Maple Reviews

Juki

Sew Swimsuits and Slinky Dresses with the Juki MO-735 Serger and Coverstitch Machine

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My first efforts at sewing stretch fabrics were a disaster. I wanted to sew adorable jersey baby clothes for my first child, you know the fabric you can’t resist because “it’s so cute!” So, I’d spend all evening making a long-sleeved romper, thinking how adorable she’d look in it. But no matter what I did, the stitches popped five minutes after putting it on her and I’d be staring at a big hole. So, I gave up. Until about 6 years later…

I started sewing active wear and dance costumes again because I couldn’t find ballet leotards I liked in my small town. I figured “how hard could it be?” This time I was armed with a Kwik-Sew book on sewing active wear, and this time–success! I started a lifelong love of sewing with stretch fabrics. It was just too much fun. Naturally, I needed to have a serger ASAP!

At the time, I was a young stay at home mom of 2 with lots of time for sewing but not a lot of disposable income. The combination serger/coverstitch machines called out to me, but I settled for a plain serger to save a few hundred dollars. I figured I’d buy a coverhemmer later. Had I known how much I would use that machine in the 10 years to come, I totally would have splurged and gotten the combo. Coverstitch hems just look so much more professional. And since I was selling my creations at the time, it would have been a worthwhile investment.

Fortunately, combination sergers and coverhem machines are more reasonably priced now. So, really, there’s no reason to buy two machines when you can have one great combo.

The Juki MO735 combines the best professional features like high speed (1,500 stitches per minute), chain stitch, 5-thread safety stitch and 2 or 3 needle cover stitch. In fact, there are a whole host of stitches possible with this machine. You can achieve virtually every serger stitch imaginable with 2/3/4/5 thread configurations. Complete thread functions include:

  • 4-Thread Overlock with integrated safety seam
  • 3-Thread super stretch
  • 3-Thread Overlock
  • 3-Thread Flatlock
  • 3-Thread Narrow Seam
  • 3-Thread Rolled Hem
  • 2-Thread Wrapped Overlock
  • 2-Thread Flatlock
  • 2-Thread Rolled hem
  • 2-Thread Chain Stitch
  • 3-Thread Overlock (left or right needle) + Chain Stitch
  • 2-Thread Overlock (left or right needle) + Chain Stitch
  • 4-Thread Cover Stitch
  • 3-Thread Cover Stitch (Wide L, R)
  • 3-Thread Cover Stitch (Narrow L, C)
  • 3-Thread Cover Stitch (Narrow C, R)

How’s the warranty on Juki sergers?
The standard Juki US warranty is 5 years mechanical, 2 years for electrical, and 90 days for adjustments on defects in material or workmanship.

So, do other users like this machine?
Online reviews and blog posts are extremely favorable for this model, averaging 4 or 5 stars (out of 5).

One reviewer from New England said this on Amazon:

“I researched for nearly two years before deciding on getting the Juki MO735 5 thread two needle serger with coverstitch. What I found with the Juki is a solidly build mechanical machine that has all the stitches I wanted in a serger but most importantly, the quality of stitches that are superb, balanced and even. It is easy to thread compared to other brands.”

“The quality/craftsmanship of this machine is outstanding.
This machine is identical to a high-end Bernina, just without the LCD display (& perhaps MTC feature and swing out presser foot, not deal breakers for me at all)

This is my second serger, my first was a very basic 3/4 machine, but I really wanted a machine with a coverstich & 5 thread/chainstich abilities.

I don’t mind switching back and forth between coverstich and other stiches — there’s no needle plate change for this, only a needle position change and re-threading which I enjoy doing 🙂

The thread paths are clearly marked and you get familiar with your favorite stiches and they become second nature. I also like having tension dials — it gives me complete control over the stich & thus far, they have behaved flawlessly.

The quality of the stich? Breathtaking. The rolled hem is amazing; also with no needle plate change, just flick a switch !

I liked the fact that I could buy this machine on the internet; and it takes a standard needle system (schmetz 130/705H) which is all available online or local stores.

I typically don’t enjoy going to dealers. I find them very “high-pressure”. So, the buying experience online for me was great and relaxing. I could do all the research I wanted in the comfort of my own home — and there was alot of information online about this machine with comparisons.

Perhaps I took a risk not trying before I buy, but knowing how sergers work and having used one before; I didn’t feel this was that necessary for me. There was not alot of indecision, but I did spend a good 2 months or so researching this machine and understanding exactly what I was getting with my purchase.

