
Husqvarna Opal 650 Product Review
Since 1872, Husqvarna Viking has combined Swedish engineering with innovative sewing technology. The Husqvarna Opal 650 carries that heritage into a fully computerised sewing and quilting machine designed for sewers who value thoughtful automated features, intuitive operation and high-quality stitches.
At the heart of the Opal 650 is the Exclusive SEWING ADVISOR®. Select your fabric type and sewing technique on the screen and the machine sets the best stitch, stitch width, stitch length, sewing speed and recommended presser foot for you. With 160 built-in stitches covering utility, quilting, satin, heirloom and decorative work, plus three built-in fonts for personalising quilts, garments and gifts, you have plenty of creative range. The 7mm stitch width and 29 needle positions give you the precision needed for topstitching, edge stitching, stitch-in-the-ditch and detailed quilting.
The 8-inch (200mm) workspace to the right of the needle gives you room to handle larger quilts and home furnishing projects. A top-loading bobbin with clear cover lets you check thread supply at a glance. Three LED lights illuminate the needle area and sewing surface for shadow-free visibility on detailed work.
The graphic display shows your selected stitch at actual size along with all recommended settings, so you know what the machine is doing before the needle moves. Hands-free sewing is available via the Start/Stop button with three on-screen speed levels, and the Stitch fix button anchors thread at the start and end of every seam so you can move between sections without backstitching by hand.

Key Features
What makes this machine worth it
Machine Type
Computerised sewing and quilting machine
Stitch Range
160 built-in stitches including utility, decorative and quilting
Control Type
Graphic display with Exclusive SEWING ADVISOR®
Workspace
8 inches (200mm) to the right of the needle
Needle Configuration
29 needle positions with built-in needle threader
Buttonholes
Perfectly Balanced Buttonholes with Sensor One-Step Buttonhole Foot
Skill Level
Intermediate sewers and quilters
Machine Weight
8.2kg

This machine is perfect for
- Garment sewers tackling varied fabrics - machine adapts to silk one project, denim the next without manual adjustment
- Sewers upgrading from mechanical machines wanting plenty of automation
- Quilters and home decor makers needing 8" workspace and consistent stitch quality across fabric types
Can sew but not ideal for
- Can handle thick fabrics but this model is not suited to heavy duty work on a regular basis - if you intend to sew regularly with heavy weight fabrics, use our Machine Match Service and we'll recommend a model suited to your needs
- Not ideal for transporting to classes or workshops
Not suitable for
- Those who prefer mechanical simplicity in a sewing machine - this model is computerised
- Commercial use - this model is best suited to regular domestic use and hobby sewing rather than production sewing volumes. Use our Machine Match Service if you'd like a recommendation for a small business use
Materials and Build Quality
The Opal 650 is part of Husqvarna Viking's Swedish-engineered range, drawing on more than 150 years of sewing machine manufacturing. Husqvarna Viking has built a reputation for combining premium Scandinavian engineering with modern sewing innovation. Loyal customers are drawn to the brand's reliability, intuitive technology and beautifully smooth stitch quality.
The OPAL™ sewing machines feature a clear Graphic Display. Touch the selection buttons on the touch panel or step through stitches with the navigator arrows. All your settings, the stitch memory and the Exclusive SEWING ADVISOR® feature are accessible from here. Simply use the stylus or fingertip to navigate.
There is plenty of workspace with the open area from the side of the machine to the needle measuring nearly 8" (200 mm). Perfect for quilts and other large sewing projects.
The difference is in the details
The electronic speed control offers 5 speeds enabling you to select the right speed for your sewing task - slower for detailed topstitching or faster for long seams.
The Start/Stop button lets you sew hands-free at a steady pace. The Stitch Tie-Off button anchors thread at the start and end of every seam. Needle Stop Up/Down and the automatic bobbin thread pick up keep small interruptions to a minimum.
The My Stitches Menu has 4 memories holding up to 80 stitches so you can save your preferred stitch combinations or letters and characters for convenience.
The Opal 650's on-screen guidance and SEWING ADVISOR® feature take much of the guesswork out of stitch selection, which means you can build skill while you sew rather than working through a manual. The graphic display shows the selected stitch at real size along with all recommended settings, so you always know what the machine is doing.
Husqvarna sewing machines are designed to be intuitive. The graphic display makes navigation straightforward and the on-screen settings keep stitch width, length and speed within easy reach. Three LED lights illuminate the needle area and reduce shadows on detailed work. The built-in needle threader makes set-up fuss-free. The top-loading bobbin sits beneath a clear cover so you can see your thread supply at a glance.
Husqvarna Opal 650: A Machine for Every Maker
And every project
Dressmaking and Garment Construction
Dressmaking is easier than ever with the SEWING ADVISOR® setting the right stitch and tension for everything from lightweight blouse fabric to heavier trouser cloth. The Sensor One-Step Buttonhole Foot delivers perfectly balanced buttonholes across cuffs, shirt fronts and waistbands. The 29 needle positions give you the precision needed for neat and precise topstitching on collars, plackets and hems.
Space For Larger Quilts
With quilting stitches built in alongside utility and decorative options, the Opal 650 is a great choice for sewers passionate about quilting. The generous machine design offers plenty of sewing and fabric space. The open area from the side of the machine to the needle measures nearly 8" (200 mm). Perfect for quilts and other large sewing projects. The electronic piercing power ensures the machine can handle quilt sandwiches and thick layers delivering neat and precise stitch details.
Personalisation and Creative Projects
Three built-in alphabets with special characters mean you can label quilts, monogram garments and add personalised touches like special dates to your work. The 160 stitches include heirloom and decorative options for adding character to home decor, gifts and craft projects, and Mirror Side-To-Side opens up further creative use of decorative stitches without separately rotating fabric.
Inside the Husqvarna Opal 650
Exclusive SEWING ADVISOR®
Select fabric type and technique on screen and the SEWING ADVISOR® sets stitch, width, length, speed, recommended foot, needle and presser foot pressure. Built-in expertise from the first seam.
Graphic Display and Touch Panel
The illuminated graphic display shows your selected stitch at real size with all recommended settings before you sew. Navigate with the touch panel buttons or stylus for fast stitch selection.
29 Needle Positions and Stitch Width Safety
29 needle positions support precise topstitching, edge stitching, stitch-in-the-ditch and quilting. Stitch Width Safety and Twin Needle Safety lock width parameters so straight stitch and twin needle work stay safe.
Perfectly Balanced Buttonholes
The Sensor One-Step Buttonhole Foot sews both sides in the same direction for even, balanced buttonholes. Seven buttonhole styles plus an eyelet cover, everyday closures and specialist applications.
Save to My Stitches
Four permanent memories each save up to 20 stitches or letters, which means your favourite stitch combinations, font sequences and project setups stay loaded and ready for repeated use.


