Elna Lotus ZZ and SP Portable Vintage Sewing Machine - A competitor to the Singer Featherweight?

The ELNA Lotus range of portable sewing machines was launched in 1968. This light, aluminium sewing machine makes a good alternative to the Singer Featherweight. It has the advantage of being completely self contained and also features a Zig Zag Stitch.
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[@isorna2456]

Thank you for this video. We found an Elna Lotus ZZ in our new house in the Canary Islands. Judging by the exterior, I thought it was brand new or maybe had a just few years of basically no use. It looks like it came straight from the manufacturer 🤩. Unfortunately, there are no manuals to be found though, so this video came in very handy! Now I know how to thread it and will test it tomorrow to see if it works. 🙏🏼

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

There are Facebook groups for the Elna Lotus. I'm sure you can download a manual from one of those. Congratulations!

[@mjremy2605]

I have manuals. Let me know if you want one.

[@gregculverwell]

I recently bought a lotus SP from a friend of my wife for the equivalent of $5.40 USD. She had lost interest in sewing. No idea of when it was made. The only distinguishing feature is that it has smoked transparent 'leaves' It seems in almost perfect condition complete with accessories and manuals. The only exception is that she did not 'park' it and left it for years, so the drive wheel developed a flat spot. That wasn't a real problem - I just sanded the flat spot out.

[@felicitycleave8604]

You've shown what a fantastic machine it is. My parents gave me one as a wedding present in 1972. It was used constantly for years as I earnt a wage from it, and never let me down. I take it to classes now as it's so light and still runs so smoothly. PS my Singer Improved Family is coming on fine and stitches amazingly well. Thanks for your advice giving me confidence to tackle it.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Glad to hear the IF is coming one well!

[@janevacani6789]

I'm now on the hunt for one of these, the design is so cool! I'd rather have this than an overpriced featherweight.

[@natty258]

Thank you, another informative vid, always look forward to your content.. keep up the good work!

[@aliceackerman8364]

Thank you so much for the tutorial

[@robinr6399]

Thanks for your detailed review of this machine. I have a similar Elna air electronic from about 1981. It packs a lot of stitches and power for a portable workhorse. Great machines!

[@MartineEvans-b2j]

Hi, my Tsp will not zig zag. Do you have and suggestions? The needle will barely not move side to side when put into zig zag mode.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

It may need a good cleaning and oiling. Make sure you remove any lint build up

[@loriannpayne4483]

What a fun video - loved seeing the Elena in action. What an interesting bobbin placement and bobbin retrieval device!

[@sherrillpotgieter3945]

I have a elna stella sp for over 37 years works like a dream i just have to get a new pedal which is air dog gave it a bite hahaha just ordered a new pedal

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Got to love a dog! ha ha

[@muzboz]

This video is so great and useful! Thanks. :D I picked up one of these from "Hard Rubbish" in Australia (where people throw things out for the council to pick up). It is groovy! This video helped me understand how it works. I hadn't even found the hidden top compartment without this video! My model is called Elna Stella TSP.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

These are great little machines - enjoy!

[@muzboz]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns unfortunately, despite everything seeming pretty good, the coupling knob was broken, and I can't figure out how to make a replacement that successfully gets it moving between sewing mode and bobbin mode. It might just be beyond repair. Alas! Might have to keep it for parts and search for other compatible pieces. :)

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

@@muzboz Have you taken the back panel off to check it out from the inside?

[@muzboz]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns I've already got 2 other (boring Janome) machines, so I decided to cut my losses and just put the Elna back out on hard rubbish. It shall meet its doom tomorrow. In the meantime, it can sit out in the gutter and spend the night thinking about it's choices that brought it to this foul end. :|

[@roxanasahnazarov9370]

Thank you so much. This video is exactly what I needed as I am discovering this machine that I received as a gift from a wonderful lady in Vienna. Took me some time to get to use it :).

[@nkiruonwurah9152]

I bought a pre owned one which I haven't been able to use till few days ago. The bobbin thread breaks and i notice the thread winds round an area where the bobbin is placed (don't know what that area is called) It didn't come with any elna bobbin, can any regular bobbin be substituted?

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

No. You need an Elna bobbin. That's probably why you are having issues.

[@gabitiegs6422]

Tony, thank you so very much for this video. Because of lack of space I am looking for a small "new" sewing machine to replace my beloved Singer 316 G. So your review comes as called. There is just now a Elna Lotus SP type 35 available on ebay. I gave a price proposal and I am very excited. I am hoping to find a good new home for my Singer 316 G. Thanks again for your suggestion, hugs and greetings from Germany, Gabi

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Oh the 316G is a beautiful machine, I hope you find it a loving home. Good luck with the Elna!

[@gabitiegs6422]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns Thank you so much, Tony. Have a nice Sunday!

