Juki HZL-27Z: Sewing Machine: Full Review

Juki is one of the most well-known brands for sewing machines, with over 85 years of experience manufacturing high-quality machines. The Juki HZL-27Z is one of their computerized sewing and quilting machines geared towards advanced home sewists and quilters.

The HZL-27Z model combines user-friendly operation with powerful sewing capabilities. As a computerized machine, it offers a wide variety of built-in stitches and automatic functions to simplify sewing and quilting projects. Juki emphasizes the machine's "simple is best" design approach, focusing on delivering excellent stitch quality without unnecessary bells and whistles.

Design and Appearance

The Juki HZL-27Z has a stylish and modern design with rounded edges and a smooth white and light gray color scheme. It has a relatively compact footprint, measuring about 15.7 x 8.3 x 12.2 inches and weighing around 26.5 pounds. This makes it a good option if you're looking for a sewing machine that doesn't take up too much space.

The machine comes in two color variations - white with light gray accents, or light gray with white accents. Both color options feature sleek curved edges and smooth surfaces that give it an elegant, contemporary look. The body covers are made of durable ABS plastic that resist scratches and wear. Overall, the HZL-27Z has an attractive design that will look nice in any sewing room.

In comparison, the Juki DX-1500QVP: Computerized Sewing Machine offers advanced features like an automatic needle threader, a large touchscreen with intuitive controls, and extensive stitch options. The modern design also caters to quilters and embroidery enthusiasts, making it a versatile addition to your crafting space. Its robust build and sleek lines provide an equally appealing aesthetic, ensuring it complements any sewing area beautifully.

Features

The Juki HZL-27Z boasts an impressive array of features for a sewing machine in this price range. It offers 27 built-in stitches including utility stitches, decorative stitches, and buttonholes. The maximum sewing speed is 900 stitches per minute, making it suitable for both lightweight and medium-weight fabrics.

There is a backlit LCD screen that displays key settings like the selected stitch, stitch width/length, and presser foot recommendation. The screen makes it easy to adjust settings and see what mode you are sewing in. An extension table provides extra surface area support around the needle, helpful for large sewing projects or quilting.

Some additional conveniences include a built-in needle threader, automatic thread cutter, reverse sewing capability, and adjustable presser foot pressure. There are also two retractable spool pins which allow twin needle sewing.

In addition to the Juki HZL-27Z, the Juki HZL-80HP: Sewing Machine with Automatic Needle Threader and Automatic One Step Buttonholing offers even more advanced features. This model includes a one-step buttonhole function, allowing for easy and precise buttonholes, and an automatic needle threader that simplifies setup. With enhanced stitching options and a wider variety of settings, the HZL-80HP is ideal for sewers looking to expand their creativity and efficiency.

Ease of Use

The Juki HZL-27Z is designed to be user-friendly for both beginner and experienced sewers. The controls are straightforward with a simple dial to select your stitch and buttons to start/stop sewing and reverse.

Threading the machine is easy with a clearly marked path to follow. The automatic needle threader is also handy for effortlessly threading the needle. Bobbin winding is fast and simple with the built-in winder. You just place your spool of thread on the winder spindle, pull your thread through the guide, and press the foot pedal to start winding the bobbin. There's an automatic stop when the bobbin is fully wound.

Overall, the simple controls, easy threading, and quick bobbin winding make this a very beginner-friendly sewing machine that more advanced sewers will also appreciate for its ease of use. The well-labeled diagrams in the instruction manual are handy for learning how to use and thread the machine.

Sewing Performance

The HZL-27Z excels when it comes to sewing performance. The feed dogs provide excellent grip and control when feeding fabric through, preventing slipping and puckering on all fabric types. The presser foot pressure is fully adjustable, allowing you to fine tune it for any fabric weight. The stitch quality itself is superb - stitches are perfectly formed, even and consistent. The machine sews smooth, straight seams without skipping stitches or thread nests forming. Even at high speeds, stitch quality remains excellent. Decorative and stretch stitches are just as neat and uniform as regular straight stitches. The HZL-27Z handles thick fabrics like denim with ease, as well as sheer, slippery fabrics like silk without any issues. Overall, the sewing performance matches or exceeds far more expensive machines.

