Disclaimer: All the opinions in this post and video review are my own. I was NOT hired by Juki to post this review.
I fell in love with a JUKI TL-98 I got to use earlier this year at my first ever quilt retreat. It was a powerhouse straight stitch machine at 1500 stitches per minute, with automatic thread cutter and the stitch quality was perfection! I was sold!
When I got home to Florida I started doing some research and decided to demo the newer version of that JUKI I had used. The latest model is the JUKI TL-2010Q. So, I drove two hours to Sew-Mini Things in Mt. Dora, FL to learn more about JUKI sewing machines and see if I wanted to buy one (or 3!). I walked into Timm’s shop and started asking questions. As he told me more and more about JUKI’s in general I knew I wanted a computerized machine made by JUKI, too. I called my husband and asked if I could get more than one and he said, “get whatever you want.” Green flag = GO!
Timm showed me the JUKI Exceed series of machines and started explaining what all they can do. There are three models in the Exceed series- F600, F400 and F300. They are all the same exact machine but the lower models don’t have as many decorative stitches and/or accessories as the higher ones. I went ahead and chose to get the F600 mostly because it came with more accessories and a massive extension table which I definitely needed. The F600 also comes with 225 decorative stitches and 4 alphabet modes.
My new baby! Set up at her workstation in my studio. Yay!
I hired a videographer (ah! big time status!) to film this 27-minute sewing machine review for you on the JUKI HZL-F600. I have been using for the past few months and so far I am very happy with it! If you are a beginner/intermediate sewist or quilter and are looking to upgrade check out the JUKI Exceed series of machines. If you don’t want to spend the $$$ on the F600, even the F300 would still be an awesome upgrade from a basic sewing machine. Remember, it has an automatic needle threader AND automatic thread cutter. Must-haves!
If you are in the market for a new sewing machine I highly recommend Timm at Sew-Mini Things. He sells several different sewing machine brands including JUKI, Baby Lock, Elna, Singer, etc. He was super knowledgeable because 1) he’s been doing this for decades, 2) the shop is his AND 3) he is the one that services all makes and models of sewing machines. He knows his stuff! And he gave me some great prices on the machines so, that’s always a plus! {Side note: I’m working on the reviews for the other two JUKIs I bought so stay tuned for that!} Timm also offers FREE shipping on JUKI machines in the 48 contiguous states. So, if you are looking to get a new machine hit him up. Tell him you saw the review on Crafty Gemini’s blog!
Inside Sew-Mini Things in Mt. Dora, Florida. New sewing machine heaven! So many to choose from.
So, here I leave you with the full video review of my brand new JUKI HZL-F600 computerized sewing machine. Enjoy!
Grace
I am a machine junkie too, Vanessa, and I absolutely love the features on this machine! I was amazed at how quiet it was when you were sewing. I am just curious, why you bought three machines? Also, will you be doing a video of the TL-2010? That is the one that is on my Wish List!!
Vanessa Vargas Wilson
Hi Grace, I was in the mood for something new. The Janomes I had were borrowed from Janome so i sent those back. I’m selling my Brother sewing machines and downsizing my serger collection and my sewing machine collection so I wanted to have some new, cutting edge technology machines going forward…. and my vintage ones, of course! lol. Yes, I will be doing a review of the MO-1000 serger (coming this week!) and then the TL2010Q. That’s my baby!! Stay tuned for a free motion quilting series on the TL 2010Q too. Fun stuff coming! 🙂
Christy Adams
Vanessa! Isn’t that a sick machine? I bought mine in February and have been using it for all of my sewing needs, minus serging. I’m glad you picked it up! 🙂
QLT812
Thanks Vanessa for your demo for the Juki M600! Indeed it dose have a lot of bells and whistles and along extension table. I love a machine with the auto thread cutter…????
