not a good idea.
    The manual contains a circle; a stich chart i think.
    I have it and l can make a photo of every possible possition so you can post it here.
    If you are intrested, write me.

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  20. Aleksandar here again.
    I made a PDF file of the PLASTIC PATTERN KEY.
    You can download it on
    http://www.megaupload.com/?d=P54YN3H2

    Greetings from Macedonia.

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    1. Hi Aleksandar, Unfortunately, I'm unable to access the PDF file you created of the Husqvarna 21A Plastic Pattern Key. The link you supplied (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=P54YN3H2) will not respond. Would you be able to send the file to: elfrida@ntlworld.com? Thank you, Elfrida Roberts

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    2. I inherited my mothers Husqvarna 21A and some parts are missing. I tried to download the Plastic Pattern key and cannot access it. Could you please forward the info to me at sueella07@att.net? I would be greatly appreciative.

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    3. I, too, could not access this website for the Plastic Pattern Key for my Husqvarana 21A sewing machine. I inherited my mothers machine but am missing some parts. Could you please send the file to me at sueella07.net

      Delete
  21. Thank you very much for posting your Viking manual. I would be lost without it.

    bob in Fl USA

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  22. Hello to all,
    I just got my Husqvarna today. I got it from my husbands grandmother who passed away last year. She was 92 years old. My mother in law knows they got the machine when she was 14 years of age. So to my knowledge my machine is 51 years old and in good condition. Thank you for the manual, that's the only part missing in the case.
    Ruth, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

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  23. Sewing is a great activity and we can produce any desing just using a machine. I really like it, like this blog.I usually like to read about interesting things, that is why i enjoyed too much reading.

    buy viagra

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  24. I really like sewing in my free time and I really enjoy this practice, when I get my house through costa rica homes for sale I knew it would many space in my house like to take a room as a workshop. And now I usually invite my friend to sewing in the afternoon. We spend a funny time creating new things.

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  25. Many thanks! My girlfriend and I just moved to Sweden and she bought a beautiful Husqvarna 21E. It came with a full manual in Swedish, but this saves us having to jump to the dictionary every time we need fix something.

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  26. We inherited the type 21 and we downloaded the manual. Thank you for providing this! We are having trouble with the tension staying. any ideas on how to fix this? mary

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  27. Got it! Thanks so much, Ruth

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  28. Many Thanks , you are very kind ,Ana

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  29. HI
    I have this machine now - it was my grandmothers and I've always loved it! One question - do you know what size the bobbin is? I can't find any the right size and somehow my last one just got bashed....

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  30. Thanks for the manual! My 12y girl is talking all about the fancy machines they have in school :-) now we will try out our green Husqvarna.

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  31. i love my viking. i have had it for 30 years now and my mom bought it when she was 18. like about 1958. i still have all the parts and the book and supplemental stitch sheet with mine. mine is the class 21A. it still works really good. i never use any other machine. it skips a stitch every now and then and i had it looked at and he couldn't figure it out.

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  32. Thanks. For seading this manual for this viking I have. Thanks so very much. Thanks. Scott

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  33. Hello Jessicah, I am a Kiwi too, from Chch, but I live in the UK at present. I have with me my grandmother's trusty Viking 21E purchased in 1962 and still going strong. I still have the manual for it which I could scan if anyone is interested. Also, I have a manual(missing the back cover) for the Viking 19E. Best wishes, Elfrida Roberts (elfrida@onetel.com)

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  34. Thank you so much for the manual download! I just found a machine just like this today and I am anxious to try it out! Bless you!
    Michelle

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  35. I was lucky to pick this up with all the original accessories, manual and case but finding it very tricky to use still! Does anyone know where I can purchase machine oil from??

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  36. Hi Jessica, it's outstanding that you have made the 21a manual available for download, it will help so many people. Similar to anonymous who posted earlier, I too have an original 21e manual which I would be happy to scan and send to you so it could also be available for download. Your thoughts?