Accessories

The Juki HZL-27Z comes with a variety of accessories to get you started sewing right out of the box. It includes 4 snap-on presser feet for basic sewing needs - a zigzag foot, zipper foot, blind stitch foot, and buttonhole foot. Having multiple presser feet included is a nice added value, since many other sewing machines at this price point only come with a general purpose foot.

The machine also includes a pack of 5 bobbins, a seam ripper, lint brush, screwdriver, spool caps, spool pin felt, and needle set. The accessory pack has all the key items you need to thread, maintain and operate the machine. The variety of included feet and bobbins makes this a very complete accessory bundle.

Maintenance

The Juki HZL-27Z is a low maintenance machine that will sew smoothly and accurately for years with just simple cleaning and oiling. It's recommended to wipe down the exterior of the machine and remove any dust, lint, or thread buildup. Pay special attention to the bobbin area, feed dogs, and needle plate to keep them free of debris.

Use a small brush or compressed air to remove lint and threads from inside the bobbin case and around the feed dogs. A tiny drop of sewing machine oil on the needle bar and moving joints every 3-4 months will keep everything operating smoothly. Refer to your manual for oiling points. Avoid over-oiling the machine.

Be sure to use only light sewing machine oil for lubrication. Too much oil or improper oil can lead to issues. After oiling, run the machine for a bit to allow oil to spread evenly before sewing again. Proper cleaning and oiling is key to keeping your Juki trouble-free for the long run.

Warranty

The Juki HZL-27Z comes with a 5 year limited warranty. This covers any defects in materials or workmanship for 5 years from the date of purchase.

Some key points about the warranty:

• It is valid only for the original purchaser with proof of purchase. The warranty is not transferable.

• The warranty covers parts and labor. Juki will repair or replace any defective parts free of charge.

• The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, improper use or care, or damage due to accidents. Any alterations or unauthorized repairs will also void the warranty.

• For warranty service, the machine will need to be sent back to an authorized Juki dealer. The customer is responsible for shipping and insurance costs.

• Juki reserves the right to determine whether a defect is covered by the warranty. Cosmetic issues like scratches would not be covered.

• There are no deductibles or fees to receive service under the standard 5 year warranty.

Overall, the included 5 year warranty provides peace of mind that any manufacturing issues will be addressed. Just be sure to register the warranty and keep your receipt in case you need to make a claim. Normal maintenance and care is still required.

Pros

The Juki HZL-27Z sewing machine has many benefits that make it a great choice:

• Excellent stitch quality - It produces consistent, high-quality stitches on all types of fabric. The machine sews smoothly without skipping stitches.

• User-friendly operation - The HZL-27Z is easy to thread, wind bobbins, and operate. It has an automatic needle threader, top loading bobbin, and intuitive controls. The LCD screen displays key settings.

• Versatile - This machine can handle a wide variety of sewing projects. It has 27 built-in stitches for construction, decorative sewing, quilting, and more. The maximum stitch width is 7mm.

• Reliable performance - Juki is known for making durable, long-lasting sewing machines. The HZL-27Z has a powerful motor and all-metal interior frame for skip-free sewing. It sews smoothly through multiple layers of fabric.

Cons

While the Juki HZL-27Z is a high-quality sewing machine, it does have some drawbacks to consider:

• Limited decorative stitches - The HZL-27Z only has 4 built-in stitches: straight, zigzag, blind hem, and buttonhole. This can be limiting for sewers who want more stitch options for decorative sewing.

• No speed control - There is no way to adjust the sewing speed on this machine. It operates at a constant speed which may be too fast for beginners.

• Noise level - The HZL-27Z is quite loud when operating, which some users find disruptive, especially for long sewing sessions. Using a sewing machine table can help dampen the noise.

• Manual thread tension - Thread tension is adjusted manually by turning a dial. Some sewers prefer automatic thread tension for convenience.

• No automatic needle threader - While many machines have a handy automatic needle threading function, the HZL-27Z requires threading the needle manually.