Which Juki Industrial is Right for You?

In this video I am comparing The Juki 8700, 8700H / Juki 1181N & The Juki 1541s
The opinions expressed in this video are purely that, opinions. I am not an expert and only you can ultimately choose what will work best for you, BUT I do hope this will help make your decision that much easier!
Thanks again to Steve of SewingGold.com for letting Tracey and I invade his shop!

[@LizMcDon]

Lauren, thanks so much for this video/information. So many people put out misinformation and this video helps set things straight. Glad to finally see Steve. He has a wonderful voice in his videos and now we see the person!!! I bought my 1541 (love it) from him and he gives the best customer service. My husband called him a couple of times when assembling the machine. He is so patient and really explains things well. Thanks again for this wonderful video.

[@celiajean7093]

Thank you so much!!! This really helps with decision making. You're the greatest Lauren.

[@maureencampanale1761]

Thank you Lauren for the demo with steve I have just ordered my machine today a juki 1541s and I told him it was because of your video that I ordered with him. I's so excited cant wait should get it in about 3 days he says. I'm sure I'll have a few meltdowns learning the machine. Steve sounded very assuring that I can get guidance from him. Again thank you Maureen

[@sharonjackson34]

Thank you so much for taking the time out to share this info with us.You are the best!

[@traceyuher1908]

So glad we were able to go see Steve together. He is so knowledgeable and such a nice guy. His customer service is outstanding. I would buy from him again in a heartbeat.

[@shazlahey6784]

Thanks Lauren, I've got my 1181 now and love it.

[@bookamus7825]

THANK YOU!! This is a greatly needed resource.

[@ruthm4749]

Great video. I have been sewing on industrials since 1983, when I was trained in the Air force for survival equipment specialist, and it would have been great to get this kind of knowledge. All the employers I've had in the industrial manufacturing sector had strict policies against sewers touching any of the controls on machines or even repairing machines. This would have been great to know your machine and its capabilities to talk with the mechanics about, to help operate them during workday. Also learning the relationships between thread type and needle uses would have been great to know. Thanks for the great information, now I am retired I can look for the heavier machines and know exactly what I need.

[@stevenrobinson9610]

Thank you....I am brand new to this industrial sewing machine world....I found your comments helpful in understanding how each machine works.....I wish there was a book and video course to how to do industrial sewing with the industry saying this is our training sewing machine....start there and build from there....

[@houseofraigellc6003]

I got my Juki 8700h from steve this year. He was really great to work with. I spoke with him on the phone a few times where he hanswered a lot of my questions and gave me some great advice before I bought my machine. It was shipped from his shop in chicago to my hometown, Buffalo. It arrived in great condition and with all of his instructional youtube videos I was able to assemble the machine and make adjustments for my preferences.

[@zaragozarosales6391]

Hi, can you help me with his youtube channel, where he has tutorials? Thanks.

[@Jmzblondable]

This is such an informative video, thank you for posting it. I wish I would have seen this before I'd purchased my 8700-7. I may need a 2nd Juki industrial ... :)

[@elizabethmastriani310]

Hi Lauren, I have the 1541 and it is a great machine. Will sew over anything. I bought what feet were available for it. Right and left zipper feet and different sizes of piping feet. I also bought a one inch swing away binding foot from Sailrite. I don't like having to change the feet with a screw driver, but once you get them on, they work. You can change tension to do thinner materials, but I would be afraid of not getting them back right. I have no problem working with vinyl and going over thick places. The threading is more involved than your machine, but once you do it a few times it's easy. I forgot to remove the thread from the needle when winding the bobbin and jammed the machine so bad they had to come to the house and fix it. I felt really stupid but I never forgot again. All in all I love the machine. I use my Bernina machines for things that are thinner and don't need the walking foot. I would say to anyone to try all the machines with what they do most and make the best decision. Love all your videos. Beth

[@sharonjackson34]

I just bought a 1541s and I am sooooo excited to get it.

