Husqvarna Optima Hi! I have an old Husqvarna Optima 180. Has worked fine for 30 years, but suddenly is stuck on buttonhole. Mum thinks there is dust stuck in all the gears, but I cant work out how to get the back off to get in there. There is one screw visible which i have taken out, but it still doesnt seem to want to come off. Do you have any ideas? Thanks!

I had this on an old Optima 180 never service before. Only a question of thread dust too trick. Cleaned by a pro and ready again!

Sorry, I could not find specifics for your particular machine. However, in the comment section below this video, the statement is made that if the button is too large, then the old fashioned way of making buttonholes would need to be used:


Husqvarna Viking Emerald 183 Buttonhole Tutorial

Could be seized due to old oil solidifying and locking up the moving parts.

Husqvarna Optima 180 part1

Husqvarna Optima 180 part2

Husqvarna Optima 180 part3

Wheel on right side that controls the needle up and down is very tight...

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Your buttonhole mechanism is out of sync. Have a Viking tech look at it.

Sounds like the sensor has gone bag or something is stuck in the socket (connector). Check that there is nothing stick in the socket/connector. If still not working, you will need to have it serviced by a Viking Service Tech. You can find a dealer near you by using the link 'Locate a Dealer' at the Husqvarna Viking Website - http://www.husqvarnaviking.com/us

I suspect that you have your feed dogs lowered and/or you have the setting wrong for buttonhole, several of these machines you have to turn the dial or use the reverse arrow to make it change to all dies.

it's possible that the cam or gear that does the buttonhole may be worn and needs to be checked to see if part needs replacing..

Feed dogs are still available for that machine. Part number is 412006601. Probably will cost you $20-$25.
I recommend that you find a dealer in your area using this link:http://webservices.us.vsmgroup.com/DealerLocator.aspx?Brand=Viking

They can order them for you from Husqvarna Viking

You can get the manual on link below.
http://gotoes.org/sales/VikingSewingMachineManuals/ViewInfo.pl?Viking=1&Sewing_Machine_Model=190-180-150-HUSQVARNA-OPTIMA-manual

If you machine was recently serviced, the service tech might have reversed the motor connections. If not, it could be the zero feeding mechanism is stuck. Try dropping your feeddogs, i.e. like sewing on a button. Then raise your feeddogs to see if the problem clears. What happens when you sew a buttonhole using the automated buttonhole accessory? If these do not work, it may be your pc board which has a 5 year warranty if you are the original purchaser from an authorized Husqvarna Viking dealer. If resetting feeddogs does not clear the problem, Will probably need service by an authorized Husqvarna Viking dealer. If the service tech cannot repair, they can send to Husqvarna Viking Service Technician for repair. Visit the Husqvarna Viking website for a list of dealers closest to you. http://www.husqvarnaviking.com/us Good luck.