Juki HZL-LB5100: Computerized Sewing Machine: Full Review

The Juki HZL-LB5100 is a computerized sewing machine designed for both home use and light industrial applications. This versatile machine offers many advanced features typically found on more expensive models, making it a great value for sewists looking for a full-featured machine.

Key features of the Juki HZL-LB5100 include:

• Computerized operation with backlit LCD screen
• 200 built-in stitches including utility, decorative, and buttonhole stitches
• Automatic needle threader
• Drop feed for free motion quilting and sewing
• Automatic thread cutter
• Maximum sewing speed of 900 stitches per minute
• Hard cover and extension table included
• Wide table space for large projects

With its sturdy metal interior frame, automatic features, and variety of built-in stitches, the Juki HZL-LB5100 provides sewists with an efficient, user-friendly, and affordable sewing machine option. This machine is ideal for quilters, home decor sewers, clothing makers, and crafters who want professional results without the professional price tag.

Design and Build Quality

The Juki HZL-LB5100 is designed with high-quality materials and excellent craftsmanship, resulting in a sturdy and durable sewing machine. The exterior uses a high-impact plastic that is both lightweight yet strong enough to withstand regular use.

Weighing just 13 pounds, the HZL-LB5100 has a small footprint of 15.7 x 8.3 x 12 inches. Despite its compact size, it doesn't feel flimsy or cheap. The interior metal skeleton helps reinforce the overall structure.

Users mention the machine feels solidly built and doesn't make any creaking noises when sewing at high speeds. The materials seem thick enough to avoid any potential flexing or warping over time.

Overall, Juki didn't cut corners with the HZL-LB5100's construction. It's evident that quality components were used to create a sewing machine that will last for many years. The combination of high-impact plastics and metals provide an ideal balance of sturdiness and lightweight portability.

Another excellent option from Juki is the Juki HZL-G220: Sewing Machine, which offers advanced features for both beginners and professionals. The HZL-G220 comes with a variety of stitches and a larger sewing area, making it perfect for quilting and large projects. Its robust construction ensures long-term reliability, and the intuitive controls make it user-friendly for all skill levels. Whether you're tackling complex stitches or simple repairs, the HZL-G220 is designed to deliver precision and durability.

Ease of Use

The Juki HZL-LB5100 has an intuitive control panel layout that makes it very easy to use, even for beginners. The LCD screen is large, clear, and displays all the key settings and information you need as you sew.

You can select from the 100 built-in stitches using the stitch selection buttons and adjust settings like stitch width, stitch length, and needle position using simple plus/minus buttons. The machine shows you the recommended settings for each stitch on the LCD screen, making it effortless to get the perfect stitch every time.

The computerized functions like automatic thread tension and automatic presser foot pressure also take a lot of guesswork out of sewing. But you can still manually adjust the tension or pressure if needed for specialty techniques.

Overall, the well-designed interface, LCD screen, and computerization features allow you to get set up and sewing your projects with minimal fuss or complicated adjustments. The HZL-LB5100 is engineered for simplicity without sacrificing functionality.

If you need a more advanced machine, consider the Juki HZL-F600: Full Sized Computer Sewing and Quilting Machine. It offers a variety of features such as an extensive stitch library, optional accessories for quilting, and a robust motor for heavy-duty projects. This model is perfect for both sewing enthusiasts and professional quilters seeking versatility and power.

Stitches and Functions

The Juki HZL-LB5100 offers 180 built-in stitches including 6 one-step buttonhole styles. It has an easy stitch selection system using the LCD screen and jog dial. You can select utility stitches, heirloom stitches, quilting stitches, satin stitches, cross stitches, and more.

There are 4 fonts for monogramming and lettering. Stitch settings like stitch length and width can be easily adjusted using the buttons near the LCD screen. You get a lot of versatility with stitch functions like mirror imaging, elongation, single/repeat sewing and more. The machine includes 7mm stitch width which is great for decorative stitches.

Some notable specialty stitches are the side cutter function that automatically cuts thread tails after sewing, shell tuck stitching, ladder stitching, fagoting, and pin tucking. There is also an auto-lock feature that secures the beginning and end of seams with reverse sewing.

Overall, the stitch selection and functions allow you to tackle a wide variety of sewing projects from garments to quilts to crafts. The settings are easily adjustable for stitch customization.

Speed and Performance

The Juki HZL-LB5100 sewing machine provides impressive speed and power for tackling a wide variety of projects. With a maximum sewing speed of 900 stitches per minute, it can handle general garment construction as well as detailed stitching without slowing you down.

The machine is equipped with a powerful motor that provides extra piercing power when sewing multiple layers or heavy fabrics like denim. Users mention being able to sew through 6 layers of denim without the machine struggling. This makes it a great choice for working on thick materials.

Despite the high speeds, the Juki HZL-LB5100 operates quietly. The noise levels stay low even at maximal speeds. This allows you to sew for hours without bothersome noise distractions.