[@renatal1972]

Thank you so much. I just ordered the LU-1508NH can’t wait for it to get here so I can play

[@ccreel64]

Thank you so much! 🤗

[@thesparrowsnest8343]

This is very helpful. Thanks for sharing.

[@Clearymartin]

1541 for about a year and a half now. Yes, you need a domestic right near it if you have cotton fabric to sew along with the leather or vinyl in the project. Mine are side by side so i just have to slide the chair over. I didn't know what that button was, great info!

[@FrancienDanielsWebb]

Thank you for doing this. You have wealth of information already so have the right questions and can be in awe of special features. Love that. Yes sewing on metal wasn’t what the machine was created for. So makes sense.

[@SubLike247]

Informative, well done!

[@tx2ga]

I’ve had an 8700 for a few years now. It sews thinner stuff very well. But thicker things with heavier thread is a pain. Having to readjust tensions back and forth is not fun. So now I’m looking at buying a 2nd machine and trying to decide between the 1181 and the 1541s. This video has been very helpful!! Thank you so much for doing it Lauren 🙂

[@rsplatt100]

I have a 1541. Love it for bag making

[@Shearhair1]

I use a Juki tl 2010 Q it's not industrial but however I've sewn all kinds of bags on it and it works great. We travel in our R.V quite a bit so it's very portable and sews though just about everything. Just thought I would throw that out there for those who need something heavy duty but but a bit more portable. Happy sewing 😀

[@windydecastro1533]

Kristen, have you sewn leather with the tl 2010? I am interested in sewing leather bags, but also having some portability.

[@Shearhair1]

@@windydecastro1533 I have not tried leather. I have used thick vinyl it does great! Also does great with thick layers. The do have a juki industrial that a lot of people use, it's just not all that portable. The TL 2010 Q is great for bags, and quilting! I love it.

[@aWomanFreed]

I'm looking to buy this machine right now!!!! I want it soooo bad!!

[@CahliaShay]

Can it sew 4 layers of vinyl for straps?

[@mjp5129]

@@Shearhair1 …I also have that machine. I love it, but it doesn’t work for me on bags. I made a wheel cover for my Jeep, just fine, thick vinyl with welting. So 4 layers, but it was nice vinyl. It skips stitches on any of the rest of the vinyl I’ve tried. Especially for the strap holders. Just a mess. It quilts great and handles a lot of thick materials. Not a lot of the Vinyls, doubled +

[@jimbobxcityguy5338]

Watching her turn the wheel many times to set the needle in or out and using the shears to cut the bobbin and spool thread makes me remember those days on manual machines. For 13 yrs now I run the automated LU-1510N-7 and will never go back.

[@roxannericchio3556]

Thank you for this video! I’m trying to decided which industrial Juki to purchase. This was a great help?

[@clombard7134]

I love Juki products, been sewing on them for many years. I currently sew on the DDL 5550N and DDL 8700. Both are straight stitch only machines, no walking foot, but are tough workhorses. I have sewn through 2 layers of thick belting leather with no problems. I change out the feed dogs to accommodate the various fabric when necessary.

[@melissalan8105]

i want to make quilts and bags. would you recommend the DDL 8700 thats the one i wanna go for! what are you using yours for .the sewing store is telling me a juki2010 ...thank you.

[@clombard7134]

@@melissalan8105 I use the Juki DDL 8700 for just about everything! From fine silk chiffon (garment making) to upholstery fabrics, including bags and totes. I do not know anything about the Juki 2010. Sorry.

[@clombard7134]

@Wadely Pierce Yes. I've sewn many layers of upholstery and denim.

[@karencvicknair3645]

Might get one of those juki s for Xmas, but that will make me four machine s! I’ve got a Bernina., and a brother embroidery and a baby lock serger.

[@angelinastone8122]

Thank you so much for this video. I'm looking for a machine for making bags

[@Dadams54]

I purchased a Juki MO 6700 serger from Steve and concur with the other positive comments about dealing with Sewing Gold (Steve). Great customer orientation along with a very good price. I have a Juki 1341 cylinder arm which I think is the same basic head as the 1541 and it’ll sew most anything heavy you throw at it.

