Juki HZL-F300 has a lot of advanced features and the performance is quite good. But the overall build quality needs some improvement.

JUKI HZL-F300 Main Features

• 106 built-in stitches
• Automatic needle threader
• Automatic thread cutter
• Built-in memory
• Programmable needle up/down
• Sewing start/stop button and speed control
• Top drop-in bobbin
• Direct stitch selection buttons

Juki HZL-F300 Review

Sewing Machine Reviews Recommendation Level : MODERATE

Juki has been famous for their industrial sewing machines, now they are also coming up with some home sewing machines. Yes, Juki machines are expensive than a Brother or a Singer, which is definitely a fact to consider. Juki HZL-F300 is a computerized sewing machine with advanced features. I must say one thing, it is beyond the budget of an out and out beginner, it is designed for advanced sewers. There are 106 built-in stitches including 16 one-step buttonholes and 3 fonts for basic monogramming.

Juki HZL-F300 has a drop-in bobbin with clear cover which allows you to keep an eye on the thread supply. Bobbin winding is easy and you can wind the bobbin while sewing as well. You can easily follow the thread path and the automatic needle threader threads the needle in a snap. The backlit LCD screen is where you can view all the settings. Juki has done a very good job by providing direct stitch selection buttons for the most commonly used 10 stitches.

There are ‘+’ and ‘-‘ buttons for adjusting the automatically set stitch length and width. Maximum stitch width is 7mm and stitch length is 5mm. The screen will also display the recommended presser foot for the selected stitch. Separate pattern selection key is provided to access the less frequently used patterns. You will need to use the arrow key to browse though the variety of stitches (or if you know the stitch number, you can select it straightaway by entering the stitch number). The stitch chart is available on the top cover of the machine.

While buttonhole sewing, you can also control the cutting width of the buttonholes, this is a feature that you won’t find on normal sewing machines. You can mirror image or flip the design with the touch of a button. You can also lock the stitches by pressing a button. The continue sewing button lets you sew decorative stitches in a pattern to create borders.

Monogramming is easy on Juki HZL-F300. It is very much like writing a text message on your cellphone. The machine even has a built-in memory to save your patterns for future use. There are 10 folders (slots) to save your patterns. You can combine up to 70 patterns in a single file. If you want to use the saved pattern, the selected folder will display the content on the screen, no guess work is needed.

37 needle positions are available on the machine. The programmable needle up/down button is a blessing while pivoting or quilting. You can sew without the foot controller, thanks to the sewing start/stop button and speed control slider. The machine is also equipped with an automatic thread cutter. You can use the thread cutter either by pressing the button or by pressing the heel side of your foot pedal.

Juki HZL-F300 has a knee-lifter for raising and lowering the presser feet. The presser foot can be lifted up to a height of 12mm by using the lever. A wide extension table can also be used to increase the workspace. However both the knee lifter and extension table need to be purchased separately. They are not included in the box. It is good that Juki provided box feed instead of oval feed for this machine. Box feed definitely has an edge over oval motion, as far as stitch quality is concerned. You can do free motion sewing as well.

The motor can deliver a maximum of 900 stitches/min, while at the slowest speed it can deliver 80 stitches/min. The speed range is quite good for an advanced sewer. The workspace is illuminated by LED bulbs. The machine is slightly on the heavier side, weighing at 21.6 pounds. The machine has a built-in accessory storage compartment, which on removal converts the machine to free arm.

Usability

Juki HZL-F300 has an 8″ wide workspace, which is quite adequate to accommodate large projects (the extra room is very handy). An ideal sewing machine must be able to handle thick and thin fabrics equally well. HZL-F300 does it. The machine doesn’t struggle at all while sewing multiple layers of denim, which is an indication of its quality. Up to 20 layers of lightweight material like cotton, won’t be a problem for this machine.