Juki HZL F600 sewing machine

The Juki HZL F600 is a versatile, computerized sewing and quilting machine geared towards intermediate to expert sewers.

In this Juki HZL F600 review, you’ll see how this machine is ideal for a range of tasks from garment-making and hemming, to curtains and quilting. Juki’s history of producing industrial sewing machines delivers professional-level results for home sewers. 

Overview: Juki HZL F600

The Juki HZL F600 is a quilting and sewing machine that comes with a large number of accessories and expert-level features. 

Traditionally, Juki made industrial sewing machines. Founded in Tokyo in 1938, the company found success supplying top-quality machines to garment factories throughout Japan.

Overseas buyers recognized the high performance of these machines, so Juki machines were soon in demand by the global sewing industry. At the same time, Juki began to develop sewing machines for the domestic market.

Today, Juki translates that expertise into making domestic sewing machines that deliver professional-level results.

The Juki HZL F600 may not be the best choice for beginners who are likely to find it overwhelming, but intermediate and advanced sewers will love its many features, some of which are unique to Juki.

What we like:

  • Box feed technology for superior, even feeding
  • 225 basic and decorative stitches, three alphanumeric fonts, and 16 built-in buttonholes
  • Knee lifting lever
  • Very large extended sewing table
  • Able to handle robust  fabrics

What we don’t like:

  • Not beginner-friendly
  • Expensive (though good value for money)

Features and Benefits of the Juki HZL F600

The Juki HZL F600 is an advanced machine with a range of features and that will surprise even expert sewers. This is one of the models that we included in our roundup of the best computerized sewing machines.

Ease of use

Juki HZL F600 sewing machine LCD display

The Juki HZL F600 is an easy to use machine that produces professional-level results for the intermediate to advanced at-home sewer.

Its LCD display is larger than most computerized sewing machines, at 33mm by 66mm, making it easy to navigate the machine’s functions and features.

Direct stitch pattern selector

One feature you’ll find on your LCD screen is the direct stitch pattern selection. This allows frequently used stitch patterns, such as zigzag stitch for applique, to be selected through the direct select mode.

Automatic needle threader

This model, like many of its peers, has an automatic needle threader that quickly and easily threads the needle for you.

This is a great time-saver, meaning you spend less time threading your machine and more time sewing!

Easy bobbin winding

Bobbin winding and threading is very easy on this machine, with the bobbin winding using an independent motor. This means that you can fill the bobbin and continue sewing at the same time.

This bobbin winder works very well too, winding a nice, tight bobbin that will not cause tangled threads or tension issues.

Automatic thread cutter

Juki HZL F600 sewing machine

One very interesting feature of the Juki HZL F600 is its automatic thread cutter.

Automatic thread cutters are becoming reasonably common on computerized sewing machines, but this model’s big point of difference is that both the bobbin and spool threads are cut by pressing the heel side of the foot pedal.

This function, once you get the hang of it, means you can sew projects extremely quickly and efficiently.

Variety of buttonholes

This machine features 16 different built-in buttonholes and uses sensor technology to sew perfect buttonholes on any kind of fabric and even with overlapped sections.

The cutting width of buttonholes can also be adjusted in three (relatively) easy steps.

Well-lit sewing area

Dual LED lights light up the sewing area very brightly, meaning you can easily see what you’re sewing, reducing eye strain. This is particularly useful when sewing dark threads on dark fabrics, which can be difficult if the light is not strong enough.

Versatility

This machine is designed for basic sewing, fashion sewing, quilting, and home décor projects.

Adjustable presser foot pressure

The Juki HZL F600 can handle a wide range of fabrics, coming with several presser feet. These include:

  • walking foot for quilting
  • patchwork foot
  • open toe foot
  • automatic and manual buttonhole feet

In total, there are 10 presser feet included, which are snap-on/snap-off so they can be interchanged easily.

The presser foot pressure is easily adjustable depending on the fabric and technique you are using. Sewing with the wrong presser foot pressure for your fabric can cause puckering and other tension problems, therefore being able to adjust the pressure is essential to ensure perfect stitches every time.

Quilting

Sewing machine presser foot and a piece of quilting fabric

The machine is equally well suited to quilting. It comes with a walking foot and free motion foot which will cover most quilters’ needs.