[@antonioteul3590]

Thanks for sharing the video. Greetings from 🇧🇿

[@AlexKall]

Really interesting, Steve seems to be a cool dude, interesting to listen to. Great video!

[@nauxsi]

I like to make jackets in softer leather and horse leather and need an all rounder in one machine. One where I can handle putting in inner linings onto garment. I have a seperate machine for that. But having one that do both garment and lining especially on less thicker Leathers would be great.

[@kevinsews]

I own the 8700 and the 1541. I sew clothing on the 8700 daily. The 1541 is for the heavier things like draperies and upholstery.

[@Zullala]

which do you think would be better for 4 layers of plush, faux fur? The 1181N or the 1541? I was using an old Singer from the 40's and it was pretty good! But the motor has burned out and no where to fix it is open. My friend is letting me barrow her regular degular sewing machine and while I'm grateful it's a nightmare haha.

[@mattycorc]

I found one of these lightly used for $600. I was really looking for a 1541, as I like better the unison feed and ability to go through really thick material. But for the price, maybe this will do for now?

[@ThePamster]

This is awesome, just what I want to know when mulling over an industrial purchase. Thanks Lauren!

[@helendudgeon3557]

I have the 8100e and love it sews cotton to leather

[@Vickiluvstopixel]

Does the 8100e handle multiple layers well. For instance making bags with vinyl and interfacing, foam etc. Thanks.

[@sahe2983]

I'm stuck in between 8700h or 1181, 8700h is way cheaper and it can actually work for my bag making and lighter fabric but from what I understood I will still have some problems because of the walking foot with vinyl/leather but I can still make it work but maybe not that thick like 4 layers wich is not bad i think, but if I do more bag making and work with vinyl/leather might as well spend couple hundred more and go for the 1181n, i mean i might as well but i also want machine that works with cotton fabric but i guess i can use my singer HD. can some tell me how your doing with 8700h?

[@brmeller13]

Unfortunately I don’t have a place near me to try these out so thank you for the video! Do you think that the 1541 would be too strong to work with interfaced quilting cotton linings?

[@LaurenMormino]

Definitely would be

[@beckypetersen2680]

How did he change the needle to needle down position ?????????? I would love that. I've had my machine for over a year now and didn't know I could do that! Help!

[@earthangel2522]

Does anyone know which model was used in the TV show in titled “Making the Cut” with Heidi Klum.? That’s where I first saw the Juki. They were housed in Paris France

[@nitsan]

What was that bobbin clip you guys were talking about for bonded nylon? Could you please explain or tell me the name so I can search for it? It was around 10 minutes in. Thanks.

[@brendaeves3236]

Hank you so much for this, I am trying to decide which juki and it’s so confusing 😢 I think the 1181N is the one for me- I think you’ve sold it when saying it tackles vinyls- (and I enjoy watching and making bags that you make) the only query I have is if the walking foot will mark the vinyl - do 8 need a smooth one or the one that comes on the machine will be fine. Does the machine usually come with a table - thanks for this informative video

[@LaurenMormino]

You can get a smooth foot yes. It does come with the table depending on where you buy it

[@bonbonmonel9571]

Thanks to all of you. Great video with really good info. I saw where the 154S is not good for "thinner" but is it good with "home decor" fabric or canvas/duck cloth?

[@amarusavaad]

I have an 8700H and I see all of my bags on it. It goes through multiple layers like a hot knife through butter. I’ve had no issues. I think it’s great!

