Juki HZL-353ZR-C Sewing Machine

I am pretty new to sewing and I was looking for an affordable sewing machine. I was going to opt for a singer or brother model but a friend of mine who is more experienced urged me to spend 50 bucks more and purchase a Juki. I am glad I followed her advice. The instruction manual is very easy to follow and they also provide a DVD. The DVD didn't work on my MacBook but I attribute that to my MacBook being old, and either way I found the same instruction video on YouTube. This machine runs very smoothly and the pedal is sensitive enough that you can stitch VERY slowly or very fast. I purchased some universal heavy duty needles because I wanted to work with denim and this machine handles that wonderfully. It's compatible with all lowshank presser foot attachments as well. If you're on the fence about getting this I would definitely say it's worth buying!

I bought this machine to replace my old Simplicity machine which I bought almost 30 years ago. I like this machine because it feels good, runs smooth, and the foot pedal works well so I can control the speed. It is not very noisy and I love having a drop in bobbin. I haven't used the threader since I haven't found a need for it. My main complaint, and it's a big one, is that the light is not bright at all and I don't know how to fix that. I don't know if it's that the bulb is defective or if that's the intensity is supposed to have. I have to use a lamp in order to see well, or only sew on a bright sunny day!

So far I love this machine. Until now I have been sewing on a 50+years old Singer Touch and Sew. While it was the top of the line in the 1960s when my uncle purchased it for my aunt, it is showing its age. This new machine is actually for my granddaughter to use so we can sew at the same time. Singer and I will still be partners. It arrived safely and quickly with all parts and in perfect working order. It is so quiet and easy to adjust. I have done just a little basic sewing with it and Mazee ran it though its paces last Saturday. I think it will be a great starter machine for her and a wonderful optional machine for me. We are looking forward to years of sewing together. If things continue to go as well as they have this far, I may have to buy one for grandma too.

I bought this for my wife as she wanted to start making mask and other item. She has never owned or used a sewing machine. She was turning out really nice mask in less than an hour. The machine is very easy to setup. The instructions are clear and easy to understand. The videos on YouTube are a great resource as well.

I'm a guy who just got into sewing after all these years and wanted to start with the basics. I tried and sent back a couple cheapo Brothers which had some quirks but this seems more quality built. Feeling out the function and stitching and techniques on different fabrics before I do a project and this Juki should do what it needs very well. Looking forward to using this cool new gadget- a sewing machine! Never would have guessed.

DON'T buy this product. This machine is a piece of JUNK!!! First off the swatch the machine was tested on I could see the tension wasn't right and when I tried to sew with it...it has a clunking sound in the bobbin area and the top thread was getting hung up. Never could get the tension right and to top it off it cost me 35.83 to ship the POS back. Sassy Sewer you suck!!!!

This is a good beginner machine for someone who isn’t planning on becoming a heavy sewer. for $200, she works well & has a good motor on her. The bobbin case has a tendency to get stuck once in a while, but it’s pretty easy to knock it loose again. I bought this as a backup machine while my Viking Emerald 116 was in the shop. Now I use it pretty much exclusively to wind bobbins. If you’re really on a budget or you aren’t planning on making sewing a heavy habit, this is an awesome choice. If you can afford to spend another $100 or so, go with a higher end model.

Good standard mechanical machine. I actually bought it for my 7 year old daughter but my TL-2010Q is far easier to use (speed control and thread cutter button) so she has upgraded to Mom's machine and I have this one aside for when I need a special stitch.