The Juki HZL-F300 and the Toyota STF17 are two of the most popular affordable sewing machines we will compare today. In addition to being packed with features in an affordable price range, these two sewing machines produced excellent stitch quality.
What are the main differences between them? Allow me to simplify my answers here.
Table of Contents
Juki HZL-F300 vs. Toyota STF17: Comparison in Features
Sewing Machine Types
The Juki HZL-F300 is a computerized sewing machine, while the Toyota STF17 is a mechanical sewing machine. Since the machine types decide they differ a lot in features, I won’t make a suggestion.
The sewing machine you choose should be tailored to your skill level and goals.
Juki HZL-F300 vs. Toyota STF17 : Built-in Stitches
The Juki HZL-F300 has 106 stitches. The Toyota STF17 on the other hand comes with 17 built-in stitches. The apparent difference is in the buttonhole styles, where Juki HZL-F300 comes with 16 one-step buttonhole(s), Toyota STF17 has only 1 four-step buttonhole(s).
Weight
The Juki HZL-F300 sewing machine weighs approximately 21.6 lbs, while the Toyota STF17 comes with a weight of 18 lbs.
When you don’t have a specific spot in your home where your sewing machine belongs, the extra weight can become burdensome.
Automatic Needle Threader
To assist the user, self-threading sewing machines have what is called an automatic needle threader. The Juki HZL-F300 has one while the Toyota STF17 doesn’t.
Drop-in Bobbin
This Juki HZL-F300 sewing machine comes with a drop-in bobbin, which allows you to see how much thread is left on the bobbin through the window. While Toyota STF17 sewing machine doesn’t
Drop Feed
In contrast to Toyota STF17, Juki HZL-F300 has a drop feed system. The drop feed lever will lower the feed dogs below the so they are no longer making contact with the material. This option is used for freehand machine quilting & freehand embroidery. This means you are in control of the stitch length and which direction you are going without actually turning the material.
Free Arm
There is free arm on both the Juki HZL-F300 and the Toyota STF17. The free arm is a very useful feature to all sewing machines as it makes sewing one layer of fabric without catching another. This is because all of the workings around the bobbin race, feed dogs, and needles are housed there.
| Juki HZL-F300 | Toyota STF17 | |
| Product Image | |
|
| Sewing Machine Type | Computerized | Mechanical |
| Stitches | 106 | 17 |
| Buttonhole Styles | 16 one-step | 1 four-step |
| Start/Stop Button | Yes | – |
| Built-in Memory | Yes | – |
| Programmable Needle Up/Down | Yes | – |
| Monogramming Font | Yes, 3 | – |
| Drop Feed | Yes | No |
| Free Arm | Yes | Yes |
| Working Light | Yes LED | – |
| Speed Control Slider | Yes | – |
| Weight | 21.6 lbs | 18 lbs |
| Extra High Presser Foot Lifter | Yes | – |
| Snap-on Presser Foot | – | Yes |
| Automatic Thread Cutter | Yes | – |
| Automatic Needle Threader | Yes | No |
| Drop-in Bobbin | Yes | No |
| USB Connectivity | – | – |
| Stitch Selection | LCD Display and Push Button | Dial |
| Adjustable Stitch Length/Width | Yes | No |
| Included Feet | Standard Presser Foot, Overcasting Presser Foot, Blind Stitch Presser Foot, Buttonhole Presser Foot, Manual Buttonhole Presser Foot, Zipper Presser Foot. | Zigzag (Standard) Foot, Buttonhole Foot, Zipper Foot |
| Dedicated Locking Stitch Button | – | – |
| Tension | Automatic, But Adjustable | Automatic Tension |
| Knee Lifter | – | – |
| Warranty | – | – |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Juki HZL-F300 Video Review
Toyota STF17 Video Review
The Verdict
Both of these sewing machines come from fantastic companies, but they are particularly difficult to choose between. Based on their features, my overall recommendation would be to choose the machine that comes with more built-in stitches at an affordable price.
Q. Does the machine work well with stretchy materials?
A. The machine works perfectly with all types of fabrics. As long as the user can work with the material, there should be no problem.
Q. What should I know about manual vs. electric sewing machines?
A. Manual sewing machines were the mainstay of the crafting world, but in more recent years electric (also known as computerized) machines have been increasing in popularity for their easy operation and advanced functions, such as embroidery.
If you’re looking for a simple sewing experience without frills, a mechanical machine gives you straightforward functionality.
Without electronic components, some feel that these machines prove more reliable in the long term.
However, computerized machines may shorten the learning curve for some new sewers, since choosing stitches and settings only requires the push of a button.
Q. What type of maintenance do sewing machines need?
A. Today’s sewing machines usually require just a few basic steps to keep them in good working order. While the manual included with your machine will spell out the details, it’s important to regularly remove the throat plate and use a small, soft brush to remove thread, lint, and debris that might have become lodged inside the machine. Your machine may also require oiling to keep everything lubricated and running smoothly.
Q. Why use a walking foot on a sewing machine
A. A walking foot helps move knit fabrics evenly so they don’t stretch out of shape. The walking foot eliminates the need for excessive pinning when working with slippery fabrics. That is especially useful because most of those slippery fabrics, such as satin, are easily damaged by pins.
Q. Why use a bobbin on a sewing machine
A. In general, the bobbin is the thing that feeds the thread to stitch from the lower part of the machine. Its purpose is to hold the thread below the needle, and it is where the thread in which you stitch comes from.
Q. How do I thread a sewing machine?
To get started with your sewing project, you’ll need to first thread your sewing machine. While your machine’s manual should guide you in the specific sequence for your make and model, the basic process starts by placing the presser foot in the up position.
Next, put your thread spool on the spool holder and bring the thread across the top of the machine, through the thread guide. Insert the thread through the tension mechanism, sliding it between the metal disks before pulling it back upwards. Find the take-up lever and place the thread into the hole. Pull the thread towards the sewing machine needle, using available thread guides as you go.
Finally, bring the needle into an accessible position by adjusting the handwheel. Insert the thread. Your sewing machine should be threaded and ready to go, but it’s always a good idea to make a test run on a sample swatch to check your work.
However, if you sewing machine comes with an automatic needle threader, that would save you lots of time.
