Juki HZL-80HP: Sewing Machine with Automatic Needle Threader and Automatic One Step Buttonholing: Full Review

Juki is a well-known Japanese brand that has been manufacturing sewing machines since 1938. They are respected worldwide for their high-quality industrial and home sewing machines.

Juki aims to make sewing accessible by providing user-friendly machines packed with features. Their goal is to enhance the sewing experience for all levels of sewists. The Juki HZL-80HP is one of their computerized sewing and quilting machines designed for home use.

Overview

The Juki HZL-80HP is a computerized home sewing and quilting machine. It features a wide range of built-in stitches including utility, heirloom, and decorative options. Key features include:

• 130 built-in stitches including utility, quilting, heirloom, and decorative
• Automatic needle threader
• One-step buttonholer
• Easy bobbin winding system
• Large work surface and extension table
• Easy reverse stitch and auto lock stitch functions
• Adjustable speed control
• Built-in needle up/down control
• Large backlit LCD display screen
• Hard shell cover included

The HZL-80HP combines advanced functionality with simplicity of use, making it a versatile machine suitable for beginners and experienced sewers alike. Its sturdy metal interior frame and automatic features allow sewers to tackle a wide variety of projects with professional results.

Design and Build Quality

The Juki HZL-80HP sewing machine features a sturdy metal frame and body, built for stability and long-lasting performance. The outer housing is made from a durable plastic material that can withstand normal wear and tear.

At 17.2 lbs, the HZL-80HP has a reassuring heft that minimizes machine vibration during sewing. The weight also makes the machine feel stable and solid when operating at high speeds. However, at under 20 lbs, the HZL-80HP maintains reasonable portability to transport between sewing stations or take to classes.

The interior metal framework reduces flexing while sewing, allowing neat and precise stitching. There are no loose joints or weak points that affect stitch quality. The solid inner mechanisms also minimize noise levels, for smoother and quieter operation.

Overall, the HZL-80HP demonstrates excellent build quality with premium materials selected for longevity and resilience. Key components are engineered for stability and accuracy over many years of regular use. The weight and construction strike a great balance between sturdiness and portability.

If you seek more advanced features, consider the Juki HZL-DX7: Sewing Machine with 287 Stitch Patterns and 4 Fonts. This model offers an extensive range of 287 stitch patterns and 4 fonts, ideal for more intricate sewing projects. It maintains Juki's reputation for quality construction and durability, making it a versatile and reliable choice for various sewing needs. With its enhanced capabilities, the HZL-DX7 provides a truly enjoyable sewing experience.

Ease of Use

The Juki HZL-80HP is designed to be very user-friendly for both beginners and experienced sewers. The controls and displays are straightforward and intuitive. There is a large speed control slider, stitch length and width dials, and an easy-to-read LCD screen that displays your selected stitch.

Threading the machine is simple and hassle-free thanks to the built-in needle threader. Just follow the numbered threading guides and lever the threader to effortlessly pass the thread through the needle. There is also a handy bobbin winding system integrated into the machine. Winding bobbins is fast and easy - just place your spool on the spindles, feed the thread through the guide, and press the foot pedal. The machine winds the bobbin neatly and stops automatically when full.

Overall, the HZL-80HP allows you to spend less time preparing and adjusting your machine, and more time enjoying the actual sewing process. The well-designed controls, automatic needle threader, and bobbin winding system make it one of the most user-friendly machines around. Even sewing novices will find it intuitive to use right out of the box.

Sewing Performance

The Juki HZL-80HP delivers excellent sewing performance that both beginners and experienced sewers will appreciate. It produces high-quality stitches at a fast sewing speed of 800 stitches per minute, making it suitable for most sewing projects.

The machine uses an automatic needle threading system and features a drop feed mechanism for smooth fabric feeding. This results in neat, consistent stitching on a wide variety of fabrics, from lightweight cottons to multiple layers of denim. Even at high speeds, the stitches remain evenly spaced with no bunching or skipping.

It can handle thick seams without hesitation, thanks to its powerful motor and strong needle penetration. The machine comes with a pack of Juki branded needles to get you started. Changing the needle is quick and easy with the built-in needle changing tool.

Overall, the sewing performance of the Juki HZL-80HP is excellent. It sews smoothly and quietly while producing beautiful, high-quality stitches on all types of fabrics. The speed, power, and precision make it a great choice for both basic and more advanced projects.

Specialized Features

The Juki HZL-80HP sewing machine comes with several specialized features that make sewing easier and expand functionality.

One of the standout features is the one-step buttonhole function. With just a single step, you can make perfectly sized buttonholes for any project. The buttonhole foot and program dial make sizing and stitching buttonholes simple.

Another top feature is the automatic needle threader. With a quick lever motion, the threader pushes the thread right through the needle eye. This saves a lot of frustration and makes threading the needle almost effortless.

The HZL-80HP also has a convenient reverse stitch lever for reinforcing seam ends with just a press. An adjustable presser foot pressure dial lets you fine tune pressure for different fabric weights.