[@LaurenMormino]

Awesome feedback! Thank you for sharing your experience! It may help someone decide what’s right for them :)

[@amarusavaad]

Lauren Mormino that’s cool! I was still thinking about getting a walking foot so good video. Thanks x

[@alim4969]

Debbie Blake Hi Debbie, does the 8700H go through strap connectors on heavy seams? I use upholstery heavy fabric and I need something that will go through bulky heavy layers. Thanks 🙏

[@dullpoint1072]

I have a cowboy 3200 it's made to sew saddles so it's extremely strong. I also have a brother machine that has multiple stich patterns. My industrial Singer with a walking foot is having some issues. Hubs thinks it's the motor so I'm trying to find something in between. I'm thinking about the 8700 or the 1181. I make mainly bags and wallets. No garments but sometimes I incorporate thin materials. A bit confused but excited lol

[@spongebobisthebestanime2575]

please, stay away from 1181n. it's a nice machine but hardly climb over seams. you have got a nice machine but too strong for everyday material. if you sell your machine consider to purchase consew sewing machine, do your home work and research other brands. juki 1181n does a good job but when you have bumpy seam to go over it's a joke. regreat purchasing it to be honest. my brother 1500s does better job than 1181n. i have been sewing the last 12 years or so. mostly carseats and furniture..... just to save you from headache.

[@Sewlady718]

I wish I had seen this video before I purchased my Juki 1541S locally. I really got soaked on the price I paid compared to Steve's prices! The jury is still out on whether I love the machine or not! And it's not the machine...it's me. I'm still getting over my fear of using it and it is a fabulous machine but it does have it's quirks. Early on I did throw it out of timing and thanks to Steve's video I was able to reset it. I've been considering selling the 1541S and buying the 1181N, but I'm worried the 1181 won't work as well with leather which I'm starting to use more of. Thanks Lauren for this great video. I may have to make a trip to Chicago.

[@LaurenMormino]

I’d say if you’re starting to use more leather the 1541 was the right choice! My machine doesn’t have a lot of problems with leather but it’s definitely not what it was truly made for!

[@Sewlady718]

@@LaurenMormino Thanks for the reply. And you're right. I just need to get over my fear!!! LOL. Never been intimidated by a sewing machine before.

[@Elkycreates]

I have a juki LH515 a twin needle machine but I use a single needle with a double needle presser foot. I was wondering if I could get a general single needle presser foot for it?? I’ve searched online but no success so far. Does Steve know if there is one?

[@sharonjackson34]

I think once you get the cotton fabric backed with interfacing ,devil light and foam backing then the machine will sew it just fine , but I am only guessing. Plus you can change the tension to get it to sew maybe? Like I said, I am only assuming you can.

[@LaurenMormino]

Probably right! But Not everyone wants to add all the interfacing so my intention was to show what each machine would sew well. And what it wouldn’t.

[@johndough7160]

I can't wait to score that 1541S. That foot raises high.

[@LaurenMormino]

So high!

[@tuttahsmith7481]

Great video. I am looking for a Juki walking foot. But it's really confusing of which would be best for me. I will be working on car upholstery. Mainly cloth material, alcantara and vinyl/plas-leather. Which would you recommend? Thanks

[@stitchthisditchthat259]

Did you get one?

[@tuttahsmith7481]

@@stitchthisditchthat259 Yes, I purchased a Juki LU-2810. Awesome machine, which can sew the heaviest of materials.

[@denisemuth2436]

I have the 1541 and she is wonderful

[@Kristinford]

What does it mean by you cannot disengage the Bobben? For instance, if I was to get the 1541 strictly for leather and bulk. Then have the 1181 for all of my other projects, keeping my mind I still have my domestic, What does disengaging the bobbin mean in regards to all three of these machines.

[@markhwebster]

A late reply, but *disengaging the bobbin* means that on a domestic machine, when you need to wind a new bobbin, you can unscrew or pull a pin out on the hand wheel. Then you can run the machine, and the only thing that moves is the bobbin winder function. The main sewing machine parts (needle, hook, feet) do not move. On these Juki industrials shown here, to wind a bobbin, the entire machine moves: bobbin winder, needle, hook, walking foot. You can't separate the bobbin winder function from the main machines movement. But this is ok, because while you can't disengage the bobbin, you simulate that by partially unthreading the machine. Pull the thread out of the needle and a few other parts up stream. Then, just hold the thread with your left hand, keeping it clear of moving parts. Go ahead and run the machine to wind the bobbin. The sewing parts of the machine will move, but the thread is not feeding through the needle and jamming up in the hook. Normally, as soon as you empty a bobbin, you pull your reserve fully wound bobbin off the bobbin winder and exchange it for the empty one. Put the empty bobbin on the winder and it will fill up with thread automatically as you sew

[@samminichiello9344]

I hate my juju I’m 74 been sewing a long time the bobbin keeps jamming. Right now it’s sitting in the bottom of my closet I’m using my new home it’s like 25yrs old and works great. My favorite was a brother.

