Juki TL-2010Q: A Review

In late October of 2015, after months of research, I decided to invest in a high-end sewing machine.  I have been quilting now for a few years and my inexpensive sewing machines have done the trick, but I've run into issues with tension, skipped stitches and irregular stitching.  I was also getting really frustrated with the smaller space in which to stuff a quilt when quilting on a domestic sewing machine.

I compared the Bernina, Janome and Juki machines, read lots of reviews and in the end, I decided to go with the Juki TL-2010Q.

Now that I've been sewing with my new Juki for a couple of months, I feel I can actually write a review on it.  I'll let you all know if my opinion of the machine changes after a few more months under my belt.  :-)

What's good about this machine:

• The Juki is solid, sturdy and feels like a well-made machine.
• The harp space is 9" wide and 6" high - I quilted a 60" x 80" quilt on it very easily.
• The dials are easy to use and all the features are right there on the front of the machine.  For example, to lower the feed dogs, just use the switch right there on the front.
• It sews SUPER fast!
• The automatic thread cutter is amazing!  Don't know how I lived without it for so long.
• It has a knee lift for the presser foot.
• Automatic needle down setting.
• The stitches are consistent and I've not had to mess around with the tension at all so far!
• The extension table that came with it is really big.
• The Juki comes with a bunch of presser feet including a walking foot, 2 FMQ feet, a 1/4" foot and a zipper foot.
• It has 2 spool holders which enables me to wind a bobbin without needing to re-thread the machine.
• The light on it is really bright!  In fact, the bulb in the lamp on my sewing table burned recently and I didn't have any spares on hand so I sewed just with the light on the machine!

Most of the features are right there on the front of the machine.

Two spool holders means you can wind a bobbin without re-threading the machine.

What's not so good about this machine:

• It's more expensive than what I've ever paid for a sewing machine.  The only dealer I could find in Montreal sold these for about $1,500 CAD.
• It's very heavy - I obviously won't be taking this baby to guild sew-in days.
• It only does straight stitches.  For fancy stitches or even zigzags, I'll need to continue to use my Singer.
• Threading the machine isn't easy!
• It needs to be oiled A LOT!!  The manufacturer recommends oiling it every day if you use it every day.  
• I must use specific bobbins for this machine.  Thank goodness, it comes with 6 of them.

Threading Juki TL-2010Q is a little complicated!

So am I happy with my purchase?  I am THRILLED with this purchase.  None of the negative points above are show-stoppers for me and now that I've been using it for a while, I'm getting really good a threading it and don't mind the oiling so much.  :-)

If you're in the market for a new machine and don't mind the straight stitches only, I would definitely recommend the Juki TL-2010Q.

If you own a Juki, I would love to hear what you think of it.  If you own another brand, what do you love about yours?  

Izzy