Juki HZL 25Z Review (2023 Update)

Note from the Editor: This review was originally written in 2012, and has been revised and updated in 2023. Since Juki HZL 25Z is no longer in production, we have added alternatives such as Janome 2212, SINGER Making The Cut, and Elnita EM16.

The portable sewing machine has been a part of the home sewing scene for more than a century. Portable sewing machines have always had a place of their own, making it possible for the home sewer to take their work with them.

Portable sewing machines are also excellent options for those home sewers who do not have the luxury of being able to set aside a room or even a corner of their homes specifically for sewing.

All portable sewing machines, however, are not created equal. Some portable sewing machines are merely called portable because they have a carrying handle and are not table mounted or mounted inside a piece of furniture of some sort.

Those portable sewing machines can do practically anything and everything you can dream of, and offer tons of features to make the life of their users easy while creating fantastic clothes, accessories, and home decor items.

Other portable sewing machines, however, are truly portable because they can be scooped up and easily stowed away in a closet or transported from one place to another.

These portables typically offer very few of the bells and whistles that are offered by their larger – though technically portable – cousins.

The Juki HZL 25Z, which I have reviewed here today, is one of those truly portable sewing machines. It is specifically designed for easy storage and travel.

Juki HZL 25Z Overview

The first word that came to mind when I saw the Juki HZL 25Z is ‘cute’. In addition to the eye appealing colors – teal, white and gold – the styling and shape of the machine is simply adorable.

It’s the look that kind of brings a little smile to your face for no real reason whatsoever.

The mere appearance of this genuinely portable sewing machine made us want to know more about it and how it functions.

What are some alternatives for Juki HZL 25Z?

We have already mentioned in this review that the Juki HZL 25Z is a discontinued product. Here are some alternatives that we recommend instead.

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What are the features on Juki HZL 25Z?

Before even beginning this review, I acknowledged that I was not expecting to find tons of features on the Juki HZL 25Z.

There is simply no way a machine this small (weighing only 14 pounds) could have more than a few utility stitches of sew as fast as many of the other sewing machines I have reviewed and worked on over the years.

With this in mind, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that although it is tiny and a genuine lightweight, the Juki HZL 25Z is capable of producing 21 utility and decorative stitches as well as an automatic needle threader, a seam guide etched onto the needle plate, a reverse stitch lever, an on board thread cutter and a five step buttonhole.

The molded plastic carrying case reminds one of a clam shell. It opens on the hinged bottom allowing the user to put the machine inside and snap it shut.

The metal clasp on top assures that the Juki HZL 25Z is sealed securely inside, tucked away from dust, dirt, moisture and cushioned against bumps and jostles.

Working on the Juki HZL 25Z

Threading the Juki HZL25Z and winding its bobbin are truly elementary. The process is so basic, I was instantly convinced that this would be a very good machine to use when teaching children still in elementary school how to sew.

The only drawback was learning that inserting and removing the front loaded bobbin meant removing the accessories case. This is a definite drawback when working on a deadline.

In all honesty, it only takes a few seconds to remove the accessories case and snap it back into place, but those few seconds could make a big difference if one is trying to finish a sewing project within a limited period of time.

Stitch selection is very simple. All that is required is to turn the center dial on the right side of the machine until the indicator shows in the window next to the icon of he desired stitch.

I sampled several different stitch options for this review, and were satisfied with the results. The stitches were even and neat.

The manual tension adjustment is easy to understand, read and maneuver. I believe that any beginner, regardless of their age, will be able to master this function after just one or two attempts.

The addition of an oversized reverse stitch lever and a seam guide etched onto the needle plate are definite plusses for the novice as well as the advanced home sewer who works on this machine.

Sewing on the Juki HZL 25Z is not as smooth as sewing on many other machines in this class. It is louder, slower and vibrates more than most other portable sewing machines this size and weight.

An experienced sewer might be frustrated or even a bit disappointed by the performance of the HZL 25Z, but a beginner, especially a very young beginner, could benefit from a slower paced machine.

While the noise level is a distraction, it is only minor. A person who is unaccustomed to working on a quieter, faster sewing machine will not even be aware that the Juki HL 25Z is louder or slower than other comparable machines.

Which fabrics work on the Juki HZL 25Z?

