Juki TL-15 Quilting Piecing Machine Review

Product Description

The Juki TL-15 is a high-performance quilting and piecing machine designed for both home and professional use. This portable, single-needle lock-stitch machine is constructed with an aluminum die-cast arm and bed, ensuring industrial-grade sewing. It is equipped with advanced features such as an industrial sub-tension system, variable speed control, and bright LED lighting, making it ideal for a variety of sewing and quilting tasks.

Basic Information About Juki TL-15 Quilting and Piecing Machines

• Model: Juki TL-15
• Type: Quilting and Piecing Machine
• Manufacturer: Juki (Made in Japan)
• Weight: 25.4 lbs
• Dimensions: 17.8 inches (L) x 8.6 inches (W) x 13.8 inches (H)
• Power: 110V
• Warranty: 5 years on mechanical parts, 2 years on electrical parts, 90 days on labor and adjustments

Key Features Of The Juki TL-15 Quilting and Piecing Machine

Advanced Sewing Capabilities

• Maximum Sewing Speed: Up to 1,500 stitches per minute, providing high-speed sewing for increased productivity.
• Maximum Stitch Length: 6 mm, allowing for versatile stitch options.
• Automatic Thread Trimmer: Simultaneously cuts the bobbin and needle threads at the sewing end with a light press of the push button.
• Automatic Needle Threader: Easily threads the needle without straining your eyes, allowing you to start sewing quickly.
• Simple Bobbin Replacement: The expanded bobbin case area and bobbin case clasp make removing and replacing the bobbin simpler.

User-Friendly Design

• Bright LED Lighting: Illuminates the stitching area, providing better visibility and enabling more accurate sewing.
• Knee Lifter Lever: Allows you to raise or lower the presser foot without using your hands, providing a 12 mm lift option for the presser foot.
• Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure: A regulator on the machine’s top allows you to adjust the presser foot pressure based on the fabric being stitched.
• Needle Up/Down Control: The machine will stop sewing with the needle down for pivoting or more precise free motion operations. The needle can be moved up or down with the press of a button.

Performance and Efficiency

• Industrial Sub-Tension System: Ensures flawlessly straight stitches, even at high speeds.
• Variable Speed Control Slider: Allows you to control the sewing speed between 200 and 1,500 stitches per minute, providing precise feeding and flawless stitching for thick fabrics, quilting, and multi-layered materials.
• Large Work Area: With an auxiliary table attached, the TL-15 provides a large work area of up to 23 inches, making it easy to handle large quilting, sewing, or home décor projects.

Included Accessories

• Presser Feet: Includes several presser feet such as a straight stitch foot, quilting foot, zipper foot, and even feed foot.
• Auxiliary Table: Provides additional workspace for large projects.
• Small Screwdriver and T-Screwdriver: For maintenance and adjustments.
• Bobbins: Four included for winding and storing extra thread.
• Spool Cap and Oiler: For thread management and machine lubrication.
• Needle Pack: Includes various sizes for different fabric types.
• Quilt Guide for Upper Feed: Assists in maintaining consistent stitch lines.
• Foot pedal and power cord: For controlling the sewing speed and powering the machine.
• Knee lever: for hands-free presser foot control.
• Cleaning Brush: For maintaining the machine.
• Machine Cover: Protects the machine when not in use.

 Juki TL-15: Performance

The Juki TL-15 excels at providing high-quality stitches on a variety of fabrics, making it a preferred choice for quilting and piecing. Its robust construction and advanced features ensure consistent seam quality and prevent stitch gathering, even on multi-layered materials. The machine’s high presser foot lift and dual-tension mechanism allow for smooth and powerful feeding of thick fabrics, while the servo motor provides precise speed control and quiet operation.

Stitch Quality

• Consistent Seam Quality: The industrial sub-tension system and adjustable presser foot pressure ensure well-tensed seams without pitch errors.
• Versatile Stitch Options: Offers a maximum stitch length of 6 mm, providing versatility for different sewing techniques.

Ease of Use

• User-Friendly Interface: The machine’s design includes features like an easy-to-observe needle area, a large handwheel, and a knee-lifter mechanism for enhanced operability.
• Quick Bobbin Preparation: The expanded bobbin case area and bobbin case clasp make it easy to remove and replace the bobbin.

Juki TL-15 Performance on Quilting Projects

The Juki TL-15 is widely recognized for its exceptional performance in quilting projects.

1. High Sewing Speed

• Maximum Sewing Speed: The Juki TL-15 can sew up to 1,500 stitches per minute, allowing for rapid completion of quilting projects. This high speed is particularly beneficial for large quilts, enabling quilters to work efficiently.

