Although quilts might have gone from providing warmth to 15th century Scotland dwellers to hanging fashionably from behind our favorite leather sofa, it has undoubtedly remained relevant to culture; growing and maintaining, an active community over the past century.
However, quilting can be hard and, with the wrong sewing machine, nearly impossible.
Here, we review 7 of our best sewing machines to navigate your next quilt project, whether you are a seasoned quilter or a growing hobbyist.
Buckle up, guys.
7 of the Best Elna Sewing Machines for Quilting and Buyer’s Guide
There are a lot of different models to choose from and that can be a bit overwhelming if you’re not sure which to buy.
This guide will help you find the best Elna sewing machines for quilting.
1. Elna eXpressive 900 Sewing Machine
Definitely one of the most powerful sewing machines from Elna. This is versatile machine that is capable of tackling any kind of fabric with ease and grace.
Elna sewing machines are indubitably remarkable, and this impressive eXpressive 900 sewing machine is no different. The eXpressive 900 rams up the best features for embroidering and sewing to make your quilting experience even better.
This 37.9Ib sewing machine comes with a built-in needle threader which is certain to save you time and inconvenience. The Elna eXpressive 900 also comes with an auto-return feature after thread break as well as a stitch composer software.
With an automatic presser foot lift, this Elna sewing machine is sure to ease the labor of manual sewing your favourite quilt, as this is set to provide different sewing options and a more effortless quilting experience.
The eXpressive 900 doesn’t just come with an impressive 280×120mm workspace; it also secretes an extra-large workspace for those extra-large quilts that just wouldn’t fit into your typical workspace.
With the eXpressive 900, your quilt embroidery can now come in easily as it not only comes with an auto-lock key, which enables quilters to pattern repeat right before locking the stitch.
The Elna sewing machine also comes with a built-in memory that backs up to 4MB and USB connectors to help the quilter design process.
With automatic thread control and knee-lifters, this Elna sewing machine is just the thing for people looking to try their hands at quilting, where the knee-lifters would be sure to increase their machine control and the automatic thread their promising beginning quilters an easier learning experience.
The eXpressive 900 includes a cloth guide and built-in stitch chart, a sure way to help beginners navigate the quilt. Its embroidery kit has a maximum speed of 800 stitches per minute, and its sewing kit a 1000 stitches per minute.
The Elna eXpressive 900 sewing machine boasts of 9mm wide stitch offering large fonts on quilts. Its creative expertise doesn’t end there; it also offers 425 built-in stitches and 338 embroidery designs. – Its most impressive feature by far has got to be its on-foot options — the designed sewing machine with not only one but fourteen on-foot options to cater to your quilting needs.
Highlighted Features:
- A large sewing space of 280*120
- A maximum speed of 800 stitches per minute for the embroidery unit
- A maximum speed of 1000 stitches per minute for the
- 14 on foot options
2. Elna eXpressive 860 for Quilters
Designed for easy use with lovely features like Automatic Needle Threader, Stitch Width and Length Adjustment, Easy Bobbin Winding System, Multi-directional Feed System and more
Where the Elna expressive 900 is creative and explorative, the Elna eXpressive 860 sewing machine is fast and high-performing, boasting of a high speed of 1000 stitches/min and a full-colour LCD touchscreen.
While the eXpressive 860 offers less built-in embroidery pattern than its eXpressive 900 counterparts, this sewing machine compensates for that by varying stitch width, by extension, its font option, and also providing the possibility of numerous downloads to help design your quilt projects.
Although seasoned quilters might often be able to navigate their way around an automatic thread cutter, Elna recognized that beginners very often lament the inconvenience automatic thread cutters present and set on about designing a sewing machine that does not only provide the automatic but also manual thread cutter– thereby, catering to long-term quilters and staying beginner-friendly at the same time.
With the 22.9Ib sewing machine providing the “start over,” “face-to-face,” and “mirror” function, quilters can now say goodbye to manually re-starting their quilt or, more gruelling, repeating a quilt design. This Elna sewing machine discovers and implements new technology which is sure to cut back on the grunt work that typically goes into quilting, providing quilters with an infinitely better experience.
The Elna eXpressive 860 not only comes with a “Favorite Stitch” feature to help quilters customize and reuse their favorite stitches but also provides buyers with an AcuGuide automatic cloth guide to significantly help new quilters make and keep a consistent seam width on their quilt.
This high-speed sewing machine has an auto declutch bobbin winding and thread sensor, which helps in automatically detecting stoppage during quilting. It is worth noting that this Elna sewing machine comes with 13 different language options to select from and an LCD high-resolution color touch screen, offering quilters a variety of options in high quality.
Its built-in memory card and USB port certainly have their allure but not nearly as much as the editing features in the embroidery unit, which allow quilters to do everything from combining designs and alphabet to resizing, duplicating, and flipping embroidery.
