Juki HZL-DX Series HZL-DX5: Sewing Machine: Full Review

The Juki HZL-DX5 is a computerized sewing and quilting machine aimed at advanced home sewists and quilters. This versatile machine offers excellent stitch quality, easy operation, and useful features for tackling a wide range of sewing, quilting, and craft projects.

Juki is known for building high-quality sewing machines that are made to last, and the HZL-DX5 upholds this reputation. It has an aluminum die-cast frame that gives it stability and durability. The exterior has a clean, contemporary look with its white finish accented by blue lettering.

Overall, the HZL-DX5 combines professional-level performance with user-friendly operation. Its computerized functions, automatic features, and included accessories make it a great choice for sewers looking to upgrade from a basic entry-level machine.

Design & Build Quality

The Juki HZL-DX5 is known for its sturdy and durable build quality. It has an aluminum die-cast arm and bedplate that provides stability and reduces vibration while sewing. The exterior uses high-quality plastics that resist scratches and have a smooth finish.

Inside, the machine uses metal internal components like the rotary hook and feed dogs. This gives it the ability to sew smoothly through thick fabrics without straining the motor. The heavy-duty metal interior components also add to the machine's overall ruggedness and reliability.

The machine is precision-engineered and assembled in Japan. You can feel the quality construction in the smooth movement of parts like the handwheel, tension dial, and presser foot lever. Overall, the high-grade materials and precise manufacturing result in a sewing machine built to last through years of regular use.

The Juki HZL-70HW: Computer Sewing Machine with 80 Sewing Patterns is another fantastic option in the Juki lineup. This computerized sewing machine features 80 different sewing patterns, making it versatile and user-friendly. Perfect for both intricate designs and basic sewing needs, it offers advanced needle threading systems and automatic buttonhole functions. Its compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for small spaces and on-the-go sewing. Like other Juki machines, it does not compromise on build quality, ensuring a reliable and enjoyable sewing experience.

Ease of Use

The Juki HZL-DX5 is very user-friendly and easy to operate, making it a great choice for beginners and experienced sewers alike. The machine has an intuitive layout with all controls and settings clearly labeled.

The stitch selection dial allows you to easily choose from the machine's 27 built-in stitches, including utility stitches and decorative stitches. Turning the dial changes the stitch displayed on the LCD screen. There are also buttons to adjust stitch length and width according to your project needs.

Threading the machine is simple with easy-to-follow guides printed right on the machine. There is a one-touch needle threading system that automatically threads the eye of the needle at the push of a button. The bobbin can be loaded and threaded quickly as well.

Adjusting sewing speed is effortless with the slide speed control. The machine can sew slowly for delicate materials or increased to a maximum of 900 stitches per minute for faster projects. The foot pedal also allows you to control sewing speed.

An automatic thread cutter is conveniently located on the side of the machine, allowing you to efficiently trim threads with the touch of a button. Additional ease-of-use features include a built-in needle threader, a reverse sewing lever, a presser foot pressure dial, and a drop feed lever for free-motion sewing.

Overall, the well-designed controls, intuitive layout, and convenient features of the Juki HZL-DX5 make it a very easy to use sewing machine suitable for sewists of all skill levels. Everything is readily accessible for efficient and frustration-free sewing.

Another excellent choice is the Juki HZL-F300: Sewing and Quilting Machine, White. This versatile machine is known for its robust quilting capabilities and includes numerous built-in stitches for both sewing and quilting projects. With an automatic needle threader, programmable needle up/down, and a large LCD screen for easy navigation, the HZL-F300 streamlines both small and large projects, making sewing a pleasure.

Sewing Features

The Juki HZL-DX5 comes with an impressive array of sewing features that provide versatility for a wide range of projects. It offers 120 built-in stitches including utility stitches, stretch stitches, decorative stitches, and buttonhole stitches.