Emma Carpenter
Hello Vanessa: I have the 1020Q and look forward to your free motion quilting series. So Many Things shop is the greatest and Timm is a love. I tried to buy my jUKI there but they were doing inventory and did not have one in stock. Being the impatient that I am, I could not wait and purchased elsewhere. I did receive the greatest service and would try them again if the need arrived. Congrats on your new babies. I know you will be having sew much of fun. Thanks for sharing. I have been a fan of yours for a long time. I love what you have accomplished. Thimbles up.
jane lei inouye
aloha vanessa – I’m your neighbor! We live on SR241S – right down the road. Thanks for sharing on your new babies – I purchased an Elna 730 last month and have been loving on it – not as many decorative stitches as yours, but lots of other great features and can sew thru so many layers – loving it! Let me know if you ever want to try it out..I also have a Janome 1110DX serger which I also love-love! hugs and aloha, lei
Vanessa Vargas Wilson
Woohoo! I love meeting my neighbors! What a small world we live in. Amazing how the internet connects us all. 🙂 We live off SR 121. Between Lacrosse and Worthington Springs. Howdy neighbor!
Sandy
Hi,
I have had my Juki serger for 23 years with NO problems and love it! The store I got it at was going out of business so they sold me a prototype straight stitch Juki that is between a home and industrial model. REALLY fast. I just traded my serger for the auto threader. I don’t remember the number but I can’t wait. It will even thread the needles. I can’t wait!!! I never have ANY problems with Juki machines.
I can’t wait to see your free motion video.
Helen Hougland
As usual, your review covered all my questions and provided informative answers. I am really looking forward to your review of the Juki MO-1000 serger because my present serger is OLD. While it still is functional it certainly doesn’t have the modern features I know are out there and that I would enjoy being able to use. Am holding off purchasing a new serger until your review….. ; )
Lori Hogan
I have owned the F600 for about 2 1/5 yrs and it has been used extensively. I LOVE this machine… A LOT… except for my bobbin winder broke in the first month of ownership and I bought it on Ebay. I never got it fixed, but I use my other machines to wind the bobbins. Right out of the box, I set this bad boy up and it was free motion quilting in minutes… literally! Has been a serious workhorse. I use it also when I teach classes at the local quilt shop. I can’t say enough about this machine. I’m staying with Juki’s from now on!
Janet
Would you know the difference between the Juki 1000 and the 1000CPX?
Vanessa Vargas Wilson
They are two totally different machines. This Juki MO-1000 is a threader that has air threading technology. The Janome 1000CPX is a coverstitch machine. They do not do the same type of stitches.
Lawanna
I have watched your review on the F600. I am not a quilter but a beginner at sewing. I fell in love with ALL the features you pointed out. I have also read some of the reviews on Amazon. So, of course now I have a few questions. 1) would you recommend this machine for beginners that sew garments? 2) have you noticed any stitching issues? 3) is there a particular computerized machine you would recommend for newbies? The one I currently have is a TRUE beginners sewing machine (Singer Simple).
Jennifer
Vanessa, I have watched and learned from you for a long time. Thank you for all you do!
I was dreaming of buying the F600 for a while, and you just closed the deal! I have a 2010Q but really need a zig zag, so I might as well have all the other stitches too!
Thanks for the push I needed!
Lynda
Vanessa, loved your review of the juki F 600, I have been trying to decide which brand of quilting machine I wanted. My daughter showed me your review video tonight and that helped me to decide. I originally was looking at the F400 but after your review decided on the F600.
I actually have one sitting in my cart on amazon. Tomorrow I plan to check out a local shop and if they don’t have it or a good price I will come home and order it. I also looked at the shop in Florida you got yours from but couldn’t find any prices or way to buy. I thought I would check to see what deals they had before I made my purchase.
Thanks!
Lynda
Vanessa Vargas Wilson
Hi Lynda! Glad you enjoyed my review. Give Sew-Mini Things a call tomorrow and let them know you saw my video review on YouTube and they’ll offer you a discount… and FREE SHIPPING! Definitely a great deal! You’ll love it!
Lynda
Awesome, thanks, I will give them a call tomorrow.
Lynda
So,So excited. I called and mentioned your review sealed the deal with wanting the juki 600 and they gave me an amazing deal. They discount was great. Thanks! Can’t wait to get it.