Highlighted Features:
- AcuGuide automatic cloth guide
- 4 technical feature functions
- Ability to download designs
- Editing features
3. Elna eXcellence 780+ Easy To Use
This is a high-end sewing machine that comes with an array of features and easy to use controls.
This Elna machine is specially designed for quilters looking to find high-performing yet easy-to-use sewing machines. With the promise of both breath-taking technology and a top-notch sewing experience for the quilter, this computerized sewing machine explored the new and inventive to provide quilters
The eXcellence 780+ comes with a free arm/ convertible bed type of length of 150mm to provide the quilter with a workspace for quilting. This Elna sewing machine doesn’t just come with a stitch reference chart on the top; it also includes a speed control slider that gives quilters the luxury of determining the pace at which they quilt.
The Elna eXcellence 780+ sewing machine might not come with its embroidery unit. Still, it compensates by providing an automatic pressure foot adjustment and an easy and guided bobbin thread.
With 9 high-illuminance LEDs in 4 areas, a retractable front light, and a Clip-on easy conversion presser foot, the eXcellence 780+ is just certain to ensure quilting is pleasurable experience.
Boasting not one but four storage systems, this high-performance sewing machine is perfect for quilters who are looking for quality but happen to be big on storage. – This sewing machine features not only speed control sliders and a touch panel stitch collector but also an automatic and programmable thread cutter, giving quilters the luxury of varying their speed while quilting.
Highlighted Features:
- 4 storage areas
- Free-arm/convertible bed types
- Control sliders
- Programmable thread cutter
4. Elna eXpressive 850
It comes loaded with features, accessories and other components to give you an unparalleled experience when it comes to quilting.
The eXpressive 850 is one of the recently introduced models of sewing machines produced from the stables of the Elna brand. Specially designed with a removable embroidery unit, the eXpressive 850 not only provides a multitude of robust sewing functions and embroidery functions, but the eXpressive 850 also makes mode switching in the machine easily.
Although the Elna might not be cheap, it is worth your pennies as it comes with a whopping sewing space of 120mm *210mm to quilt your large projects, an automatic and programmatic thread cutter, plus a maximum sewing speed of up to 1000s pm.
With a staggering 200 stitches and 171 built-in embroidery designs, this Elna sewing machine provides a quilter with many options in the way of creativity and the never-ending inspiration for their next project.
The eXpressive 850 doesn’t come with a built-in embroidery design alone; it is accompanied by a Stitch composer software and pattern combination, which allows quilters to compose and explore stitching ideas, affording them more creative freedom.
Patterning fonts into your quilts is more straightforward and way more fun with the Elna eXpressive 850, as the sewing includes an alphabet with two typefaces ( Block and Script) and the embroidery alphabet with 3 typefaces.
This lightweight sewing machine comes with an impressive clip-on presser to allow for easy change and programmable thread trimming following the job, to save you a ton of time and altogether improve your quilting experience.
It also comes with a medium-sized accessory unit and a built-in memory of 3MB. It doesn’t just end there; it includes a USB port for design transfer, embroidery editing functions directly accessible through the LCD touch screen, and a programmable thread. – Like the eXpressive 860, the eXpressive 850 comes with an automatic thread control and a built-in threader.
Highlighted Features:
- 200 stitches and 171 built-in embroidery
- Sewing space of 120mm *210mm
- The maximum sewing speed of 1000 spm
- Automatic thread control and built-in threader
5. The Elna eXcellence 580+
It comes with an extra high sewing speed, so that you can easily get the job done in no time. Also gives great control over stitches.
Here is another Elna sewing machine with a free arm/convertible bed type and standard foot accessories. Offering a perfect model for hobbyists and seasoned quilters, this quilting machine provides a touchscreen control panel for easy navigation and easy clip-on conversion presser foot.
While this Elna quilting machine might have its pressure foot adjustment in manual, its semi-automatic thread tension and built-in thread cutters more than makeup for it.
Although it provides 200 stitches in 9mm, a library of 171 built-in designs, and 3 typefaces for monograms, the Elna eXcellence 580+ has its most impressive feature yet to be the easy-access bottom, which provides a series of functions from the Reverse and Automatic lock-up stitch to stitch mirror and start-over.
Its four built-in LED lights set in strategic areas are just the thing to help have a better quilting experience. The sewing kit comes with a maximum sewing speed of 820, a maximum stitch length of 7mm, and medium-sized accessory storage. It also has its thread control in semi-automatic.
With a horizontal full rotary hook and a spool pin, this Elna sewing machine is designed to ensure quilters have the best experience with the full rotary hook. Its most brilliant feature is perhaps the touch panel which spans eleven diverse functions and covers everything from automatic lock stitch and Reverse to direct stitch selection and twin needle sewing.
Highlighted Features:
- The maximum sewing speed of 820 spm
- Semi-automatic thread control
- Easy clip-on conversion foot pressure
- Medium-size storage
6. The Elna eXcellence 550
This machine is a heavy-duty, powerful machine that provides quilters with the precise stitch quality needed for elasticated seams.
