Juki HZL-LB5100 Review: A Versatile Computerized Sewing Machine For Beginners And Experts

The Juki HZL-LB5100 is a computerized sewing machine that offers versatile functionality, quality stitches, and easy threading at an affordable price point.

In this detailed review, we’ll take a look at the features, performance, pros and cons of the Juki HZL-LB5100 based on expert tests and user experiences.

Overview of the Juki HZL-LB5100

The Juki HZL-LB5100 is a computerized sewing machine designed for both beginners and more advanced sewists. Some key features include:

• 100 built-in stitches including utility, decorative, stretch, and buttonhole stitches
• Adjustable stitch length and width up to 5mm and 7mm respectively
• Easy threading with automatic needle threader
• Bright LED lighting over the sewing area
• Large backlit LCD screen for easy selection of stitches
• Variable sewing speed up to 700 stitches per minute
• Free arm for sewing sleeves and pant legs
• Drop feed for free motion quilting and sewing
• Comes with 6 presser feet for various techniques

Despite being feature-rich, the Juki HZL-LB5100 has a simple and user-friendly operation. Its compact design makes it lightweight and portable. With decades of experience in manufacturing sewing machines, Juki has engineered the HZL-LB5100 to provide versatility for all types of sewing projects.

Detailed Feature Rundown

Here’s a more in-depth look at some of the noteworthy features of the Juki HZL-LB5100:

Easy Stitch Selection and Adjustment

The Juki HZL-LB5100 comes equipped with 100 built-in stitch patterns including utility stitches, decorative stitches, stretch stitches, buttonholes, and more.

Stitch selection is easily done by entering the number on the backlit LCD display. The stitch numbers and recommended presser feet are conveniently printed on the stitch reference charts on the front of the machine.

You can adjust the stitch length from 0mm up to 5mm and stitch width from 0mm up to 7mm depending on your sewing needs. Having this level of adjustability allows you to achieve the perfect stitch and seam finish on any type of fabric.

Automatic Needle Threader

Trying to thread a tiny needle hole can get frustrating, especially when working with finer threads. Thankfully, the HZL-LB5100 has an automatic needle threader that passes the thread through the needle with just the push of a lever. This handy feature saves time and hassle when setting up your sewing.

Bright LED Sewing Space Lighting

The LED lighting ring illuminates the needle and work area so you can see stitches clearly even when working in low light conditions. The lighting is nicely positioned to avoid any shadows over your work area.

Large LCD Display Screen

The backlit LCD screen makes it easy to view and select machine settings like stitch length/width adjustment. Error alerts and presser foot recommendations are also displayed on the LCD when applicable.

Variable Speed Control

A variable speed control slider allows you to limit the maximum sewing speed from slow to fast depending on your needs. This gives you better control when learning to sew or handling trickier fabrics. The maximum speed is 700 stitches per minutes.

Automatic Lock Stitch

The push of a button sews a few lock stitches automatically at the start and end of a seam. This prevents unraveling and gives your sewing a neat finish.

Free Arm for Sewing Sleeves and Pant Legs

The removable extension table exposes the free arm which is useful for stitching tubular areas like sleeve hems and pant legs.

Drop Feed for Free Motion Sewing

Engaging the drop feed allows the feed dogs to drop below the needle plate giving you free range of motion for sewing techniques like free motion quilting.

Accessories Included

The Juki LB5100 comes with 6 different presser feet for various stitching techniques:

• Zig zag foot
• Zipper foot
• Satin stitch foot
• Overedge foot
• Blind hem foot
• One step buttonhole foot

It also includes bobbins, needles, thread spool caps, a lint brush, seam ripper, screwdriver, spool stand, and more. These accessories help you get set up for sewing right away.

Performance and Stitch Quality

In terms of performance, the Juki HZL-LB5100 offers:

• Consistent stitch quality on a range of fabric types from lightweight to thicker fabrics like denim. The stitches are evenly spaced and balanced.
• Quiet operation when running, measured at around 62dB. This makes it suitable for sewing at night or when others are sleeping.
• Easy sewing through multiple layers of fabric thanks to the strong motor and 7 point feed dog system.
• The free arm is useful for stitching tubular areas and gives you better ease of movement around the arm.
• Reliable feeding of fabric with the 7 point feed dog system. This prevents stitch skipping or inconsistent stitch length.

The stitch quality of the Juki LB5100 is excellent for the price. It sews high quality lockstitch and zigzag stitches. The buttonholes are neatly and evenly done in one step. Decorative stitches like the satin stitch also come out looking nice.

Overall, it’s a solid performance from a versatile computerized sewing machine. The stitches are consistent and the operation is smooth across a range of fabrics.

Ease of Use

Despite its wide selection of stitches and settings, the Juki HZL-LB5100 is beginner friendly. Here are some ways it’s easy to use:

• Easy stitch selection via the reference chart and LCD screen
• Clear markings for thread guides, stitch plates, and key information printed on the machine
• Automatic functions like needle threader, lock stitch, and bobbin winding simplify setup
• Variable speed control to limit fast sewing while learning
• Easy adjustment of stitch length and width right on the LCD screen
• Presser foot recommendations shown on LCD display

The machine doesn’t require any complicated manual adjustments. Features like the automatic needle threader also reduce frustration and make it more enjoyable to use.

