Juki HZL-27Z Sewing Machine Review

August 8, 2020 Blog, Reviews, Sewing Machines

If you have been thinking about getting a compact sewing machine that would act as a nice backup machine as well as functions as a portable, you will not be able to pass up Juki HZL-27Z.

Even if you may have not tried using portables before, like the Singer featherweight or a Janome Jem, try Juki. Juki has a very good reputation for its high-end and commercial machines.

You will simply love this machine. Even though the price has risen from the $120 from past few weeks, I think, it is still a great bargain. Juki’s performance delivers 4 or 5 times more than its price.

Juki HZL-27Z Sewing Machine Review

Juki HZL-27Z Sewing Machine Review

If you have been wanting a relatively inexpensive, lightweight, reliable, portable, ¾ mechanical, and high-end electronic and computerized machines that will allow you to go places, you won’t go wrong with this Juki model.

You won’t be disappointed by the purchase. This is a rock solid machine. The first thing you will probably notice is the power of the machine. It is super fast, and goes through multiple layers of fabric so smoothly.

The footprint is small yet it feels rock solid and stays put even at the fastest speeds, which is absolutely amazing considering its weight, 13 pounds.

It has got box feed on 7 feed dogs which makes sewing a very comfortable business. There are more than enough decorative and specialty stitches, and while their quality is great, they are, I noticed not so outstanding.

That means the machine is designed for convenience and not for beauty. The built-in needle threader is simple and easy to use and the straight stitches are fine too.

The 4-step buttonhole leaves a lot to be desired. There is a way to cheat with it to achieve an outstanding buttonhole, but first time sewers would not be able to do this as easily as someone who is experienced. Neither the manual nor the accompanying DVD will show to you either.

This machine is a great bargain for a beginner, for someone who just needs a portable machine to take places, or for someone who does utility sewing.

The straight stitches are nice. Stitch tension can be adjusted but if you are not familiar how to co-ordinate the stitch tension with the bobbin screw tension, it can drive you crazy.

The dust cover that comes along with this machine looks silly. It is better that you make your own or buy a cover or carrying case.

  • Light weight portable with 22 stitches and buttonhole
  • Automatic needle threader
  • Easy stitch change dial
  • Free arm and drop in bobbin
  • LED light bright work area
  • Product Dimensions: 13.9 x 6.1 x 10 inches ; 16 pounds
  • Shipping Weight: 16.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (79 customer reviews)

Juki HZL-27Z Sewing Machine Product Review

JUKI HZL may scare you a little bit right out of the box. It has all kinds of pictures of drawings and stitches on it, and you would wonder if you were supposed to understand them right away.

Fortunately, you should calm down as you realize that mostly it was just a step-by-step instructions on setting up the machine and get it ready to sew.

Pros
  • It is a lightweight sewing machine. Weighs 12 lbs reportedly; weighs 12.8 actually
  • Easy to use out of the box – If you have any sewing experience, you will find it VERY easy to use. It has similar top loading bobbin, bobbin winding, and threading as other Brother machines. However, prior to winding, you do have to thread through the top hole of the bobbin.
  • The set up is easy to understand and follow, using it manual, or perhaps even without it, because it has nice diagrams engraved right on the machine.
  • Manual automatic need threader is also easy to use.
  • The length and width of the stitches are adjustable. Nice even straight stitching with ability to adjust tension
  • The MOST incredible thing is its feed dogs. It sews through 3 layers of denim, without a problem! With 5 layers, it needs some help feeding it through. For thicker fabrics, it has a jig-type button on the presser foot, which seems to work fine.
Cons
  • The VERTICAL spool pin is short. You cannot put a spool cap on it unless the spool is really short or you could just use the provided felt. You will have to use a thread stand if you want to use the vertical spool pin with larger spools.
  • The HORIZONTAL spool pin is slightly angled towards the machine, which might be difficult if you are used to using LARGER spools. STANDARD-SIZED spools works perfectly though!
  • The handle is placed at the back of the machine, which makes the machine slightly angle forward when carrying it around.
  • It has a 4-step buttonhole, instead of just 1 step. This will not be an issue if you hardly make buttonholes, but if you are into garment or something, it could be!
  • It is a little bit noisy than what you are used to, but I think, it is similar to other brand such as Singers that you may have used at a similar price range. It is by no means super noisy.
  • You need a sturdy table. On a dining table, it shakes a little bit. But place it on a sturdy surface and it feels like rock solid.
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JUKI HZL-27Z Sewing Machine: Our Verdict

JUKI seems like a great purchase. For this price ($200), it is a VERY worthwhile portable machine. You would be very happy with the purchase!

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Smantha William

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