Editor’s note: This review was originally written in 2016. We have revised and updated this post in 2022 and added Juki devices that were released more recently and are successors to the DDL 5550N, which includes Juki DDL8700H, Juki TL-2010Q, Juki HZL-DX7, and more
The Juki DDL-5550 is the sewing machine for experts. Additionally, it is really simple to use. The Juki DDL-550 delivers outstanding value for the money, given its remarkable quality. Any skill level may use this machine, which is best suited for light to medium-weight fabrics.
With the servo motor, the speed can be changed from a maximum of 5,500 stitches per minute to hardly any movement at all. This makes it easy for even the least experienced user to quickly learn how to use the machine. It always stitches well, is very efficient, and is just fun to use overall.
I got a chance to review the Juki DDL 5550N by a stroke of luck, as my neighbor received it in a huge box just as I was heading out. The box contained a brand new Juki DDL 5550N industrial sewing machine with straight stitch only. When I got my nerve up, I asked Kennedy, my neighbor, for permission to review his new acquisition, and I am very grateful that permission was granted.
Overview
The Juki DDL 5550N is mounted on its own table with a dual cone thread holder, an onboard lamp, and bobbin winder, as well as a 30 inch ruler along the front. It has a whisper-quiet servo motor and a needle plate with etched seam guides.
There is also a finger guard, a manual spring tension adjustment dial, and a large reverse stitch lever on the right column. The on/off switch is located on the front of the table on the right side, and there is also a knee lift that is used to raise and lower the presser foot.
Since the Juki DDL 5550N is a straight stitch only machine, one might be tempted to think the needle plate and presser foot were permanently attached, but they are not. Some of the key features that I tend to like best on this machine are not even visible to the naked eye.
The Juki DDL 5550N is equipped with a thread trimmer that is embedded beneath the needle plate along with a fabric edge sensor which automatically stops the machine and trims the thread when the needle runs off the edge of the fabric. Another invisible feature that makes working on the Juki DDC 5550N even more time efficient is the bobbin thread sensor, which buzzes when the bobbin thread is running low.
Juki DDL 5550N – Features
- Sews up to 5500 stitches per minute
- Adjustable stitch length up to 5mm
- Finger guard
- Knee lift
- Reverse/lock stitch control
- On board bobbin winder with separate motor
- Servo motor
- Needle plate with seam guides
- On board 30 inch ruler
- Bobbin thread sensor
- On board thread trimmer
- Fabric edge sensor
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
- Easy to use
- Sews through dense fabric or multiple layers
- Preassembled
- Fast and Efficient
- Not portable
- Straight Stitch only
Working on the Juki DDL 5550N
Anyone who has prior knowledge or experience in working on industrial sewing machines will have no problem threading the Juki DDL 5550N or winding the bobbin. However, if you are new to working on an industrial sewing machine, or even if you have been away from it for a long time, you might need assistance.
The instruction manual is helpful and will take users through the step by step process. The manual, however, is written in such a way that anyone who is not already adept at sewing machine operation, and the proper names for the basic parts of a sewing machine will be completely lost.
Once threaded and bobbin wound and put in place, I discovered that the Juki DDL 5550N is not only lightning fast, but it is also surprisingly quiet. The Servo motor on this machine is smaller, yet seemingly more powerful than the Servo motors mounted on industrial sewing machines that I had the opportunity to review in the past.
Before allowing me to review his new acquisition, Kennedy had only set it up and sewed a few test stitches to make sure it was operating properly. When it was time for me to test the sewing performance of the Juki DDL 5550N, Kennedy gave me a piece of medium-weight woven cotton blend fabric.
I discovered that the tension needed to be adjusted a little for the stitches to be properly balanced. It took only a slight turn of the tension dial to achieve the perfect setting for the particular fabric he gave me to work with.
After that task was accomplished, the stitches produced were not only well-formed, they were secure in every way. I could change stitch length while sewing and the large reverse/lock stitch lever moved easily and effortlessly.
Juki DDL 5550N – Fabrics
| Fabrics that work | Fabrics that don’t work |
| Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool | Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet |
| Denim | Knits |
| Upholstery | Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester |
| Leather / suede | |
| Fur | |
| Reptile skin | |
| Canvas/ Twill | |
| Plastic / Rubber | |
| Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers |
JUKI DDL8700H - An alternative to the 5550N
There is no need to explore further if you need a sewing machine that works quickly. With its amazing speed of 5500 stitches per minute, this industrial sewing machine is perfect for professionals with stitch-based occupations or even small company owners that produce clothing or other goods made of fabric. The Juki DDL-8700-H Industrial Straight Stitch Sewing Machine comes with a 110-volt servo motor that is powerful enough to handle a lot of heavy duty work. Because of how quiet this machine is, you can work without being distracted by the sounds. The cost of this machine is roughly on par with that of portable sewing machines. Among industrial-grade sewing machines, it is also one of the most affordable. Industrial sewing machines are not meant for the average beginner, but if you do want to try your hand on one, the Juki DDL8700 can give you a smoother start than others, even if you are a beginner.
