Juki Exceed HZL-F400 Quilt Pro Computerized Sewing Machine

After several years of producing quilt tops on a near top of the line Singer and fuzzing at that machine with every new quilt - my husband surprised me with Juki HZL-F600 Exceed Series. I did not know how much difference a machine like this could make. Instead of fussing, I now sit at there saying: "I love my machine! I love my machine!" Very highly recommended.

After several years of producing quilt tops on a near top of the line Singer and fuzzing at that machine with every new quilt - my husband surprised me with Juki HZL-F600 Exceed Series. I did not know how much difference a machine like this could make. Instead of fussing, I now sit at there saying: "I love my machine! I love my machine!" Very highly recommended.

Been using for almost a year & I love this machine. The only issues I've had were minor, and seemed to "work themselves out" after using the machine. Both the needle threader and thread cutter wouldn't work correctly at first, but now they're working fine. The bobbin winder runs too fast in my opinion. It stretched some monofilament thread so tight on a nylon bobbin that I couldn't remove the bobbin from the winder. Be aware that this machine is HEAVY, so it's not very portable.

My first sewing machine was purchased 35 years ago. It was a cheaper model. I gave it to my niece and got a very nice computerized Sears Kenmore machine. It lasted about 25 years and then the electronics fizzled. 5 Years ago I decided that I might be through with sewing as much as I did in the past so I purchased the cheapest model available at Walmart. It had absolutely no electronics on it. I repented as soon as I began sewing. I thought I was the problem because I didn't know if I was working the tension right. After holding it down while I sewed every seam of a Star Wars outfit my son requested I make, I had it with that thing! My husband saw me trying to sew and told me to get a good machine. I went on Amazon and began looking at all the models available. I also went to various websites and read the things each machine offered. The Juki company interested me, so I read reviews. I was very impressed. When the Juki HZL-F-400 Show Model Exceed Series-Computer Sewing Quilting Machine arrived, my heart beat so fast. I opened the heavy box carefully and was amazed at how well it was packed. It looked like a huge thing from the future. As I pulled it out of the box I realized it was the hard plastic protective cover over the sewing machine. I uncovered it and was sort of afraid of it. It was very impressive. I took the book that came with it and read it cover to cover before I even plugged it in. When I finally did plug it in, I filled the bobbin on top of the machine. I could not even hear the motor for filling the bobbin. I sewed in a zipper in a pair of pants. I had never experienced anything like it. The machine was so quiet. The next thing I sewed was quilting an ironing board cover. This sewing machine went through 2 pieces of fabric and 4 layers of old blankets without any problem at all. You would have thought I was sewing a regular seam through silk. I was amazed. Also, cutting the thread on top and bottom by pressing my heel down on the foot control is awesome. Can you tell I love this machine? I know I am not a professional seamtress and I probably don't deserve this great machine, but I wish I had purchased it 35 years ago. This machine makes me very happy.

Excellent machine loaded with great features at the listed price. (The auto-thread cutter function is worth its weight in gold). The machine came new in the box and in good condition. Every function worked fine and nothing has gone wrong yet. This is an extremely user friendly machine and has easy to understand computer screen functions. Threading and loading the bobin is so effortless and unbelievely easy. This machine will sew through multiple layers of heavy denim, with no lag in the motor, it defintely has the power and speed you need. I would recommend this machine and I'm very happy with my purchase. My only condern is that fact that auto threaders are delicate on all machines, and that you need to be extra mindful of this one. That being the only downside to this machine, I would still give it 5 stars. You will love this machine. *************** UPDATE: (11/1/13) I did have to send back the machine to have the auto needle threader repaired, but it now works perfectly and has held up very well. Just be careful not to accidently bang it, as it is delicate and needs to be treated with TLC (I did bang it accidently, and had to have it repaired, or readjusted, as the vendor noted when he fixed it). So, during this past year, the machine has held up great. No problems and works like a dream. It is an EXCELLENT sewing machine. It has every feature you could possibly want (please take note all the numerous features you get, including the hard case, as you will use every one and wonder how you ever sewed without them). The Juki F400 has a strong interior steel frame to prevent any machine distortion and makes the machine very stable and sturdy along with supporting the powerful quiet motor which gives this machine great sewing strength. You will notice a slight knocking sound when sewing through thick to very thick material, but this is common with all machines. In general, it is a very quiet machine. Most importantly, after the quality, I want to say that the user friendliness of this machine makes sewing so effortless, you will find it a pleasure to sew. PEASE NOTE: I have seen a review somewhere about the difficulty of changing the needle on the F400 (I had the same problem). The needle comes out fine, but putting it back in was a nightmare. All you need is a "needle gripper" sold in sewing machine stores (approx. $6 or so). Using the gripper gives you the leverage you need to putting a new needle back in and solves the problem. I hope my original review and very lengthy update convinces you to buy the Juki F400. The Juki F400 beats all the similar featured and priced machines out there, as the quality and ease of use can't be beat. Still a 5 star review and I would highly recommend it.

Straight out of the box a great machine. Excellent for piecing and quilting.

I had outgrown the Singer machine I bought just a few months ago to replace my 20 year-old Kenmore machine, and I was looking for something that would be as much of a workhorse as my old Kenmore but with the modern features of the Singer. Granted, I had to pay the price to get it, but this machine is exactly what I wanted. I doubt that I will ever truly have a need for many of the decorative stitches this machine offers, but it's nice to know they are available. I primarily sew apparel, particularly suit jackets and tailored business clothing, so features like automatic buttonholes, the ability to adjust presser foot pressure (in order to sew thin lining fabrics and even tissue-weight knits), and the power to sew through heavy wool and tweed fabrics without bogging down are a must. I also appreciate the automatic thread tension feature, the large and comfortable foot pedal, and the clear LCD display. Other features like the automatic needle threader and thread trimmer are nice, but not essential so I don't bother with either of them. The built-in storage unit that keeps all the extra feet and small odds and ends neat and organized is one example of this machine's thoughtful design, as is the threading diagram with numbered points printed right on the machine (especially helpful during the "getting to know you" phase!). But truly, the best part is that this machine is substantial and sturdy, and is capable of handling fabrics from the thinnest and most slippery satin to jacket-weight faux leather, and everything in between. I anticipate that we will have a very happy partnership for many years to come.

Really like the machine. Very smooth.