96.7 The Juki HZL-LB5100 is one of the more affordable Juki computerized sewing machines. Owners give the unit high praise and report that it provides good value for the money. The LB5100 is lightweight and fairly compact, making it a good choice for those who want a portable machine. It is also designed for both the beginner (very easy to use) and the advanced sewist (plenty of features). This is a sturdy machine that runs quiet and creates a great stitch. The bobbin winding is a little slow however, and some owners wish the unit had a faster maximum sewing speed.
Consumer Ratings
Ratings for the LB5100 are not easy to come by. In addition, we’ve found that some websites repeat reviews and ratings found on other websites – we’ve removed those from our score calculations. We only found 6 ratings from 2 retailers and the data can be seen in the table below:
Ratings for the LB5100 are not easy to come by. In addition, we’ve found that some websites repeat reviews and ratings found on other websites – we’ve removed those from our score calculations. We only found 6 ratings from 2 retailers and the data can be seen in the table below:
| Source | Consumer Ratings | # Ratings |
| Amazon | 4.8 stars out of 5 | 5 |
| Overstock | 5 stars out of 5 | 1 |
When averaged these result in an overall sewing machine score of 96.7 out of 100. This is an excellent score, however we do feel that the sample size (6 ratings) is not large enough to provide a high level of confidence. We typically like to see a much larger sample size and will revisit this score in the future when/if there are more consumer ratings.
What Are Owners Saying?
A thorough review of owner comments has provided the following Juki LB5100 likes and dislikes:
A thorough review of owner comments has provided the following Juki LB5100 likes and dislikes:
PROS
- Lightweight enough to take to classes
- Lots of decorative stitches
- Great stitch quality
- Runs quiet and smooth
- Feels sturdy
- Easy to use
- Lightweight enough to take to classes
- Lots of decorative stitches
- Great stitch quality
- Runs quiet and smooth
- Feels sturdy
- Easy to use
CONS
- Cannot adjust presser foot pressure
- No extension table provided
- Some folks would like a faster sewing speed
- Bobbin winding a little on the slow side
- Cannot adjust presser foot pressure
- No extension table provided
- Some folks would like a faster sewing speed
- Bobbin winding a little on the slow side
This is a hard machine to fault as there are a great many positive things said about it and very few negative things said about it. Owner comments include statements like “great machine, great price”, “lots of features for the price”, “this machine is well worth the money”, etc. It is fairly clear that these owners feel the HZL-LB5100 is a good buy.
We have also noticed that many folks who bought the LB5100 currently have another Juki machine (serger or sewing machine) or they have had a Juki machine in the past. We’ve seen this with other Juki sewing machines as well. This brand tends to create loyalty, which is a good sign.
Folks like the number of decorative stitches (there are 100 stitch patterns) and also report that the LB5100 creates a very high quality stitch. In addition, most owner say the machine is reasonably quiet and that it runs smoothly.
Many like that this Juki is light enough to be “portable” and some report taking it to classes. The LB5100 is also considered quite easy to use and getting things to work is intuitive. Should one need instruction we also note that people are pleased with the manual, saying it is detailed and well written (you can see a copy of it at the bottom of this article).
You can read more HZL-LB5100 owner comments on Amazon.
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Aside:
If you want to save 50 bucks you may want to look at the Juki HZL-LB5020 (see it on Amazon). This machine is pretty much the same as the LB5100 except it only has 20 stitch patterns (both machines even share the same manual). The Juki HZL-LB5020 also gets very good reviews and ratings. |
HZL-LB5100 Key Specifications
- 100 stitch patterns
- One step buttonhole
- LCD control panel
- Automatic needle threader
- Stitch width and length adjustment
- Max stitch length = 5mm
- Max zig-zag Width = 7mm
- Two automatic lock stitches
- Needle up/down
- 7 point feed dog
- Variable speed override
- Start/stop button
- Free arm
- Drop feed capable
- Drop-in bobbin
- LED light
- Max sewing speed = 700 stitches per minute
- Type 15 Bobbin
- 100 stitch patterns
- One step buttonhole
- LCD control panel
- Automatic needle threader
- Stitch width and length adjustment
- Max stitch length = 5mm
- Max zig-zag Width = 7mm
- Two automatic lock stitches
- Needle up/down
- 7 point feed dog
- Variable speed override
- Start/stop button
- Free arm
- Drop feed capable
- Drop-in bobbin
- LED light
- Max sewing speed = 700 stitches per minute
- Type 15 Bobbin
Stitches
You can see the 100 stitch patterns in the image below:
You can see the 100 stitch patterns in the image below:
In addition, the first 30 stitches are printed onto the front of the sewing machine and the remaining 70 can be seen in a pull out card – see image below:
Accessories
The LB5100 comes with a host of accessories including 6 presser feet:
- Zig Zag foot
- Zipper foot
- One step buttonhole foot
- Overedge foot
- Satin stitch foot
- Blind hem foot
The LB5100 comes with a host of accessories including 6 presser feet:
- Zig Zag foot
- Zipper foot
- One step buttonhole foot
- Overedge foot
- Satin stitch foot
- Blind hem foot
In addition, you will find a seam ripper, a lint brush, 4 bobbins, a pack of needles, a screwdriver, small spool caps, large spool caps, a spool stand, spool pin felt, and an additional spool pin. Also provided is a power cord, a foot control, an operation support DVD with video, a manual, a warranty card, and a hard case - which is a nice touch.
Weight
The LB5100 only weighs 12.3 lbs – note that this is the machine only. This, and its high score, makes it almost light enough to fit in our list of the best portable sewing machines.
The LB5100 only weighs 12.3 lbs – note that this is the machine only. This, and its high score, makes it almost light enough to fit in our list of the best portable sewing machines.
Warranty
This sewing machine carries the following manufacturer’s warranty:
- 5 years mechanical defects
- 2 years electrical
- 90 days adjustments on defects in material or workmanship
This sewing machine carries the following manufacturer’s warranty:
- 5 years mechanical defects
- 2 years electrical
- 90 days adjustments on defects in material or workmanship
Sewing Machine Manual
The manual is detailed and instructions and drawings are clear. It covers the names of sewing machine parts and accessories, and it has a chapter on “getting ready to sew”. It also includes information on basic sewing, decorative stitching, maintenance, and troubleshooting. You can see the manual here: Juki HZL-LB5100 manual
The manual is detailed and instructions and drawings are clear. It covers the names of sewing machine parts and accessories, and it has a chapter on “getting ready to sew”. It also includes information on basic sewing, decorative stitching, maintenance, and troubleshooting. You can see the manual here: Juki HZL-LB5100 manual
Hello! My name is Alison and I started Sewing Machine Ratings over 10 years ago. Since then I’ve reviewed scores of sewing machines. Sewing has been a hobby for me since I was a young and I love to make my own clothing.