Sewing Machine Review: Juki Exceed F400
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- Опубликовано: 10 дек 2024
- Learn more about the Juki Exceed F400, one of Leah Day's favorite sewing machines for quilt piecing, free motion quilting, and more in this sewing machine review. leahday.com/pag...
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Leah, I've enjoyed so many of your videos, and especially appreciate this one! I've hoped to find a machine that has knee lift, thread cutter/threader, needle down with a LARGE harp space, but have pretty much given up on that -- seems that 8-9" is about the max -- without spending many $thousands. Thank you for this review, and I'll put this machine at the top of my list now!
+Denise Dehart - Excellent Denise! That's exactly why I think it's such a great machine. It's a huge set of features for a very low price.
I am familiar with your Craftsy quilting classes and this was really nice timing in finding your video! I have been going back and forth...becoming frustrated in choosing my next sewing machine. I am still using my very entry level Brother. I was starting to lean toward another Juki, then found the 400 and stumbled across your video. Thank you for covering so many things in the video, because I think this is going to help settle my decision in the coming months!
+Charles Nicolosi - Great! Buying a machine can be tricky, but I hope this one works as well for you as it did for me!
Well...after sewing along tonight on some Christmas in July projects, my cheap, 5 year old Brother finally bit the dust. I just pulled the trigger on the Juki 400, which I should have been more seriously looking at, before this happened. With luck, I could be taking it on a shakedown cruise this weekend! (Star Trek reference, of course.)
Leah, does the table you are using allow for the Juki's knee lift to work?
Thank you so much 😊 that was very helpful. I'm getting a Juki exceed 300 for Christmas 🎄 and I'm so excited 😆 and watching you and others is helping me.
Yay! Congrats on your new machine!
thank you. im amazed at how many machines you have gone though. I never considered a juki but this one looks good.
hi Leah, excellent review, I watched this quite a few times and the one Vanessa did as well and they complimented each other with a ton of info, and with your advice I attempted to wear out my welcome at a machine shop down in south florida, the lady there took all I had and kept me in the chair for many professional tips, I was very comfortable handing over my money for the F600, this machine is every bit of wonderful you said it was, I do appreciate the experience you have and passing that onto the world, thanks for the cone tip below, many people have told me it was impossible to use one and you clearly put that myth to rest, thanks again
+Eugene Kaub - Excellent! I'm so glad you've purchased a machine you're happy with and supported an obviously great store in the process!
This looks great!
I am looking upgrade my machine. Currently have a Janome and a Kenmore, but wasn't sure what make/model I wanted to go with. I may also be buying someone's Janome 350e Embroidery machine.
I have been hearing from people that you should go with the same brand for both machines. Now I am unsure what I want to do, lol.
I encourage you to keep looking and research all your options. No, I don't think you have to stick with one brand. I did like this Juki F400, but then Juki discontinued it! Check out my tutorial with tips on buying a machine here: leahday.com/pages/sewing-machine-buying-tips
I’m trying to find this machine. There is one at Joann Fabrics website that says it’s called “JUKI F400 Quilt and Pro Sewing Machine” but it doesn’t say “Exceed”. Is that a different machine?
Yep, that is most likely the same machine.
Thanks for this review! I am in the market for a new machine and this looks awesome. After finding your videos my eyes have been opened to free motion quilting. I had no idea that you could do such awesome patterns on a small home machine. I would love to know how you added lighting to the machine. Specifically what you used. I do a lot of night sewing and need a lot of extra light. Thanks so much for all your helpful videos.
+Amber Simmons - I'm going to be sharing this in a followup video soon because we plan to start carrying the machine lights in our store.
+Leah Day - Yes, we are carrying the lights now, and they will be back in stock next week! leahday.com/collections/shop/products/sewing-lights
Thank you! Does it handle denim and other difficult fabric well?
+SuperModerngranny - Unfortunately I haven't had the opportunity to sew denim on this machine. Slippery fabrics like satin and organza have worked great though!
Thanks again!
+SuperModerngranny I've not only sewn denim, but Bosal In-R-Form and Soft and Stable (ByAnnie) for bags, purses, etc, even made rope baskets and it handles it wonderfully. Remember, you have foot tension adjustment with this line of machines and that helps greatly.
