Juki HZL-G220 Sewing Machine Review – A Detailed Look At Features And Performance
The Juki HZL-G220 is a computerized sewing machine designed for home sewing and quilting. As a full-featured model from the well-known Juki brand, it offers many advanced features while still being relatively user-friendly for the home sewer.
In this detailed review, we’ll take a close look at the HZL-G220’s features, performance, pros and cons, and see how it stacks up against competitors.
Overview of the Juki HZL-G220 Sewing Machine
The Juki HZL-G220 is a full-sized, computerized sewing machine made for home use. With its wide range of stitches and industrial-style construction, it can handle everything from delicate fabrics to heavy-duty projects like denim and canvas.
Here are some quick facts about the HZL-G220:
- Type: Computerized
- Built-in Stitches: 180
- Buttonhole Styles: 8 one-step
- Speed: 900 SPM max
- Feed System: Box feed
- Bobbin: Drop-in horizontal rotary
- Needle Threader: Automatic
- Thread Trimmer: Yes
- Lighting: LED lamps
- Weight: 20.9 lbs
Now let’s take a more in-depth look at the HZL-G220’s main features and performance.
Key Features and Benefits
Advanced Feed System
One of the HZL-G220’s standout features is its box feed system. This is an industrial-style feeding mechanism that moves the feed dogs in a box motion rather than an oval. This helps prevent puckering on lightweight fabrics and makes feeding thick materials like denim much smoother. The box feed gives you maximum control over the fabric for precise stitching.
Wide Range of Built-In Stitches
With 180 built-in stitches, the HZL-G220 offers plenty of variety for sewing, quilting, heirloom stitching, and embellishing. It includes 22 basic/utility stitches, 8 styles of one-step buttonholes, 10 decorative quilting stitches, 40 decorative stitches, and a 5 font monogramming function. The LCD screen displays each stitch for easy selection.
Heavy Duty Construction
From its metal interior framework to its box feed system, the HZL-G220 is made for sewing a wide variety of fabrics. Everything about it is designed for smooth power and performance even at high speeds up to 900 SPM. This is not a flimsy lightweight machine. Weighing in at 20.9 pounds, the HZL-G220 can sew through heavy fabrics like denim, canvas, and multiple layers easily.
Automatic Needle Threader
The automatic needle threader is a huge time saver, threading the eye of the needle with the press of a lever. For those with poor eyesight, this feature is invaluable.
Built-In Thread Trimmer
Another great convenience feature is the automatic thread trimmer, which cuts both the top and bobbin threads with the touch of a button. No more hassling with scissors to trim threads between sew segments.
Bright LED Lighting
The HZL-G220 is equipped with LED lighting to illuminate your work area brightly. The lights are located on each side of the needle area rather than above it, helping reduce shadows.
LCD Screen
The backlit LCD screen displays information like the selected stitch width/length, presser foot recommendation, and error messages. It makes selecting stitches and adjusting settings very straightforward.
Ease of Use
Despite its wide range of features, the HZL-G220 is designed to be user-friendly for sewers of all experience levels. Everything is controlled through the buttons and LCD screen on the front of the machine. Key settings like stitch selection, stitch length/width, and thread tension are adjusted via simple button presses and displayed right on the LCD.
Bobbin winding is easy with the built-in winding system, and the machine includes a quick-set bobbin holder for speedy bobbin preparation. When it comes to threading, the automatic needle threader does most of the work for you.
Free arm sewing is simple with the removable accessory box. Instructions for using the various stitches and feet are printed right on the machine. The detailed manual provides more stitches tips and troubleshooting information.
Sewing Performance
When put to work on actual sewing projects, the HZL-G220 really shines. Here’s an overview of how it handles:
- Lightweight fabrics – The box feed system prevents shrinkage and puckering on delicate fabrics. No need to rely on a specialty presser foot for smooth sewing.
- Heavy thick fabrics – The powerful motor and box feed allow the HZL-G220 to work through heavy fabrics like denim with ease. No slowing or stalling, even on multiple layers.
- Buttonholes – The one-step buttonhole stitches create uniform, durable buttonholes with dense satin stitching on any type of fabric.
- Free motion quilting – Engaging the drop feed converts the HZL-G220 into a smooth free motion quilting machine. The generous 8″ clearance makes it easy to manipulate large quilts.
- Drag-free sewing – From silk to suede, fabrics glide effortlessly under the presser foot without snagging or dragging.
The HZL-G220 produces precise, consistent stitch quality at speeds up to 900 SPM on materials from sheer chiffon to 12+ layers of denim. While not a replacement for a dedicated industrial machine, it has the abilities to handle thick materials and long-term use well. The power and performance are very impressive for a home machine.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful performance and stitch quality
- Box feed prevents shrinking/puckering
- Wide range of built-in stitches
- Heavy duty construction
- Automatic needle threader
- Built-in thread trimmer
- Easy to use controls and settings
- Bright LED lighting
- Comes with hard cover and accessories
Cons:
- Expensive price tag
- Very heavy – not portable
- Noise increases with heavy use
- Doesn’t include 1/4″ quilting foot
Comparison to Other Juki Models
Juki’s line of advanced home sewing machines includes several models similar to the HZL-G220:
| Machine | Key Differences |
| Juki HZL-G120 | No automatic thread trimmer, less lighting |
| Juki 2010Q | Aluminum body, more compact |
| Juki TL-2000Qi | Longer free arm, extension table options |
The HZL-G220 adds several conveniences over Juki’s lower-priced HZL-G120 but isn’t quite as robust as Juki’s top-of-the-line TL-2000Qi. Overall, it hits a nice balance of features, performance, and price in Juki’s home machine lineup.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Overall, the Juki HZL-G220 receives very positive reviews from owners:
- Amazon – 4.4 out of 5 stars (45 reviews)
- Sew Vac Direct – 5 out of 5 stars (6 reviews)
- Joann – 4.5 out of 5 stars (4 reviews)
- Sewing Machines Plus – 5 out of 5 stars (2 reviews)
Across various retailers, it averages around 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 57 total reviews.
The most consistently praised features are the box feed system and built-in thread trimmer. Reviewers say these make a noticeable difference in the sewing experience. They also comment that it produces high-quality stitches across a wide variety of fabrics.
Most critical feedback relates to the high price tag and heavy weight/lack of portability. Some report receiving defective machines, but this appears to be uncommon.
Conclusion – A Powerful Machine Built to Last
With its industrial-style construction and plethora of user-friendly features, the Juki HZL-G220 is an excellent choice for the advanced home sewer. From garment sewing to quilting large projects, it can smoothly handle just about any material you throw at it. Small details like the automatic thread trimmer demonstrate how Juki goes the extra mile to engineer conveniences into its machines.
The HZL-G220 isn’t inexpensive, but it should provide years of reliable service thanks to the durable metal components and precise Japanese engineering. Juki has staked its reputation on building sewing machines to last, not treating them as disposable.
While it may be overkill for basic sewing needs, the HZL-G220 is a worthwhile investment for those who can take advantage of its special abilities like the box feed system and high piercing power. Overall, it lives up to its promises and will upgrade any sewer’s capabilities.