Juki HZL-NX7 Next Generation Long Arm Sewing and Quilting Machine

***Update. First of all it's $500 cheaper than what I paid fall of 2022, annoying. After using it a few months. I like it, but am disappointed in a few areas. I was making a handle for a bag. So after folded all together it is 4 layers of quilting cotton. I wanted to be able to use one of the cool decorative stitches on the top stitching of both sides of the handle. Wouldn't do it, too thick. WHAT? I also have run into problems with going over nested patchwork seams where it stutters. I even tried a Microtex needle. I do have a Juki TL-98Q that will sew through anything with a straight stitch but I was hoping this machine would give me more variety for stitches. Here's the bag I was trying to decoratively stitch. Pattern by Caroline Fairbank-Critchfield, SewCanShe.com I am a very experienced sewer, Viking, Pfaff and a Juki straight stitch. I was excited when I saw this machine because literally it will replace all 3 of my machines. Watched a video AND read the book before unpacking (not something I usually do!). I've used it for 2 weeks, piecing and channel quilting a table runner. Tried different threads and it is smooth, quiet and a beautiful stitch. Tried some of the decorative stitches too. However, the first thing that happened when I was trying to use the stitch guide, poking into the hole pushed the little plastic piece out. Impossible to get back in. Someone on FB told me to heat it up in hot water, that worked. Then sewing along and the feed dogs dropped and they wouldn't come back up. Turned it off and on and tried the "up and down" feed dog setting, nope. Took the throat plate off (not all that easy to get back on) and pulled them up, have no idea why they dropped. Now, the needle threader just sort of fell apart. I have been using a Juki needle threader for years and this plastic-y piece does not fit with the rest of the machine, would rather have the old one. Have to admit with my ageing eyes, needle threading is almost a must. What can I say, other than I am a little disappointed to have had so many problems this early. They just lowered the price $30 since I bought mine. $3K is a lot of money, but still cheaper than Berninas. I'll update this if the problems continue. BTW my Juki TL-98Q has never had one problem and is a workhorse. I was just hoping to be able to have just one machine and the extra 3 inches of throat space is very nice.

This machine has a few nice features but overall not worth $3000 . My issue was that straight out of the box, the thread cutter didn’t work. I contacted JUKI tech-support and their response was I can ship it off to Juki technical support, but I would need to pay for shipping. I thought that was completely ridiculous; I just spent $3000 on a sewing machine and it was defective…. The shipping should be on them not me. Couldn’t get anywhere with them so decided to return it. Very disappointed in JUKI. Just an aside, I have a JUKI industrial sewing machine and a JUKI semi-industrial and both of those are awesome and no issues at all.

Ok... so... I have used my fair share of high end machines as I own my own stroller wagon accessory business and this machine... is LOVE! I’ve had the Brother PQ1500SL, Janome 6600, Janome 6700, and the Janome 9450. While those are great machines, I personally love the modern edge this machine offers. When they say next generation, they mean it. I feel like this is the machine for the experienced younger sewing enthusiast. It seems the “older” seamstresses prefer Janome but as someone who sews daily for my business in my 30’s. This is amazing. So many stitches, user friendly touchscreen for those of us used to fancy cell phones, and the built in walking foot is EVERYTHING! That was one thing I did love about the Janome machines but it didn’t work properly and all the feet were obnoxious to switch out. This machine has it built right in and comes with all the presser feet you need. SO easy to use and makes projects go much smoother and quicker. Absolute game changer. Comparing the stitch quality to the other machines, it doesn’t even compare.. this machine BLOWS the others out of the water. I’m FINALLY happy with a machine and after I noticed some of the younger quilting bloggers used Juki machines, I took a chance and SO GLAD I DID. Wow. I can’t say enough good things about this machine. I’m SWOON! Janie the Juki is my girl!

Easy to use and very quiet

How can I contact the seller? There are a couple of things I need answers to. I did not think I would need to use a leader with this machine, however, each time I start to sew, the tread bunches up for the first 1/4 inch, then the rest of the seam is fine. If I use a leader, the bunching happens there, then I can sew without a problem. I would think there must be a customer service department when you make a $3,000 purchase. Hopefully someone from the company will call me.