The eXcellence 550 sewing machine is another new release from the brand Elna. This computerized model is perfect for a quilter looking to invest in a machine that offers not just one but various applications and purposes.
The Elna eXcellence 550 comes with 30 stitches and a built-in needle threader, offering creativity without sacrificing speed.
With an automatic lock-stitch feature and 5 presser foot, the 10kg sewing machine is set to make the seams on your quilts stay on for longer while you try out various seam finishing.
This lightweight sewing machine also comes with 5 buttons in the function unit, which include: start/stop, Reverse, Auto-lock, up/down needle position, speed control slider, and stitch selector, offering four designs.
Like the eXcellence 780+, the Elna eXperience 550 comes with a free arm bed type, a pressure foot adjustment, and a built-in threader system but that’s where the similarities end. The eXperience 550 has its thread tension in the manual as well as a sewing space of 170mm. It also has a 6 function button which provides quilters with just enough options to help them quilt better.
The eXcellence 780+ features don’t stop there; they include a maximum sewing speed of 700spm and 7 pieces retractable feed dog.
Highlighted Features:
- Thread tension is manual
- Sewing space of 170mm
- Built-in needle threader
- 7 pieces retractable feed dog
7. The Elna eXperience 520s
It is a heavy-duty machine, it can handle all of your quilting needs while still being an excellent everyday sewing machine.
Speedy sewing electronic machines are hard to find, and user-friendly electronic machines are even harder, but the Elna eXperience 520s provide quilters with a sewing machine that provides not only beginner-friendly technology but also high-speed stitching.
This sewing machine is perfect for everyone, whether you are new to the quilting machine or an old hand. The experience 520s come with a free arm/ convertible bed type and sewing space of 167.5mm, just large enough for a quilt.
This lightweight sewing machine comes not only with 4 designs and 7 pieces of retractable feed dogs, and it is also pretty affordable.
It also comes with a built-in needle threader and an extra-high pressure presser foot in the manual. With the Elna eXperience 520s, quilters are provided with five sewing foot options and 30 stitches to ensure a great quilting experience.
Although the Elna eXperience 520s comes in with pretty small accessory storage, its great pressure foot adjustment more than makes up for it. The 15 variable needle position and a horizontal spool-type are just an added benefit to a four-button function which includes the Reverse, auto-lock(knot), and up/down needle position.
Highlighted Features:
- Sewing space of 167.5mm
- Built-in threader
- Free arm bed type
- LED 2-digit numeral
What to Look for When Buying an Elna Sewing Machine?
When you are buying an Elna sewing machine, it’s important that you know what to look for. One of the most important things to consider is how many stitches the machine has. You want a machine with a lot of stitches so that you can use it for different types of projects and not have to change the stitch length to do so.
There are also other features that you should pay attention to when shopping for your machine, such as the speed at which the machine operates and whether or not it is upholstered or not.
Another feature you should look into when buying an Elna sewing machine is the included accessories. It’s always best to buy a sewing machine with all of its pieces because these pieces will be helpful in providing quality service throughout your project.
If you are looking for a low priced option, then take a look at the Elna EL2269 3/8-Inch Straight Stitch Sewing Machine. This model is affordable and comes with 28 built-in stitches, as well as two included spools of thread.
Is Elna Made by Janome?
No. Elna is a brand that was founded by the company Janome in 1955. It was created to produce more durable sewing machines than what Janome initially offered.
Elna produces mostly mechanical and electric sewing machines, and they were the first company to offer an automatic threader on their machines. They also use high-tech materials, such as metal and carbon fibre, in the production of their products. Elna is one of the most popular brands for home hobbyists, as well as professional sewers.
How Much Does an Elna Sewing Machine Weigh?
Elna sewing machines maybe a little heavier than some of the other brands, but they are also much more efficient. They do not use as much power and they have fewer moving parts. The extra weight is worth it because of the way that Elna sewing machines work. They are very durable and will last you a long time if you take good care of them.
Elna sewing machines are heavy, but they are also durable and efficient, which makes them worth the extra weight.
Does Elna Make a Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine?
Elna makes a variety of sewing machines, including heavy-duty and lightweight models. However, the Elna brand is not known for this type of machine. Elna primarily focuses on making lightweight models, due to their lightweight and portability.
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty sewing machine with lots of features and capabilities, then you might want to consider one of the many brands that offer this type of product.
Where are Elna Machines Manufactured?
Elna machines are manufactured in Italy, which is why Elna sewing machines are often considered to be the best quality.
Elna sewing machines are made of high-quality materials, which means they won’t break down easily. They also use technology to make them easier and more comfortable to use. This is why they typically last a long time and offer excellent value for your money.
Conclusion
The Elna sewing machines cater to a variety of sewing needs. Here, we have reviewed seven of our best Elna sewing machines best suited for your next quilting project.
It is worth noting that this list is a subjective one. And in case you have any other Elna sewing machines you have used in the past, kindly make use of the comment box to let us know.