Juki HZL-F600 Review: A Detailed Look At This Computerized Sewing And Quilting Machine

The Juki HZL-F600 is a feature-rich computerized sewing and quilting machine designed for intermediate to advanced sewists. With its versatility, stitch quality, and array of features, it has become a popular choice for sewists looking to invest in a high-end machine.

In this extensive Juki HZL-F600 review, we’ll take a close look at the key features, performance, pros and cons, and suitability of this sewing machine model for different sewing needs.

Overview of the Juki HZL-F600

The Juki HZL-F600 is part of Juki’s Exceed line of computerized sewing machines. Juki is a leading brand known for its industrial-grade sewing machines, and the Exceed series brings many of those heavy-duty features into computerized machines for home sewists.

Some key specs and features of the Juki HZL-F600:

• Type: Computerized sewing and quilting machine
• Built-in stitches: 225 total – 167 utility stitches, 58 decorative stitches
• Buttonholes: 1-step auto-size buttonhole in 16 styles
• Speed: Up to 900 SPM
• Automatic features: Thread trimmer, needle threader, presser foot pressure
• Feed system: Box feed
• Workspace: 8″ x 12″
• LED lights: Dual LED lights to illuminate workspace
• Warranty: 5 years mechanical, 2 years electrical

Detailed Feature Rundown

Let’s take a more in-depth look at some of the key features and technologies of the Juki HZL-F600:

Stitch Selection and Adjustment

The Juki HZL-F600 comes with 225 built-in stitches including 16 one-step buttonhole styles. Stitch selection is made easy with the back-lit LCD display and direct stitch selection buttons. You can adjust stitch length up to 5mm and stitch width up to 7mm.

It also allows for manipulating stitch patterns – you can combine stitches, flip them, elongate them, adjust spacing, and more. Up to 70 stitch combinations can be saved to the machine’s memory.

Exceptional Feeding System

The Juki HZL-F600 uses an advanced box feed system that moves the feed dogs in a box motion rather than oval for more precise fabric feeding. This prevents fabrics from shrinking, slipping, or bunching up. The box feed makes for smooth, consistent stitching on everything from lightweight fabrics like silk to heavy denim and canvas.

Convenient Automatic Features

The Juki HZL-F600 includes several convenient automatic features:

• Automatic thread trimmer – easily trim top and bobbin threads by pressing the button on the machine or using the heel of the foot pedal
• Automatic needle threader – threads the needle with the push of a lever
• Automatic presser foot pressure – electronically adjusts pressure for different fabric thicknesses

These features simplify tasks and allow you to sew faster and more efficiently.

Free Motion Quilting

For quilters, the Juki HZL-F600 offers several quilting-friendly features:

• Free motion foot – comes with an open toe free motion foot for stippling and free motion work
• Drop feed dogs – feed dogs can be lowered for free motion quilting
• Knee lift – use knee lift to raise presser foot without removing hands from fabric
• Large workspace – extended sewing bed provides ample space for managing quilts
• Decorative stitches – choose from 58 decorative stitches for creative quilting

With these features, the Juki HZL-F600 provides quilters flexibility whether machine quilting, free motion quilting, or using decorative stitches.

Heavy Duty Design

As expected from a Juki machine, the HZL-F600 features heavy duty construction built for longevity. The interior metal framework keeps all mechanisms stable and vibration-free. This allows the machine to sew at high speeds up to 900 SPM without shaking or “jumping.”

The machine can easily handle thick fabrics like denim thanks to the box feed system, strong feed dogs, and adjustable presser foot pressure.

Ease of Use

While the HZL-F600 is packed with features, it maintains an intuitive interface for both beginners and advanced users. Key ease-of-use features include:

• LCD display – backlit display shows selected stitch setting and recommended foot
• Quick start/stop button – easily start or stop stitching
• Speed control slider – adjust sewing speed with the sliding lever
• Variable needle positions – adjust needle position for precise topstitching or edge stitching
• Easy bobbin winding – wind bobbins without unthreading machine
• Bright LED lights – dual LEDs brightly illuminate the sewing area

The machine does have a learning curve, especially for beginners. Some trial and error may be needed to get the desired stitch settings dialed in. But overall, the HZL-F600 provides a user-friendly sewing experience for all levels.

Included Accessories

The Juki HZL-F600 comes with a wide range of accessories:

• Hard cover – protects machine when transporting
• Extension table – provides a large workspace around machine
• 10 presser feet – zigzag foot, overcasting foot, buttonhole feet, quilting foot, and more
• Quilt guide – attaches to machine for straight quilt lines
• Spool holder – holds second spool of thread
• Bobbins – comes with 4 plastic bobbins
• Needle set – includes variety needle sizes
• Seam ripper – handy tool for fixing mistakes!
• Screwdriver – for changing needle and presser feet
• Instruction manual – detailed operation manual

This allows you to get started sewing and quilting a wide variety of projects right out of the box.

Stitch Quality

One of the standout features of the Juki HZL-F600 is the exceptional stitch quality it produces. Here are some key traits of the stitching:

• Consistent stitch length – maintains consistent stitch length even at high speeds
• No skipped stitches – very rare for stitches to skip or machine to mis-feed
• Precise stitch placement – uses box feed system for precise stitch positioning
• Professional buttonholes – produces precise, professional-looking buttonholes
• No fabric shrinkage – box feed prevents lightweight fabrics from shrinking

From basic straight stitches to decorative stitches and buttonholes, the HZL-F600 produces neat, uniform, consistent stitching on a wide variety of fabrics. This level of stitch quality rivals industrial machines.

