That’s Juki’s motto, and I couldn’t agree more. If you need speed and performance, but still want a portable model, you can end your search now. They’ve got you covered with the TL98Q.
I’ve only ever sewn one quilt in my life, and I did it the hard way. A friend of mine dragged me to a “mystery quilt” class in town. “You’ll love it!” she said. I have to admit, piecing the quilt top was fun, especially since I didn’t know what it would look like. But the quilting part–well, I started hand stitching in the ditch, but soon gave up and just tied the darn thing at all the corners. Heaven help me, I’m just not a patient woman! If only I’d had access to a high speed walking foot machine like this one, all my quilting friends wouldn’t shake their head when they pass me in the street. (okay, that only happened once. And I think it was because I had ice cream on my shirt. But you get the point…)
The Juki TL98Qis a single needle, lockstitch, walking foot sewing machine for straight stitching. It’s perfect for production quilting, costuming, tailoring, dress making —basically, it’s great for anyone who needs a reliable, fast machine, but doesn’t want to invest in a more expensive full-industrial model. (If you need fancy stitch designs, this one isn’t for you.)
This model is the improved version of the TL98QE. The “E” model doesn’t have the autothreader, the thread trimmer, several of the presser feet, and a portable surface. Many home quilter reviews rated the “Q” 5 stars, and they agree the small price difference for the “Q” is well worth it.
Check out all the special features:
- Great portability: Unlike an industrial model bolted to its own table, the Juki TL98Q lo can be used as a tabletop machine, mounted into specialty cabinets or used on machine quilting frames. You can also take it with you to craft guild meetings or trade shows with its built-in carrying handle.
- Large sewing area: While you only get the standard 6” x 9” throat space, the sewing area extension shown in picture is included with the machine. It increases the sewing area to 23”, so no more fighting with large pieces of heavy materials.
- Motor: You get speeds up to 1500 stitches per minute for fast, reliable stitching in a compact case.
- Presser feet: Two Types of Quilting feet are supplied as standard accessories with the machine—a 1/5” quilting foot for basic quilting and a ¼” foot for precision sewing. Plus there’s a walking foot, free motion embroidery foot, rolled hem and zipper feet.
- Drop feed: I only discovered drop feed machines a few years ago when I was sewing baby quilts for all my friends just starting their families. When you can lower the feed dog, suddenly those intricate curves and complicated freeform patterns become simple.
- Even feed foot: If you’ve ever had to sew a costume with georgette sleeves, a velvet bodice and leather skirt—my sympathies. I’m right there with you. What you need is an even feed foot mechanism to take care of those hard-to-handle fabrics. This Juki model’s got it.
- Extra space for fat fabric: Need a scouche more room under the foot? The adjustable hand lever lifts a full 12mm.
- Eyeball savers: Let’s face it, if you’re anything like me and spend hours and hours at your machine, anything that prevents eye strain is a great feature. The Juki TL98Q comes with an enlarged bobbin case to make it easier to remove and replace the bobbin. So, no matter how much coffee you’ve had, your fingers won’t fumble with the case. (I hate that!) Plus you get an automatic needle threader. I don’t use these much, but I know lots of people who do. It’s nice not to have to bend close to the needle to thread it every time—a real back-saver.
- Knee lift: Remember your grandmother’s treadle-foot Singer with the knee bar? I do. I used to play with that thing all the time when I was little. The knee lift lever serves a real purpose, though, beyond entertaining four-year-olds. It saves a surprising amount of time when you can lift and lower the presser foot without using your hands. And it really comes in handy when your hands are busy arranging fabric or pulling pins.