2. Large Work Area

• Auxiliary Table: The machine comes with an auxiliary table that provides a large work area of up to 23 inches. This spacious surface is ideal for handling large quilting projects, giving quilters ample room to maneuver their fabric.

3. Precision and Control

• Variable Speed Control Slider: The speed control slider allows quilters to adjust the sewing speed between 200 and 1,500 stitches per minute. This feature provides precise control, which is essential for detailed quilting work.
• Needle Up/Down Control: The machine stops with the needle down, allowing for easy pivoting and more precise free-motion quilting. The needle can also be moved up or down with the press of a button, enhancing control during quilting.

4. Enhanced Stitch Quality

• Industrial Sub-Tension System: Ensures flawlessly straight stitches, even at high speeds. This system is crucial for maintaining consistent stitch quality across various fabric layers.
• Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure: The presser foot pressure can be adjusted to accommodate different fabric thicknesses, ensuring even feeding and preventing fabric puckering.

5. Free-Motion Quilting

• Drop Feed Mechanism: The drop feed feature allows for easy and precise free-motion quilting. Quilters can create intricate designs and curved stitches with ease.
• Even Feed Foot: Ensures reliable feeding when sewing heavy-weight materials like leather and challenging-to-feed fabrics like georgette and velvets. This foot is particularly useful for quilting multiple layers of fabric.

Included Accessories of the Juki TL-15 Quilting Machine

The Juki TL-15 quilting and piecing machine comes with a comprehensive set of accessories to enhance your sewing and quilting experience. Here is a detailed list of the included accessories:

Presser Feet

1. Straight Stitch Foot: Ideal for straight stitching tasks.
2. Quilting Foot: Designed for quilting projects.
3. Zipper Foot: For sewing zippers with precision.
4. Even Feed Foot: Ensures reliable feeding of heavy-weight materials and challenging-to-feed fabrics.
5. 1/4-Inch Quilting Foot: For precise quilting with a 1/4-inch stitch width.
6. Open Toe Quilting Foot: Provides better visibility for quilting.

Threading and Maintenance Tools

1. Small Screwdriver: For maintenance and adjustments.
2. T-Screwdriver: For specific adjustments and maintenance tasks.
3. Cleaning Brush: For cleaning the machine and removing lint.
4. Oiler: For lubricating the machine to ensure smooth operation.
5. Needle Pack: Includes various sizes for different fabric types (HAx1 (130/705H) #7–#18, HLx5#9–#16).
6. Four Bobbins: For winding and storing extra thread.
7. Spool Cap: For thread management.

Additional Components

1. Auxiliary Table: Provides additional workspace for large projects (12 inches W x 23 inches L).
2. Knee Lever: Allows you to raise or lower the presser foot without using your hands, freeing up your hands for fabric manipulation.
3. Quilt Guide for Upper Feed: Assists in maintaining consistent stitch lines.
4. Pedal Stopper: For controlling the sewing speed.
5. Foot Pedal: For controlling the sewing speed.
6. Power Cord: For connecting the machine to a power source.
7. Machine Cover: Protects the machine when not in use.

Documentation

1. Instruction Manual: Detailed guide for operating the machine, including threading, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

How to Thread the Juki TL-15 Quilting Machine

Threading the Juki TL-15 quilting machine can be straightforward if you follow the proper steps. Here’s a detailed guide to help you thread your machine correctly:

Step-by-Step Guide to Threading the Juki TL-15

1. Prepare the Machine

• Turn Off the Machine: Ensure the machine is turned off and unplugged from the power source to prevent any accidents.
• Raise the Needle and Presser Foot: Use the handwheel to raise the needle to its highest position. Raise the presser foot using the presser foot lever or knee lifter.

2. Thread the Upper Thread

• Place the Thread Spool: Place your thread spool on the spool pin and secure it with the spool cap.
• Guide the Thread: Follow the color-coded threading guides on the machine. These guides help ensure the thread is correctly routed through the machine.
  • Thread Guide 1: Pull the thread from the spool and pass it through the first thread guide located at the top of the machine.
  • Thread Guide 2: Continue to guide the thread down and around the tension discs, ensuring it is properly seated between the discs.
  • Thread Guide 3: Pull the thread up and through the take-up lever, ensuring it catches in the lever’s eye.
  • Thread Guide 4: Guide the thread down through any remaining thread guides leading to the needle.

3. Use the Automatic Needle Threader

• Engage the Needle Threader: Lower the automatic needle threader lever to engage the threading mechanism.
• Position the Thread: Place the thread in the hook of the needle threader and gently release the lever. The threader will pull the thread through the eye of the needle.
• Pull the Thread Through: Pull the thread loop through the needle eye and draw it towards the back of the machine.

