Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsThis is a workhorse machine.
Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2023
My review of the Juki HZL-D600. I bought it in January 2023, so I’ve used it for a couple of months now. I can say that it’s very smooth and not picky about the types of thread that you use, like my Janome was. The D600 comes with several accessories for quilting included in the price, which I liked, including a walking foot and an extension table. This machine is made specifically for quilting, and those items would have been price add-ons with a different machine. Other things I do, and do not like:
• This machine has a setting for a ¼” seam with your regular foot, so no need to change out presser feet while sewing on a quilt. Just make sure when you turn it on, you change the setting, so you don’t forget. (Experience speaking here)
• It has two LED lights, one over the needle, and one over the throat space. I especially like that.
• The thread is hidden in the top flip-up compartment, which gives the machine a clean look while sewing. NOTE—this can be an issue with extra large spools, but I found opening the lid resolves that.
• The needle threader. Out of every machine I’ve ever used in my 62 years of life, this is the best needle threader, hands down. It works every single time, without fail. I have struggled with so many threaders on machines in my past, but this one is just perfect.
• It has an adjustable presser foot tension. This is important when you are using a walking foot to do straight line quilting, to prevent puckering on the back.
• Unlike some other “quilting” machines, this machine has plenty of decorative stitches and buttonhole options for those who sometimes do fashion sewing or home décor.
The one and only Con I find is that the thread cutter is not working, and it took a while to determine that. This machine has a feature where you can press the foot pedal with your heel, and it will cut thread. But, this foot pedal is also much higher than we are used to, and you have to put your entire foot on it to operate it properly, and press with determination. So when I started out, my machine would take one stitch, then grunt and stop. I was not putting my foot far enough forward on the pedal, and I was engaging the thread cutter by accident, stopping the sewing action. I finally disconnected the foot pedal and the machine ran fine by hand, so I realized it was the pedal. Luckily, you are able to program the machine to not use the thread cutter on the pedal, so I did that. But then in trying to use the thread cutter from the machine button, it causes thread clusters and jams every time. I did not feel like this was enough of an issue for me personally to box up and ship my machine off for warranty repair. I am well within my warranty period, so if something else happens, I will address it then. I have so many positives about this machine that I can live without a thread cutter.
