Having one of the earliest leads in making parts, pieces, and machines for sowing purposes, JUKI America achieved a major foothold over the supply and demand of sewing machines and since early 1947 this brand has been able to renovate and reengineer their designs into the perfect machine while is beloved all over the world in over 170 different countries. Today JUKI offers an extensive line of sewing equipment ranging from lockstitch, overlock and coverlock machines – each instrument has been designed and tested by experts in their field to determine a final perfected machine which has constantly been improved since its first debut on the world stage. But what is the best Juki sewing machine?
In this review we are covering the best of these JUKI sewing machines and in reviewing each instrument we took into consideration all facets of its engineering. We considered machines based on their size and weight, but more importantly the maximum sewing speed in stitches per minute a machine could complete, type of stitches, as well as the number of stitches per spun yard. Other concerns were stitch length and overall durability of clothes stitched with each individual machine. We also considered whether these machines were manual or automatic, and determined which were best based on electricity use and overall efficiency.
This buying guide is designed to report our research in charts, general information, and answered questions. In conducting the research on Juki Sewing machines we talked to verified customers for each particular device, as well as distributors and manufactures. This research is organized into a chart which lists every items’ specific details including our overview of the sewing machine along with bulleted facts about its features. To assist your purchasing process, we’ve also included a buying guide which explains the uses of these machines including explanations of different features one sewing machine might have that another doesn’t.
More features: 16 buttonholes, 4 alphabetic and numeric fonts, presser foot pivot function, free motion, straight stitch slide plate, automatic thread trimming, buttonhole sensor system, adjustable starting and reverse, lock stitch, LED lighting
This Juki model is the ‘top dog’ so to speak, it sews at a speed of 1075 stitches per minute with an insane stitch length of 5mm. This machine is designed with Free Motion technology which allows the operator to enjoy both straight and zig zag stitching by merely flipping the switch to lower the feed dogs; height is manually adjustable, which is especially important when you’re dealing with thicker cloth.
From the get go operation is simple; this machine offers a straight stitch slide plate that will not allow fabrics to be pushed into the needle hole and instead offers free motion stitching with precision and perfection, merely slide the front lever switch and presto! When it’s time to cut thread this Juki machine has an automatic thread trimming push-button function, it also has setting to measure and evenly sew on booth the right and left sides to create a gorgeous and even buttonhole. Electronics come with a Presser Foot Pivot Function which will lift the pressor instantly to allow for fabric movement when you stop sewing, it also includes adjustable stitch speed settings on an LED lit screen with options: normal, fast, slow.
Two stitch types are available, but only at the beginner of sewing and not in the middle of a project, these types include ‘Reverse Stitch’ and ‘Lock Stitch’; for restarting with a new stitch, merely adjust your machine from ‘starting’ to ‘reverse’. There’s nothing this machine can’t handle, it’s built for every circumstance.
More features: adjustable foot pressure, automatic thread trimmer, presser foot pressure adjustment, needle up/down control, automatic needle threader, free motion quilting
Rather than a digital screen with too many options the Juki TL-20110Q offers a simpler dial speed control lever which lets you set the speed anywhere between 200 to 1500 stitches per minute when stitching ‘free motion’ or ‘precision sewing’.
This model is equipped with Juki’s industrial style thread trimming mechanism which at the touch of a button – the automatic trimmer button – will simultaneously clip both the needle and bobbin threads for complete ease of use and immediate re-threading; automatic thread trimmer can be engaged via both the trim button and foot controller.
Depending on the material(s) you are using, this Juki machine has a unique thread tension scale function so that you can adjust the tension according to your thread for the best result and stitch lengths as short as 6mm. Equipped with a microcomputer controlled mechanism, the machine is also designed to allowing sewing at low speeds for different materials while providing an accurate feed for perfect stitching on heavy weight fabrics – this function is very ideal for quilting with multiple layers.
What this also means is that the pressor foot is fully adjustable for different fabrics and that the needle features an up/down control to create the starting lengths that you desire.
More features: automatic thread trimmer, presser foot pressure adjustment, needle up/down control, automatic needle threader
Juki’s HZL-F300 is designed to handle thick and thin fabrics without the hassle of snagging or dragging things along with the needle, as well as no fear of fabric shrinkage during the sewing process.
For lightweight or heavier materials this machine offers a stitch pattern selection for a wide range of patterns that include: Applique, Stretch stitching, Overlock, Blanket, Peicing, and even Invisible Hemming. All functions are controlled on a small LCD screen with keypad; additional included functions are instant thread trimming both from the bobbin and the needle, perfect stitch and needle replacement, automatic needle threader, easy bobbin rewinding, and an LED light system which offers plenty of sight while working in the dark or with super fine stitches.