[@maureencampanale1761]

oops noticed a few spelling errors' I'm so excited lol

[@fredvarao3894]

I have a JUKI DNU-1541s, is a strong machine, I sew thick leather and I have no problem, this machine is not for soft fabrics.

[@rachumeladonai9367]

beautiful. Thanks for this video... it confirmed for me the Machine I have put my heart on.

[@javierparra7976]

Lauren podrías facilitarme los datos para comprar una máquina como la tuya

[@petrabaumgart9508]

Hello Lauren . You have now tried different machines. I would also like the juki Du 1181n or the ddl8700h-7. Or is the 8700h-7 not as strong as the 1181n. LG petra

[@LaurenMormino]

The 8700H is slightly stronger but the 1181N is a built in walking foot making it that much better

[@petrabaumgart9508]

@@LaurenMormino OK. It is not so easy to find a suitable machine for yourself when you have business to try. You can only orient yourself through videos and experiences of others. Would you exchange yours for DNU 241H? It sews really thick things. Or do you not like something about her that you say ne I'll stick to my 1181. Sorry for the many questions😔. I now watch a video of you every evening, even live yesterday, until it went black. LG petra

[@kristenfisher1815]

@@petrabaumgart9508 I have the 8700 H and I like it but I love the 1541s and 1181n much more

[@suzanx]

I went to my local shop that sells industrial machines and they didn’t even have the 1181 in stock. The super old but knowledgeable guy says the 1541 is their most popular and way stronger than the 1181 but also twice as much. He also said the 1181’s needle only goes up and down while the 1541’s needle actually moves forward each time it comes down making it way better for walking and sewing consistent stitches. I tested it and it was amazing. I would say the 1181 is a good start and for people who can’t afford the 1541 but if you can wait or save up, why not get the 1541 instead?

[@Makapida]

suzanx This is the difference between double and triple feed.

[@michaelfogarty8665]

I love my 1181N but wish it had more underfoot height like the 1541. If the 1181 had 16mm of underfoot clearance like the 1541 it would be perfect.

[@alim4969]

OK I was completely lost with the point the guy made about stopping sewing? He mentioned it can cause damage? Could you elaborate Lauren? Very informative video. Thanks

[@LaurenMormino]

He meant it would cause damages to the sewing machine foot Wearing it down against the feed dogs

[@alim4969]

Lauren Mormino I’m looking to upgrade from a domestic HD machine to an industrial, and I’m leaning towards the JUKI HD that you have. I know you mentioned it won’t be suitable for thin cottons etc. Would it be suitable for say medium weight fabrics, like upholstery weight velvet and chenille? I don’t see myself working with leather, but I want something that will go through layers. And I’m wondering is the HD necessary or could I get away with an entry level JUKI which isn’t HD. Thanks

[@LaurenMormino]

I’m not sure what you mean by HD but I don’t believe the Juki 1181N would suit your needs. You may want to try the Juki 8700. Or contact a dealer and ask what they think would work. They have more experience with all machines as I do not.

[@alim4969]

Lauren Mormino sorry HD as in heavy duty, thanks Lauren

[@laurairacheta1060]

What did he say not to do around minute 27:30?

[@peggybray5450]

I use a Juki ddl 8700 H I’ve had no problems sewing vinyl and many layers and use Tex 70 and Tex 90 thread

[@LaurenMormino]

Awesome!! Great info for anyone looking!