[@annholmes9650]

Very interesting, thank you for showing us this grand little machine - I shall be keeping my eyes open for one of these! X x

[@shanz1135]

I got one recently for an excellent deal from a cool old lady. Its come woth almost all its original bits. Thanks for this.

[@janhoffman2045]

Thanks for the video! I just inherited a well-loved Elna SP.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

you'll love it!

[@lydiamuller4070]

I got a sp today..wow

[@yc70jade]

I managed to score an Elna SP in excellent condition today! I was also bidding on a featherweight that ended up selling for $950AUD. I didn't win the auction 🤣🤣 I'm glad I didn't because it led me to picking the Elna up. It sews wonderfully & it's so adorable. This video def pushed me towards the Elna too. Thank you!

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

I’m glad you are enjoying your Elna. The zigzag function is a game changer over the Featherweight

[@sewythingy]

Fantastic video, and wow that bobbin plunger is amazing!

[@mycardsnz]

I love my little Lotus. Often take it to quilting workshops instead of my big Elna!

[@bdrew3174]

I was gifted an Elna Lotus SP 35, in seemingly immaculate condition. I am new to sewing and have not tested it out as of yet. It came to me complete with all of the accessories, booklets, original sales receipt, and warranty card from 1972. This video is fabulous, thank you!

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Congratulations! A true design icon and competent to boot!

[@rukruk6289]

I bought mine today with the 1973 receipt and the booklets. Please could you tell me if it has a high speed. Seems sluggish

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

@@rukruk6289 It may just need oiling.

[@rukruk6289]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns I just oiled it in afternoon then read your comment. Yes it's working faster. I thought it was to do with not having the original pedal.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

@@rukruk6289 It could be that too but they are not the fastest machines.

[@admscoo622]

Thanks for the video! I have inherited an Elna SP from my late mother. She worked as a purchasing manager for a large Finnish department store's sewing/knitting/cloth department in the late 1960s to early 1970s (they were the Elna importers in Finland). On an Elna sales broschure printed in Switzerland in 1967 the following prices are given for the following Elna models: Zig Zag 795 FIM, Special 895 FIM, Automatic 995 FIM and Supermatic 1100 FIM. In euro in 2022 that would equate to 1048€ - 2045€. On an Elna Lotus broschure printed in 1968 three sums are written on the back page, "e"-something 335 FIM, 695 FIM and "SP 815" which I interpret as stands for the Lotus SP. 815 Finnish marks in 1968 equate to 1398€ in 2022. The economy Lotus ec (straight stitch only) would then have retailed for the equivalent of 575€ in 1968 if that's the 335 FIM one.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Thank you so much for this information! I did wonder how much they would have cost when new.

[@patriciapoot1180]

A definite competitor to the Featherweight. I owned several FW machines all have been sold as I prefer and love the elna Lotus. Just the addition of a few stitches and you can do so much more

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

I have to agree. Much as I love the Featherweight, the additional stitches are a game changer.

[@hilarypeterbishop959]

I bought mine in 1972 and still use it for all my sewing.

[@Thespiansewist]

The bobbin plunger remover is a hoot

[@marikebeukes548]

I got mine from my aunt. And i had no idea how to reverse till now! Thank you. I was taught on a empisal that has a button.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

It is an odd feature of these that they don't have a simple reverse button.

[@JorinaJemi-q1b]

Lewis Margaret Hernandez Gary Martin Maria

[@deSlayah]

Hi, what you think of a SINGER 15K 15 RAF Decals Red S Heavy Duty Vintage Sewing Machine? Is it a good buy?

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

The singer 15 is a work horse, but remember, it is a domestic machine. While it will handle the occasional heavy materials, if you are looking to sew a lot of heavy fabrics then an industrial machine will be best.

[@deSlayah]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns Thanks

[@bodyandsoul17]

I've had my Elna Stella TSP since sometime in 1980, and it is still my favourite machine to sew on. Is this also considered a "lotus"? It doesn't mention "lotus" anywhere on the machine or in the manual. I also never new what that white bobbin lifter was used for until this video!

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

If it has the fold out petals, it's classed as a Lotus, so yes!

[@claremcgill2490]

Hello, thanks for a great video. The reason I watched it is because I was given a Lotus SP just yesterday!! I wonder if you would be good enough to tell me where exactly I should oil the machine. I managed to get it going after a clean and it is very cute and sews beautifully although I know it hasn't been used for some years. I also have the sewing instruction booklet and the sewing guide booklet, however, I can't see anything about oiling the main body of the machine. Also, could you tell me where I might find the correct bobbin as it came only with a more modern metal bobbin. Finally, I tried to remove the rotary hook but the screws were very tight and one of them actually broke in half. I would love to be able to clean it properly. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Clare.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

If I remember rightly, the manual advises just a drop of oil on the bobbin race. There are some plastic gears on the inside and it's not a good idea to get oil on those. If you take out the accessories tray you can oil anywhere that you can see metal meeting metal. Facebook groups for Elna sewing machines will be good for finding bobbins and other parts. Good luck!