Leah, perhaps the "start stop" button is for when you are using a set of decorative stitches and you only want it to sew that one set that you set up in memory. Example, if you use the Fonts to spell Handmade by Leah Day and you only want that to sew ONCE, you use start/stop button and it will sew that once. That is how it works on other brands at least.
For this machine the start / stop button is to operate the machine without the foot pedal. You unplug the foot petal and set the speed slider to a medium speed, then hit start and the machine will stitch for you. It's a newer feature on machines designed for quilters with issue operating a foot pedal.
I purchased an F400, and it does indeed work as I indicated. If you use the decorative stitches in a sequence, or lettering, and use stop/start it will sew that sequence one time. I did have to do some searching to figure out how to put a space between letters so I will save you some hunting. It's the O button will put a space. It does fairly well if you use lightweight stabilizer and then after you remove the jump stitches the lettering is quite nice. It's great for quilt labels. Many folks don't realize that you need to cut out the jump stitches (the stitches that connect each letter to the next letter). Thanks for your review of this machine, I am happy with my purchase, I own for Juki's now, 2000qi (2), the F400 and a Juki serger. All are fabulous!
When you start to free motion quilt, you put something that is all white on the machine. I can't understand what you said it's called. Can you tell me? I would like to have.
That is a Queen Supreme Slider that helps the quilt move over the table. You can find one here: leahday.com/products/queen-sized-supreme-slider
@@LeahDay thank you!
Is this high or low shank machine. I am going to start using rulers and would like to know, because I'd like to use the higher rulers.
+Elaine Armenta - It's a low shank machine, but I've used a variety of ruler thicknesses with it. You really just have to play with the rulers and see what will work on any machine.
I have the Juki 2010Q and love it! I've been looking into getting A new machine that I can do more decorative stitches on. But I was also wondering if this model can topstitch nicely through maybe four or five layers? Also how does it topstitch going around corners? Thank you for any information you can share.
I find the Juki F400 and F600 were able to handle lots of layers really well. It's not an industrial machine like the 2010Q, but it is still very well built and able to handle thick fabrics well.
Does the side above needle open so it can be cleaned. Also, is the needle plate easy to remove to get to bobbin and clean that area also. Thank you. Melinda
Unfortunately no, the F600 and F400 have solid bodies around the top section of the machine so you can't flip that part open. The needle plate screws off which is a bit tedious, but it's easy enough to remove quickly.
I just got the f-300 because I'm not a quilter. I do alterations. the buttonhole attachment is INSANE! I have never had a sensor buttonholer that worked this well. I will probably spring for the knee lift bar because the 300 doesn't come with it
Also, best needle threader ever! I love my F400. I'm very interested in your setup. Where can I find the clear table part?
You can find the Affordable Table with the custom cut insert right here: leahday.com/products/affordable-sewing-table
I am interested in this machine but the ones I am finding have a closed toe quilting foot. Was your open toe foot included with the machine or did you have to buy it separately?
Yep, it's sold separately from the machine.
Great review. Always good to know if looking for a back up machine. I too would love to know if that fmg foot would work on the 2010. Since I purchased the 2010, and I love it, I had hoped you would have done more fmq on the 2010. Do you think you will in the future? Thanks again for the review
+Kdcaswell - I do have the 2010 set up for quilting in the house, but for filming I really need to be able to zigzag and blanket stitch often enough that it makes more sense to use the Exceed F400 instead.
As for the foot compatibility, I believe it will work with a high / low shank adapter and I'm going to try it out to see and I'll let you know.
Leah, I have the Exceed F370 which is similar. A few less decorative stitches and maybe came with less feet. I love using mine. I have been trying to figure out if I can use a large thread cone, it seems you did. Not sure how to thread up as the first needle thread guide is at the front of the machine; can you help? I can't ask dealer as I bought from tv shopping and they are no help.I really enjoyed your review of the feet. Thanks
+Mo M - Yes, I use cone thread on my Juki F400 by setting the thread in a spool stand, then bringing the thread up and hooking it through the first guide near the bobbin tension screw, then down into the normal threading of the machine. You have to get a bit creative, but it can work!
+Leah Day Thank you, I will try that too.
Great Review! Does the stitch quality of the straight stitch differ between this and the TL2010 (is one more slanted/more straight than the other)?
