Husqvarna Viking is a Swedish company that has been making sewing machines since 1872. The company was originally founded as a royal arms factory in 1689. However, in the early 1870s, the business struggled to fill orders for guns, and the board voted to manufacture sewing machines instead. The very first Husqvarna model of Viking sewing machine was called Nordsjernan, which means Northern Star.

The first Husqvarna electric sewing machine was not introduced until 1934. In 1947, the company introduced the Husqvarna Zig-Zag model, which featured a free arm to provide easy access and a zig-zag stitch capability. The machine designs improved throughout the '50s and '60s, but the Centennial series from the early '70s marked a great feat for the company.

This series introduced the first lubrication free sewing machine. It also featured interchangeable snap-on feet, buttonhole adjustment allowances, thread guides and adjustable foot pressure. The late '70s also revealed an innovative leap for Husqvarna Viking, which was the computerized sewing machine. The company developed the 6690 model in 1980, which was able to sew letters. This Viking model is considered to be the world's first writing sewing machine.

Embroidery sewing machines were first manufactured by Husqvarna Viking in 1994. Throughout the 1990s up until the present, the company has continued to create sergers and sewing machines that leave a very competitive mark on the sewing tools, machines and supplies market. There are also accessories and instructional manuals available for almost all of the models from the past and present. eBay is a great marketplace to find all kinds of Husqvarna Viking machines, patterns, and manuals.