Juki HZL – G210 Excite Review

When I reviewed the Juki HZL – G210 Excite, I was pleased to learn that this 180 stitch computerized sewing machine can sew everything – from the heaviest to the lightest, most delicate fabrics.

Juki HZL – G210 Excite

At A Glance

Function buttons

To look at it, the Juki HZL – G210 Excite appears to be pretty much like every other computerized sewing machine.

There is a monochromatic LCD screen that displays stitch numbers, the ideal presser foot to use for each stitch and stitch length and width settings along with graphics for the stitch selection menu and memory files.

There is also a stitch selection guide inside the top lid, and function buttons: start/stop; needle up/down; thread cut; memory storage and clearing; reverse stitch; plus a speed control slider and an automatic needle threader.

Features

• 180 decorative and utility stitch options
  • Alphanumeric font
  • 7 one-step buttonholes
• Free arm
• Adjustable stitch length and width
• Drop feed
• Reverse stitch
• On board accessory storage
• LED lighting
• Stitch pattern continuous/stop function
• Start/stop
• Needle up/down
• Automatic needle threader
• Automatic thread cutter
• Manual thread cutter
• Stitch memory
• Extra large carrying handle allows you to lift the machine with two hands when necessary

Working on the Juki HZL – G210 Excite

The Juki HZL – G210 Excite has an easy to follow threading guide that is so clear and precise that a beginner could master the process after just one or two attempts.

An easy to follow threading guide

The toughest part about threading this machine is getting the hang of using the automatic needle threader… and that’s not difficult at all.

Winding the bobbin is just as easy, the bobbin spindle and winder are located beneath the lid on the right hand side. Graphic decals show exactly how the thread is to be guided to the bobbin to guarantee perfectly wound bobbins every single time.

The handy on board stitch selection guide is conveniently located inside the top lid. Each stitch is clearly identified by menu category.

On board stitch selection guide

To get the stitch you want, use the menu selection button on the right side of the LCD screen to determine which menu you want to choose from – utility, decorative or alphanumeric – and then make your selection by using the buttons on the left side beneath the screen to bring up your desired stitch number.

The default settings for stitch length and width will appear on the screen next to the stitch number. Use the buttons beneath the stitch length and width settings to customize your stitch settings to accommodate your specific needs.

LCD screen

Before sewing, however, it’s a good idea to stop here to determine if the correct presser foot is attached, whether you want the needle to stop in the up or down position, whether or not you want to set the machine to stop at a certain point if you are working with a decorative stitch and whether or not you want to save the stitch or stitch sequence in the memory.

The function buttons to control all of these features are located on the right side of the panel (white buttons).

The detailed seam guides on both sides of the needle plate make it almost impossible to place the fabric incorrectly and the stitch quality is wonderful.

For this review, I sampled several of the utility and decorative stitch options and each and every one of them came out perfectly.

Stitch quality is wonderful

I played around a little with the length and width variations as well. No matter which setting I used, the stitches were always well formed, clearly defined and sturdy.

Obviously, the technological advances and superior workmanship that Juki industrial sewing machines are known for has been carried over to the HZL – G210 Excite.

While sewing on this machine, I heard very little in terms of machine noise. The motor is almost whisper quiet. There is no vibration.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

Standard accessories:

• Snap on presser feet
  • Multi-purpose presser foot
  • Buttonhole presser foot
  • Overcasting presser foot
• T-shape screwdriver
• Needle set
• Bobbins
• Seam ripper/lint brush
• Spool caps (2 – 1 large/1 small)
• Owner’s manual
• Hard cover

Accessories

Optional accessories:

• Extra wide extension table
• 8 Snap on presser feet
  • Zipper
  • Blind stitch
  • Walking foot
  • Patchwork
  • Open toe
  • Smooth
  • Quilting
  • Edge sewing

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

If you ask me, the HZL – G210 Excite handles like a much larger, much heavier sewing machine. It’s almost impossible to believe that this machine weighs a little less than 10 pounds.

The Juki HZL – G210 Excite is one of those sewing machines that anyone would be proud to have in their sewing room… not necessarily because of the brand name, but because of the way it performs.

There are few sewing machines on the market today that are a as user friendly and deliver such great quality stitches with virtually no noise or vibration.

Because there are so many decisions to make when setting the machine up to sew, I hesitate to recommend it for use by very young children.

I do, however, believe it is an excellent choice for children in middle school and above. The user friendly stitch selection process is so user friendly, I believe a savvy middle schooler will get the hang of it after just one lesson.

Home sewers at the intermediate skill level appreciate the quality and those who have been sewing for many years will love the way it handles.

I have reviewed sewing machines that perform as well as the Juki HZL – G210 Excite, but I don’t believe I’ve reviewed any that perform better; and with such an affordable MSRP, it’s difficult for me to advise anyone NOT to go out and buy one of these user friendly computerized sewing machines.

The Juki HZL – G210 Excite is a computerized sewing machine designed and developed for home use, but it handles like an industrial machine.

Juki hasn’t been in the home sewing machine business for long, but I admire the way they maintain all of the key elements that made the Juki line of industrial machines so popular.

With that in mind, I strongly urge anyone who thinks it’s time to add a new computerized sewing machine to their sewing room inventory to take a long hard look at the Juki HZL – G210 Excite before making a final decision as to which sewing machine to purchase.

My only reservation is the placement of the droop feed control. If you are sewing with the free arm, it is easy to access.

If, however, you have the accessories case in place or are using the optional extension table, you must first remove them in order to use the drop feed function.

I have stated this in previous reviews, but I must repeat myself here. There is no rhyme or reason to putting the drop feed in such an inconvenient location.

With the drop feed control placed where it is, there is no way to efficiently attach buttons, darn or perform other tasks which require freehand sewing.

Juki dealers are not always easy to locate, but it’s well worth the time and effort to find an authorized Juki dealer near you. When you do, make sure you ask for a demonstration of the HZL – G210 Excite.