Noise Level

For a computerized machine with such a strong motor, the Juki HZL-F600 operates very quietly. There is a low humming sound when running at top speeds, but generally, the machine runs quietly, even when sewing multiple layers of thick fabric. This makes it a great choice for sewing in small spaces where noise might be an issue.

Juki HZL-F600 Pros and Cons

Now that we’ve looked at the key features and performance, here’s a quick pros and cons overview:

Pros

• Excellent stitch quality on all fabrics
• Low noise operation
• Heavy duty construction
• Large workspace with extension table
• Box feed prevents fabric slipping and shrinking
• Easy to use interface and stitch selection
• Great for quilting and garment sewing
• Quick and consistent sewing up to 900 SPM
• 5 year mechanical/2 year electrical warranty

Cons

• Expensive price tag
• Can be overwhelming for beginners
• Presser foot pressure requires some trial and error
• No storage for presser feet on machine
• No USB connectivity or updates

Who Is the Juki HZL-F600 Good For?

The HZL-F600 is feature-rich sewing and quilting machine best suited for intermediate to advanced home sewists. Beginning sewers may find it overwhelming. It excels at sewing garments, home decor items, quilting, and crafts.

Here are some examples of sewers who would benefit from the Juki HZL-F600:

• Quilters – the box feed, knee lift, free motion foot, and large workspace provide an excellent quilting experience. The variety of stitches adds creativity to quilting.
• Garment and fashion sewists – construction features like the box feed, foot pressure, and buttonholes allow sewing very professional finished garments.
• Crafters – with so many decorative stitches, monogramming, and adjustable settings, crafters have a lot of creative options for sewing crafts.
• Home decor sewists – the machine can handle thick home decor fabrics like canvas, denim, and upholstery thanks to the strong motor and box feed.
• Busy sewists – with automated features and speed up to 900 SPM, this machine allows completing projects efficiently.

The Juki HZL-F600 can handle almost any project an advanced sewist throws at it – from delicate heirloom sewing to canvas work. Just keep in mind it has a learning curve not ideal for beginners.

Maintenance Needs

A key benefit of the industrial-grade build is that the Juki HZL-F600 requires very little routine maintenance. There is no need for regular oiling. Juki recommends wiping down the exterior surfaces and race hook area occasionally to remove lint and dust. Follow the guidelines in the manual for when to replace the needle and foot control.

Warranty

Juki offers the following warranty periods for the HZL-F600:

• 5 years for mechanical parts
• 2 years for electrical parts
• 90 days for adjustments

This provides peace of mind that any manufacturing defects will be covered under warranty. Be sure to keep your receipt/invoice to provide proof of purchase for any warranty claims.

Price and Availability

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the Juki HZL-F600 is $1,499, but it can be found at sewing and craft retailers for $100-300 less than MSRP.

Here are some places to purchase the Juki HZL-F600 sewing machine:

• Amazon – $1,199 with free shipping
• SewingMachinesPlus – $1,399 with financing options
• Joann – $1,299 or 12 months special financing
• Local authorized Juki retailers – prices vary

Juki does limit sales of their machines to authorized retailers, so be cautious of unauthorized sellers offering deals too good to be true.

Customer Reviews

Across various sewing forums and online retailers, the Juki HZL-F600 earns very positive reviews and feedback from customers. Here is a brief overview of what owners love about their HZL-F600 machines:

• Sturdy construction and longevity – built to last decades
• Smooth, quiet operation even at high speeds
• Perfect buttonholes and precise stitching
• Ample workspace with extension table
• Easy to navigate stitch selection and settings
• Provides professional results
• Great customer service from Juki

The most common complaints involve the learning curve required to master the machine, and occasional issues with tension or skipped stitches. However, many attribute this to user error and find adjusting tension or changing needles fixes any minor issues.

Overall, the vast majority of sewers who invest in the Juki HZL-F600 are extremely satisfied with its performance and features.

Read: Juki DDL-8100EH Review: A Detailed Look At This Heavy Duty Sewing Machine

Juki HZL-F600 Review Conclusion

The Juki HZL-F600 is undoubtedly a top-tier sewing and quilting machine aimed at intermediate to advanced home sewists. With its industrial-grade construction, advanced box feed technology, vast workspace, and excellent stitching – this machine truly bridges the gap between commercial and home use.

While the price tag is steep, the multitude of convenience features and professional-grade performance make the Juki HZL-F600 an investment that will benefit passionate sewists for decades to come. Just have realistic expectations if purchasing as a total beginner.

To summarize, the HZL-F600 excels at:

• Sewing all fabric types including heavy materials
• Quilting large quilts with ample space
• Producing precise, consistent stitching up to 900 SPM
• Creating professional buttonholes and stitches
• Providing convenience features to boost efficiency
• Running quietly even at high speeds

The Juki HZL-F600 upholds the brand’s reputation for superb quality and technical innovation. Sewists seeking the closest experience to a commercial machine will be thoroughly impressed with this computerized sewing and quilting powerhouse.