    David

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  37. Cool, thank you so much for posting this! I've just picked up a 21A at a garage sale. It turns very smoothly, and includes a 25 year warranty that expired 25 years ago, haha! Now I can figure out what the knobs do...

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  38. Thanks very much for the manual Jessica. I inherited mine from someone who was going to throw it away .. this machine is a little beauty.
    Debra

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  39. Thanks very much for the manual. I live in the town Huskvarna in Sweden. Its here the company that made the machine are!! /Anna

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  40. Thanks so much for making this manual available. I was able to serve the Husqy for my wife and now it's her best friend.

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  41. you are wonderful for doing this!

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  42. I would like to thank you for the Husqvarna manual.
    I almost gave up on this sewing machine but now I really an making use of it. This is a very sturdy machine. The new ones now are all made in China.

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  43. Thank you, and bless your heart! I printed out the manual. I have had this machine for a few years now, and although I didn't use it after I adopted it and cleaned and oiled it, I learned a few things about it. I didn't know it had cams for it (I only have the C cam). I display this machine and smile each time I see it, but if I wanted to sew with it, it would be ready to go! Bless you!

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  44. my mother found this machine today(new in a box)and she likes to say thank you for the manual.:)

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  45. Thank you kindly,for HQ-manual !
    As a matter of fact, it is
    difficult to get one !
    Thank you again !

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  46. Thanks so much for the manual. I inherited the 21E and figured most of the function out on my own. Not even Husqvarna Germany has the original manual anymore. All they had was the manual for the "zigzag", which I got for quite a lot of money some years ago. This is way better!
    Marna at ziggzaggers posted a link to the technical briefing for older husqvarna models including the 21 series - http://www.butchwax.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Vikingservicemanuals.pdf This might be helpful, too.

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  47. Thank you very, very much for the instruction manual. You are a real honey.
    Kind regards
    Yiota
    Cape Town – South Africa

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  48. If somebody wants expert take on the main topic of blogging next I advise him/her to go to this site, continue the fussy job.
    Manuals

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  49. Thank you for the manual as it will come in handy when I try to figure out the machine that I received from my late mother in law. I just hope I can do it (and her) justice with this machine. thanks again. nd

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  50. I too have an original 21E manual (like a previous commenter) in Swedish or German. It came with a 220V machine with a transformer for using it on a 110V circuit. I'm wondering what the differences are between an "A" model and the "E" model.
    Johnhagold@gmail.com

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  51. Jessicah you helped thousands of people by uploading this manual! I inherited this machine from my grandmother but there wasn't any instruction and as I am beginner in sewing I felt completely hopeless and helpless. I found your site and I would like to thank you so much by making this manual available as it is very difficult to get one now!!!
    Klaudia, Poland

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  52. My mother in law showed me this machine that was sitting in her garage, but she swore that it used a non standard needle. I see from the manual is is a 705, but is it a now standard 705h or something different? Thanks from a fellow kiwi.

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  53. Where can I find the serial number on a 21A

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  54. Thanks a million for the manual Jessica. We were given a Husqvarna 21A today that seems to run well, with a manual in Swedish. Now to search for the accessories.

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  55. I have a Husqvarna 19e in Auckland, New Zealand. It came without the manual, accessories or case. I bought the 19e manual on ebay. I'd be happy to provide a PDF in the same way if there is a demand for it.

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    1. Hello could I please ask you to kindly email a copy over to my email? Looking forward to hearing from you

      Best regards
      Michał

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  56. hi ty for lett uss have the manual,,, i am locking for the pedal to mye e21, i dont knowe what type it is, what do it say on the back of it, 520?? i have seen som on ebye but i dont know what wil work whit the 21,, so if you can help mee i wil beee werrrry happy. hugs from norway.

