JUKIHZL-DX Series Sewing Machine HZL-DX5 Standard Arm

I've sewn lots of things on my Juki DX5 now! I absolutely love it! The auto cutting feature is one of the main reasons I originally purchased it, but its exceeded my expectations in everything it can do! I have been sewing for 3.5 years and was looking to upgrade because I felt my skills were at a level I needed/wanted more features. I love that this machine's foot pedal can be programmed to do several things from back-stitching to trimming threads! It's awesome! Never even knew I needed that, but it's a great feature! I love that the foot pedal has weight to it and it's large! It doesn't slide around nearly as easily as cheaper machines. It sews through lots of thick layers with ease. And the floating foot allows it to glide through without smooshing the layers. I love that the presser foot lifts slightly for turning corners or directions. It sews much quieter and smoother than any machine I've owned before (had 5 others before this Juki). It's also just a sleek, beautiful machine! It has so many stitches, letters and designs! I've used many of them already for my Pixie hats! Well worth the price. I thoroughly look forward to AND enjoy sewing on my Juki DX5!

I didn't know about these new computerized sewing machines until very recently. I've done canvas work on my sailboat with my Sailrite walking foot machine and a little home sewing with a nice old Kenmore from the 80's, but WOW, this Juki is fantastic. So many conveniences. Very nice. The instruction manual is extremely well done, too, something of a rarity these days. I skipped the DX7 and saved about $600. This DX5 is identical except for some more specialty stitches and a few accessories you can add anyway if you want. The control knobs would be nice, but the buttons on this one work fine also. Maybe a person sewing all day every day would want the knobs for slightly quicker adjustments, but for most people they're not worth hundreds of dollars.

I never opened the package to use the machine. I found out that metric measurements are in front, and US measurements in back on the sewing plate. I wanted the US measurements in front. That is the only reason I returned this machine-otherwise, I would have kept it based on all of its wonderful features. Beautiful machine, too, from the pictures! I would have given this 5 stars otherwise.

I love my Juki DX5, it’s my first Juki sewing machine. The stitches are perfect, and it can sew from very thin fabric to thick ones without a hiccup. It’s a strong machine with a cute design. I was searching for a good and strong “sew and go” machine, to do small alterations. To my surprise the Juki DX5 is as good as the Bernina. I’ve bought the Juki DX5 and the Janome Skyline 3 at the same time. I returned the Skyline, Juki is by far better, it’s at another level. It’s truly automatic, you don’t have to keep on changing the tension. The Janome Skyline is smooth and replacing the presser foot is a breeze, but the decorative stitches are finicky and the machine has too many tension issues for a computerized machine, it defeats its purpose. If you’re not sure which one to pick, go for the Juki DX Series, you’ll not regret.

Item arrived on time, complete in a well packaged and sealed box. Read the manual and watched video before installing and turning on. Unfortunately, the automatic needle threader does not engage and “swing” correctly. I’ve been sewing over 55 years now so the malfunctioning automatic needle threader is not a deal breaker for me. I am disappointed it doesn’t work brand new out of the box (thus the 4 star rating instead of 5). My less expensive Bernette and Brother sewing machines have auto needle threaders that have always worked for me.I’ve been testing out the other features, and so far it is working as expected. I have a computerized Bernina (older model 1130), Bernette B37, and Brother XR 1355.I purchased this Juki DX5 mainly for the box feed system (which I always wanted to try), automatic cutting feature, pressure foot tension knob, and one touch lever to switch the cover plate for straight stitching. All these features seem to be functioning fine.My Bernina 1130 still tops my list for stability, strength, and stitch quality, but the Juki has a lot of additional features that I am beginning to love.The Juki DX5 operates like the Bernette B37, but I think the design and functionality of the Juki DX5 are more intuitive and easier to use. The instruction manual is well written but the bobbin size stated in the manual does not match the actual bobbins that were included with the machine.I’ll continue to test and sew on the Juki, and am happy I chose it instead of the Bernette B38 (almost purchased instead of the DX5).I will update this review if I find additional issues other than the automatic needle threader.Update: After “playing” with the needle threader mechanism and parts, it now works!!!! Yay!

I liked this machine - I thought it was the sweet spot of price, features, and size (I often make quilts so having the extra harp space was a bonus). About 10 months into owning it an electrical issue prevented the foot pedal from working consistently and made the machine change to back stitch randomly. Juki has a 2 year warranty on electrical parts, but you need to have it serviced at the "dealer" that sold it to you. Well, no surprise that Amazon doesn't service sewing machines. They did give me an "exception" to return it, but loaded on fees meaning that I lost $200 off the purchase price!!I don't like buying sewing machines at quilt shops - it feels like a car negotiation - but I guess I've learned my lesson and won't buy through Amazon again.

A piece of my stitch plate popped off the first time I used it. This after having to return the first machine I bought which was supposed to be new and was used and missing lots of parts. Now I have to buy a new stitch plate $100!!! After using the other one once. I’m not loving this Juki at all.