Yes, I'd say a bit. The TL2010 is a semi-industrial machine so it's going to have a straighter, more precise stitch. That being said, I haven't had a problem with my stitches on the F400 or F600. I'm not really picky about this though so you might want to test drive both machines to see for yourself.
Ah thank you! Stitch quality is quite important to me... unfortunately I have no Juki dealer anywhere near me so I can't test drive them and need to go by reviews. I do like the button hole foot on the F series but then I mainly use straight stitch. Which machine do you use the most?
Do you always quilt without dropping your feed dogs and just adjusting the stitch length? I will have to give your way a try. I have a Bernina 440 so I have always used the stitch regulator. Your way seems to give more control.
+Janet Maddox - Yes, this is the way I've free motion quilted since 2006 - feed dogs up and stitch length 0. I do think it gives you more control and better thread tension which is always a nice bonus!
+Leah Day really? feed dogs up? for free motion? but wouldn't they tear your super slider right? sorry totally confused.
Thank you for this cleary, detailed review. I am sold. Could you share where you purchased your Juki?
Hi I did check I don't see it?? Maybe at your store where u bought the Juki n name of foot??
Would you show us the light you added to the machine? Maybe provide a link to purchase one. I bought my new machine yesterday. I was out shopping today and looked for lights but they all seemed too big. Thanks....can't wait to get started sewing on my new Juki 400.
We've stopped carrying the lights, but I'm sure you can find them on Amazon. I think I was using a 6 LED light strip here. You just peel off the sticky tape on the back of the light and stick it in place where you'd like it. It definitely helps to have the light on so you can judge the best placement.
What type of changes did you make to your sewing room, i have upper back and neck problems also when i sew. thank you:)
+forthebird1 - I've set my machine in this flatbed table and I've started wearing a back support to help my shoulders and back relax. Mostly the best thing has been to check in often with my body and realize when I'm sitting in an uncomfortable position and shift to feel better. I hope that helps!
Hi I don't know who else to ask, but I just bought this sewing machine and when I sew zig zag it sounds like it's going to blow up it clicks and clacks and it scary really just waiting for something to break its annoying and then the thread breaks, I paid over $800 for this machine you think it would sew smooth lol what am I doing wrong? I had this same issue on my last singer and brother embroidery machine it's driving me nuts I don't want to sew anymore because of this I can't figure it out, can you help me? Please. Thank you ahead of time and thank you for your time
If this happened in previous machines, I think that is suggesting user error rather than a machine issue. I would check that your needles are installed properly - fully seated and in the correct position. Also make sure you're using the correct 15 x 1 size sewing machine needles.
I like your sewing machine reviews and videos. What camera do you use for your RUclips videos? I've noticed you can zoom in and out with a remote control. Thanks!
I'm working with an older camera on this video. It was a Sony HDR CX350 with a little remote the unfortunately bit the dust last year. So far I haven't found a replacement that's built as well. I think the cell phone market is really biting into the handheld camcorder / handycam market so they're really getting cheap and flimsy now and have far less features (like no remote). Lately I've been experimenting with shooting videos with my iphone and using an app to see the screen on my laptop. It's not perfect and I'm still playing with it.
I've had mine for over 5 years now. Have you ever found a thread stand for this machine? I prefer using cone thread and need a stand.
Yep, I use a thread stand for most machines. There isn't one built specially for the F400 so you'll just need to set a stand to the right side of the machine.
@@LeahDay Thank you for taking the time to reply. I like the looks of the table in the link provided, BTW, I enjoy all your tutorials.
Will this free motion foot work on the TL2010Q? I like it alot better than the free motion feet that came with it. Thanks
+Startipper - I believe you could use the darning foot from the Exceed F400 on the TL2010Q with a high / low shank adapter. Basically this is an extra bit that attaches to the high shank on the TL2010 and allows it to fit low shank feet. I'll give this a try myself and see if it works!
Oh my gosh...
I'm late to the party....
Hope you see this and can answer a question.
I just purchased this machine (HZL-F400) and my current drop in sewing cabinet opening is too small.
I see yours is a perfect fit with an acrylic fitted flatbed...
Please share where you got your cabinet and what model it is so I can look into one myself...
Thank you!!
