Are you looking for a mechanical sewing machine that will give you years of reliable service? Some of the best ones are made by Juki. Let’s review two of their most popular sewing machines to see which one is the best for you.
Juki TL-2010Q 1-Needle, Lockstitch, Portable Sewing Machine with Automatic Thread Trimmer for Quilting, Tailoring, Apparel and Home Décor
If you’ve already researched the Juki TL-2010Q and the TL-2000Qi, you’ve seen that they are very similar. They are both single needle lockstitch machines that can sew up to 1500 stitches per minute, and they only perform straight stitches up to 6mm in size. They both come with knee lifters for the presser foot, and both can be used on a tabletop or mounted in a cabinet.
But there are some differences that will interest you. For one, it has a sliding speed control so you don’t need to judge the pressure you put on the foot controller. The slider has a range of settings between 200 and 1500spm.
But the foot pedal has a hidden feature that’s quite helpful. If you rock your heel back on the bottom part of it, the machine will trim your thread for you.
At the top of the machine, you’ll find the sub tension lever and tension scale. This system is unique to the Tl-2010Q. First, it allows you to adjust the tension manually. Then it keeps thread from vibrating and becoming too tight or too loose even when you’re stitching at top speed.
Although it’s not packed with decorative stitches, the TL-2010Q is a favorite tool for quilters. Part of the reason for this is that it’s able to handle layers of dense fabrics like denim without stuttering or slowing down. And the TL-2010Q comes with an extension table so it’s easier to make quilts and do freehand embroidery.
You can also adjust the presser foot presser, and set the needle to halt in either up or down position. When you leave the needle down and drop the feed dogs, the TL-2010Q turns into a free motion quilting machine. It even comes with ¼” and 1/5” quilting feet, something that usually isn’t included with the TL-2000Qi.
More features of the Juki TL-2010Q sewing machine:
- Juki offers a 5-year warranty on mechanical parts, 2 years on electrical parts, and 90-day adjustments for defects
- Has built-in LED light
- Comes with knee lifter
JUKI TL-2000Qi Sewing and Quilting Machine
The Juki TL-2000Qi model is quite similar to the TL-2010Q reviewed above. While it has the same thread tension scale that the other machine has, it lacks the sub tension lever. That lever goes the extra mile in helping you keep the correct tension without breaking thread while you sew. It also lacks the sliding speed controller and the ¼”quilting foot that come with the TL-2010Q. But other than those differences, it’s basically the same sewing machine.
This means that if you get the Juki TL-2000Qi, you’ll have a powerful mechanical straight stitch machine that sews up to 1500 stitches per minute. It comes with a foot pedal to control it, and that pedal has a handy feature. Push with your heel on the back of it and the machine will snip your thread for you.
There’s also an automatic needle threader and an automatic bobbin winder for convenience and easy setup. Since the machine comes with an extension table, it’s ideal for quilting, as long as you don’t need decorative stitches.
Instead, you’ll find that the TL-2000Qi is ready to sew thick layers of fabric and even leather without hiccups. It runs with almost no vibration even at top speed. And the fact that you can drop the feed dogs and do free motion quilting makes it even more appealing to serious quilters.
More features of the Juki TL-2000Qi sewing and quilting machine:
- Juki offers a 5-year warranty on mechanical parts, 2 years on electrical parts, and 90-day adjustments for defects
- Weighs 25.35 pounds
- Has built-in LED light
- Comes with knee lifter, 1/5” quilting foot, and even feed foot for fabrics like velvet
Recommendation
It’s a tough call between these two Juki sewing machines, but the difference in price might be overcome by the details. Although the TL-2010Q tends to cost a little more, it has a sliding speed controller and a sub tension lever that reduces thread breakage and vibration. Plus, it comes with a ¼” quilting foot.
If those three features aren’t necessary for you, you may find that the TL-2000Qi can do everything you need.
Click here to purchase Juki TL-2010Q on Amazon.com!
Click here to purchase JUKI TL-2000Qi on Amazon.com!