Juki America HZL-353Z: Free Arm Automatic Needle Threader Sewing Machine: Full Review

Juki is a well-known brand in the sewing machine industry with over 85 years of experience. Founded in Japan in 1938, they were one of the first companies to manufacture home sewing machines. Today, Juki is a leading global brand for household and industrial sewing machines, pressing equipment, and robotics.

Juki sewing machines are known for their precise stitching, reliability, and ease of use. Their machines cater to beginner sewers as well as professionals. The Juki HZL-353Z reviewed here is an example of their computerized household sewing machines.

Overview

The Juki HZL-353Z is an automatic, computerized sewing and quilting machine. It features a free arm design that allows easy access for sewing cylindrical pieces like pant legs and sleeves. Some of the main features include:

• Automatic needle threading
• One-step buttonhole sewing
• Built-in stitches including utility, decorative, and buttonhole stitches
• Top loading bobbin
• Automatic thread trimmer
• Start/stop button allows sewing without foot pedal
• Adjustable speed control
• Drop feed for free motion quilting
• Free motion foot included
• Knee lift lever to raise presser foot
• Extension table included

The HZL-353Z provides user-friendly operation combined with advanced features usually found on more expensive machines. Its free arm design and automatic features make it a versatile choice for sewing and quilting projects.

Design

The Juki HZL-353Z has an attractive and compact design that doesn't take up a lot of space, making it great for sewing in small areas. It measures approximately 15.7 x 8.3 x 12 inches and weighs around 14.3 pounds, so it's lightweight and portable enough to transport between rooms or take to classes.

Despite its small footprint, it doesn't feel flimsy or cheap. The metal internal frame and sturdy plastic exterior give it some nice heft. It comes in a clean white finish that looks modern and sleek. The smooth curves and rounded edges give it an approachable and user-friendly appearance.

It has a flatbed design which provides ample space for fabric. The detachable extension table expands the sewing surface even more for large or bulky projects. Everything is neatly laid out on the machine, with settings clearly marked and easily accessible.

Overall, the well-designed body makes sewing comfortable while the compact styling fits into any space. It has a very polished look and feel that seems suited for the intermediate home sewer.

If you're looking for advanced features, consider the Juki HZL-80HP: Sewing Machine with Automatic Needle Threader and Automatic One Step Buttonholing. This model offers the convenience of an automatic needle threader and one-step buttonholing, plus a more sophisticated range of stitches and functions ideal for more experienced sewers.

Ease of Use

The Juki HZL-353Z sewing machine is designed to be very easy to use, making it a great choice for beginners or occasional sewers. The controls and settings are straightforward and intuitive.

There is a large start/stop button right on the front of the machine, so you don't have to use the foot pedal if you don't want to. The speed can be easily adjusted using a slider control. The stitch settings are selected by turning a dial - you can choose from a variety of utility and decorative stitches.

The LCD display screen clearly shows which stitch is selected and the recommended settings like stitch length and width. Adjusting the settings is very simple using the buttons next to the screen. The screen also alerts you if any settings need to be adjusted for the particular fabric or technique.

Threading the needle is practically foolproof with the built-in automatic needle threader. Just follow the numbered guides and the machine does the tricky part for you. There is also a one-touch needle plate converter that allows you to easily switch to the straight stitch needle plate for precise stitching.

Overall, the controls are designed in a very intuitive way that makes this a sewing machine suitable for any experience level. The settings are easy to adjust on the go so you can keep sewing without frustration.

In addition, consider the Juki MO600N Series MO654DE: Portable Thread Serger Sewing Machine, White. This versatile machine offers professional quality stitching with its 2/3/4 thread capability. Its lightweight and compact design make it perfect for both home use and travel, while the color-coded threading guides simplify the setup process. The adjustable cutting width and differential feed ensure precision and control, making it ideal for various fabrics and sewing techniques.

Sewing Capabilities

The Juki HZL-353Z can handle a wide variety of fabrics and sewing tasks. It comes with 33 built-in stitches, including utility stitches, heirloom stitches, and quilting stitches. The most commonly used stitches like straight, zigzag, and buttonhole are all available.

This machine can sew lightweight fabrics like chiffon all the way up to denim and multiple layers of fabric. The needle is able to penetrate tightly woven fabrics that domestic machines sometimes struggle with. The powerful motor allows the HZL-353Z to sew at speeds up to 900 stitches per minute. This makes quick work of long seams or stitching large projects.

