Juki HZL-F400 Exceed Series: Computer Sewing Quilting Machine, White: Full Review

The Juki HZL-F400 is an advanced computerized sewing and quilting machine designed for home quilters, sewers, and crafters. Part of Juki's Exceed line, it combines user-friendly features with professional-quality construction. This versatile machine can handle a wide range of fabrics and projects, from delicate silks to multiple layers of denim.

The HZL-F400 features an automatic thread trimmer, easy needle threading system, and large color LCD screen displaying stitch settings. With its powerful motor, the HZL-F400 sews up to 900 stitches per minute yet operates quietly. It comes with a wide table for supporting large quilt projects. Overall, the HZL-F400 offers excellent stitch quality, easy operation, and thoughtful engineering.

Specifications

The Juki HZL-F400 Exceed is a computerized sewing and quilting machine that offers many features and capabilities. Here are the key specifications:

• Dimensions - The machine measures 17.25" x 8.5" x 12" (W x H x D). It has a relatively compact footprint for a sewing and quilting machine.

• Weight - The HZL-F400 weighs about 26.5 pounds. This makes it substantial enough to stay stable during sewing, but light enough to be portable.

• Sewing Speed - With a maximum sewing speed of 900 stitches per minute, the HZL-F400 is on the faster side for home sewing and quilting machines. This allows you to complete projects efficiently.

• Needle Positions - There are 37 needle positions to allow precise stitch placement. This is beneficial for detailed sewing work.

• Feed Dog - The machine has an advanced feed dog system designed for smooth fabric feeding, especially with thicker quilting materials.

• Bobbin System - It uses a top loading full rotary hook bobbin system for jam-free sewing. The bobbin case is transparent so you can easily monitor the bobbin thread supply.

• Needle Threader - There is an automatic needle threader for effortless threading each time.

• LCD Screen - The LCD screen measures 1.8" x 3.6" and displays key settings like stitch type, length and width.

Overall, the specifications of the Juki HZL-F400 highlight its strengths as a computerized sewing and quilting machine suitable for home quilters, sewers, and crafters. It has a robust build quality with features focused on ease of use.

Another great option to consider is the Juki HZL-LB5100: Computerized Sewing Machine. This model offers a wide array of stitches and an easy-to-read LCD screen, making it user-friendly for both beginners and experienced sewers. Additionally, its lightweight design makes it extremely portable, while still providing the powerful performance Juki machines are known for.

Features

The Juki HZL-F400 offers many advanced features to enhance your sewing and quilting projects. As a computerized sewing and quilting machine, it allows you to select from 160 built-in stitches at the touch of a button on the large LCD display screen.

You can easily adjust the sewing speed from slow to fast with a speed control slider, giving you full control for delicate and intricate stitching. The HZL-F400 has a one-pedal foot controller for hands-free speed adjustment as well.

For your convenience, this Juki model has a knee lifter that raises and lowers the presser foot with the tap of your knee, keeping your hands free to guide the fabric. An wide extension table provides extra workspace for managing large quilts or projects.

The HZL-F400 comes with 6 quick-set bobbins to get you sewing faster. An automatic needle threader is also built-in to effortlessly thread the needle each time. With its advanced computerized features, selection of built-in stitches, and thoughtful design details, the Juki HZL-F400 aims to make sewing, quilting and crafting as easy as possible.

For those looking for a versatile serger sewing machine, consider the Juki MO600N Series MO654DE: Portable Thread Serger Sewing Machine, White. This portable machine offers efficient threading and sturdy construction, perfect for creating professional looking hems and seams. It's ideal for handling a variety of fabrics and comes with features such as differential feed and a powerful knife system to ensure clean and precise cuts.

Ease of Use

The Juki HZL-F400 is designed to be easy and intuitive to operate right out of the box. The control panel features a large LCD screen and easy-to-understand buttons and dials. Many users comment that they were able to start sewing without even needing to consult the manual.

The LCD screen displays your selected stitch, stitch length and width, presser foot recommendation, and other settings in a clear and readable format. It makes selecting your desired stitch and settings very straightforward.

Setting up the machine is also quick and simple. There is an automatic threading function that passes the thread through the needle for you at the touch of a button. The free arm allows for easy access when threading the bobbin. Many users report they were able to set up the machine and be sewing within just a few minutes.

Overall, the controls and settings are designed to be very intuitive for both beginner and more advanced sewers. The LCD screen provides clear visual guidance. And the excellent automatic threading minimizes frustration and allows you to start sewing right away. Many owners love how user-friendly the HZL-F400 is right out of the box.

Sewing Performance

The Juki HZL-F400 delivers excellent stitch quality and sewing performance. It handles all types of fabrics with ease, from lightweight silks to heavy denim and multiple layers of fabric. The stitches are smooth and even at both low and high sewing speeds.

The machine sews very quietly, even at full speed. You can have a conversation or listen to music without needing to raise your voice much. This makes sewing for long periods of time more enjoyable.

The HZL-F400 provides enough power to sew through heavy fabrics without bogging down or straining the motor. It doesn't skip stitches when going over thick seams either. You'll have no trouble sewing through many layers to make quilts, home decor items, crafts and more.

Thinner fabrics like chiffon and satin also feed smoothly under the presser foot. The machine doesn't grab and warp delicate materials. With the right needle and thread combination, you can achieve perfect stitches on any type of fabric.