4. Thread the Bobbin

• Open the Bobbin Case: Open the bobbin case cover to access the bobbin area.
• Insert the Bobbin: Place a wound bobbin into the bobbin case, ensuring the thread unwinds in the correct direction (usually counterclockwise).
• Guide the Bobbin Thread: Pull the bobbin thread through the slit and under the tension spring of the bobbin case.
• Close the Bobbin Case: Close the bobbin case cover, ensuring the thread is properly positioned.

5. Bring Up the Bobbin Thread

• Hold the Upper Thread: Hold the upper thread with your left hand.
• Turn the Handwheel: Slowly turn the handwheel towards you to lower and then raise the needle. This action will catch the bobbin thread.
• Pull the Bobbin Thread: Gently pull the upper thread to bring the bobbin thread up through the needle plate hole.
• Position the Threads: Pull both the upper and bobbin threads towards the back of the machine, under the presser foot.

6. Test the Threading

• Test Stitch: Turn on the machine and sew a few test stitches on a scrap piece of fabric to ensure the threading is correct and the tension is properly set.

Tips for Successful Threading

• Use Quality Thread: Ensure you use high-quality thread to prevent breakage and ensure smooth operation.
• Follow the Guides: Always follow the color-coded threading guides on the machine to ensure proper threading.
• Check Tension: Adjust the thread tension as needed using the tension dial to achieve balanced stitches.

Specifications of the Juki TL-15 Quilting Machine

Specification	Details
Model	Juki TL-15
Type	Quilting and Piecing Machine
Manufacturer	Juki (Made in Japan)
Weight	25.4 lbs (11.5 kg)
Dimensions	17.8 inches (L) x 8.6 inches (W) x 13.8 inches (H)
Power	110V
Warranty	5 years on mechanical parts, 2 years on electrical parts, 90 days on labor and adjustments
Maximum Sewing Speed	1,500 stitches per minute
Maximum Stitch Length	6 mm
Presser Foot Lift	9 mm (lever), 12 mm (knee lifter)
Needle Type	HAx1 (130/705H) #7–#18, HLx5 #9–#16
Throat Space	8.5 inches (L) x 5.9 inches (H)
Auxiliary Table Dimensions	12 inches (W) x 23 inches (L)
Automatic Thread Trimmer	Yes
Automatic Needle Threader	Yes
Variable Speed Control	200 to 1,500 stitches per minute
LED Lighting	Yes
Drop Feed	Yes
Industrial Sub-Tension System	Yes
Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure	Yes
Needle Up/Down Control	Yes
Automatic Bobbin Winder	Yes
Horizontal Axis Full Rotary Hook	Yes

Pros and Cons of the Juki TL-15 Quilting Machine

Pros

• High Sewing Speed: Capable of sewing up to 1,500 stitches per minute, significantly increasing productivity for large quilting projects.
• Versatile Stitch Options: Offers a maximum stitch length of 6 mm, providing versatility for various quilting and sewing techniques.
• Consistent Seam Quality: The industrial sub-tension system ensures flawlessly straight stitches, even at high speeds, making it suitable for quilting and piecing.
• Automatic Features: Includes an automatic thread trimmer and automatic needle threader, simplifying the sewing process and saving time.

• Color-Coded Threading Guides: Simplifies threading with clearly marked, color-coded thread paths, making it easy to follow and set up.
• Bright LED Lighting: Provides optimal lighting to the fabric and needle areas, making it easier to see and work on projects.
• Large Work Area: The auxiliary table provides a spacious work area of up to 23 inches, making it easier to handle large quilting projects.
• Knee Lifter Lever: Allows you to raise or lower the presser foot without using your hands, freeing up your hands for fabric manipulation.
• Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure: A regulator on the machine’s top allows you to adjust the presser foot pressure based on the fabric being stitched, ensuring even feeding and preventing fabric puckering.

• Robust Construction: Built with an aluminum die-cast arm and bed, ensuring industrial-grade sewing and reducing vibration during operation.
• Heavy-Duty Knife System: Ensures consistent and easy cutting of light to heavy weight fabrics.
• Complete Needle Puncture Power: Ensures steady and full needle force regardless of sewing speed.

• Variable Speed Control Slider: Allows you to control the sewing speed between 200 and 1,500 stitches per minute, providing precise feeding and flawless stitching for thick fabrics, quilting, and multi-layered materials.
• Needle Up/Down Control: The machine stops with the needle down, allowing for easy pivoting and more precise free-motion quilting. The needle can also be moved up or down with the press of a button.