Vanessa Vargas Wilson
There you go! Congrats! So happy you were able to get a great price for being a Crafty Gemini follower! Thanks for the update. You will love it!
M
HI Vanessa! I’m looking at the Juki F600, to use for quilting. I live in Mount Dora and love that shop, it’s like Disney Land for me! Thank you for the review, I think I’ll go get it, they’re on sale right now, and the prices are on their website. Timm’s the best!
Amber
I loved your review of this machine. Very thorough. I see on the list of accessories on the Juki website there is an eyelet punch with the 600. What is that exactly? I am trying to decide of the extra accessories are worth it for me to spring for the 600 instead of the 400. Thanks.
Deniae
Sounds great! I can’t function with only one machine and am in the market for a new one, preferably one with fantastic state of the art features. I’ve never considered aJuki, but you’ve planted a sees and added a new wrinkle to my brain. But really girl, aside from the machines… that husband of yours! You need to clone him! He really said get anything you want!!?? WOOOOW! LOL
Debbie
Vanessa, Hi.. I am an older beginner. age 63. I have the Juki 2010 and am waiting for the Juki Dz7 to arrive. I’m very excited and hope I have good luck with this machine. I love..love..love…. watching your tutorial videos. You make things look so easy and explain things in a manner that even I and all beginners can understand. I live about 50 minutes from Missouri Star Quilt Co. so maybe I’ll have the chance to see you sometime. Thanks for all your time and hard work to bring sewing of all kinds into our lives.
Debbie
p.s. forgot to add that I ordered my Juki DZ7 from Sew-Mini Things and it was shipped out the next day. I mentioned your name and had not known about the discount or forgot and was surprised at the nice discount I received and the nice and fast service. Debbie from Missouri
Vanessa Vargas Wilson
Yay! I’m so glad you bought your machine from Sew-Mini Things! Those guys are great and I actually just got a DX7 myself! I was playing with the settings last night and am absolutely loving the automatic presser foot lift for pivoting on corners. So many ways to customize and program the machine. It is a dream to sew on. I hope you love yours as much as I love mine. Juki is awesome! I will be at Missouri Star next week Monday through Thursday and would love to meet you! If you swing by send me an email or ask for me in one of the shops and someone will help find me. I’ll either be around or in the studio filming. 🙂
Debbie
Wow, you are fast. I meant to say DZ7. Was coming back on to correct that and there was your reply. Will be looking forward to your demo on that machine. Glad your hubby can be home full time and help with everything. Thanks again. Debbie from Missouri
Debbie
DX7 not DZ. Duh!!!! Maybe I can get over there if the weather permits. Right now there is snow on the ground. I have to go clean up my sewing room! Debbie
Dina
Vanessa, thank you for your machine reviews. It really helped me picked my Juki TL2010 and I love it! It does wonders for my FMQ 😀
These days I’m doing research for a second machine, one with all the bells and whistles. I have narrowed it down to 2 Jukis: F600 and DX7. Unfortunately I can’t find any review of the DX7. Will you be doing a review of the DX7 soon?
Vanessa Vargas Wilson
Yes! I recently got a DX-7 and I just need to find some time to do a review on it but that is on my list of things to do. Congrats on the 2010Q. It’s a dream to use!
Kathy Pollard
Hi Vanessa. I am trying to decide between the DX7 and DX5 or F700. Would be interested to hear your views.
Nichole
I’ve been reading all your comments and I really want to make the move and upgrade from my Janome Magnolia. It’s been a great basic machine, but I have been quilting for a few years and I need something with more guts. Would it be necessary for me to get the Juki F600, or would the F300 be sufficient? Opinions? I would like to spent somewhere between $500-hopefully less than $1,000. 🙂 Thanks friends!
