Juki Haruka TL18QVP: Portable Quilting and Sewing Machine: Full Review

The Juki Haruka TL18QVP is an affordable domestic sewing machine designed for quilting and basic sewing projects. Juki is a Japanese brand known for producing high-quality industrial sewing machines, so the Haruka brings that pedigree to the home sewer in a portable package.

This computerized sewing machine includes a wide range of stitches and easy operation, making it a versatile machine for beginners through intermediate sewers. The Haruka's compact size and light weight allow it to be carried to classes or sewing meetups. However, it still has the power and performance to handle quilting, crafting, garments, and home decor projects with a variety of fabrics.

With its portable design, computerized stitch selection, and specialized quilting features, the Juki Haruka TL18QVP aims to provide an accessible sewing and quilting machine for home crafters. This review will examine the Haruka's key specifications, features, accessories, and overall performance for quilting and sewing.

Specifications

The Juki Haruka TL-18QVP is a lightweight and compact portable sewing and quilting machine. Some key specifications include:

• Weight - 11.46 lbs
• Dimensions - 15.7" W x 8.3" H x 15.4" D
• Sewing speed - 900 spm max
• Needle system - 134 needle system
• Presser foot clearance - 5mm
• Feed dog drop - Yes
• Maximum stitch width - 7mm
• Maximum stitch length - 5mm
• Number of built-in stitches - 57 including utility, heirloom, quilting stitches and buttonholes
• Automatic needle threader - Yes
• Top loading bobbin - Yes, with see through cover
• Work light - LED light

The machine has a lightweight and portable design making it easy to transport and store. It can handle a variety of fabrics from lightweight to multiple layers of denim thanks to its powerful motor. The generous clearance under the presser foot allows quilting through thicker projects.

Another excellent option from Juki is the Juki TL-2010Q: High Speed Sewing & Quilting Machine With Free Bonus Pack. This high-speed sewing and quilting machine offers superior stitch quality and a robust build suitable for heavy-duty tasks. It also includes a free bonus pack, adding extra value for your purchase. The TL-2010Q boasts features such as an industrial sub-tension unit and an adjustable presser foot pressure, making it an excellent choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Features

The Juki Haruka TL18QVP is packed with features that make it a versatile sewing and quilting machine. It has an LED light that brightly illuminates the sewing area for better visibility. The knee lift allows you to raise and lower the presser foot without using your hands, keeping them free to guide the fabric.

There are 37 built-in stitches to choose from, including utility stitches and decorative stitches. The stitch length and width are adjustable to customize your stitches. An automatic needle threader threads the needle with the press of a button.

The feed dog mechanism provides smooth fabric feeding for consistent stitch lengths. The machine comes with 7 presser feet for different techniques like zipper insertion, buttonholes, and free motion quilting. There are also extension tables included to provide a larger flat work surface.

Overall, the array of features allows you to tackle a wide variety of sewing and quilting projects with ease. The knee lift, LED light, and selection of stitches and presser feet make the Haruka TL18QVP a well-equipped portable machine.

For those seeking even more advanced features, consider the Juki HZL-NX7 Next Generation: Long Arm Sewing and Quilting Machine. It offers an extended workspace with a long arm design, making it perfect for larger quilting projects. The HZL-NX7 includes intuitive touchscreen controls and a wide variety of stitches, providing exceptional versatility and precision for all your sewing needs.

Ease of Use

The Juki Haruka is very easy to use for both beginners and experienced sewers. The controls are intuitive and straightforward. There is a start/stop button, reverse button, speed control slider, and needle up/down button conveniently located on the front of the machine.

Setting up the machine is simple since it comes with an easy threading system, automatic thread cutter, and quick set bobbin. There are markings on the machine to guide you through threading the upper thread and winding the bobbin. Adjusting settings like stitch length and width is also easy with designated dials. The stitch selection knob allows you to choose from a variety of utility and decorative stitches.

Overall, the Juki Haruka doesn't require a lot of fiddling to get started. It has user-friendly controls and settings that make it accessible for sewers of all skill levels. The well-labeled buttons and guides aid in the setup process. Once threaded and loaded, you can start sewing right away without hassle.

Sewing Performance

The Haruka TL-18QVP performs exceptionally well at basic sewing tasks with its variety of built-in stitches. The stitch quality is excellent, producing uniform stitches without skipped stitches or thread jams on stable woven fabrics like cotton, linen, and midweight denim. The machine handles lightweight and stretchy fabrics like jersey knits and chiffon without difficulty by adjusting the stitch length and width.

Straight stitches come out perfectly straight and have balanced tension. The machine sews smooth zigzag stitches for finishing seam allowances, applique work, and adding stretch to seams. The buttonholes are precise thanks to the automatic buttonhole function that sizes the buttonhole to the button you insert. The machine sews out buttonholes evenly without bunching the fabric. Overall, the Haruka TL-18QVP provides excellent stitch performance for sewing garments, quilts, crafts, and home decor projects.

Quilting Capabilities

The Juki Haruka TL-18QVP excels when it comes to quilting, making it a great choice for quilters looking for a portable sewing and quilting machine.

It features a walking foot that helps feed thick fabrics and quilting materials smoothly and evenly. The walking foot prevents fabrics from shifting and puckering, enabling neat stitches on multiple layers. You can engage the walking foot with a quick snap-on attachment for easier quilting.