Overall, the sewing performance of the Juki HZL-F400 exceeds expectations. The stitch quality rivals more expensive machines. This machine can handle lightweight to heavy duty projects while maintaining precision and reliability.

Quilting Capabilities

The Juki HZL-F400 Exceed excels at quilting and includes many features tailored for quilters. It comes with a wide range of built-in utility stitches designed specifically for quilting, including stitch patterns for patchwork piecing, applique, stippling, echo quilting, and more.

An extension table expands the sewing surface to better accommodate large quilts. The table provides extra support and makes free motion quilting easier by giving more space to move the fabric. It attaches securely to the machine yet can be removed when not needed.

Free motion quilting is effortless with the HZL-F400. The drop feed allows the feed dogs to lower so you can move the fabric manually in any direction. Dual LED lights brightly illuminate the sewing area for optimal visibility. The machine sews up to 900 stitches per minute yet provides smooth, consistent stitch quality even at high speeds. With a spring action quilting foot and the machine's powerful motor, you can create beautiful free motion quilting on your quilts.

Accessories

The Juki HZL-F400 comes with a variety of accessories to get you started sewing and quilting right out of the box.

• It includes 7 sewing feet: zigzag foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, blind stitch foot, button fitting foot, overcast foot, and monogramming foot. This gives you a good assortment for both utility sewing and decorative stitching.

• There are 2 screwdrivers included for changing needles and adjusting parts of the machine. The screwdrivers store neatly inside the machine.

• You get an assortment of 4 bobbins, 3 needle packs (11 needles total), spool holder, spool pin felt, auxiliary spool pin, seam ripper, lint brush, and quilting guide bar.

• The accessories are neatly organized in a removable storage box that fits directly under the sewing arm. Everything has a specific place so you can easily find what you need.

• An instruction manual, quick reference guide, and knee lift are also provided with the machine.

• Overall, Juki includes all the key accessories you'll need to get up and running with a wide variety of sewing and quilting projects. The storage box keeps everything tidy.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance of the Juki HZL-F400 is important to keep it running smoothly for years to come. Here are some tips:

Cleaning - Wipe down the exterior of the machine regularly with a soft cloth to remove any dust or lint buildup. Pay close attention to the area around the needle and feed dogs. - Use the included brush to clean out any lint or threads that accumulate inside the bobbin case. - If needed, the faceplate can be removed to access the bobbin case and feed dogs for more thorough cleaning.

Oiling
- Oil the machine every 3-5 bobbins to keep it lubricated. Use only sewing machine oil. - Put a small drop of oil on the points indicated in the manual, such as the needle bar, presser foot bar, and inner hook race.

Troubleshooting - Refer to the manual for solutions to common issues like skipped stitches, tangled thread, needle breaks, etc. - Changing the needle and re-threading the machine can fix many basic stitching problems. - If error messages appear, consult the manual code chart to identify and resolve the issue. - Take the machine to an authorized Juki dealer for service if problems persist.

Regular cleaning, oiling, and maintenance will help prevent issues and keep the Juki HZL-F400 sewing and quilting beautifully. Refer to the manual for full maintenance recommendations.

Pros & Cons

The Juki HZL-F400 Exceed offers many benefits for quilters and sewers, but also has some downsides to consider.

Pros

• Large work area and extended height for easy fabric control
• Bright LED lighting to illuminate your sewing
• Advanced feed system for consistent stitch quality
• Easy threading and bobbin winding
• Large selection of decorative and utility stitches
• Sturdy construction for skipping free sewing
• Computerized operation and LCD touchscreen
• Automatic thread trimmer for fast finish to seams
• Knee lift lever to raise the presser foot hands-free
• Fast sewing speed up to 900 spm
• Comes with a wide table for extra workspace

Cons

• Expensive price point compared to basic models
• Heavy weight at over 30 pounds
• Limited free motion quilting capabilities
• Smaller throat space than a dedicated quilting machine
• Presser foot pressure not adjustable
• Some users report issues with tension consistency
• Limited stitch editing functions
• Instruction manual could be more detailed
• Noise level may be disruptive for some environments

Conclusion

The Juki HZL-F400 is an excellent computerized sewing and quilting machine that offers many features and capabilities for intermediate to advanced sewists and quilters. With its large work area, high speed, and computerized functions, this machine makes sewing and quilting projects easier and more efficient.

The variety of built-in stitches, automatic functions like thread trimming, and adjustable settings provide versatility for handling all types of fabrics and projects. The extension table expands the work surface for large quilts or projects. With a powerful motor and high speeds up to 900 SPM, the Juki HZL-F400 allows sewing and quilting at a fast pace while maintaining stitch quality.

For those seeking an upgrade from a basic entry-level machine, the computerized functions and capabilities of the Juki HZL-F400 make it a worthwhile investment. The backlit LCD screen and programmable needle up/down add convenience during sewing. While it may require some learning time to master the computerized functions, the machine is user-friendly for both sewing and quilting once familiar with the settings.

Overall, the Juki HZL-F400 offers excellent value by combining computerized functionality, ease of use, versatility, and robust construction. For intermediate to advanced home sewists and quilters seeking to upgrade their current machine, the Juki HZL-F400 is a feature-packed choice worth considering. Its blend of user-friendly operation, thoughtful design, and powerful performance make it a machine that can handle a wide range of sewing and quilting projects for years to come.