Quilters will also especially love the automatic thread cutter, allowing them to move quickly from one seam to another.

This machine is well set up for free motion sewing, coming with a free motion foot and the ability to lower the feed dogs. This model also keeps thread tension stable for more precise free motion quilting.

The Juki HZL F600 also comes with an extended sewing table, wider than previous models, to give you plenty of space to work on quilting or other large projects. The wider underarm space gives quilters extra room while working on complex projects.

This machine can also select quilting stitch width automatically and at random, creating an interesting and pleasing appearance to your quilting projects.

Embroidery

This machine also has lots of options for embroidery, with an impressive 255 built-in sewing patterns and four alphanumeric fonts.

Special features

Juki’s history producing industrial machines means their domestic models come with unique features rarely seen outside large garment factories and fashion houses.

Box feed system

One of these unique features is their box feed system. Unlike most machines that have an oval-shaped feed mechanism, Juki uses a box feed that avoids the fabric shifting or shrinking during sewing.

The more even feed also produces more even stitches, whether working on lighter or heavier fabrics. This is particularly useful when working with lightweight fabrics which tend to shrink when sewn.

Knee-lifting lever

The Juki HZL F600 also has a knee-lifting lever that lifts or raises the presser foot using just your knees. This keeps your hands free for other tasks, making you more efficient.

Durability

This heavy-duty machine sews through heavy fabrics with ease. The Juki HZL F600 has a steel feed dog and super-strong presser foot construction that makes light work of heavy fabrics like denim.

Problems and issues

It must be noted that the Juki HZL F600 is not designed for all levels. This is most certainly a machine geared towards intermediate to advanced (and even professional) sewers.

Although it is easy to use for those with a little experience, beginners will find this machine overly complex and confusing, and this is obviously not the best model to learn on.

The price will probably also rule this machine out for most beginners. It is certainly not the cheapest sewing machine on the market!

However, considering the number of features, and its high level of performance, it represents good value for money.

Alternatives to the Juki HZL F600

Although the Juki HZL F600 is a great choice for many intermediate to advanced sewers, it is not right for everyone. Depending on your level, budget, and other factors, you may wish to consider one of these alternatives.

Juki HZL F300 vs F400 vs F600

The Juki HZL comes in three models: the F300, F400, and F600. These models have similar features and all are excellent computerized machines for sewing and quilting.

The major difference is in the number of stitches, which are respectively 105, 157, and 225 built-in stitches for the Juki HZL F300, F400, and F600. The prices also vary, with the F300 being the most affordable, and the F600 the most expensive.

Juki HZL F600 vs Singer Quantum Stylist 9960

The Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 is a more beginner-friendly sewing, embroidery and quilting machine that is also packed with features. The Singer 9960 shares many of the Juki HZL F600’s features, such as an extension table, alphanumeric fonts, an automatic threader and thread cutter, and has 600 inbuilt stitches, at a much lower price point. 

It does lack some of Juki’s unique and professional assets, however, like the box feed system, and knee-lifting lever. There is no doubt that the Juki HZL F600 is a professional-level machine, which is reflected in the price.

Read our full Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 review.

Juki HZL F600 vs Brother PQ1500L

The Brother PQ1500L is an industrial-level sewing and quilting machine from a brand more known for its more modest, affordable machines. However, the Brother PQ1500SL has many features that compare to the Juki HZL F600.

Both models have an automatic needle threader, large working area, and knee-lifting lever. You can expect to pay roughly half as much for the Brother PQ1500SL as the Juki HZL F600. 

A notable difference is that the Brother PQ1500SL is not well equipped for embroidery.  

Wrapping it up

The Juki HZL F600 is a high-level sewing machine for intermediate to expert sewers. It has a large number of functions and features. These include some special pieces of Juki technology, such as their unique box-feed system.

This machine is not for those on a budget. Although it offers excellent value for money, considering its high level of features and performance, it is far from the cheapest model on the market.

Neither is this machine ideal for beginners, being complicated and overwhelming for those who are learning.

More advanced sewers, however, will find this an easy-to-use, efficient, and high-performing machine that delivers professional results sewing and quilting.

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