Finally — THE PRICE! This machine is THOUSANDS less than other “high end dealer” machines. You just can’t beat that for the feature set it offers! Worth every single penny.

I have found a new favorite brand — Juki, and when you consider their experience as a company in the industrial garment sector; they obviously know what makes a good machine great.”

Juki TL98Q Reviews – Because Life’s Too Short for a Slow Quilting Machine

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That’s Juki’s motto, and I couldn’t agree more. If you need speed and performance, but still want a portable model, you can end your search now. They’ve got you covered with the TL98Q.

I’ve only ever sewn one quilt in my life, and I did it the hard way. A friend of mine dragged me to a “mystery quilt” class in town. “You’ll love it!” she said. I have to admit, piecing the quilt top was fun, especially since I didn’t know what it would look like. But the quilting part–well, I started hand stitching in the ditch, but soon gave up and just tied the darn thing at all the corners. Heaven help me, I’m just not a patient woman! If only I’d had access to a high speed walking foot machine like this one, all my quilting friends wouldn’t shake their head when they pass me in the street. (okay, that only happened once. And I think it was because I had ice cream on my shirt. But you get the point…)

The Juki TL98Qis a single needle, lockstitch, walking foot sewing machine for straight stitching. It’s perfect for production quilting, costuming, tailoring, dress making —basically, it’s great for anyone who needs a reliable, fast machine, but doesn’t want to invest in a more expensive full-industrial model. (If you need fancy stitch designs, this one isn’t for you.)

This model is the improved version of the TL98QE. The “E” model doesn’t have the autothreader, the thread trimmer, several of the presser feet, and a portable surface. Many home quilter reviews rated the “Q” 5 stars, and they agree the small price difference for the “Q” is well worth it.

Check out all the special features:

  • Great portability: Unlike an industrial model bolted to its own table, the Juki TL98Q lo can be used as a tabletop machine, mounted into specialty cabinets or used on machine quilting frames. You can also take it with you to craft guild meetings or trade shows with its built-in carrying handle.
  • Large sewing area: While you only get the standard 6” x 9” throat space, the sewing area extension shown in picture is included with the machine. It increases the sewing area to 23”, so no more fighting with large pieces of heavy materials.
  • Motor: You get speeds up to 1500 stitches per minute for fast, reliable stitching in a compact case.
  • Presser feet: Two Types of Quilting feet are supplied as standard accessories with the machine—a 1/5” quilting foot for basic quilting and a ¼” foot for precision sewing. Plus there’s a walking foot, free motion embroidery foot, rolled hem and zipper feet.
  • Drop feed: I only discovered drop feed machines a few years ago when I was sewing baby quilts for all my friends just starting their families. When you can lower the feed dog, suddenly those intricate curves and complicated freeform patterns become simple.
  • Even feed foot: If you’ve ever had to sew a costume with georgette sleeves, a velvet bodice and leather skirt—my sympathies. I’m right there with you. What you need is an even feed foot mechanism to take care of those hard-to-handle fabrics. This Juki model’s got it.
  • Extra space for fat fabric: Need a scouche more room under the foot? The adjustable hand lever lifts a full 12mm.
    • Automatic thread trimmer: The machine also comes equipped with an automatic thread trimming device that simultaneously cuts the needle and bobbin threads at the sewing end by lightly pressing the push-button. Or you can trim threads with a click of the button on the foot pedal. This might seem trivial. I mean, who cares if you have to pick up a pair of scissors and trim the threads? Well let’s say cutting a thread takes ten seconds. Multiply that times hundreds or thousands of threads a day when you’re production sewing and the time really adds up quickly. And I don’t know about you, but when I pull thread out to trim it, I always end up wasting a little thread. Again, when you’re sewing a lot, a little waste here and there adds up quick. If you’re a professional seamstress, you know getting more items to market greatly increases your income.
  • Eyeball savers: Let’s face it, if you’re anything like me and spend hours and hours at your machine, anything that prevents eye strain is a great feature. The Juki TL98Q comes with an enlarged bobbin case to make it easier to remove and replace the bobbin. So, no matter how much coffee you’ve had, your fingers won’t fumble with the case. (I hate that!) Plus you get an automatic needle threader. I don’t use these much, but I know lots of people who do. It’s nice not to have to bend close to the needle to thread it every time—a real back-saver.
  • Knee lift: Remember your grandmother’s treadle-foot Singer with the knee bar? I do. I used to play with that thing all the time when I was little. The knee lift lever serves a real purpose, though, beyond entertaining four-year-olds. It saves a surprising amount of time when you can lift and lower the presser foot without using your hands. And it really comes in handy when your hands are busy arranging fabric or pulling pins.