You can easily select stitches using the pattern selection dial and view them on the LCD display screen. There are 6 alphabet styles to personalize projects. Stitch length and width can be adjusted for customization using the top adjustment dials. The machine offers a maximum stitch width of 7mm.

The HZL-DX5 is equipped with an automatic needle threader, making threading the needle hassle-free. It also includes a built-in needle up/down function, allowing you to stop with the needle in the fabric for pivoting or applique work. Additional convenient features include reverse sewing, auto lock stitch, and a start/stop button.

Overall, the extensive selection of stitches and adjustable settings empower sewers to tackle all sorts of sewing, embroidery, quilting, and craft projects with professional results.

Performance

The Juki HZL-DX5 sewing machine delivers impressive performance that will satisfy both beginner and experienced sewers. Its powerful motor allows the machine to achieve a maximum sewing speed of 900 stitches per minute, making it very quick for sewing long seams or completing projects efficiently.

Despite the high speed, the HZL-DX5 maintains smooth and consistent stitching without skipped stitches. The machine sews smoothly through multiple layers of fabric thanks to its powerful motor that provides 70% more piercing power than standard home sewing machines. Even when sewing very thick fabrics like denim, leather, or multiple quilt layers, the machine can handle it without straining, slowing down, or compromising stitch quality.

The HZL-DX5 offers enough speed variation and foot control to handle delicate fabrics as well. You can limit the maximum speed for better control when sewing lightweight or stretchy fabrics that might get distorted at high speeds. Slowing down also helps for precise topstitching or construction on detail areas. Overall, the performance capabilities of this machine make it highly versatile for handling all types of projects and fabrics.

Special Features

The Juki HZL-DX5 sewing machine comes with several special features that make it stand out from other home sewing machines in this price range.

• Box Feed Technology - This patented Juki technology provides smoother fabric feeding for superior stitch quality on all types of fabrics. The box feed dogs prevent fabric from slipping or puckering.

• Automatic Thread Trimmer - At the push of a button, the machine will trim your top and bobbin threads automatically after sewing. This saves time and effort compared to manual thread trimming after each seam.

• Automatic Presser Foot Pressure Control - The presser foot pressure is electronically controlled and automatically optimized for different fabric thicknesses. This prevents skipped stitches and puckering on lightweight or heavy fabrics.

• Free Motion Mode - By dropping the feed dogs, you can sew free-motion embroidery, quilting, and darning. This gives you greater creative control.

• Easy Reverse Stitch Button - Easily sew in reverse with just a push of the button to reinforce stitches.

• Knee Lifter - Use the knee lifter to raise and lower the presser foot hands-free, keeping your hands on the fabric.

• Large Work Area - With its flat bed design, automatic thread cutter, and knee lifter, this machine provides ample work area for managing large sewing projects or quilts.

• LED Light - The bright LED sewing light illuminates the needle area for optimal visibility.

The Juki HZL-DX5 provides user-friendly features that make sewing faster, easier and with professional results for home sewers. These innovative technologies set it apart from basic entry-level machines.

Accessories

The Juki HZL-DX5 comes with a wide range of accessories and attachments right out of the box. This includes:

• All purpose foot - This is the standard presser foot that comes installed on the machine. It can handle most general sewing tasks.

• Zipper foot - Makes inserting zippers much easier by allowing close needle positioning to the zipper coils.

• Buttonhole foot - Allows you to create buttonholes with precision and consistency.

• Button sewing foot - Used to sew on buttons by feeding them through the slot on the foot.

• Blind stitch foot - Creates nearly invisible hemming stitches, ideal for invisible hems.

• Bobbin - Comes with 4 bobbins in the box so you have spares ready to go.

• Seam ripper - For unpicking stitches when you make a mistake.

• Needle set - Includes 3 needles to get started, with twin needle also included.

• Screwdrivers - For maintenance of the machine when needed.

• Spool caps - To hold threads neatly in place on the spool pin.

• Spool pin felt - Prevents thread tangling on the spool pin.

• Dust cover - Protects the machine when not in use.