Programming also allows you to choose decorative stitching for letters, shapes, and designs, allowing you to make one of a kind blankets and quilts for your whole family. The feed dog moves in a box motion which is part of the HZL series design and ensures that fabrics never shrink or shift while stitching 5mm stitches at up to 900 stitches per minute; additionally, this box motion is ideal for sowing industrial quality button holes for up to 16 different types of button holes.
More features: box feed technology, 4 alphabetic and numeric fonts, 16 professional buttonholes, extended sewing table, free motion, LED light, foot controller
Juki’s HZL-F600 is capable of sewing with a wide range of fabrics from leather to denim and even canvas; they’re no problem for this machine and sew without any fabric shrinkage while sewing with lightweight materials. Per your material or for the project you have in mind, this machine comes with a direct stitch patter selection for Piecing, Applique, Blanket for applique, Stretch Stitching, Overlocking, Invisible Hemming, and more.
These patterns and more can be chosen using the LCD screen display; display also offers additional customization and control for combining decorative stitches – ideal for lettering – or programming the needles up/down position, automatic thread trimming, the volume of the machine’s buzzer, and even up to 8 different language settings. One important point is that in order to provide the beautiful seams and outstanding performance this machine does use the box feed system, meaning the feed dog moves in a box motion to eliminate fabric shrinking and shifting; this system also assists in sowing industrial quality button holes with over 16 types of buttonholes available.
Other functions include: a foot controller with thread trimming, perfect stitch and needle replacement for placing the needle wherever you want, an automatic needle threader, easy bobbin thread winding, and a dual LED light system. All in all, making this machine one of a kind.
More features: foot control, auto needle threader, LCD screen, 7-point feed dog system, 1 step button hole
The Juki HZL-LB5020 easy one of the easiest machines to use for beginners! This machine comes with an LCD screen stitch chart which auto draws needle threader as well as offer plenty more convenient and useful functions.
This machine will accurately piece fabrics for edge to edge and even comes with a buttonhole setting to automatically size thread evenly according to the size of the button. Feed dogs are made even more powerful for up to 700 stitches per minute with a unique 7-point feed along with a start/stop button which controls speeds from super-low to high; a release button is included for whenever you want to end the stitches. Other buttons include a changing up-down button for needle position, one for automatic reverse stitch or lock stitch at the beginning and end of straight sewing, and other functions which include: free arm, drop bobbin, drop feed, and LED Light.
This is one of the lightest and most portable machines on the market and offers and impressive stitch length of 5mm, for its low price it even includes color coded threading guides for up to the maximum 7-point feed and truly unique works of art; if you’re just beginning quilting this sewing machine is right up your alley!
More features: color-coded threading guides, tension adjustment, looper threading, multi-function presser foot, led light, feed adjustment
Although this machine has a look which seems a little more complicated than other Juki sewing machines, it actually offers supper easy looper threading with color-codded thread guides that have clear marked paths; both beginners and experts would love this design!
Stitching up to 1500 stitches per minute with a stitch length of 4mm, it makes sense that this machine also comes with a multi-function presser foot and serging precision which creates smooth accurate seams as you sow. For a better view of every stitch this device comes with 654DE optimum white lighting around fabric and needle areas; another handy function for precise sowing is the easy cutting width adjustment which lowers and raises knife cutting width at the turn of a dial for perfect seams and rolled edges. The dog feed even has different feed dial adjustments for your own personal techniques – like lettuce edges – which will add a uniqueness to every project. In fact, you can even adjust the stitch length for specialty thread and additional overlock stitching techniques.
Where weight and portability yare concerned, this is also one of the most lightweight machines at 15.5 pounds and very easy to transport to your knitting group or around different areas of your workshop.
The remainder of this guide is designed to further explain many of Juki’s sewing machine features and what they mean/what they do. Additionally, we’ve included advice on how to choose the ideal machine along with suggestions to go along with different features; frequently asked questions are answered at the end. It’s our hope this guide greatly assists your buying process!
Juki wouldn’t have their own buying guide unless they’d earned it, and they have time and time again. This brand is one of the most popular for home sewers and sergers for the common home, and you often can’t find equally competing brands on the market. Their advanced line of sewing equipment is unapparelled and offers unique machines specific for lockstitch, overlock, and coverstitch sewing! Additionally, this company offers one of the widest ranges of heavy-duty machines for handling leather, upholstery, home textiles, marine, automotive, and industrial fabrics. Not to mention, in general this is just a very trustworthy brand and their machines have been perfected through years of research and innovative technology.