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  57. My Husqvarna 21E was purchased in1960 in Copenhagen with a danish manual. It has followed me to U.K., Canada, Saudi Arabia and back to Canada. Last month we had water damage in our home, and the suitcase and manual were damaged. Delighted to get your manual.... million thanks, I like to pass the machine on to my grand daughter, it still works beautiful.

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  58. Many thanks for making the manual for Model 21 available. It will most likely be quite helpful with my Model 19E. Greetings from Berlin, Germany.

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  59. gracias por el manual, aunque no este en español me sera de gran ayuda, he resuelto casi todos los problemas que tenia debido que fue almacenada un par de décadas en malas condiciones,tuve que descubrir como funciona toda, pero falta afinarla un poco para que este a punto, saludos desde bogota colombia

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  60. Thank you so very much for sharing the Manuel she is beautiful my husband found mine at a second hand store just found and purchased the bobbin casing for her.

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  61. I just got a Viking type 21 sewing machine. I am trying to find the PDF copy of the stitch pattern key wheel that came with these. Can anyone help? Thank You, Donna

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    1. hi donna,
      I have these stitchpattern but I cannot make a pdf.
      If you have a FB-account connect with this group:
      https://www.facebook.com/groups/287898237884/?fref=ts
      They answer all questions and there exists also a yahoo group.
      If you ask on FB I´ll send you a PN with photos of the stitches.
      best regards
      m.

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    2. Thank You for your response. I did find one on E-Bay shortly after I posted that question. Never thought I'd find one, but happy to say I did. Donna

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  62. Thanks from Sweden. Just got the machine from my grandmother who bought it second hand in 1958. Now I can start to oil and clean it :D

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  63. Thanx a lot from Holland. I just got the machine from my mother who bought it in 1957. I'm so happy you help me to understand this little sewing miracle.

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  64. My grandmother is looking for bobbins for her husqvarna viking cl 21 a. Does anyone have any info that could help us out?!

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  65. I just purchased a Nordic Husqvarna Automatic Class 21 and it needs a little TLC. Anyone who can point me in the right direction I'm looking for the following:
    1. Bobbin case/holder
    2. Cover/plate (right hand side of machine) covers the belt
    3. Replacement thread guide (mine is broken on one side)
    4. Accessories of any type. No accessory box with mine

    I would really like to get this beautiful machine up and running again. Colleen in Canada




    pla

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  66. Learnt to sew on this machine when I was a child in the seventies in Sweden. I got my own when I moved to university and it followed me when I moved to France 27 years ago. Still going strong. Thanks A LOT for the manual !!!

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  67. How can I find out the exact year my CL21a was made?

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  68. You are the most lovely woman for making this so easy to access. I've got my hands on a beauty but was making small errors which were affecting my results. Thank you so very much. Stephanie from South Africa...originally Belfast UK

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  69. Thank you for making this manual available. I now have my mother's Viking which she purchased in 1959 and on which I sewed for many years as a teenager. I couldn't bear to have it leave the family, so now I am the proud owner of a family tradition, along with a new copy of the manual. The original manual, as you can image was quite dog-eared and warn. What a lucky find your blog was! Thank you so much!!! Martha, California

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  70. Thank you so much for publishing this manual! We just lucked upon one at a thrift store, ironically, just as we needed it. Not the normal happening for us. I would have loved to have a complete machine with all the goodies, but for the price we found it at, I'm not complaining at all! I'll go in search of the parts online. For now, it will work just fine for making service vests & doggie beds for our non-profit and get us started.

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  71. Thanks for the manual Jessicah, from Mike in Brisbane.

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  72. I have just bought a 21A. Thanks for supplying the manual pdf. Does anyone know if the disk with the pattern codes is available as a file?

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  73. thank you so much for the upload!

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  74. Hi Jessicah - can you drop me an email please? I'm a writer for Consumer NZ and would love to chat with you about the Husqvarna as we are looking to write and article about it...

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    1. This guy is a kiwi ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_OyqgLJlLw

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