There is a built-in retractable light that illuminates the sewing area nicely. Hard-to-see dark fabrics become clearly visible under the bright LED light.

Other highlights include a free arm for circular sewing, a fast and powerful motor at 800 SPM, and a knee lift lever to raise the presser foot without using your hands. With its combination of user-friendly features and versatile sewing capabilities, the Juki HZL-80HP is a feature-packed machine.

Accessories

The Juki HZL-80HP comes with a variety of useful accessories right out of the box. It includes:

• 4 Snap-on presser feet for basic sewing - zigzag foot, zipper foot, blind stitch foot, and buttonhole foot
• Buttonhole opener/seam ripper for opening buttonholes and removing stitches
• Lint brush for cleaning lint and threads from the machine
• Quilting guide for even spacing when quilting or sewing parallel rows
• Spool holder for holding a second spool of thread
• Spool caps for securing different sizes of thread spools
• Needle set with 2 sharp needles, 2 ballpoint needles, and 2 twin needles
• Bobbin x 4 for the bottom thread
• Screwdriver for light maintenance and changing needles
• Soft cover for protecting the machine when not in use
• Instruction manual with tutorials and sewing tips

Having all these accessories included allows you to get started sewing a wide variety of projects without needing to purchase anything extra. The specialty presser feet, in particular, make techniques like installing zippers, sewing buttons, and creating buttonholes very easy right away.

Maintenance

Keeping your Juki HZL-80HP well-maintained is key to its longevity and performance. Here are some tips for cleaning, oiling, and troubleshooting:

Cleaning

• Wipe down the exterior of the machine regularly with a soft, dry cloth to remove any dust or lint buildup. Pay special attention to the bobbin area.
• Use a small brush to dust out the crevices and tight spaces that are difficult to reach. This includes around the feed dogs and bobbin case area.
• To remove built up lint and threads in the bobbin area, slide off the extension table to access the area fully. Use tweezers if needed to grab trapped threads.
• After sewing, wipe down the needle plate area to remove any fabric bits or lint.

Oiling

• Oil the spots marked for oiling, such as the hook race area, with sewing machine oil. Avoid over-oiling.
• Refer to your manual for the manufacturer's oiling recommendations. Juki may recommend oiling after every 40 hours of sewing time.
• A drop or two of oil in the spots recommended is sufficient.
• Always wipe away excess oil so it does not stain fabric.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Refer to the manual for troubleshooting specific error codes or issues.
• Ensure the machine is correctly threaded. Rethreading fixes many problems.
• Change the needle at first signs of skipping stitches or thread breaks.
• Check bobbin case positioning if experiencing poor stitch formation.
• Remove lint buildup under the needle plate if hearing crunching sounds.
• Adjust thread tension higher or lower if needed to correct uneven stitching.

Proper maintenance keeps your machine running smoothly for many years of reliable service. Refer to your manual for the manufacturer's specific care recommendations.

Pros and Cons

The Juki HZL-80HP sewing machine has many great features but also some drawbacks to consider.

Pros

• Automatic needle threader makes setup quick and easy
• One step buttonhole function creates perfect buttonholes with just one lever
• Wide range of included accessories like extra feet, needles, and bobbins
• Powerful motor can handle thick fabrics without slowing down
• LED light brightly illuminates the sewing area
• Easy to use stitch selection dial and length/width adjustments
• Smooth and quiet operation while sewing
• Sturdy metal interior frame provides durability
• Good for beginners but also has features advanced sewers will appreciate

Cons

• More expensive than basic entry-level machines
• Smaller throat space may limit projects like quilting
• Limited to basic built-in stitches - no decorative stitch options
• Presser foot pressure not adjustable
• Accessory storage is minimal
• Manual thread cutter requires extra step to trim threads
• Instruction manual could be more detailed

The Juki HZL-80HP is feature-packed for the price point, though the lack of decorative stitches and small throat space may be limiting for some. It's an ideal machine for sewing clothes, crafts, and home decor projects. The automatic needle threader and one step buttonhole make it beginner-friendly. Overall, it's a high-quality, reliable machine great for intermediate sewers.

Conclusion

The Juki HZL-80HP is an excellent sewing machine that lives up to its reputation for precision and reliability. It's a workhorse machine packed with useful features for sewing enthusiasts and small business owners alike.

The powerful motor can handle thick fabrics without hesitation, while the box feed mechanism provides smooth and consistent feeding. Stitches come out clean and accurate thanks to the precise needle positioning. The automatic thread cutter and needle threader are convenient time-savers that make sewing projects more enjoyable.

While it doesn't have as many built-in stitches and decorative functions as computerized machines, it provides everything needed for garment construction, quilting, crafts, and home decor. The automatic one-step buttonhole function consistently produces neat, evenly spaced buttonholes.

For those seeking a high-quality mechanical sewing machine with professional capabilities, the Juki HZL-80HP is easy to recommend. It's durable, reliable, and able to handle demanding sewing tasks with precision and ease. The generous accessories expand its versatility for all types of projects. Overall, it's an excellent investment that will provide many years of sewing enjoyment.