Accessories that come with the Juki TL98Q industrial sewing machine:
- Small screwdriver for tension
- T-screwdriver for needle plate screws
- Lint brush for rotary hook
- 3 Bobbins Metal “L” Type
- Spool cap for Regular sewing thread spools
- Oiler for rotary hook
- 5 Needle pack 15×1
- Straight stitch foot for seaming and piecing
- Hemmer foot controls rolled edges
- Zipper foot also for cording
- Even-feed foot to prevent slippage of fabric layers
- 1/4″ darning foot for free motion quilting
- 1/5″ darning foot for finer free motion work
- Compensating foot for 1/4″ seams
- Power cord to wall outlet
- Foot control with thread trimmer pedal
- Instruction guide/operating manual
- Knee lever to raise and lower presser foot
- 11×23″ Extension table for more workspace
Warranty information: Juki offers a limited warranty that covers two years for electrical problems and five years for mechanical ones.
Technical Specifications List:
- Auto needle threader and two freemotion feet: 1/4″ ring to follow seams and 1/5″ ring for better free motion visibility. Measurement is from needle to edge of ring.
- Uses HA-type needles, identical to those used with home sewing machines and sergers. This type of needle cannot be attached incorrectly.
- Automatic thread trimming device, can be activated by push button or foot pedal switch.
- Easy bobbin replacement with the newly designed bobbin case latch and enlarged bobbin case. A sliding plate is provided to easily replace bobbins when the auxiliary table is used.
- Easy to thread machine head
- Automatic bobbin winder
- Speed control mechanism allows the machine to sew materials at lower speeds, perfect for heavy-weight fabrics, quilting, and multiple layers of materials.
- Foot pedal switch, with thread trimming ability
- Even feed foot ensures the machine will produce beautiful seams on multiple layers of fabric, including difficult-to-feed fabrics like georgette, velvet, and leather.
- Thread tension scale
- Stitch length dial
- Sewing lamp
- Dimensions – 452(W)x350(H)x219(D) (mm)
- Weight – 11.5Kg/25.4Lb
- Rated voltage/power consumption – 120V/1.4A, 100W
- Power consumption of the lamp – 12V,3W
- Hook – Horizontal-axis full-rotary hook
- Motor: up to 150 Watts, 1.5 Amps which is twice as much power as regular home sewing machines.
- Sewing Speed max. 1,500 spm
- Needle HAx1 (130/705H) #7 – #8 (HLx5 #9 – #16)
- Stitch Length max. 6 mm
- Presser Foot Lift by lever, max. 7 mm; by knee lifter, max. 12 mm
- Hook horizontal-axis, full rotary hook
- Auxiliary Table Dimensions 590 mm x 277 mm
- Dimensions 452 mm (w) x 319 mm (h) x 219 mm (d)
- Weight 11.3 kg
Shipping: This machine isn’t as heavy as a full-industrial model, but it does weigh about 25 pounds. So, you’re not going to want to pay standard shipping rates. Try to find an online source that offers free shipping.
What are actual users saying about this machine?
Positive reviews about this machine show up all over the Internet. Here’s what one person said about her TL98Q:
“This is a ROCK SOLID machine for quilters. All parts are made from heavy metal. Can last a long time under heavy use. Just feels great whenever I use this machine. Speed 1600 stitches per minute (my own test). Just use a long fabric guide (I use the 1/4 inch thick, 12″ x 1″ omnigrid ruler) attached next to the presser foot with a double-stick tape — to sew straight at this incredible speed! Great for long, straight seams such as curtains, table cloth, quilts, chain stitching quilt pieces.
Low vibration due to the heavy metals in this machine. This means more accurate stitches. Top & bottom fabric feeds evenly every time! Handles all thicknesses from very thin & slippery to very thick extremely well. Also like sewing at a walking-speed by holding down the needle up/down button. Useful for intricate sewing. Fabulous for free-motion sewing. Motor speed control (operated with foot) is smooth and easy to transition from very slow to very fast in grdual increments. So much better than my $100 CostCo machine, which used to go from zero to medium speed in one jump. I really, really wish it had at least ONE built-in zigzag stitch. The Juki 9 mm zigzag machine is $2000! (used for free-hand machine embroidery — moving the fabric with your hand & NOT the same as using computerized embroidery designs). When finishing edges, it would be really nice to be able to use the zigzag stitch and do it all on ONE machine. I sometimes finished edges on this machine by using a French seam or a flat felled seam, but most often I use another machine for the zigzag stitch.
