Alex Askaroff Presents, Why buy an Elna sewing machine.

There are many great sewing machines but one of my all time favourite models is the Elna Lotus sometimes called the SP. Here I explain why. Don't forget I have over 30 books available worldwide on Amazon, www.amazon.com...

[@MikeWilliams-jd5ii]

I got my job as a sewing machine technician last year. My boss knew I repaired old machines from online groups but when his wife offered me a job.he said "hang on I need to ask questions first". First question was "can you fix old Elnas" "yes". Second question "can you start Monday?". The other technician hates old machines and won't work on them, so there were nine 1970s Elnas on the shelves waiting for servicing. Fantastic machines and I love working on them.

[@alexaskaroff]

You can't beat quality Mike, whatever the age.

[@adambrown2626]

If a proper “Technician” can’t service one of these basic machines, they need to find a new career path, they are easy as it gets.

[@janloftness]

Hi Mike, where are you? My Lotus needs help and the sewing service guy said it beyond repair because parts are not available anymore.

[@MikeWilliams-jd5ii]

Melbourne, Australia@@janloftness

[@mjremy2605]

Ah, I agree with you. This one is a gem! I saw one at a garage sale and thought, what a neat miniature machine, wow! She wanted $25, I got it for $20. An Elna Lotus SP for $20. Yay!!! I still have it. I got it serviced but now want to do all maintenance myself. Absolutely love this cutie. Such a nice travel machine and fun to use. Thank you for the demo on opening it up.

[@bettygraham818]

I still have a flat bed Elna I bought from new in 1972 and a free arm one of the same model bought second hand in the 80s . They are wonderful machines , a joy to use. Also I was lucky enough to buy a 1929 hand operated Singer ,complete with accessories from the shop where I have my machines serviced. What a difference to the modern one I bought for my daughter and which I now have because she decided sewing wasn't for her !.

[@gregculverwell]

I have just bought an SP for $5 from a friend of my wife. Hardly used from new. Complete with all the manuals and accessories.

[@shemakesitsew3357]

I am a HUGE fan of the machine, 82 years later, they are still remarkable!

[@nancyshaner8548]

Fascinating. I am glad to know more about it.

[@heidischumacher617]

I have a little Elna. Need to order the right bobbins for it and now I'm motivated to do that 😊

[@BAOBABS111]

Magnifique et and more robust than we think! Thanks

[@carolynrogers1510]

Lovely garden Alex, I love my Elna lotus SP, plus all the other Swiss Elnas that follow me home, sensational machines, perfect for taking to sewing bees or group sewing sessions, light to carry but solid.

[@jodihendrickson1795]

Hello Alex! I just found a nice old Elna 500 at a charity shop. I’d like to use it as my test piece to learn how to tune up my own machine. If I were to take it to a repair shop it would cost $150! So for some that amount is cost prohibitive and a way to rationalize buying new. But I love these old machines with their amazing craftsmanship and engineering! Thanks for your videos of the Lotus, it’s a beauty surrounded by all your flowers!

[@stevenarmstrong7575]

I passed on one of these at a thrift store because it didn't have a foot peddle. If I only had a time machine.

[@jimjackson4256]

I love all your videos .As soon as I saw that you had uploaded another one just few minutes ago it was the first one I watched today.Do you have any new raymond machines?

[@alexaskaroff]

No, missed a beauty on eBay last week, grrrrr.

[@teacuppup7215]

I love elna......

[@stormyweather5280]

I love my little Lotus very much too and gave one to my twin sister so we can sew together with same machines 😊 I must admit I love my little Elna tx electronic even a bit more because of it's air controlled foot pedal which makes speed regulation so smooth. What do you think about the tx? Greetings from Germany, Silvia 🌳

[@alexaskaroff]

Super machine the TX.

[@denisejanisch5112]

Do you know much about Singers? In particular the SINGER Talent 3323. I've found one that is second hand but hardly used and in excellent condition that I'm interested in getting for basic sewing requirements. My son and daughter (in the 20s) are also keen to learn and use it to make some basic clothes (a lovely new growing trend amongst young people today!) If you have any thoughts about this machine and why I should or shouldn't get it, I'd appreciate the input. Thanks!

[@ginaburgess9759]

I have one. Searched for ages to find one..now don't really use it! I appreciate how precious it is but how many machines can I use?

[@carolynrogers1510]

The answer is at least 12! I just swap and rotate them, four out in use most of the time.

[@knittingnutter8392]

love my baby Elna Lotus,but it isnt as quiet as yours, mine seems to growl. Is there anything I can do about it please.

[@alexaskaroff]

The motor can get lazy and noisy. I disengage it by the side winder knob and run it at full speed until it sounds sweet.

[@bluetuber501]

My son saved an Elna 1400 from the trash. However, it doesn't have a foot pedal and it feels stiff turning the hand wheel. I have cleaned & oiled a few vintage Singers and a Brother VX2051 that looks to have about the same features of the Elna 1400. In your opinion, is the Elna 1400 worth saving?

[@roxanneloyst3733]

Hello. I have just been given an Elsa Xquisit 9010 embroidery machine. I know it's at least 13 yrs old from what I can find on the net. Is this a good machine. It's in beautiful condition. It did not come with a manual so I am kind of stuck on how to use it. I was able to get it threaded or so I thought but it isn't sewing. Also it has a petal but can't figure how to make it work and there is a medal bar thing that looks like it might be a press with the knew. Any help and direction would be greatly appreciated.

[@JeffersonRachel-t8t]

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