| Juki:HZL 27Z (Sewing Machine) | | Viewed 1114 time(s) | | Review rated Helpful by 1 people Very Helpful by 12 people | | Reviewed by: | Ambimom | 
| | About Ambimom | | Member since: 5/25/08 | | Reviews written: 1 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | sewing machines reviewed: 1 | | |
| | Posted on: | 1/10/13 4:24 PM | | Approx price paid: | $114 | | Had this machine for: | two weeks | | Recommended? | Yes | | Online Merchants: | Amazon.com | Features
- Needle Threader
- Drop-In bobbin
- Free Arm
- Adjustable Stitch Length and Width
- Adjustable Needle Position
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Discuss Sewing Machines with PR members Sewing Machine Forum | | What Ambimom likes about this machine
I've been sewing for almost 60 years on everything from a treadle, to mechanical, and top-of-the line electronic and computerized machines. Yet, lately, I've been wanting a relatively inexpensive, reliable, lightweight, portable, 3/4 mechanical machine to take with me places. I've been looking at this Juki model as well as others for months. I couldn't make up my mind until a huge price drop convinced me to give it a try.
I am not disappointed. This is a solid machine. The first thing that I noticed was the power of the motor. It is fast (1,000 stitches p. minute), goes through multiple layers of fabric and yet is soooo quiet. The footprint is small yet it feels solid and stays put even at the fastest speeds, which is amazing considering it weighs only 13 pounds.
It has box feed on seven feed dogs which makes for very comfortable sewing. There are more than enough speciality and decorative stitches and while their quality is acceptable, they are not outstanding. This machine is for utility not beauty. Straight stitches are fine.
There is a 4-step buttonhole which leaves a lot to be desired. There's a way to fiddle with it to get an excellent buttonhole but beginners would not be able to suss this as easily as I was. Neither the manual or the accompanying video would show you either.
I have this thing about "perfect" stitches. It bothers me when they don't form perfectly in the center of the fabric. I did need to fiddle with the tension (including the bobbin case tension screw) which was annoying but once completed, the straight stitch quality was quite good. I compared it to my Janome 6600P and they were identical. This kind of fix would be out of the question for a beginner.
There is a manual in three languages (English, Spanish and Russian). It's okay but relies on pictograms rather than extensive descriptions or photographs. The video is basic but useful. It is clearly meant for absolute beginners but it does show and explain the bobbin winder and threading path in excellent detail.
This machine is a good choice for a beginner, in a dorm room, for someone who does utitlity sewing, or for someone like me who just needs a portable machine to take places.
What Ambimom does not like about this machine
It comes standard with just two presser feet: standard and buttonhole foot. I purchased a set of generic low-shank presser feet for under $10, all of which fit perfectly.
The feed dogs do not drop but you can buy a cover plate.
The quality of stitching is okay but nothing special. The straight stitches are fine.
The tension can be adjusted but unless you are familiar with how to coordinate the stitch tension with the bobbin screw tension, it can drive you nuts.
You need to purchase some sort of storage case in which to store it.
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Thanks for a nice review! Going to hit the web to look at this machine's picture. :)
1/10/13 4:37 PM
Excellent, detailed review. Thanks.
1/10/13 9:11 PM