[@aminabendriss6713]

I just bought the same one today from a near car boot sale but unfortunately it was without the pedal 😢 .

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

I have one missing a pedal too - not had any luck finding a spare one yet.

[@anjawalther7077]

Ich habe das große Glück gehabt und auf einem Trödelmarkt eine Husqvana Practica 2 model 5230 erworben, hast du dafür auch ein video ? Dieses hier war auf jeden Fall interessant und auch hilfreich 👍. Vielen Dank dafür

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Leider ist mir das Modell noch nicht untergekommen. Vielleicht finde ich in Zukunft einen.

[@ronandmarshakuhlman7296]

Followed your instructions loosening the two correct screws. on my Elna ZZ. Bobbin case will wiggle but not pull out. Screws are loose and twirl in place. Do you think they are stripped somehow?

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Are you able to tighten the screws again?

[@ronandmarshakuhlman7296]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns Yes, I've tightened them back down and repeated loosening them. The bobbin case just doesn't lift up though. I know a large guage piece of silk thread I was sewing with has become stuck underneath. I've oiled and worked the fly. but it's really stuck. Won't wiggle it loose. Any suggesdtions before I take it to my repair shop? Thanks so much for answering.

[@jennievpollard77]

I had always wondered about the Elna sewing machine. My local sewing machine shop has had one for sell for a long time. Now that I have more information on this machine, I may consider visiting the shop again. Thanks for the video.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

You're welcome!

[@saraaronzon4562]

Very cool!

[@wfdt]

I salvaged one of these from a defunct sewing repair shop!

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

They are becoming increasingly sought after!

[@rich-f-in-tx6388]

Reminds me of my Kenmore 158.10400 and 158.10401 made by Maruzen/Jaguar in Japan. Comes in a nifty little rose embossed clip on, clam shell plastic case. I think they were sold there in the UK as the Frister & Rossmann Cub series and Privleg Compac in the rest of Europe and Russia, etc. and Walton's Celestial Down Under in Aus and NZ, etc. Sturdy little machines with metal gears, etc. Hope you all are doing well over there, Tony. Best wishes. 😊🙏

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Just looked up the Frister & Rossman Cub. Are they quite small too?

[@rich-f-in-tx6388]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns kzbin.info/www/bejne/iX-9lJWMe6t5rpY

[@zeze4512]

انا.عنده.واحدة..80.وهي.رواعة..وانا.هي.موعطلة..😢😢😢

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

That's very sad.😥😥

[@dr.vet.marilynbarbe3901]

Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge. I just bought an Elna lotus zz and enjoyed watching your video !

[@beatrizpizani]

Thank you very much... You have saved my day.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Glad to be of help.

[@lydiamuller4070]

Can this machine work with a twin needle

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

That's a good question. I don't think it can but I will check the Manual!

[@JuliaJosephMusic]

This is so helpful. I got one of these years ago on eBay not really knowing much about it. I’m a total beginner so videos like this are much appreciated. I’d love to know if you have any tips on tension - that seems to be what trips me up the most.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Tension can seem a little bit of a minefield but it's really not so bad. Start by not adjusting the bobbin tension. If you get loops on the lower part of the stitch, tighten the upper tension. If loops are on the top stitching, loosen the upper tension. The ideal is a even tension top and bottom.

[@JuliaJosephMusic]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns how do you designate upper and lower? What happens to me often is bunching of the threads. When I stop stitching and go to trim - it’s not just the two threads front and back - it’s multiple threads. Does that make sense? I assumed it was a tension issues but could be something else I’m doing wrong. Hmmm. Thank you!

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

@@JuliaJosephMusic if the thread bunches underneath the fabric, then it's the upper tension that's too loose.

[@JuliaJosephMusic]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns thank you! Is there a toggle somewhere that allows you to switch between adjusting the top and the bottom?

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

@@JuliaJosephMusic No. the bottom thread is adjusted usually with a screw on the bobbin case. The top tension by the tension dial.

[@eileenh5720]

Thanks for the detailed clear instructions. I can now use the Elna ZZ

[@irenemasnama2603]

How to operate this machine

[@سوھنیدھرتیجموںوکشمیر]

Sir, tell me the spring seting of his foot switch

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Sorry, I don't understand. What spring setting?

[@سوھنیدھرتیجموںوکشمیر]

@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns Sir From which the machine runs which presses with the foot, its spring setting

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

​ I don't know the setting, sorry.