Fabrics that work	Fabrics that don’t work
Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester	Leather/suede Fur Reptile skin Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber Knits(Medium to heavyweight only) Upholstery Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

What are the accessories that come with Juki HZL 25Z?

For a sewing machine to be as small as the Juki HZL 25Z, this one has all of the accessories any home sewer would need to get the job done and get it done right.

Standard accessories include:

• 5 Snap-on Presser Feet
  • Standard
  • Buttonhole
  • Blindhem
  • Overcasting
  • Zipper Foot
• Auxiliary Spool Pin
• Seam Ripper/Lint Brush
• Spool Cap
• Spool spindle
• Screwdrivers (2 – 1 large/1small)
• Bobbins (3)
• Oil dispenser
• Needles

Optional accessories that can be purchased separately include an extension table and a walking foot.

The walking foot can easily fit into the accessories case which doubles as the work space which can be removed to expose the free arm.

The extension table, however, might pose a problem when it comes to packing the Juki HZL 25Z for storage or when traveling.

The way the case is constructed makes it difficult for us to fathom how the extension table would be able to fit into such a compact space.

How to maintain the Juki HZL 25Z?

Maintenance activities	After each use	Monthly	Once each year	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	No
Service by sewing machine repair professional	No	No	Yes	No

Juki HZL 25Z Summary

Concluding my review, the Juki HZL 25Z is one of those portable sewing machines that is truly portable. It is lightweight – only 14 pounds – and comes with a hard clamshell like case that is cushioned inside to prevent damage while in transit.

It is definitely a carry-on piece, small enough to fit beneath the airplane seat in front of you and still leave you plenty of room for you to stretch your legs.

I believe an experienced sewer would not be satisfied with this machine because of the noise and vibration, but that could be overlooked by the sewing enthusiast who cannot live without having a sewing machine by their side – even while on vacation.

The one thing people tend to forget in this age of computerized sewing machines is that noise and vibration are common in nearly all mechanical sewing machines.

The Juki HZL 25Z is a mechanical machine, and therefore, a certain amount of noise and vibration are to be expected.

Its design and ease of operation make the HZL 25Z an excellent option for the parent who wants to give their young child their first real sewing machine.

It is also a great choice for college students who sew and want to have a sewing machine in their dorm rooms as well as experienced home sewers who like to sew while on the go.

However, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $777 this one is more than just a bit costly for a child’s sewing machine, for use in a college dorm, or for a machine that will be travelling back and forth to destinations unknown.

The good news is the MSRP is just that… a SUGGESTED retail price. I am firm believer in comparative shopping and waiting for something that I really want going on sale.

I learned that although the Juki HZL 25Z has a rather high MSRP, it can sometimes be found for a sales price as low as $199.

There are no guarantees that you will find one for that price when you are ready to make your purchase, but hang in there. You just might be able to come close.

Providing you are able to find a Juki HZL 25Z at a price that you consider to be fair and reasonable, I certainly recommend this machine for sewing students of all ages – especially the very young, for the college student who wants to have a sewing machine in their dorm room and for the intermediate or advanced home sewer who travels frequently and wants a sewing machine that travels well so they will have the option to indulge in their favorite pastime while away from home.

Like all mechanical sewing machines, the Juki HZL 25Z is not a quiet machine, and it’s slower than nearly all of the larger, computerized models available on today’s market, but it holds its own among the many genuinely portable mechanical sewing machines out there.

It definitely deserves more than just a quick once over by anyone in the market for a portable, lightweight sewing machine.

Unfortunately, the Juki HZL 25Z is no longer being manufactured. 

If you want the HZL 25Z, you have but two options… purchase one from an authorized Juki dealer who still has some in stock or find a used one.

The good news, however, is that it has been replaced by the Juki HZL 27Z, which offers some features and options not available on the 25Z.

The new features on the 27Z that are not available on the 25Z include:

• 22 utility and decorative stitch options
• Oversized, easy to use stitch selection dial
• 7 point feed dog
• LED lighting
• Drop in bobbin
• Multiple needle positions
• Easy start sewing

The Juki HZL 27Z is available at every local authorized Juki dealer.  However, if yours is the kind of lifestyle that is so hectic you seldom have time to make a personal visit to a store during regular business hours, you are in luck.

You can purchase the 27Z any time of day or night from the comfort of your home because it is also available online through amazon.com.

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