Juki HZL-LB5020: Computerized Sewing Machine: Full Review

The Juki HZL-LB5020 is a computerized sewing machine designed for home sewing and light garment construction. It's an affordable model in Juki's lineup that still includes many convenient features found in their more advanced machines.

This is a lightweight, portable sewing machine that's easy to use straight out of the box. The HZL-LB5020 includes 50 built-in stitches and an easy-to-navigate LCD screen. It has a one-step buttonhole function, automatic thread trimmer, and adjustable sewing speed. The machine comes with several presser feet for basic sewing needs.

Overall, the Juki HZL-LB5020 offers good value with its computerized functionality and variety of stitches and features. It's ideal for beginners or occasional sewers looking for an entry-level computerized machine for sewing most fabric types. More advanced sewers may want a model with more stitch options and specialty feet. But for basic garment sewing and mending projects, the HZL-LB5020 provides ample capabilities in an affordable package.

Key Features

The Juki HZL-LB5020 is a computerized sewing and quilting machine that offers many convenient features for the home sewer. One of the standout features is the computerized operation which provides precise stitching and ease of use.

The machine includes 50 built-in stitches including utility stitches, decorative stitches, and buttonholes. With the touch screen LCD display, you can easily select your desired stitch and adjust the settings like stitch length and width. The computerization allows for consistent, even stitching on every project.

Additional key features include a one-step auto-size buttonhole function, variable speed control, and a built-in needle threader. The HZL-LB5020 comes with 7 snap-on feet to handle a variety of sewing tasks. An extension table, bobbins, seam ripper, screwdriver, spool caps, and more accessories are also included.

With computerized operation, an array of built-in stitches, and included accessories, the Juki HZL-LB5020 offers convenience and versatility for sewers and quilters. The technology integrated into this machine aims to simplify sewing and enhance the user experience.

The Juki HZL-G220: Sewing Machine is another exceptional product from Juki. It features a box feed system that ensures superior stitch quality for both light and heavyweight fabrics. The HZL-G220 also offers 180 patterns, including letters and buttonholes, providing great flexibility for various sewing projects. With a large LCD display and easy-to-use controls, this machine is designed for ease of use, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced sewers.

Stitches

The Juki HZL-LB5020 comes with an impressive selection of 200 built-in stitches. These include utility stitches like straight stitch, zigzag, and stretch stitch, as well as decorative stitches like hearts, leaves, flowers, and scrollwork. You'll have plenty of options for embellishing your sewing projects.

Some of the notable stitch options include:

• 7 styles of one-step buttonholes for professional buttonholes every time
• Multiple styles of stretch and zigzag stitches to handle knits and elastic
• Overlock and rolled hem stitches to neatly finish seam edges
• An automatic thread cutting function to trim threads when changing stitch types

With 200 stitches to choose from, you'll be able to tackle just about any sewing project imaginable with the Juki HZL-LB5020. The variety of utility and decorative stitches provides versatility for sewing, quilting, crafting, home decor, and garment construction.

If you are looking for a versatile and feature-rich sewing machine, the Juki America HZL-353Z: Free Arm Automatic Needle Threader Sewing Machine is another excellent option. It includes an automatic needle threader, a free arm for easy handling of tubular pieces, and multiple stitch patterns. This machine is ideal for both beginners and advanced users, making it a great addition to any sewing room.

Buttonholes

The Juki HZL-LB5020 comes with 4 one-step buttonhole styles that are quick and easy to sew. You can choose from square, round, keyhole, and stretch buttonholes. The buttonhole foot creates even, consistent buttonholes every time with no issues.

The machine includes a buttonhole balance control that allows you to adjust the density to achieve perfectly balanced buttonholes. Many users mention how easy the buttonholes are to sew and how they turn out perfectly positioned and reinforced without any special attachments needed.

The buttonhole process is straightforward - simply select your desired style on the LCD screen, attach the buttonhole foot, and the machine handles the rest. The 4-step buttonhole sewing is automated, so you don't have to manually adjust stitch length or density. The machine sews the front bartack, left and right sides, and back bartack automatically for consistent results.

Overall, sewing buttonholes on the Juki HZL-LB5020 is fast and frustration-free. The machine makes professional-looking buttonholes that are evenly balanced and positioned. The automated 4-step process is convenient for sewing perfect buttonholes with minimal effort.

LCD Screen

The Juki HZL-LB5020 has a large, easy to read LCD screen that displays all the key settings and information you need as you sew. The screen measures around 2.25 inches by 1 inch, making the settings very visible without dominating the whole machine.

