Viking 6440

by Amanda, whose blog, Red Jet Whistle, covers all kinds of craft and design stuff with a Boston focus

Love it, hate it, or something in between? I love it, it's the first consistent machine I've ever sewed with. It's all metal, quiet, simple to use, and dependable. My previous experience was all on Singers - my grandmother's and mother's 60s Singers, which were quirky but generally good machines, and then 2 current Singers from Sears and Target that were terrible pieces of plastic junk. After a lot of research on the web, Viking, Bernina and White were the highest rated. I chose the 6440 based on the simple controls, free arm, cams, and frankly - looks. It's very smart looking! I'm also happy that there are always cams, feet and replacement parts for the 6440 on ebay.

When did you buy this sewing machine? September 2007

When was it manufactured? Not sure exactly - late 1970s I think.

Where did you buy it? I purchased it on ebay. After watching quite a few good deals few go by, I got anxious and bid on a machine from a seller I should have guessed would be questionable by the way the listing was written and the poor quality photos. The listing stated that the machine ran and sewed well, but it was unusable when I got it - the presser foot was stuck in the up position. I took it to Sewing & Vacuum Center in Somerville, MA (a great resource for anyone in the Boston area) and had it repaired and tuned up. In the end, I'm incredibly happy with the machine, but I regret not buying it from a more reputable seller and avoiding the repairs. I strongly recommend only buying from ebay sellers that you feel comfortable with, who can demonstrate that the machine is in running condition - ask them to thread it and sew a sample for you.

How much did you pay for it? $170 + $40 shipping + $140 repair = $350. These tend to run in the $100-200 range on ebay.

How many projects have you done on this machine? Quite a few! Maybe 20-30.

Describe the kind of work you've done with it. I've made purses, curtains, pillows, clothes, all kinds of projects. I was really impressed when I sewed through 4 layers of vinyl, and it hems jeans beautifully.

What do you like and what do you hate about it? Loves: I know that if something is going wrong it's me and not the machine. I also love the simple controls that can produce a lot of sophisticated stitches. The cams are fun and easy to change, and the lower gear ratio has been great for sewing through vinyl and denim. The free arm is nice and small making sleeves and purse openings a breeze. It's really easy to thread and came with all sorts of feet that I'm looking forward to playing with. I also love that it's a colorful, sleek looking machine.

Hates: I'm not in love with the bobbin winder being located on the side of the machine, and I miss the built in thread cutter on my crappy Singer. No on/off switch - I dislike having to plug/unplug it all the time. Small complaints, it's really a great piece of equipment.

Soon after, I bought the Viking Huskylock 431 serger, and it's also a dream!

Comments

[Krista]

I just received an email about this machine:

"Krista,

I just read the article on your website from the woman who recently purchased a Viking 6440 sewing machine. I purchased my 6440 machine new on July 24, 1976.

Please let her know that there is a thread cutter on the back of the needle shaft.

I have all of the cams (A through K)."

[tivogirl]

I grew up using a similar VIKING. It's fabulous!

[Katie]

Hi! I have this machine- same except mine is red. It does have a thread cutter directly under the feed dog plate.... it looks like a slit above the bobbin case door on the lefthand side of the machine... good to know your happy about yours still- I just picked mine up at the thrift store and am still in the honeymoon phase :)

[Maryanncaywood]

Hi; I have the Viking 6440 machine and had it for years, repairs and service It will last forever,the machine is build like a tank and a true workhorse. Mine also had a buttonholer attachment when I got it. If you find Viking 6440 one buy. It is worth the money and great for a the anyone to used beginner or sewing for years.

[Diane Donovan]

I love my 34 year old 6440. I want another one. Got a new computer model and haven't gotten the hang of modern tecnology.

[Craig Biersdorff]

The Vikings are great machines, I have owned several of the 6000 series. They respond so well after being restored. I can't keep all of them, so have some for sale. Check the site and email if interested.

Craig

http://sewingmachineclassics.wordpress
.com/

[Sue Bollinger]

I bought my Viking 6440 in the 1970s, used it very little then stored it. In 2001 my arthritis/asthma forced me to retire. Growing bored, I dragged my machine out, had it serviced, and started sewing.
I LOVE this machine; it does everything I ask it to and more (from light weight cotton to layers of denim, and even leather). I have sworn when it 'dies' I will replace the motor rather than buy another machine. - Bobbin winding is a bit weird, but I do have an on/off switch next to the lamp so I don't have to unplug it to turn it off.

[beth mahlo]

I loved my 6440, bought it new in 1974. We made everything from every wedding dress in the family to all of my husbands work suits and blue jean quilts. I took it in to a local shop several years ago for a "professional" cleaning and tune-up. While I was there, the owner did everything he could to tell me what a TERRIBLE machine I had, and he tried like crazy to sell me a new machine. I should not have left it with him. He screwed it up so badly that I have not been able to use it since. The feed dogs are permanently in the 'down' position, and nothing I can do will change them.
I am searching ebay and other places for a replacement machine exactly like the one I have. I will not go back to his shop. If someone has one that they would like to sell for a reasonable price, feel free to drop me an email.
[email protected]

[Ande]

Thank you for all the good reviews, my mother gave me the Viking 6440 when she bought a new one over 20 years ago. (I do not like to sew) so I never used it. My 11 year old daughter found it in the closet and wants to learn how to sew. I did not know if it was worth getting it serviced, as it still works or just buy her a new one. With your reviews and some calling around I know now it is worth the $100 to tune it up she will have a great machine.

[Eileen Westgate]

I also have a Viking 6440. It is a powerhouse and I have always joked that it will sew wood. Unfortunately when you leave this machine sit for a long time, it gets stiff and needs servicing. I used to go to Moreale in Waltham, Mass. He was super but they have closed. I am grateful to learn from this forum about Sewing & Vacuum Center in Somerville. I will go there to have my machine serviced. This is a machine which to me is worth fixing.

[Michelle Hawkins]

I have the Viking 6440. It is for sale. After reading all the reviews I fear I should hold onto it, but circumstances force me to sell. I am asking 400.00. Everything works and I have pictures I can email. [email protected]

[Linda McGowan]

What stitch do you use to applique with using the 6440 Viking. I tryed the C cam yellow yellow, yellow. Help

[Steve]

Trying to keep my 6440, purchased in the 70's, in service. I need gear # 41 10 856-01 to do that. Can anyone help? desperate

[Cathy]

I love hearing from everyone!! I've had mine since early 70's!!! I've made everything from my high school clothes, maternity, baby, nursery, suits for men and women, underwear that fit!!!, clothes for my friends and now my granddaughters and much more!!! I need an "E" cam if anyone has one...that's the only one with a broken "spoke".
My husband says to trade in for a newer computer model but like the others, there is a learning curve and with my 6440, sit and sew!!!
Thank you to my Mom who taught me to sew and for being "blue collar" so I could have nice, "new" not off the rack,clothes.....
If you have an E cam, let me know...

[Courtney]

I just purchased a used Viking 6440 that came with only one bobbin and I can't seem to find listed anywhere the size/class bobbins I need. Does anyone know what size/class I need to purchase?
Thanks