The feed dogs and presser foot work together to smoothly feed fabric through the machine. This results in neat, consistent stitching even at high speeds. For precise sewing, the stitch length can be adjusted from 0 to 5mm. The stitch width is adjustable up to 7mm for decorative stitches. Overall the HZL-353Z offers excellent stitch quality and control.

Automatic Features

One of the standout features of the Juki HZL-353Z is the automatic needle threader. Simply follow the numbered diagram, and the machine will thread the needle for you without hassle or eye strain. No more squinting and struggling!

The automatic needle positioner is another neat feature that automatically moves the needle bar to the highest position when the machine is stopped. This makes it easy to change the needle or rotate the handwheel for threading. You don't have to manually crank the handwheel to get the needle in the right spot.

The machine also features a one-touch reverse button that eliminates the need to reach for a separate reverse stitch lever. Just push the button to easily backtack and reinforce stitches. An LED light brightly illuminates the sewing area for visibility.

Accessories

The Juki HZL-353Z comes with several handy accessories right out of the box. This includes a variety of presser feet for different techniques like zipper insertion, buttonholes, blind hemming and more.

It has a zigzag foot, zipper foot, button fitting foot, blind stitch foot, buttonhole foot and an automatic buttonhole foot. Having all these presser feet included is a major plus, as they often need to be purchased separately with other machines.

Some other accessories include a dust cover to protect the machine when not in use, a foot controller, bobbins, a seam ripper, needle set, twin needle, screwdriver, lint brush, spool caps, spool pin felt, and spool holder. An instructional manual and DVD are also provided.

The array of included accessories provides you with everything you need to get started sewing right away on a wide range of projects. You won't have to spend extra buying presser feet and accessories that should come standard with a sewing machine in this class.

Noise Level

The Juki HZL-353Z operates at a relatively quiet noise level, making it suitable for use in homes or apartments without causing too much disturbance. The machine has a 60 decibel noise rating which is average for a sewing machine. While you can hear the motor humming and the internal mechanisms working, it does not have a piercing shrill sound that some budget machines tend to produce.

The noise is low enough to have a conversation over and listen to music or TV in the background. You won't need to turn up the volume too high or shout to be heard with the 353Z running. This makes it a flexible option for sewing in shared spaces.

Some users do report the machine gets slightly louder at high speeds. But overall, the noise levels remain within a moderate, unobtrusive range. Many are pleasantly surprised by how quietly this computerized machine operates given its power and speed capabilities. The noise output is comparable to other machines in this class.

Maintenance

Proper cleaning and oiling is important for keeping the Juki HZL-353Z running smoothly. Here are some tips:

• Clean the exterior with a soft dry cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners or getting liquids inside the machine.

• Remove lint and threads from inside the bobbin case after each use. Use the included lint brush or a soft cloth.

• Oil the machine periodically. Put a few drops of sewing machine oil on the parts that move, like the needle bar and take-up lever. Avoid over-oiling.

• Refer to the user manual for full maintenance instructions. Juki recommends bringing it in for a professional servicing once per year.

• Replace the needle regularly, especially if it becomes bent or dull. Use the correct needle system and size for your fabric type.

• Monitor the condition of electrical cords and foot pedal. Don't operate the machine if any damage is visible.

Proper cleaning and maintenance will keep the Juki HZL-353Z running smoothly for many years of sewing projects. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations to extend the life of your machine.

Pros and Cons

The Juki HZL-353Z sewing machine has many great features but also some downsides to consider.

Pros

• Powerful motor handles thick fabrics well
• Large variety of built-in stitches including utility, heirloom, and decorative
• One-step needle threader is easy to use
• Automatic thread cutter saves time
• Knee lift lever frees your hands while sewing
• Bright LED lighting illuminates the sewing area
• Easy to adjust stitch length and width
• Drop feed makes free-motion quilting simple
• Good for beginners but with features advanced sewers will appreciate

Cons

• Manual thread tension adjustment can be tricky
• Presser foot pressure not adjustable
• Smaller throat space may limit quilting capabilities
• Not capable of twin needle sewing
• No extension table included
• On the noisy side when running at full speed
• Instruction manual could be more detailed