New Sewing Machine Review

Yes, it’s high time I shared a detailed sewing machine review on the Juki Exceed F400, the machine I’ve been using for more than a year for sewing, patchwork, and machine quilting. Watch the detailed review in this video:

Read the detailed sewing machine review for the Juki Exceed F400 right here.

Yes, this machine really snuck up on me! I really wasn’t planning to fall in love with it, but once I began using it I soon realized it was very well designed and awesome feet and features that typically come with much more expensive machines.

The ONLY thing I have to gripe about is the complicated set of steps to access the decorative stitches. But really, I use those stitches maybe once or twice a year so it’s not much to complain about! Overall I love the way the machine is set up and I’m happy to use it in my videos and workshops.

What are you looking for in a new sewing machine? What are the features you value the most? Share in the comments below!

Let’s go quilt,

Leah Day

LeahDay

Leah Day has been teaching online since 2009. She's the creator of the Free Motion Quilting Project, a blog filled with thousands of quilting tutorial videos. Leah has written several books including 365 Free Motion Quilting Designs, Explore Walking Foot Quilting with Leah Day, and Mally the Maker and the Queen in the Quilt.

13 Responses

  1. Wendy says:

    I am waiting for my f600 to be delivered. It is a leap of faith as I am a lover of robust Berninas and the beautiful patterns on my pfaff so. The Juki looks so well built, I can't wait to put it through its paces.

  2. suemac says:

    I have the Exceed 600 and love it.

  3. Dave Kennedy says:

    I'm debating between the F400 and the F600 for my wife. The price difference isn't huge. Any reason to go with the F400?

  4. Leah Day says:

    Honestly I would go for the F600 if I had to buy this machine again today! It's definitely got more features and more gear that comes standard with the machine. You're going to have a very happy wife!

  5. Rebecca says:

    Thank you for not only telling us what you like about the machine, but also what to look for in shopping around. I have a machine I got from a warehouse store. I have heard that machines from any "big" store will not be as well-made as those sold through dealers (even the same brand), but I figure it buys me time.

    I also wanted to mention what an excellent backdrop your 365(?) quilt makes. I look at it and see different designs each time, which makes me want to explore further! I know I've seen you do many of these designs, but just having them there, I see which ones catch my eye.

  6. Leah Day says:

    As long as your machine works and does the job, I wouldn't worry about where you get it from! Don't pay attention to the machine snobs – they're out there and they're opinionated, but how much quilting do they actually do?

    I'm so glad to hear that you like seeing 365 in the background! I love seeing this quilt too and I'm surprised you can see so much texture in the videos!

  7. Kali says:

    Hi Leah! Do the feet from the Exceed got into the 2010Q as well? I have and love the TL2010Q but would be so happy if there were a few more options for feet 🙂

  8. Leah Day says:

    Unfortunately the feet are not compatible. I'm testing to see if a high / low shank adapter can be used to make the feet from the F400 work on the TL2010Q. If it works, I'll definitely share the modification on the main review page.

  9. Sandra Buck says:

    I just found your blog and I am so glad I did. I have a Juki and I have had the worst time getting started with FMQ…mainly because I was following the instructions in the manual. I dropped the feed dogs and the tension went funky and I have had a hard time getting a fairly even stitch. I just found this video and tried it with the feed dogs up and the stitch length on zero…that made all the difference for me. I am looking forward to reviewing all of your old and new posts about FMQ. Thank you, I am a new follower. Sandra

  10. Thanks for the great review Leah! I LOVE my new Juki F600 for so many reasons! Well worth the extra $$ from the F600 if you can do it. The LED lighting, wide throat space, thread cutter on the back of the foot pedal & the button for 1/4" seam allowance are all worth the price. Happy quilting ♡

  11. Boo Huffman says:

    I have the JUKI 600 and am enjoying it but where do you put the oil? I can't find the usual holes. Can you help me? Thanks so much

  12. Leah Day says:

    I oil the needle bar and take out the bobbin case and drop oil below the bobbin case with every 2 bobbin changes. Please double check with your manual to make sure that's right!

  13. Boo Huffman says:

    Thanks for the reply, Leah. My machine came with a book but nowhere does it mention oiling the machine. I have been doing just about as you recommend. Now I feel much better about it. Thanks so much.

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