Overall, the performance and speed capabilities of this Juki model make it suitable for both beginning and experienced sewers looking for a machine that can keep up with a wide range of projects and fabrics. The power and quiet operation set it apart from other machines in this price range.

Accessories

The Juki HZL-LB5100 comes with several handy accessories right out of the box. It includes 4 presser feet for basic sewing tasks - a zigzag foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, and blind stitch foot. There are also 3 bobbins, a seam ripper, screwdriver, lint brush, spool holder, spool pin, spool cap, and needle set. Having all these accessories included is a nice bonus, as you have everything you need to get started sewing.

The feet that come with the machine are made of metal and feel very sturdy. The zipper and buttonhole feet in particular are heavy duty and allow you to tackle those more difficult tasks with ease. The bobbins are metal class 15 style, so you can easily find replacements when needed. Overall, Juki provides a nice selection of accessories to complement the sewing machine and support common projects.

Warranty

The Juki HZL-LB5100 comes with a 5 year limited warranty. This covers any defects in materials or workmanship for 5 years from the date of purchase.

The warranty is comprehensive and covers parts and labor if repairs are needed. Juki will repair or replace any defective parts free of charge.

You do need to retain your receipt as proof of purchase date to receive service under the warranty.

Juki is known for its quality and durability, so issues are rare. But if any problems do occur, Juki provides excellent support through its network of authorized dealers. You can easily arrange service or repairs locally through a dealer.

Juki also has a U.S. based technical support team you can contact by phone or email if you need any assistance. Their customer service is highly responsive in helping resolve any issues promptly.

Overall, the 5 year Juki warranty provides great peace of mind and support. You can feel confident your investment is well protected.

Pros and Cons

The Juki HZL-LB5100 has many excellent features that make it a great choice for home sewers and quilters. Here's a quick summary of the main pros and cons:

Pros

• Large variety of built-in stitches - The LB5100 comes with 160 built-in stitches including utility, quilting, heirloom, and decorative options. This gives you tons of creative possibilities.

• Easy to use - An LCD screen and large selection dial make choosing stitches and settings very intuitive. The machine is beginner-friendly but with enough functions to keep experienced sewers happy.

• Automatic thread trimmer - Saves time trimming threads at the end of seams.

• Fast sewing speed - With speeds up to 900 SPM, you can sew faster and complete projects quicker.

• Automatic presser foot pressure - The pressure adjusts automatically for different fabric thicknesses.

• Wide table space - The extended table provides a generous sewing area for large projects.

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

• Bright LED lighting - Illuminates your work area nicely.

Cons

• No automatic thread cutter - Having to cut threads manually can reduce sewing speed.

• Noise level - Runs a little louder than some other computerized machines.

• Limited stitch editing capabilities - Can't edit or save customized stitches.

• No twin needle function - Cannot use a twin needle for decorative stitching.

• Smaller bobbin - May need changing a bit more frequently than a jumbo bobbin.

Overall, the Juki LB5100 has excellent ease of use, stitch quality, and features compared to other machines in its class. The pros seem to outweigh the cons for most users.

Pricing

The Juki HZL-LB5100 offers excellent value in its price range. It typically retails between $500-$600 from most major retailers.

Given the computerization, ease of use, stitch quality and array of included accessories, this machine provides a lot of functionality and features for the price. Most comparable computerized machines with similar capabilities and accessories would retail closer to $800-$1000.

The high-end engineering and thoughtful design that Juki is known for makes this an ideal machine for intermediate to advanced sewers looking for professional results on a consumer budget. While not the absolute cheapest option, it delivers performance and quality far beyond basic entry-level machines.

For sewists who plan to use their machine heavily for frequent sewing projects, the Juki is well worth the investment over a more basic machine. The precise stitching performance and array of included accessories give sewers room to grow their skills without needing to upgrade anytime soon.

Overall, the HZL-LB5100 hits a sweet spot between price and value, offering pro-style engineering and performance for hundreds less than most machines in this class. Sewers get incredible bang for their buck with this thoughtfully designed, high-performing Juki.

Conclusion

Overall, the Juki HZL-LB5100 is an excellent computerized sewing machine that I would highly recommend for intermediate and advanced home sewists. Its precise stitching, wide variety of built-in stitches, easy thread tension adjustment, and quiet operation make sewing an enjoyable experience. The automatic needle threader is also a huge time-saver.

While the machine may be more than a beginner needs, the computerized functions are intuitive and easy to use after reading the manual. The LCD screen makes selecting stitches straightforward. Experienced sewers will appreciate the sewing speed, which is significantly faster than a basic machine.

The sturdy metal interior and extensive included accessories add great value. Juki is known for making workhorse machines built to last. This would be a worthwhile investment for anyone who sews frequently and wants professional results. I would not hesitate to choose this as my primary sewing machine.