How to get Perfect Tension on Every Stitch with the deLuxe™ Stitch System
Are you aware of the importance of even tension for your top and bobbin threads on your sewing machine? Having good tension is essential for any kind of sewing projects. But it can be tricky if you ever switch up the types of thread you use.
One key thing that sets some sewing machines apart from others is their ability to automatically adjust for lots of different purposes. As a long-time fan of HUSQVARNA VIKING® machines, I’d love to share about the deLuxe™ stitch system. It provides automatic adjustments for any sewing project, even while using the most tricky and delicate threads.
Want to hear me talk about the struggles of thread breakage & why I love my sewing machine so much? Enjoy this quick video:
What is the deLuxe™ Stitch System?
The deLuxe™ Stitch System is a patented function on many HUSQVARNA VIKING® machines. It helps the machine automatically choose between using thread tension or thread portioning to feed thread through the machine. Whether the machine uses thread tension or thread portioning, the deLuxe™ Stitch System ensures perfect stitches while using any material and any type of thread.
Thread Tension
Nearly every sewing machine uses thread tension as the typical method to create even stitches. It involves feeding the thread through a set of plates that apply a small amount of pressure. Thread tension is traditionally adjusted manually, but newer computerized machines adjust tension automatically. Many HUSQVARNA VIKING® machines adjust tension automatically, with the option to manually adjust as well.
Thread Portioning
Some computerized sewing machines utilize a newer technique known as thread portioning. The unique thing about thread portioning is that it takes away the need for constant pressure through the tension disks. Instead, the sewing machine computer calculates out exactly how much thread is needed for each individual stitch. The machine feeds that exact length through for each stitch. Since there is no tension on the thread while using thread portioning, it does not break.
Why is the deLuxe™ Stitch System important?
While having perfect tension on any project is always lovely, the really important benefit comes in when working with metallic thread or other thread that shreds or breaks easily. The deLuxe™ Stitch System is useful for embroidery, quilting, or regular sewing any time you are working with delicate threads.

How does the deLuxe™ Stitch System work?
The unique features on the HUSQVARNA VIKING® sewing machines allow the computer to choose which method of thread tension is best. If the machine senses that the thread being used is delicate or will break easily, the stitch system uses the Thread Portioning technique. For the thread portioning technique, the computer calculates out exactly how much thread is needed for each individual stitch, taking into account both the type and size of the stitch as well as the thickness of the fabric. It feeds that exact thread amount length through the machine for each stitch and no longer needs to apply constant tension to the thread.
To see the perfect stitches in action, watch this video by HUSQVARNA VIKING®.
Which machines feature the deLuxe™ Stitch System?
I personally use and love two sewing machines that feature the deLuxe™ Stitch System. I’ve had the DESIGNER BRILLIANCE™ 80 machine for a while and love using it for both embroidery projects as well as quilting projects. Additionally, I recently also added the EPIC™ 95Q machine to my collection. This machine works wonderfully for someone specifically focused on quilting.
The deLuxe™ Stitch System is available on all the following machines:
- DESIGNER EPIC™ 2
- DESIGNER SAPPHIRE™ 85
- EPIC™ 95Q
- EPIC™ 980Q
- DESIGNER BRILLIANCE™ 80
- the original DESIGNER EPIC™
- DESIGNER RUBY deLuxe™ & DESIGNER RUBY Royale™
- DESIGNER DIAMOND deLuxe™ & DESIGNER DIAMOND Royale™
Contact your local sewing machine dealer to test drive some machines and find the best one for you!