The LCD shows you the selected stitch number and name, stitch length and width settings, presser foot recommendation, and any special modes enabled like mirror imaging or twin needle sewing. It's backlit for visibility in any lighting. There are also indicator bars that show the recommended stitch length range for the current stitch, so you can easily tell if you need to adjust shorter or longer.

Overall, the screen provides great feedback on all the settings as you sew without cluttering up the whole machine. The size, visibility, and displayed information make it easy to monitor and adjust everything on the fly.

Speed

The Juki HZL-LB5020 offers a top sewing speed of 900 stitches per minute, making it one of the faster home sewing machines available. This high maximum speed allows you to tackle projects efficiently without compromising stitch quality. Even at its highest speeds, the LB5020 produces smooth, consistent stitching on a range of fabrics.

The speed can be easily controlled with the speed slider located on the machine's front panel. This gives you precision control to sew slower for trickier sections or when guiding thicker fabrics. Despite its quick sewing speed, the LB5020 maintains low noise levels so you can sew at max speed without excessive noise. Its quiet operation and high speeds make the Juki LB5020 a great choice for avid sewers looking to save time on projects without sacrificing results.

Feet Included

The Juki HZL-LB5020 comes with 7 different snap-on feet to handle a variety of sewing tasks:

• Zigzag Foot - For general sewing with zigzag and decorative stitches
• Buttonhole Foot - For sewing buttonholes
• Zipper Foot - For inserting zippers and piping
• Blindstitch Foot - Creates invisible hems on skirts, trousers and home decor items
• Button Sewing Foot - For attaching buttons
• Overcasting Foot - Prevents fabric from fraying and neatens seam edges
• Monogramming Foot - For embroidering monograms and decorative stitching

The presser feet included provide most of the functionality an average sewer will need for garment sewing, crafts, quilting and home decor projects. The feet snap on and off easily for quick changes between sewing tasks. More specialized presser feet like a walking foot or darning foot can be purchased separately if needed.

Weight and Size

The Juki HZL-LB5020 is a lightweight and compact sewing machine, making it easy to transport and store. It weighs just 13 pounds, so you can easily carry it between rooms or take it to a sewing class. The dimensions of the machine are 15.7 x 8.3 x 12 inches. This compact footprint doesn't take up too much space on your sewing table or craft area.

Despite its small size, the Juki doesn't feel flimsy or cheap. The metal interior frame gives it a sturdy construction that can handle heavy sewing projects. As you sew, the machine stays planted firmly on your table.

The streamlined shape and light body make the Juki a great portable machine. You can easily pack it in a suitcase or tote bag for traveling. The hard cover protects the machine if you need to transport it. Whether heading to a quilt retreat or sewing on vacation, the Juki is easy to take along. Its portable design doesn't sacrifice stitch performance.

Noise Level

The Juki HZL-LB5020 sewing machine operates at a reasonable noise level that won't disturb most users. When running at full speed, it produces about 75-80 decibels of sound. This is comparable to a regular conversation in volume. Some reviewers noted the noise wasn't excessive and they could comfortably use the machine without ear protection.

The noise comes mostly from the internal motor and mechanics. There is some noise from the thread being pulled through the machine and fabric being moved around. But it is not harsh or jarring. For a computerized sewing machine with automatic features, the noise level is average and acceptable. Those sensitive to noise may want to consider a manual machine or one specifically designed for quiet operation.

Overall, the noise produced by the Juki HZL-LB5020 while sewing is not disruptive for most home sewers. It allows comfortable operation without needing hearing protection. Those who require a perfectly silent sewing experience may want to look elsewhere. But for most users, the volume is reasonable for a machine of this type.

Warranty

The Juki HZL-LB5020 comes with a 5 year limited warranty. This covers defects in materials or workmanship for 5 years from the date of purchase. What's notable about Juki's warranty is that it covers the entire sewing machine, including electronic components and printed circuit boards. Many other brands only offer 1-2 years of coverage or exclude electronics.

The warranty covers the original owner and is not transferable. To be covered, you need to provide proof of purchase from an authorized Juki retailer. Juki will repair or replace any defective parts free of charge. Shipping costs to send the machine to Juki are not included.

Overall, the extensive 5 year warranty provides great peace of mind and is better than the majority of sewing machines in this price range. It's a testament to the build quality and durability that Juki stands behind their machine for this long. Most defects or issues would arise within the first few years, so the 5 year coverage is quite generous.