Unbiased Juki America HZL-353Z Sewing Machine Review
The Juki America HZL-353Z is a lightweight, portable sewing machine that comes equipped with several convenient features for home and light duty sewing. This machine provides an automatic needle threader that makes threading the needle quick and easy without eye strain.
It has a drop feed function to lower the feed dogs for free motion sewing and darning. The white LED light brightly illuminates the needle area for improved visibility.
The free arm allows easy access to cuffs and pant legs, while the accessory box provides storage for included accessories. With 21 built-in stitches and a zigzag width adjusting dial, the HZL-353Z offers enough options for most basic sewing projects.
Its simple controls and automatic functions make it a good choice for beginner or intermediate sewers looking for a reliable, everyday sewing machine.
Juki America HZL-353Z Key Features
The Juki America HZL-353Z comes equipped with several handy features to make sewing tasks easier and more convenient. Here are some of the key highlights:
- Automatic needle threader – With the push of a lever, the needle is automatically threaded, saving time and frustration. This is especially helpful for those with limited vision.
- Drop feed – The feed dogs can be easily lowered with the turn of a dial for free motion sewing and darning. This allows for greater manual control of the fabric.
- White LED light – The bright white LED lamp illuminates the needle area to make threading and sewing in dim lighting much easier.
- Free arm – The removable accessory box provides a free arm for easier access when sewing sleeves, pant legs, and other tubular items.
- Accessory box – A convenient slide-on box provides storage for accessories like spare needles, bobbins, seam ripper, etc.
Some additional capabilities include:
- 21 built-in stitches
- Adjustable stitch length and width
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
- Reverse stitch lever
- Lightweight and portable
For a sewing machine in this price range, the Juki HZL-353Z packs in a wide range of features that make it a versatile choice for everything from basic mending to crafts and home decor projects.
Stitch Selection and Adjustments
The Juki America HZL-353Z comes pre-programmed with 21 different stitches for both utility and decorative sewing. Here are some of the details on selecting stitches and adjusting settings:
Built-in Stitches
The 21 built-in stitches include:
- Straight stitch
- Zigzag stitch
- Blind hem stitch
- Elastic stitch
- Stretch stitches
- Decorative stitches
- Automatic buttonhole
Stitches are selected by rotating the stitch selection dial. An easy reference chart on the front of the machine displays the stitch number and picture guide for each option.
Stitch Length and Width
Stitch length and width can be adjusted to suit different fabrics and sewing techniques.
- Stitch length – Adjusts from 0-4mm. Use a shorter length for delicate fabrics, longer for basting and gathering.
- Stitch width – Adjusts up to 7mm wide. Use narrow settings for seams and hems, wider for decorative stitches.
| Stitch | Light Fabrics | Medium Fabrics | Heavy Fabrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 1.5-2.5 mm | 2-3 mm | 2.5-4 mm |
| Width | 1-3 mm | 2-5 mm | 3-7 mm |
Zigzag Width Adjusting Dial
The zigzag width is controlled with a separate dial. Wider zigzag stitches are great for applique, edge finishing, and decorative effects.
With the range of built-in stitches and the ability to customize settings, the Juki HZL-353Z provides enough variety for most sewing projects as well as creative experimentation.
Buttonholes
The Juki America HZL-353Z makes sewing buttonholes fast and frustration-free with its automatic 1-step buttonhole function. Here’s an overview of how it works:
- Place the button on the buttonhole foot to automatically set the size.
- The machine will stitch the buttonhole in sequence over 4 steps – first one side, then the bartack, second side, and final bartack.
- The buttonhole size is precisely tailored to the button diameter.
Other buttonhole features include:
- Reinforcing bartacks at both ends
- Adjustable stitch density for more defined buttonholes
- Repeated sewing for a more attractive buttonhole
With the automatic buttonhole foot, you don’t have to manually mark and sew individual buttonhole steps. The Juki HZL-353Z handles it automatically for professional looking results with true one step ease. No more trial and error!
Bobbin and Threading
Working with the bobbin and threading on the Juki America HZL-353Z is straightforward thanks to a few convenient features:
- Drop-in bobbin – The bobbin case is designed for quick and easy bobbin insertion. There’s no need to pull the bobbin thread up manually.
- Bobbin winding – The built-in bobbin winder stops automatically when the bobbin is full. No need to stand by and monitor the process.
- Bobbin tension adjustment – Consistent bobbin tension can be maintained via a small screw on the case.
- Automatic needle threader – Threading the needle is done in seconds with the automatic threader lever.
| Bobbin Tips |
|---|
| Use only Juki plastic bobbins designed for this model |
| Make sure the bobbin is inserted correctly in the case before sewing |
| Do not overfill the bobbin to avoid uneven stitches or thread jams |
| Check the bobbin thread periodically as you sew |
Managing the bobbin and threading with the quick loading bobbin and automatic needle threader helps get projects underway without frustration or delay.
Lighting
The Juki America HZL-353Z is designed with the sewer’s visibility in mind thanks to the integrated white LED light.
- The lamp provides bright, natural light right where it’s needed most – focused on the needle area.
- LED bulbs stay cool, preventing issues with burns or melting on delicate fabrics.
- Provides excellent illumination when sewing dark or bulky fabrics where the needle area is hard to see.
- White LED light creates less eye strain than yellow incandescent bulbs.
- No need to install external lighting fixtures. Light is built into the machine.
Having a well lit sewing machine makes work more accurate and enjoyable for sewists of all ages and abilities.
Portability
Weighing in at just 15.7 pounds, the Juki America HZL-353Z is designed to be portable and space saving.
- Light enough to carry and transport between work spaces or classes.
- Free arm converts it into a compact, easy to store machine.
- Perfect for small spaces or to take along in an RV.
With its pleasing white finish and smaller footprint, the HZL-353Z can sit unobtrusively in a living room or be packed away discretely when not in use.
Sewing Performance
With a maximum sewing speed of 750 stitches per minute, the Juki America HZL-353Z powers through straight stitching and utility seams swiftly.
- The speed is adjustable with a foot pedal for greater control.
- Easily handles lighter fabrics like chiffon, cotton, and linens.
- For heavier fabrics, reduce speed and adjust presser foot pressure.
- Straight stitch woven fabrics or zigzag stretchy knits with ease.
- Note that very thick or heavy fabrics like denim may require a more heavy duty machine.
While not suitable for heavy upholstery projects, the HZL-353Z has enough speed and versatility to tackle most medium weight sewing tasks efficiently. Using the appropriate needles and settings allows it to handle a range of fabric types.
Accessories
The Juki America HZL-353Z comes with several handy accessories:
- Snap-on presser feet for zigzag, zipper, buttonhole, overcasting
- Pack of needles
- Bobbins
- Screwdriver
- Seam ripper
- Spool holder
Some recommended add-ons:
- Walking foot for quilting
- 1/4″ foot for perfect seam allowances
- Clear plastic foot for visibility
Read: Unbiased Juki LU-1508N Review: the Truth You Need to Know
final thoughts
For sewists seeking an automatic, user-friendly machine for everyday projects, the Juki America HZL-353Z is an affordable option worth considering. With conveniences like automatic needle threading, a built-in buttonholer, adjustable stitches, and well-lit workspace, it can handle a wide range of sewing tasks.
Its lightweight design and included accessories add to the versatility and portability. While it may lack some stitches and features of more advanced models, it provides solid performance and ease of use at a reasonable price point.
For basic mending, alterations, crafts, home decor and more, the HZL-353Z is a reliable choice.