[@3AsianBoi]

Steve from sewinggold? Haha he’s the best. Juki 8700 still works on heavy leather I just use a larger needle! But it’s still nothing compared to 1181 & 1541 which I want :( because 8700 doesn’t stitch as straight as I want

[@barbaramckay8395]

Can you sew clothes as well as bags on your juki 1181N?

[@LaurenMormino]

Thicker materials like jeans possibly but the 8700 would be better

[@brendaeves3236]

Will it sew cotton linings for bags.

[@LaurenMormino]

The 1181 will not sew thin cotton. It would sew interfaced cottons

[@BL12020]

Does your machine have a clutch motor or servo motor?

[@LaurenMormino]

Servo

[@Scurvybilgerat10]

what would you say the minimum material thickness is for the 1541?

[@LaurenMormino]

Possibly 2 layers of waterproof canvas. Not thin like quilting cotton or even a duck cloth might be too thin

[@Scurvybilgerat10]

@@LaurenMormino would that be like what we call waxed cotton?

[@omarviktoriyamosquera2023]

The best machines, for quality, for making anything and will last you several life times are the Juki from 1932 to 1955. Year build

[@bentar450]

Hmmm reading these comments, be prepared to buy at least two juki's

[@jacquieminga94]

Hi Lauren. I have a juki 8700 ddl to sew MINKY fabric( sewing 60-80 blankets a week ), and to make it work amazing I changed the regular pressure foot for teflon foot. A lot of people told me to buy an industrial machine with walking foot like 1181n which it cost more. All juki machines are awesome. It just depends what do you need it for and the price you want to invest on it. Great video.

[@rockerchic8205]

Hi Lauren, I'm trying to decide between the 1181 and 1541. Can the 1541 do everything that your 1181 can do? Why would someone choose one over the other? I'm really far from any dealer and don't want to blindly choose one or the other! Help!!!

[@LaurenMormino]

It can! But it can handle even thicker better from what I’ve heard

[@spongebobisthebestanime2575]

1181n does not sew layers of fabric , especially if you have a bumpy seam to go over , it is a joke. purchasing that machine is worst decision i ever made. buy truly walking foot machine. 1181n is not a walking foot machine, insead top and bottom feed machine. anyways, i learn my lesson the hard way.

[@WallStreet749]

Lauren can you tell me what is the difference between the Juki 1541 and the 1541S? Thanks Also for sewing holsters what machine would you recommend.

[@LaurenMormino]

I’m honestly not sure! But if you’re going to work with really thick materials the 1541 is incredible!

[@WallStreet749]

@@LaurenMormino Thanks Lauren FYI - I discovered the difference is that the S model has a safety. Happy Thanksgiving

[@spongebobisthebestanime2575]

1541s has safety clutch system in case if you fd up the machine, like a reset button, 1541 does not have that system.But, i use both machine at work 1541s has more problem than 1541. we have 1541 the last 15 years, never had a single problem. love that machine more than my ex.

[@vieuxacadian9455]

love your videos . I have a Juki dream , I would love a model 441 , a model 2810 -7 and a 8700H . LOL My wife asks why so many ? Does a Husband really have to explain ? Take care and stitch on ma'am

[@BoojiePanda]

I bought my machine from Sewing Gold (I live close to Chicago), best customer service out there! I wish I knew then what I know now about compound feed machines because I definitely would have purchased the 1541S instead of the 8700-H. Had I researched just a little bit more I would of made a better decision. I wish I would have met Steve when I went in there but Steve wasn't there (must have been a Saturday... my husbands day off too).

[@chickiez11]

What does the synchronizer do??

[@LaurenMormino]

It makes it so your needle stops in the up or down position depending on your choice

[@ellencarlson1444]

Lauren does the 1181 have a needle down position ability?

[@LaurenMormino]

You can buy a needle positioner yes

[@adeelhashmi900]

Hi

[@suezq9013]

Look how easy that was

[@karencarlson2087]

What size thread do u use?

[@LaurenMormino]

I use Tex 90+