Nichole
Er, sorry I meant the F400. 🙂
Vanessa Vargas Wilson
Glad you said F400! That one comes with the extension table so for quilting that would be perfect unless of course you have a table to set it in to give you the extra space for moving the quilt around. You don’t have to get the F600. The F400 is amazing and you can quilt all your quilts on it too. It may have less decorative stitches but it still has hundreds! If you call Sew-Mini Things (www.sewminithings.com) and tell them you heard of them from Crafty Gemini video reviews they will give you a discount! I don’t get a cut from the sale but it’s great to send people to the place I buy my own machines from. They offer free shipping in U.S. too! Also, Leah Day uses her F400 to quilt even queen sized quilts! Check out her post here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3TZqQpSrY4 Hope that helps!
Nichole
Thanks a bunch Vanessa! I appreciate the advice. 😉 I am really leaning toward the F400 because I don’t need all the fancy stitches and I’m still a student on a budget. 😉 I do want to quilt my own full-sized quilts, so I’m glad to hear it’s been done! I’ve been doing basic quilting on my full-sized quilts with my current machine, but it’s so tough. There’s so much shifting and it’s really frustrating. Maybe it’s partially my basting technique as well, which does need improving. Anyhow, thanks again. I’ll let you know what happens!
Brenda
I guess that I’m different and am on my second Juki F600. The first was a lemon and did so many things wrong I was given #2. Now a year later it’s starting to have issues with the thread jumping out of the hook on top and now the motor hesitates while sewing. What I’m afraid of it’s just going to stop and I’m stuck with a machine I love but needs a new motor. OMG! I dread calling the dealer.
Darcy Houck
Loved the demonstration of the Juki exceed 600. Thinking of purchasing one.
Sunela
Vanessa,
I have sent an email to Timm. I am in Dallas, Texas area and I am a little nervous getting a machine that is expensive without seeing and feeling it. But, your review has given me some strength!!
Sunela
Vanessa,
I have one more question….how do the stitches come when you are doing a hem on knit with double needle?
Thanks a bunch – sunela
Janette
Hi all I just bought a Juki HZL F600 and took my 1 st class on how to operate the machine and there was a lady in the class with a Juki that was different. Naturally I got curious and noticed it had everything the F600 but the instructor was telling her that her piecing button is #3 whereas mine is #2. I then asked what model and they said it’s the HZL DX 7 and I was a little upset because if I had know that I would’ve made a different decision and for sure sine now I compared and obviously did some research online and the DX 5 and 7 have more options AND I already spent over a thousand for the F600. What’s the difference a hundred more? You get more and not just one or two but faster, more stitches, one hole needle plate, presser foot goes up when you stop sewing which is a big one for me and the capability to slide a button to make my needle plate a one hole which is better for piecing. Do you own any of the DX series and if so which do you prefer? You have the f600 I loved your review and that’s why I bought it but now I see a new Juki and newer model as they only came out October/November of last year. I know your a busy girl but I love your videos. I’m new at quilting and can use all the help I can get. Self taught or shall I say You Tube taught. LOL. Take care!
Kristen
Hi!
First off I want to say that I love your videos. They are fantastic! I am currently in the market for a new sewing machine. I am trying to decided between the F600 and the DX7. I saw in another reply that you recently purchased a DX7 and I was curious about what you thought of it. I feel like there is no information on it out there. How do you like it? Does it come with the same accessories as the F600? Is it very different from the F600 that would make it worth spending the extra money? I saw that it is faster.. you must like that 🙂
Thank you for any advice and info you can give.
Shauntae
Hello,
For the F600, the advertisement says the machine can do a sashiko ‘handstitch.’ Have you tried doing this? How were the results on the back? Thank you so much!
Joh
Great great reviews Vanessa, many thanks. Did you ever get a chance to review the Dx7? I’m SOOOO close to ordering one! Hugs….John in Veracruz
Dionne
Hi Vanessa,
Your review helped me seal the deal and put the F600 on my birthday list a couple of years ago. I love the machine. The only thing is shirring. On my old singer all I had to do was thread it (elastic thread on bobbin of course) and begin sewing but with my Juki, it just sews regular. What do you think I am doing wrong?
Julie
Hi Crafty Gemini
I have the Juki F600 and I am wondering if I can sew leather with it? I am wanting to make bags and guitar straps – maybe journal covers. What would you suggest for thread type and machine adjustments?