Accessories that come with the Juki TL98Q industrial sewing machine:

  • Small screwdriver for tension
  • T-screwdriver for needle plate screws
  • Lint brush for rotary hook
  • 3 Bobbins Metal “L” Type
  • Spool cap for Regular sewing thread spools
  • Oiler for rotary hook
  • 5 Needle pack 15×1
  • Straight stitch foot for seaming and piecing
  • Hemmer foot controls rolled edges
  • Zipper foot also for cording
  • Even-feed foot to prevent slippage of fabric layers
  • 1/4″ darning foot for free motion quilting
  • 1/5″ darning foot for finer free motion work
  • Compensating foot for 1/4″ seams
  • Power cord to wall outlet
  • Foot control with thread trimmer pedal
  • Instruction guide/operating manual
  • Knee lever to raise and lower presser foot
  • 11×23″ Extension table for more workspace

Warranty information: Juki offers a limited warranty that covers two years for electrical problems and five years for mechanical ones.

Technical Specifications List:

  • Auto needle threader and two freemotion feet: 1/4″ ring to follow seams and 1/5″ ring for better free motion visibility. Measurement is from needle to edge of ring.
  • Uses HA-type needles, identical to those used with home sewing machines and sergers. This type of needle cannot be attached incorrectly.
  • Automatic thread trimming device, can be activated by push button or foot pedal switch.
  • Easy bobbin replacement with the newly designed bobbin case latch and enlarged bobbin case. A sliding plate is provided to easily replace bobbins when the auxiliary table is used.
  • Easy to thread machine head
  • Automatic bobbin winder
  • Speed control mechanism allows the machine to sew materials at lower speeds, perfect for heavy-weight fabrics, quilting, and multiple layers of materials.
  • Foot pedal switch, with thread trimming ability
  • Even feed foot ensures the machine will produce beautiful seams on multiple layers of fabric, including difficult-to-feed fabrics like georgette, velvet, and leather.
  • Thread tension scale
  • Stitch length dial
  • Sewing lamp
  • Dimensions – 452(W)x350(H)x219(D) (mm)
  • Weight – 11.5Kg/25.4Lb
  • Rated voltage/power consumption – 120V/1.4A, 100W
  • Power consumption of the lamp – 12V,3W
  • Hook – Horizontal-axis full-rotary hook
  • Motor: up to 150 Watts, 1.5 Amps which is twice as much power as regular home sewing machines.
  • Sewing Speed max. 1,500 spm
  • Needle HAx1 (130/705H) #7 – #8 (HLx5 #9 – #16)
  • Stitch Length max. 6 mm
  • Presser Foot Lift by lever, max. 7 mm; by knee lifter, max. 12 mm
  • Hook horizontal-axis, full rotary hook
  • Auxiliary Table Dimensions 590 mm x 277 mm
  • Dimensions 452 mm (w) x 319 mm (h) x 219 mm (d)
  • Weight 11.3 kg

Shipping: This machine isn’t as heavy as a full-industrial model, but it does weigh about 25 pounds. So, you’re not going to want to pay standard shipping rates. Try to find an online source that offers free shipping.

What are actual users saying about this machine?
Positive reviews about this machine show up all over the Internet. Here’s what one person said about her TL98Q:

“This is a ROCK SOLID machine for quilters. All parts are made from heavy metal. Can last a long time under heavy use. Just feels great whenever I use this machine. Speed 1600 stitches per minute (my own test). Just use a long fabric guide (I use the 1/4 inch thick, 12″ x 1″ omnigrid ruler) attached next to the presser foot with a double-stick tape — to sew straight at this incredible speed! Great for long, straight seams such as curtains, table cloth, quilts, chain stitching quilt pieces.