Cons

• Higher Initial Investment: While the Juki TL-15 offers professional-grade features, it may be more expensive than some entry-level quilting machines, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.

• Learning Curve: As with many advanced quilting machines, there may be a learning curve for beginners, particularly in mastering the various features and settings.

• Limited to Quilting and Piecing: Designed specifically for quilting and piecing, which may limit its versatility for users who need a machine capable of multiple stitch types.

• Weight: Weighs 25.4 lbs (11.5 kg), making it less portable compared to lighter, more compact sewing machines. It is designed for a dedicated sewing space rather than frequent transport.

Conclusion

The Juki TL-15 quilting machine offers numerous advantages, including high sewing speed, versatile stitch options, consistent seam quality, and user-friendly features like automatic threading and adjustable differential feed. Its robust construction and advanced capabilities make it a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced quilters. However, the higher cost, complexity, and specialization may be considerations for some users. Overall, the Juki TL-15 is an excellent investment for those needing a powerful and durable machine for high-quality quilting and piecing tasks.

FAQs About the Juki TL-15 Quilting Machine

1. What is the Juki TL-15 quilting machine?

The Juki TL-15 is a high-performance quilting and piecing machine designed for both home and professional use. It is a portable, single-needle lock-stitch machine constructed with an aluminum die-cast arm and bed, ensuring industrial-grade sewing.

2. Where is the Juki TL-15 manufactured?

The Juki TL-15 is manufactured in Japan by Juki, a global leader in sewing quality and technology.

3. What types of stitches can the Juki TL-15 perform?

The Juki TL-15 is primarily designed for straight stitching, making it ideal for quilting and piecing projects. It offers a maximum stitch length of 6 mm.

4. What is the maximum sewing speed of the Juki TL-15?

The Juki TL-15 can sew at a maximum speed of 1,500 stitches per minute, allowing for rapid completion of quilting projects.

5. Does the Juki TL-15 have an automatic thread trimmer?

Yes, the Juki TL-15 features an automatic thread trimmer that simultaneously cuts the bobbin and needle threads at the sewing end with a light press of the push button.

6. Does the Juki TL-15 have an automatic needle threader?

Yes, the Juki TL-15 is equipped with an automatic needle threader, making it easy to thread the needle without straining your eyes.

7. What is the throat space of the Juki TL-15?

The throat space of the Juki TL-15 measures 8.5 inches (L) x 5.9 inches (H), providing ample room for handling large quilting projects.

8. What is the maximum presser foot lift of the Juki TL-15?

The presser foot can be lifted up to 9 mm using the lever and up to 12 mm using the knee lifter.

9. How is the Juki TL-15 lubricated?

The Juki TL-15 requires regular lubrication with Juki New Defrix Oil No. 2 (equivalent to ISO VG32) to ensure smooth operation and longevity. Refer to the user manual for specific lubrication points.

10. Does the Juki TL-15 come with a warranty?

Yes, the Juki TL-15 comes with a 5-year warranty on mechanical parts, a 2-year warranty on electrical parts, and a 90-day warranty on labor and adjustments.

11. What accessories are included with the Juki TL-15?

The Juki TL-15 comes with a comprehensive set of accessories, including:

• Presser Feet: Straight stitch foot, quilting foot, zipper foot, even feed foot, 1/4-inch quilting foot, open toe quilting foot.
• Auxiliary Table: Provides additional workspace for large projects (12 inches W x 23 inches L).
• Threading and Maintenance Tools: Small screwdriver, T-screwdriver, cleaning brush, oiler, needle pack, four bobbins, spool cap.
• Additional Components: Knee lever, quilt guide for upper feed, pedal stopper, foot pedal, power cord, machine cover.
• Documentation: Instruction manual.

12. Is the Juki TL-15 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Juki TL-15 is designed to be user-friendly and is suitable for both beginners and experienced quilters. Features like the automatic needle threader, color-coded threading guides, and adjustable presser foot pressure make it easy to use.

13. How noisy is the Juki TL-15?

The Juki TL-15 operates relatively quietly, making it suitable for home use. However, as with any sewing machine, some noise is expected, especially at higher speeds.

14. Where can I buy the Juki TL-15 quilting machine?

The Juki TL-15 can be purchased from authorized Juki dealers, online retailers, and specialty sewing stores. It is recommended to buy from reputable sources to ensure you receive the full warranty and customer support.

15. What is the warranty on the Juki TL-15?

The Juki TL-15 comes with a 5-year warranty on mechanical parts, a 2-year warranty on electrical parts, and a 90-day warranty on labor and adjustments.