This is the Affordable Sewing Table I carry on my website! leahday.com/products/affordable-sewing-table
Hey Leah! I have been shopping for a machine for six months and recently decided that my best bet would be the F600. The only problem is that I can't give it a test try. I live super remote and the closest Juki dealer is about 14 hours away. I researched the dealer and it is one of the oldest sewing dealerships in Canada with a really great reputation so I'm not concerned about them. When I called them about the F600 they offered me the newer HZL DX7 for the same price free shipping! I researched the DX7 and it is pretty much the same as the F series with more features. It is a newer model, well reviewed and listed as more expensive then the F600 on other American sites. So I guess my question is should I make this big purchase without actually trying the machine? I've watched tons of sewing machine reviews and really want a Juki just for the amount of features and quality for the price is worth it. Should I just go for it? I must admit anything would be a major upgrade, I learned to quilt on a basic 13 stitch singer from Walmart lol. Even with a walking foot quilting on it is nearly impossible. Any advice from anyone would be appreciated! ❤️
I must add that I found a highly recommended sewing machine tech that is familiar with Jukis in a closer city that I visit a few times a year. I was a little worried about buying a machine and having to ship it 14 hours away once a year to be serviced so I looked into it. That would have been a dealbreaker I think.
This is one of those things that I just can't weigh in on because it's 100% up to you. You could plan a trip to the dealer once a year to stay in that town for a few days for a vacation when you need it serviced. Or you could look for sewing machine repairmen in your area that can help you with any brand of machine.
I've never stitched on the newer DX7 so I honestly don't know how it feels in comparison to the F600. My best advice is to write up a pros and cons list with everything laid out so you can see your choices and that might help make this decision easier.
Thanks for your reply! I decided to go for it. I have calculated the price difference in American dollars and on price alone I made a good investment. I paid $1279 CAD (about $970 American with the exchange) for a machine that is listed as $1399 American dollars on most American sites and eBay. I figure if there is something that really bothers me about it I would be able to sell it pretty easily for what I paid. I am so excited they offered free 2 day shipping it should be here tomorrow night! Will let you know how it goes. Thanks again for your help and I can't wait to start using your free motion quilting tutorials considering we have very similar machines 👌🏼
Hello Katherine, where did you buy your Juki. You stated you are in Canada, and as I am also from Can., and I am looking for this machine, I thought you may be able to help me. By the way, you've had the Juki for about a year now, are you still really happy with it? Thank you, Katherine.
Elina Pongracz I am also in Canada (New Brunswick) and looking to upgrade. Did you ever get a response? What did you end up with?
Where can I find a table for Juki TL-82?
did you give up all your janomes? are you only on Juki now?
+Phone Girl - I still have a Janome Horizon 15000 that I use exclusively for embroidery. I love the massive hoops on that machine!
+Leah Day I wonder, why did you gave up on Janome ? It's a great company...
+Guy Van den Berghe - I really liked the Janome Horizon models, but the front is really bulky on those machines and I started having issues with my neck and back. So I switched to the Juki machines to see if that would help and I made a lot of changes in my sewing room setup. I still love my Janome embroidery machine!
Does this have the same amount of space in the throat as the 2010.
+Rene Bracken - It's slightly smaller - 8 inches from the needle to the side of the machine, but still much bigger than the average machine.
often, also, i cannot always get the needle threader to work. What am i doing wrong/
I'm sorry, I won't be much help there. I never use the needle threader on this machine.
thanks for sharing....
HI IN BEGINING VIDEO THE PRESSURE FOOT I DONT HAVE THAT I DONT KNOW WHY I HAVE JUKI 600 BOUGHT FROM
SEWING MACHINE PLUS IN CALIFORNIA... ONLINE.. THE DONT HAVE THAT FOOT.. WHERE DID U BUY THE JUKI AND FOOT???
Check out SewingMachinesPlus.com. Search for Juki F600 feet and it should be available there.
Never ever used my automatic sewer, not my kind of thing, prefer to do it myself!
+Tineke Williams - I feel the same way, but I've been receiving more and more emails from quilters and sewists with disabilities that prevent them from using their foot pedal.
wish brother machines had the knee lift
i can't see where the spool of thread is coming from! hmmm.
I set my thread on a spool stand behind the machine. It feeds better to feed up then into the machine.