Low vibration due to the heavy metals in this machine. This means more accurate stitches. Top & bottom fabric feeds evenly every time! Handles all thicknesses from very thin & slippery to very thick extremely well. Also like sewing at a walking-speed by holding down the needle up/down button. Useful for intricate sewing. Fabulous for free-motion sewing. Motor speed control (operated with foot) is smooth and easy to transition from very slow to very fast in grdual increments. So much better than my $100 CostCo machine, which used to go from zero to medium speed in one jump. I really, really wish it had at least ONE built-in zigzag stitch. The Juki 9 mm zigzag machine is $2000! (used for free-hand machine embroidery — moving the fabric with your hand & NOT the same as using computerized embroidery designs). When finishing edges, it would be really nice to be able to use the zigzag stitch and do it all on ONE machine. I sometimes finished edges on this machine by using a French seam or a flat felled seam, but most often I use another machine for the zigzag stitch.

Walking foot bunches up bulky quilt when the top fabric is a slippery satin. But don’t need to use walking foot with quilts, so not a big problem. Bindings also stitch out fine with the regular foot. Wish teflon foot and roller foot were available. Some problems sewing vinyl and metalic ironing cover fabric.” (source: Sewing Pattern Review.com)

Here’s another great review:
Barbara,
“I bought this machine a few years ago because I couldn’t resist the idea of a faster home machine. I still have my Bernina, (25 years old) that sews beautifully, But I have to admit that I LOVE sewing on this machine. It is fast and the stitches are solid. It also has the same features that I love on my Bernina, which is the leg lift, and easy set up. The threading is smooth, and downright flawless. Honestly, the price is fantastic if you consider what you have to pay for an industrial machine, or even a brand new Bernina. I find that I can do 80% of my sewing using a single stitch. I have to switch back to my Bernina for button holes and maybe special darning projects (which I rarely use). I’ve worked on vinyl, polyester chiffon, denim and lots of cotton. Stitches are so clean, I would trust this machine for decorative top stitching. I didn’t really “need” this additional machine, but now that I have it, I would never give it up.” (source: Amazon.com)

What are actual users saying about this machine?
Positive reviews about this machine show up all over the Internet. Here’s what one person said about her TL98Q:

“This is a ROCK SOLID machine for quilters. All parts are made from heavy metal. Can last a long time under heavy use. Just feels great whenever I use this machine. Speed 1600 stitches per minute (my own test). Just use a long fabric guide (I use the 1/4 inch thick, 12″ x 1″ omnigrid ruler) attached next to the presser foot with a double-stick tape — to sew straight at this incredible speed! Great for long, straight seams such as curtains, table cloth, quilts, chain stitching quilt pieces.

Low vibration due to the heavy metals in this machine. This means more accurate stitches. Top & bottom fabric feeds evenly every time! Handles all thicknesses from very thin & slippery to very thick extremely well. Also like sewing at a walking-speed by holding down the needle up/down button. Useful for intricate sewing. Fabulous for free-motion sewing. Motor speed control (operated with foot) is smooth and easy to transition from very slow to very fast in grdual increments. So much better than my $100 CostCo machine, which used to go from zero to medium speed in one jump. I really, really wish it had at least ONE built-in zigzag stitch. The Juki 9 mm zigzag machine is $2000! (used for free-hand machine embroidery — moving the fabric with your hand & NOT the same as using computerized embroidery designs). When finishing edges, it would be really nice to be able to use the zigzag stitch and do it all on ONE machine. I sometimes finished edges on this machine by using a French seam or a flat felled seam, but most often I use another machine for the zigzag stitch.

Walking foot bunches up bulky quilt when the top fabric is a slippery satin. But don’t need to use walking foot with quilts, so not a big problem. Bindings also stitch out fine with the regular foot. Wish teflon foot and roller foot were available. Some problems sewing vinyl and metalic ironing cover fabric.” (source: Sewing Pattern Review.com)

Here’s another great review:

“I bought this machine a few years ago because I couldn’t resist the idea of a faster home machine. I still have my Bernina, (25 years old) that sews beautifully, But I have to admit that I LOVE sewing on this machine. It is fast and the stitches are solid. It also has the same features that I love on my Bernina, which is the leg lift, and easy set up. The threading is smooth, and downright flawless. Honestly, the price is fantastic if you consider what you have to pay for an industrial machine, or even a brand new Bernina. I find that I can do 80% of my sewing using a single stitch. I have to switch back to my Bernina for button holes and maybe special darning projects (which I rarely use). I’ve worked on vinyl, polyester chiffon, denim and lots of cotton. Stitches are so clean, I would trust this machine for decorative top stitching. I didn’t really “need” this additional machine, but now that I have it, I would never give it up.” (source: Amazon.com)