• Foot control - Variable speed foot pedal for controlling the machine.

• Knee lifter - Allows you to lift the presser foot hands-free using your knee.

• Instruction manual - Detailed operating manual and troubleshooting guide.

The accessories provided cover all the basics you need to get up and running with most sewing projects. The inclusion of specialty feet like the zipper and blind hem foot add further value.

Maintenance

The Juki HZL-DX5 is a computerized sewing machine, so it requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Here are some tips for cleaning and maintaining your HZL-DX5:

Cleaning - Wipe down the exterior of your machine regularly with a soft cloth to remove any dust or lint buildup. Pay close attention to the areas around the needle and feed dogs, as lint can easily accumulate there. - Use a small brush to remove lint and threads from inside the bobbin case. - Occasionally wipe down your machine's LCD screen with a microfiber cloth to keep it free of fingerprints and smudges. Avoid using harsh cleaners on the screen. - Use a vacuum attachment to suck up any loose threads or lint inside the machine's interior. This will keep the internal components clean.

Oiling - The HZL-DX5 should be oiled about once a month to lubricate the moving parts. Use only sewing machine oil, never regular household oils. - Put a few drops of oil on the points indicated in your manual, such as the needle bar, take-up lever, and feed dog mechanisms. - Always wipe away any excess oil so it doesn't stain your fabric.

Servicing - Plan to have your Juki serviced by an authorized Juki technician every 1-2 years. This will involve a thorough cleaning, adjustment, and replacement of any worn parts. - Replace the needle regularly, especially if it is looking bent, blunt, or burred. Use only needles recommended for your fabric type. - If you notice any skipping stitches, error messages, or unusual noises coming from the machine, have it looked at by a professional before continuing sewing.

Following this basic maintenance routine will help ensure your HZL-DX5 continues running smoothly for years to come! Let the machine dealer or an authorized service center handle any major repairs or maintenance beyond your comfort level.

Pros & Cons

The Juki HZL-DX5 sewing machine has several excellent features along with a few drawbacks to consider:

Pros

• Powerful 550 SPM motor provides fast, smooth sewing
• Large work area and automatic presser foot lift offer great fabric control
• Easy bobbin winding and drop-in bobbin for quick thread changes
• Bright LED lighting illuminates the sewing area
• Wide variety of included accessories like zipper foot and walking foot
• Easy stitch selection and length/width adjustment dials
• Free arm for sewing sleeves and cuffs
• Reliable performance even at high speeds
• Sturdy metal interior frame and quality construction

Cons

• Limited to basic stitches - no decorative options
• Buttonholes require a separate foot attachment
• Smaller throat space may limit thick fabrics
• Manual thread tension adjustment can be tricky
• No automatic thread cutter
• Some users report issues with upper thread tension

The Juki HZL-DX5 provides excellent sewing performance for the price, though creative sewers may want more decorative options. For utility sewing and garment construction, it handles most tasks with ease. Pay close attention to thread tension settings for best results.

Conclusion

The Juki HZL-DX Series sewing machine is a high-quality computerized sewing and quilting machine that offers many useful features for home sewers. It has a sturdy metal interior frame and a wide extension table to support large sewing projects. The easy-to-use LCD screen and automatic needle threader make it simple to get set up and sewing.

There are 185 built-in stitches to choose from, including utility stitches and decorative stitches. You can customize and save stitch settings. The machine sews up to 900 stitches per minute, providing good sewing speed on most fabrics. The automatic thread cutter is convenient for finishing seams quickly.

While this Juki model may not have as many stitches and accessories as more expensive machines, it includes the most common stitches needed for sewing and quilting projects. The machine provides good value overall for the price.

The Juki HZL-DX5 is easy to use straight out of the box, even for beginners. Yet it has enough features and capabilities to appeal to experienced sewers as well. If you're looking for a computerized sewing machine with plenty of utility stitches, solid construction, and user-friendly operation, the Juki HZL-DX Series is an excellent choice to consider.