Free motion quilting is also easy with the TL-18QVP. Simply lower the feed dogs and attach the darning foot to glide the fabric freely under the needle. The generous 8" workspace gives you plenty of room for managing large quilts or projects.

The TL-18QVP has no issue handling thick layers of batting, backing, and quilt top fabrics. Its box feed system and powerful motor work together to feed high-loft batting and heavy quilt sandwiches consistently through the machine. There's no need to fight with layers or worry about uneven stitches, even when quilting heavy wool blankets or puffy organic cotton battings.

With its quilting-focused features, the Juki Haruka TL-18QVP provides quilters the capabilities they need in a portable size.

Accessories

The Juki Haruka TL18QVP comes with a decent selection of included accessories for basic sewing and quilting tasks.

In the box, you get:

• Zipper foot
• Blind stitch foot
• Button fitting foot
• Buttonhole foot
• Overcasting foot
• Monogramming foot
• General purpose foot
• Straight stitch foot
• Darning plate
• Bobbin x3
• Needle set
• Twin needle
• Screwdriver
• Lint brush
• Seam ripper
• Spool cap x2
• Spool holder
• Knee lifter
• Instructional manual
• Power cord
• Foot control

This covers most of the basics like installing zippers, sewing buttons, finishing seam edges, and doing some decorative stitches.

For quilting, the included walking foot is particularly useful to prevent fabric shifting and puckering on quilt layers. The knee lifter allows you to raise the presser foot hands-free while maneuvering thick quilts.

Some handy optional accessories to expand the machine's capabilities include:

• Quilting foot - For free-motion quilting
• Open toe foot - For better visibility on decorative stitches
• 1/4" foot - For accurate seam allowances
• Edge joining foot - For perfectly matched seams
• Gathering foot - For ruffles and smocking
• Hemmer foot - For hemming edges
• Cording foot - For embellishing with cord
• Circular attachment - For sewing circles

So while the Haruka TL18QVP comes with a solid selection, there are a few specialty feet that can enhance performance for certain techniques. Purchasing extras allows customizing based on your particular sewing and quilting needs.

Noise Level

The Juki Haruka TL-18QVP produces minimal noise while sewing, making it ideal for sewing in quiet environments or late at night without disturbing others. The quiet operation comes from the machine's DC motor and stable construction.

There is very little vibration during sewing, even at high speeds. You don't hear any knocking sounds from the internal mechanisms. The machine runs smoothly and quietly.

Most user reviews mention how impressively quiet this machine is. You can have a conversation, watch TV, or listen to music while sewing without the machine noise interfering. The quietness makes it especially nice for sewing late at night when family members are sleeping.

The TL-18QVP has a rotary hook bobbin system and needle bar mechanism that minimizes noise. Juki touts this machine as their "quietest portable model" which lives up to that promise. It's quieter than other portable machines in this price range.

You'll appreciate the peaceful, quiet environment the TL-18QVP provides while sewing. It allows you to focus on your project without distraction. The noise level is a major plus for this machine.

Maintenance

The Juki Haruka TL-18QVP is a low maintenance machine, but regular cleaning and oiling will keep it running smoothly for years.

Cleaning - It's important to keep your machine free of lint and stray threads. Wipe down the exterior with a soft cloth after every few projects. Use the included brush to sweep lint and threads from inside the bobbin case and around the feed dogs. Change the needle regularly to avoid skipped stitches.

Oiling - The Haruka TL-18QVP is oil lubricated, with 4-5 oil ports to lubricate the inner mechanisms. Refer to your manual for oiling instructions. In general, put 1-2 drops of sewing machine oil into each port every 3-5 bobbins of stitching. Avoid over-oiling to prevent dripping and staining.

Troubleshooting - The Haruka TL-18QVP typically runs problem-free. If issues arise: - Skipped stitches - Change the needle and rethread top and bobbin. Adjust thread tension. - Tangled thread - Check for snags, rethread and ensure proper thread tension. - Noisy operation - Add oil to oil ports. Check for obstructions. - Not sewing straight - Check needle is inserted properly. Adjust presser foot pressure.

Follow the troubleshooting steps in the manual. For significant issues, take it in for professional service. With proper care, your Haruka TL-18QVP should deliver years of smooth and precise sewing.

Conclusion

The Juki Haruka TL18QVP is an excellent portable sewing and quilting machine that offers many benefits for home quilters and sewists.

Pros: - Lightweight and portable at only 15.4 lbs - Powerful 550 SPM stitching
- Drop feed for free motion quilting - 18 built-in stitches including utility and decorative
- Automatic needle threader - Large table space and extension table option - LED light brightly illuminates workspace - Low noise operation

Cons: - Limited stitch selection compared to computerized machines
- Manual thread tension adjustment can be tricky - Presser foot pressure not adjustable - Smaller throat space than longarm quilting machines

Overall, the Juki Haruka TL18QVP delivers outstanding performance, convenience, and portability. The combination of power, precision, thoughtful design features, and brand reputation make it a quilting and sewing machine worth investing in. Home quilters who seek portability and quality stitching will find this Juki model provides an exceptional sewing and quilting experience. Its power and generous work area handle quilting projects beautifully. While computerized machines offer more functionality, this Juki provides reliability and quality at a reasonable price point. The Haruka TL18QVP is highly recommended for quilters and sewists focused on portability without compromising on stitch quality and capabilities.