Juki Sewing machines might seem on the pricy side, but that’s because so much goes into designing and producing one sewing machine and upon arrival these devices can potentially be used for the next 10-15 years without ever needing replacing; they’re that high quality. Each machine includes a state-of-the-art electrical system typically with an interior motherboard computer which assists with all those minor and major sewing adjustments. Additionally, Juki is the industry standard for sewing machines – specifically large machines which can handle thicker fabrics; no other brand offers the level of quality that Juki does. Just one of these machines makes for an investment which will pay off time and time again.
As you’ll have seen many of the following features were listed in the above product reviews; in this section we further elaborate on their effect over the machine and its use, we also list examples of machines which match certain features ideally.
Weight and size mainly effect where you can sew and how easily you can move your machine around – for instance during those times you’re transporting it to sewing circle at the local community center, coffee shop, bar, etcetera. Heavier machines typically handle thicker materials better, so that’s one major thing they have over the lighter smaller units, but for beginners its usually the smaller machines which are more affordable, practical, and not as confusing. The lightest and smallest machine on this list is the budget friendly Juki HZL-LB5020.
Knowing the stitch amount you need generally takes a little math. First, you’ll want to measure the fabric you are working into and then you’ll want to measure the gauge of the trim you are adding – or more simply, the path, shape, design you are stitching. Finally, you’ll multiply the number of stitches per centimeter of the trim by the total length of the fabric you are using. The number you get needs to be at the same amount, or lower, than the number of stitches listed for a machine. Otherwise you’ll constantly be changing bobbins, having to cut thread, and generally not creating a tight concise trim all made from the same length of thread.
The theory behind stitch length is pretty straight simple and straightforward: basically, the shorter a stitch, the more will be packed into each inch of stitching, creating a tighter seam. This means that the longer a stitch, the fewer stitches within each inch and the looser the seam. Short equals tight; long equals loose. Another way to think about it is: short equals stronger and permanent, long equals weaker and temporary. This is simply a rule of thumb. Sometimes a longer stitch length can be just as permanent.
Motor and speed are every bit as important as all these other functions, and this section can even relate back to weight. As stated before, the heavier a machine the better it can handle thicker fabric, this is because the motor is heavier and therefore stronger and better at coping with frequent use and heavier fabrics. For instance, the Juki HZL-DX7 has a speed of 1075 stitches per minute and its motor can handle anything. In fact, if you’re working with upholstery fabrics or denim, you should especially consider the HZL-DX7 or even the Juki TL-2010Q. It is worth noting that a fast stitching speed typically matches a large motor size, however there are lighter machines with high speeds.
Typically sewing machines are medium-loud and most people do their sewing in a basement, separate room, or outside workshop because the noise can become irritating to those who don’t sew. The machines on this list are rather on the loud side, and where there are quieter machines on the market, Juki machines are louder because they’re pneumatically designed to stitch straight through any fabric with a quick speed and perfect stitch every single time. Perhaps one of the quietest machines on this list is the Juki HZL-LB5020.
For those who don’t sew or are first time sewers, the pieces and parts of a sewing machine can be a little confusing to understand and grasp. Here is just a quick overview of certain parts and what they’re used for. Since each machine is different some locations may be different per part, and so might some function specifics.
JUKI warrants its sewing machine products, excluding Needles, Loopers, Knife Blades, Bulbs, Lamps and Belts, to be free from defects in the workmanship of materials for a period up to 2 years from the date of purchase. All other parts are warranted to be defect free up to a period of 5 years from the date of purchase. If at any time during the warranty period the product is defective or malfunctions, JUKI’s responsibility will be to replace or repair the product within a reasonable period of time. The purchaser is responsible for all labor charges associated with any repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
In case you can’t choose between the products on our list, we’d love to narrow the options down even more by stating that based on customer reviews and our research, these three machines are by far the best JUKI sewing machines:
Juki HZL-DX7. This is the best machine overall and is designed with a medium motor capacity and speed which is ideal for both thick fabrics and thin fabrics – quilting and just general stitching – its not a ‘one-function only’ machine.
Juki TL-2010Q. One of the most adjustable machines it offers choices between different stitch lengths, stitch speeds, and stitch types. A very useful machine.
Juki HZL-LB5020. The budget pick for our list, this machine also has exceptional settings which can be changed on an LCD screen, and it offers one of the brightest white-lights over the whole stitching space while you’re working.