Product Specifications
Accessories In The Box
- 1 x Seam ripper
- 1 x Brush
- 1 x Screwdriver
- 2 x Felt pad
- 5 x Bobbins
- 1 x Small spool cap
- 1 x Large spool cap
- 1 x Needles
- 1 x Soft cover
Feet In The Box
- 1 x Utility Foot A
- 1 x Utility Foot B
- 1 x Buttonhole Foot C
- 1 x Blind Hem Foot D
- 1 x Zipper Foot E
- 1 x Edging Foot J
- 1 x Sensor One-Step Buttonhole Foot
- 1 x Glide Sole
Machine Dimensions & Weight
- Machine dimensions: 44 × 22 × 30 cm (L × W × H)
- Machine weight: 8.2kg
- Workspace: 8 inches (200mm) to the right of the needle
- Graphic display size: 64 × 48 mm (3")
Stitch Options and Controls
- Total built-in stitches: 160 (420 including letters and characters)
- Stitch categories: utility, quilt, satin, heirloom, decorative
- Maximum stitch width: 7mm
- Maximum stitch length: 6mm
- Programmable fonts: 3
- Buttonhole styles: 7 plus 1 eyelet
- Needle positions: 29
- Stitch memory: Yes
- Personal "My Stitches" menu: 4 memories, 80 stitches
- Maximum sewing speed: 800 stitches per minute
Sewing Features and Functions
- Exclusive SEWING ADVISOR®
- Electronic Self-Adjusting Thread Tension
- Built-in needle threader
- Bobbin Thread Sensor
- Automatic Bobbin Thread Pick Up
- Start/Stop button
- Stitch Tie-Off button
- Needle Stop Up/Down
- Reverse button
- Three on-screen speed levels
- Sew On Button Program
- Mirror Side-To-Side
- Twin Needle Safety
- Stitch Width Safety
- Extended Dual Stitch Plate Guidelines to 1 5/8" (40mm)
- 3 LED lights
- Drop feed dogs
Bobbin and Needle System
- Top-loading bobbin with clear cover
- Bobbin Thread Sensor
- Automatic Bobbin Thread Pick Up
- Built-in needle threader
- 29 needle positions
- Twin needle compatible with Twin Needle Safety
Warranty & Support
The Husqvarna Opal 650 is covered by a 5-year parts and 2-year labour guarantee. Our support team is here if you ever need help or servicing.
Product Downloads
Ratings & Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the SEWING ADVISOR® do?
You select your fabric type and the technique you are using on the graphic display, and the SEWING ADVISOR® sets the best stitch, stitch width, stitch length and sewing speed for that combination. It also displays the recommended thread tension, presser foot and needle size, which removes most of the setup decisions for sewers building confidence on a new machine.
Is the Opal 650 suitable for quilting?
Yes. The 8-inch workspace gives you room to move full quilt tops, and the stitch library includes dedicated quilting stitches alongside utility and decorative options. The 29 needle positions support stitch-in-the-ditch and accurate piecing, and the Stitch Tie-Off function keeps thread anchored cleanly as you move between blocks.
Can I sew without using the foot pedal?
Yes. The Start/Stop button lets you sew hands-free at a steady pace, with three speed levels you set on the screen. This is useful for long seams, sewers who prefer not to use the foot pedal, and anyone with mobility issues that make foot pedal control uncomfortable.
How many buttonholes can the machine sew?
Seven one-step buttonhole styles plus an eyelet, sewn through the Sensor One-Step Buttonhole Foot. Because both sides of the buttonhole are sewn in the same direction, the two sides match in length and stitch density. The SEWING ADVISOR® can also recommend the best buttonhole for your fabric type and weight.
Does it come with everything I need to get started?
Yes. The Opal 650 comes with seven presser feet, bobbins, needles, a small spool cap, felt pads, a seam ripper, a brush, a screwdriver and a soft cover for storage. You can begin sewing as soon as the machine is set up.
Our standard width fabric can be cut as a Fat Quarter, measuring 50cm x 1/2 the width of the bolt. Above is an example of how your fabric will be received, depending on the quantity ordered.
We also offer a sample service, where you can order 1 single fat quarter of any standard width fabric, to have at home and compare colours. When you are finished, you can send them back to us for a refund (feel free to contact us for more information on this service).
Our fabric can be cut as a Long Quarter, measuring a minimum of 25cm x width of bolt. We will supply the fabric as a continuous length (eg; if you bought 1.25m it will be sent as one piece of fabric).