The instruction manual and DVD provide a helpful visual guide on how to thread and operate the machine as well. Overall, it’s straightforward machine that lets you focus on your sewing rather than fiddling with controls.

Who Is the Juki HZL-LB5100 Good For?

With its blend of easy operation and versatility, the Juki HZL-LB5100 is suitable for:

• Beginners: Easy stitch selection, adjustable speed, and features like the automatic needle threader make this a great machine for starting out.
• Intermediate sewists: The variety of stitches and accessories help you expand your skills with garment construction, quilting, crafts, and more.
• Experts: Despite the beginner friendly design, it has enough functionality for advanced sewing projects. The operation is smooth and stitch quality consistent.
• Light sewing: Best for lightweight to medium weight fabrics. The motor can handle some heavier fabrics but an industrial machine would be better suited for heavy sewing.
• Simple garment construction and alterations: With its variety of stitches, buttonholes, and included presser feet, you can make clothes and tailor garments.
• Basic quilting: Straight line quilting and attaching bindings are doable thanks to the free arm, drop feed, and adjustable stitch length/width.
• Crafting: Use decorative stitches and satin stitches for sewing crafts and accessories.
• Home decor projects: Attach zippers, sew curtains, add applique, and more.
• Travel: Weighing in at 12.3 pounds, it’s portable enough for sewing classes or transport.

From students wanting a first sewing machine to experienced sewists looking for something portable, the Juki HZL-LB5100 suits a wide range of needs for its price bracket.

Juki HZL-LB5100 Pros and Cons

Here’s a quick rundown of the main advantages and disadvantages of the Juki HZL-LB5100 sewing machine:

Pros

• Excellent value for money
• Easy to operate even for beginners
• Loads of built-in stitches
• Good stitch quality overall
• Adjustable stitch length and width
• Helpful LCD display screen
• Bright LED sewing light
• Useful accessories included
• Smooth and quiet operation
• Suitable for most fabric types

Cons

• Limited to lightweight/medium weight fabrics
• Bobbin winding is slower than average
• Free arm is a bit awkward for some users
• No alphabet fonts for monogramming
• No automatic thread cutting

Customer Reviews and Scores

Here’s a summary of what customers have to say about their experience with the Juki HZL-LB5100 sewing machine:

• On Amazon, from 5 user reviews it scores 4.8 out of 5 stars. Positive reviews mention the many stitch options, ease of use for beginners, good stitch quality, and smooth operation. The only negatives cited were the noise and slow bobbin winding.
• On Sewing Machine Plus, from 8 user reviews it has a perfect 5 out of 5 star rating. Users mention it’s lightweight, packed with features, sews high quality stitches, and is beginner friendly. No cons were reported.
• It scores a 96.7 on Sewing Machine Reviewed based on 6 total customer reviews. Comments praise the functionality, stitch quality, ease of threading, and value for money. Minor critiques were around plastic construction and bobbin winding speed.

Judging by customer feedback, users find the Juki LB5100 to be an excellent computerized sewing machine offering versatility and quality stitches. It meets beginner and intermediate sewing needs well with its functionality and ease of use.

Alternatives to Consider

The Juki HZL-LB5100 is a great choice for an affordable computerized machine, but here are a couple alternatives to consider:

• Brother CS6000i – Offers 60 built-in stitches, automatic needle threader, easy to use controls, and a wide table. It’s very lightweight at under 14 pounds. Better for lighter fabrics.
• Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 – Boasts 600 stitches, 13 automatic one-step buttonholes, mirror imaging, and auto presser foot pressure. LCD shows stitch diagrams.
• Janome DC5100 – Features 154 stitches, intuitively laid out stitch selection screen, memorized needle up/down, and superior feed system. Excels at handling thicker fabrics.
• Juki HZL-F600 – More advanced computerized Juki model with 225 stitches and a 4.5″ x 7.9″ extension table. Automatic thread cutter and knee lift lever. better for large projects.(read Juki HZL-F600 review)

Read: Juki TL-2000Qi Review: A Detailed Look At This Popular Quilting And Sewing Machine

Final Verdict

Overall, the Juki HZL-LB5100 stands out as an intermediate level computerized sewing machine that punches above its weight class.

It offers excellent value by providing exceptional ease of use alongside versatility to handle a wide range of fabrics and projects – all at an affordable price point.

With multiple user friendly features, thoughtfully designed controls, and a suite of accessories to augment its capabilities, the HZL-LB5100 makes sewing, crafting, quilting and garment construction accessible and enjoyable for novices and experienced sewers alike.

While it may lack some convenience functions found in more advanced models, the stitch quality, smooth performance, and blend of automatic functions in the Juki HZL-LB5100 are hard to beat in its price bracket.

So if you’re looking for an accessible computerized sewing machine equipped to grow your skills, the Juki HZL-LB5100 is definitely worth considering.