Walking foot bunches up bulky quilt when the top fabric is a slippery satin. But don’t need to use walking foot with quilts, so not a big problem. Bindings also stitch out fine with the regular foot. Wish teflon foot and roller foot were available. Some problems sewing vinyl and metalic ironing cover fabric.” (source: Sewing Pattern Review.com)
Here’s another great review:
Barbara,
“I bought this machine a few years ago because I couldn’t resist the idea of a faster home machine. I still have my Bernina, (25 years old) that sews beautifully, But I have to admit that I LOVE sewing on this machine. It is fast and the stitches are solid. It also has the same features that I love on my Bernina, which is the leg lift, and easy set up. The threading is smooth, and downright flawless. Honestly, the price is fantastic if you consider what you have to pay for an industrial machine, or even a brand new Bernina. I find that I can do 80% of my sewing using a single stitch. I have to switch back to my Bernina for button holes and maybe special darning projects (which I rarely use). I’ve worked on vinyl, polyester chiffon, denim and lots of cotton. Stitches are so clean, I would trust this machine for decorative top stitching. I didn’t really “need” this additional machine, but now that I have it, I would never give it up.” (source: Amazon.com)
What are actual users saying about this machine?
Positive reviews about this machine show up all over the Internet. Here’s what one person said about her TL98Q:
“This is a ROCK SOLID machine for quilters. All parts are made from heavy metal. Can last a long time under heavy use. Just feels great whenever I use this machine. Speed 1600 stitches per minute (my own test). Just use a long fabric guide (I use the 1/4 inch thick, 12″ x 1″ omnigrid ruler) attached next to the presser foot with a double-stick tape — to sew straight at this incredible speed! Great for long, straight seams such as curtains, table cloth, quilts, chain stitching quilt pieces.
Low vibration due to the heavy metals in this machine. This means more accurate stitches. Top & bottom fabric feeds evenly every time! Handles all thicknesses from very thin & slippery to very thick extremely well. Also like sewing at a walking-speed by holding down the needle up/down button. Useful for intricate sewing. Fabulous for free-motion sewing. Motor speed control (operated with foot) is smooth and easy to transition from very slow to very fast in grdual increments. So much better than my $100 CostCo machine, which used to go from zero to medium speed in one jump. I really, really wish it had at least ONE built-in zigzag stitch. The Juki 9 mm zigzag machine is $2000! (used for free-hand machine embroidery — moving the fabric with your hand & NOT the same as using computerized embroidery designs). When finishing edges, it would be really nice to be able to use the zigzag stitch and do it all on ONE machine. I sometimes finished edges on this machine by using a French seam or a flat felled seam, but most often I use another machine for the zigzag stitch.
Walking foot bunches up bulky quilt when the top fabric is a slippery satin. But don’t need to use walking foot with quilts, so not a big problem. Bindings also stitch out fine with the regular foot. Wish teflon foot and roller foot were available. Some problems sewing vinyl and metalic ironing cover fabric.” (source: Sewing Pattern Review.com)
Here’s another great review:
“I bought this machine a few years ago because I couldn’t resist the idea of a faster home machine. I still have my Bernina, (25 years old) that sews beautifully, But I have to admit that I LOVE sewing on this machine. It is fast and the stitches are solid. It also has the same features that I love on my Bernina, which is the leg lift, and easy set up. The threading is smooth, and downright flawless. Honestly, the price is fantastic if you consider what you have to pay for an industrial machine, or even a brand new Bernina. I find that I can do 80% of my sewing using a single stitch. I have to switch back to my Bernina for button holes and maybe special darning projects (which I rarely use). I’ve worked on vinyl, polyester chiffon, denim and lots of cotton. Stitches are so clean, I would trust this machine for decorative top stitching. I didn’t really “need” this additional machine, but now that I have it, I would never give it up.” (source: Amazon.com)
Leave a Reply