1940 | Elna #1 – the first portable, free-arm sewing machine with electronic motor and built-in light. The carrying case also served as a sewing table. Invented by Ramon Casas, this machine constituted a revolution in the field of household sewing machines. |
1952 | Supermatic – another revolutionary concept as the first domestic sewing machine with fully automatic stitches. Interchangeable cams controlled the sideways movement of the needle as well as the forward and reverse feed of the fabric. |
1963 | First overlock stitch on a home sewing machine. |
1964 | Star Series – the first electronic sewing machines, offering new features including built-in and interchangeable utility and decorative stitches as well as an automatic buttonhole. |
1968 | Lotus – a truly innovative concept. The first compact household sewing machine due to its reduced size and weight. The protection flaps replaced the carrying case and formed a sewing table when opened. The accessory case was built into the top of the machine. Selected by the Museum of Modern Art in New York for its “Design Collection”. |
1972 | Elna is chosen as the Official Sewing Machine of the Olympic Games in Munich. |
1973 | Introduction of the Elnapress, a professional pressing system for the home. |
1976 | Double overlock stitch. |
1978 | Air Electronic – first sewing machine with electronics operated by a pneumatic foot control. |
1980 | Elna Stella – retained the advantages of the Elna Lotus while improving on its design and added new features for sewing comfort. Electronics became an integral part of these new machines. |
1982 | Carina – first sewing machine to use super overlock stitch on all types of fabrics. |
1985 | Elna 5000 – first Swiss sewing machine with an electronic memory and first machine in computer range. |
1986 | First Elna overlockers introduced, featuring one revolution tension dials, recessed movable cutter with lockable blade system, marked adjustable pressure control, sliding thread guide for lower looper. |
1987 | Elna 7000 introduces updatable stitch package through use of cassettes. |
1987 | Elnalock L-5 – first portable 5-thread domestic overlocker, 2-needle, 2/3/4/5 thread machine. |
1988 | First ironing press with a built-in sleeveboard. |
1989 | Elna 9000 computerized sewing machine introduced – with 7mm stitch width, face to face and mirror image, multiplication key, 6 memories. |
1991 | Elna PRO 5 DC – first computerized domestic overlocker, with exclusive electronic speed reducer. |
1992 | Elna Diva – the sewing machine that can do it all with 370 stitches, 7 buttonholes, alphabets, monograms. |
1994 | PRO 905 DCX and 904 DCX – first overlockers with computer controlled tensions and expandable programming with exclusive PRO Card system. 905 is first domestic overlocker to offer a cover hem. |
1994 | Elna 9006 computerized embroidery sewing machine, offering traditional sewing type stitches as well as automated hoop embroidery. EnVision Cards provide additional embroidery designs. |
1996 | Elna 925 DCX – first domestic overlock to offer three variations of the cover hem, including triple cover hem. |
1998 | EnVision software program introduced, compatible with home computer and Elna CE 20 and 8006 sewing machines. |
1999 | Elna introduces the 945 overlock – the extensive memory allows the sewer to have up to 48 built-in programs. |
2001 | Opal press introduced – with first digital LED temperature panel |
2001 | Xquisit – computerized sewing/embroidery machine with fully automated threading from spool pin to needle and automated bobbin winding for embroidery |
2001 | Xpressive software – semi-professional embroidery software for Xquisit sewing/embroidery machine |
2002 | 686 overlocker with built-in 2 thread converter, built-in reference cards and automatic tension release |
2004 | 7200 Quilter’s Dream PRO computerized sewing machine includes industrial features – speed and a long sewing arm – along with home sewing features – a versatile stitch package and knee lifter |
2004 | 6600 Quilter’s Dream 2 computerized sewing machine offers innovative side storage with tilt-forward compartments |
2005 | 8200 Xperience – Elna’s first embroidery only machine |
2005 | Xchange – multi access converter box reads and writes embroidery designs in most home formats |
2007 | The Elna 9900 : for the first time in Elna’s range a semi-professional embroidery machine with four needles. |
2007 | Digitizer EX, the professional embroidery software for design and embroidery passionates. |
2008 | The Elna 434 : a machine for cover hem. It is an ideal addition to an overlocker machine and ensures a perfect control over modern, synthetic or stretch fabrics, as well as basic fabrics. |
2010 | Elna celebrates its 70th anniversary with a special edition of the Elna 6200. |
2010 | Elna 9600 Haute Couture, a sewing, embroidery and quilting machine. With a direct connexion to your computer, you can download your own beautiful creations. |
2011 | The Elna eXcellence 740, an automatic sewing machine with an extra long free arm of 28cm and a large working space. |
2011 | Elna celebrates its 40th anniversary and launches a new range of three new models : Elnapress 720, 520 and 120 with a dedicated website : www.elnapress.com |
2012 | Elna updates its greatest classic and launches the new Elna Lotus. A compact sewing machine, with the easiest use ever and a new concept of simplicity. The Lotus spirit – www.lotusbyelna.com – |
2012 | The eXcellence 730 and 760. Ideal automatic sewing machines for patchwork and quilting passionates. These two machines offer a maximum sewing width of 9mm for large decorative or utility stitches. |
The 'TYPE' number, located on the plate near the plug receptacle, will identify Elna models.
When ordering parts, refer to the picture number that represents the shape of your Elna and provide the complete 'TYPE' number on our order form.
NOTE: SU, TSP, SP, 'Grasshopper', etc, does not identify your Elna model.
For example, five totally different machines, the Elna Lotus, Stella, Air electronic, Carina and the Star series models were made in 'TSP' versions.
The first thing I must know to help you is the TYPE, which is also the MODEL number of your Elna.
Please have the TYPE number available before you contact me.
NOTE: Many people refer to both the Elna # 1 and the supermatic type 722010 models as a 'Grasshopper'. To avoid confusion, especially when ordering parts, always refer to these models as a Supermatic or Elna # 1 and provide the TYPE number.