Accessories with Juki DDL 5550
When it comes to industrial sewing machines, one can never expect to find the large number of standard accessories we have come to expect when unpacking a sewing machine for home use. The accessories that come with the Juki DDL 5550N are somewhat limited.
Aside from the on board lamp, cone thread stands and table mounted bobbin winder, the only accessories that come with the Juki DDL 5550D are screwdrivers, an oil dispenser and an owner’s manual.
Maintenance – DDL 5550
| Activity | After each use | Monthly | Annual | As needed |
| Clean race hook and feed dogs | Yes | No | No | No |
| Wipe head with soft dry cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Wipe head with soft damp cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Lubricate | No | No | No | Yes |
| Service by sewing machine repair professional | No | No | No | Yes |
Tying Off The Loose Ends
The Juki DDL 5550N is loaded with all the standard features anyone in the market for a well -built industrial sewing machine would want and then more. The newly added sensors that warn you when the bobbin thread is running low or when the needle sews beyond the edge of the fabric are features that in my opinion only enhance the value of this straight stitch only industrial sewing machine for anyone who uses it.
According to the Juki website, this machine is recommended for apparel construction, using medium weight fabrics. I concur with that recommendation, and might add that heavy weight apparel fabrics would be suitable as well. This includes apparel weight leather, suede and vinyl as well as light to medium weight upholstery fabric. Solely based upon the manufacturer’s recommendation, I hesitate to recommend this machine for excessive use with heavy upholstery fabrics, leather or suede.
My only guess is that there is something about this machine that is not readily apparent to the naked eye that precludes its long term use with fabrics heavier than this. With this in mind, I strongly recommend the Juki DDL 5550N for use in a tailor shop, an alteration shop or like my neighbor, a home based business focused on clothing construction.
With the exception of having to stop to adjust the tension – which is to be expected when working with any machine with a manual tension adjustment – I found the Juki DDL 5550N to be exceptionally user friendly when compared with other industrial sewing machines.
I especially like the automatic tie off feature that I have not observed on any other industrial sewing machine. Snipping threads is certainly not a time consuming task, but when you have a machine that sews up to 5500 stitches per minute and cuts threads as well, you can really appreciate the time savings in a major way.
I do not recommend this machine for use by anyone who is not comfortable working on high speed sewing machines… which definitely eliminates anyone who is new to sewing. However, in my opinion, I believe the Juki DDL 5550N could very well be a good choice for use in vocational programs where tailoring is a course of study.
Learning the skills needed to be a successful and productive tailor or alteration specialist on a machine like this is a major advantage for students whose experience is limited to standard home or classroom sewing machines.
Three other Juki machines we recommend as alternatives
This machine was built by Juki with features that make quilting easier and faster. Some of my favorite parts are the needle up/needle down, speed control, and thread cutter, which work when you bounce your heel back on the foot pedal. This sewing machine is a sturdy workhorse that is strong and nicely made. It only has a straight stitch, though. The Juki is a high-performance, single-needle sewing machine with a lock stitch. Why does that matter? The machine only produces great straight stitches that don't tangle or develop bird's nests on the underside when they are sewn. It features a very quick motor, like a machine used in industry.
You have so much control over your work with free-motion quilting, and working with a huge quilt is made simpler by the broad throat. The Juki TL 2010q lets you change the speed, so you can choose the best speed for the job.
One of Juki's most sophisticated computerized sewing machines is the HZL-DX7, which offers a ton of modern capabilities to make sewing all the different sorts of sewing chores on your to-do list considerably simpler.
When using the float option on this sewing machine, which allows you to stitch with the presser foot slightly lifted, you may avoid having any kind of folds when sewing through layers of fabric. 1,050 stitches per minute of quick, straight stitching are offered with the Juki HZL-DX7. Depending on your needs, you may stitch quickly or slowly by just holding the needle key. A high-end quilting machine, it has four distinct typefaces and 287 stitch designs. Customers give the machine very high ratings, and owners like how durable it is, how fast it stitches, how easy it is to use, and how many attachments it comes with. It would be difficult to outgrow this sewing machine because it has so many features. The DX7 is not complicated, however, there may be a learning curve due to its extensive feature set.
Juki’s TL-2000Qi is yet another workhorse with an intimidating stitching speed, but it will not quite intimidate you because it is fairly easy to work with. If weight is an issue for you, it is a true industrial machine that weighs a lot. To counter that, it is extremely substantial. The device responds super quickly and gives you a rather smooth experience at the worktable. To save you time and tension while threading the needle, there is an automated threader. It's true that it takes a few attempts before you feel confident threading the needle. When working on large sewing or quilting tasks, the machine's working surface, which measures around 23 inches, is ideal. With the machine purchase, a flat-bed extension table is supplied to expand your workspace.
In order to hang on to the fabric and concentrate on the project you're working on, there is a knee lever that enables you to elevate or lower your presser foot without using your hands. For skilled and experienced sewers, this is useful. This machine is great for professional sewers because it is industrial and has a lot of power. It should last you for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Juki DDL 5550N Review
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