The Ultra Compact elna lotus SP Sewing Machine - Basics

The elna lotus SP is an ultra compact, ultra portable sewing machine.
Ultimate build quality as usual from these Swiss made machines. I cover the basics such as bobbin winding and threading, needle insertion, main functions, button holes, maintenance and more.
For detailed instructions on bobbin threading which is common to both models, please refer to this video of the elna air electronic - • The Elegant Elna Air E...
Let's keep these classic sewing machines going for as long as possible because they are the pinnacle of quality consumer products.
Please visit my web site at www.institches.co.nz
If you'd like to support the channel for as little as $1 per month, visit www.patreon.com/sewingmachines

[@janloftness]

I wanted to let you know, since you “liked” my comment below, that my husband and I got my machine running with very little effort, by watching your videos. I had never opened it up before, but your demonstrations gave me the confidence and know-how to do it. There’s NOTHING WRONG WITH IT! We just oiled it here and there and now it purrs like a kitten! I cannot thank you enough! When I was told it was not fixable I was heartbroken and put it away. I am so glad I didn’t get rid of it. I can’t thank you enough!❤❤❤❤

[@mjremy2605]

What an excellent demo! You are a gift to humanity. I didn't even know I had a tool to pick up my bobbin and struggled with it. Thanks to your clear instructions and tutorials, I have a much better understanding of my Elna Lotus SP and will give it a good cleaning and lube. What a beautiful stitch it does. Thank you so much!!!! Greetings from California.

[@janloftness]

I purchased this exact machine in 1977 and sewed and sewed and sewed on it. It is so small and light and portable but also very strong and solid. Never had any problems and it could do most anything I threw at it. I still have it, but is sadly no longer usable. The service person said the parts are no longer available, but I can’t bear to throw it out. You are lucky if you find one of these out there!

[@sahasananda]

Thanks. I just inherited one

[@stevemonkey78]

I checked online there certainly lots of parts about. Ebay had one stripped for parts most parts under £10

[@ErrynDundon]

I have a shortcut to this exact video on my homescreen because my goldfish brain keeps forgetting how to thread my machine. It was a gift from my grandma and I can't bring myself to upgrade. This video has saved me from disaster multiple times. Haha

[@sahasananda]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge so freely and so clearly

[@tabethagraham5296]

I cannot believe there are videos for this model on youtube... I have spent nearly three hours fighting with one that was gifted to me about two years ago that I haven't used/tried until now. It did not come with lessons on using it, but did come with a manual and the sewing guide, neither of which I seemed able to make heads or tails of. Was at my wits end, now I am jumping for joy that I didn't toss the unit out a window. Thank you thank you thank you.

[@InStitches]

It's great to hear you can now use your machine. Thanks.

[@kleverkloggs]

Love this video - thank you so much for taking the time to make it ! . . .

[@lorrieherbault5193]

This was so helpful! I just got this machine from an auction and just following this video, I was able to have it sewing in no time. She sews a perfect stitch, I'm in love!

[@moastromberg7034]

THANK YOU SO SO MUCH!!! I’m so happy that these videos exist - just got this machine from the thrift store, and I had no clue how to use it the correct way. I’m really thankful for you and that you took the time to show every part of this machine so so well. Love from Sweden!

[@susantiwi]

Thank you so much. I have been wanting to use my elna lotus but didn't know where to start. You have answered all my questions through your video. Fantastic.

[@LibbyBoylefromLibbysLifestyle]

This is so helpful. I found a Elna Lotus at my local charity shop yesterday. I’ve been playing around with it, but you have answered a lot of my questions. Thanks so much.

[@danaanderson469]

Love it. Purchase my 78 Elna SP and very happy. Thanks for the insight on how to use properly.

[@InStitches]

Glad it was helpful!

[@CatarinaBeersmaJesus]

I just got a Lotus tsp and your video gives all the information I needed to start sewing with it. Thank you!

[@InStitches]

I'm pleased it helped. Thanks.

[@lujainahalim9156]

THANK U SOOOO MUCH U're literally my life savior 😂💙 I just got this machine as a gift and I had no clue how to use it

[@anaportinho1]

Thank you for all the informations. I have one that it was my mother’s. It was purchased in 1969!! And it’s still working very well.

[@InStitches]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mariadjemai6884]

This video is amazing, i found my grandmother's old machine and i really wanted to understand how it worked. You answered all my questions and helped me a lot. Thank you!

[@InStitches]

Glad it was helpful.

[@benzcrazy]

Thank you for the great video ,I really cant sew but this machine is great ,It's simple and I like all the different stitches it can do .

[@InStitches]

Thank you very much!

[@diannelow9575]

Thank you for your clear and concise instructions 👍 I have purchased this little beauty at a garage sale 12 months ago and only got it out yesterday to play with and didn’t know quite where to start. Now I can’t wait to give it a go!! Especially a buttonhole♥️

[@InStitches]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jodiegrace2849]

Love your jumper I actually knitted one exactly the same 😎

[@fintanstaunton4173]

Just acquired an 1960's, Lotus Sp today ...Delighted to come accross this Video.. The Machine has not been used for over 20 years everything seems to work except the bobbin winder but I wil have another try tomorrow ...Thanks

[@InStitches]

Thanks. This video may be helpful - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qp_Zqnagrr6seJo and also the shaft seizes up sometimes (there's two bearings).

[@vickijeanne9958]

OMG, it has the pivot feature! Perfect for stitching around curves....

[@geirjohannesen667]

Very helpful! I inherited one of these from my mother and its manual is gone, but this has got me up and running.

[@InStitches]

Good to hear. Thanks.

[@listenmoyo3246]

Thank you so much for the information its really helpfully to me

[@InStitches]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Therealnaphtali]

i found this video very useful thanks

[@anoukmaas4557]

This helped me a lot, thanks !

[@chawadamusvaire941]

So helpful and detailed...thank you so much 😍

[@InStitches]

Glad it was helpful!

[@meryaashley5757]

I have the same thank you for the information

[@Tillybh186]

Thank you for this! I have just acquired an elderly aunt's old Elna Lotus SP from the 60s and amazingly it is still functioning! (Probably in need of some TLC, however.) This video is wonderfully helpful - I had no idea it could do reverse stitches, and buttonholes were daunting but you have explained it so well. Thank you for your expertise and time!

[@InStitches]

Glad it was helpful!

[@amina_aquaculture2978]

Thanks for your valuable advice. I will take your advice and buy a sewing machine elna sp . I am from Algeria 🇩🇿🇩🇿

[@minaamal7573]

مليحة و هل تخدم السورجي ؟

[@robertmeadows3480]

Thank you for your informative video. Nothing like being shown, especially the 'buttonholing'. Found an earlier non-removable panels SP on a house clearance 'help yourself table, clearly loved, used and looked after. Delightful brilliant compact machine! Should I remove covers and oil those key hidden moving parts that appear to have self-lubricated bushes/bearings?

[@jodiegrace2849]

Thanks for a great video I have subscribed and hope to look at your others

[@JuliaJosephMusic]

THANK YOU!!!

[@gladysma308]

Thank you. Could you please make a video of Elna tx electronic? There is a set of stitches in orange I cannot turn to. For button hole only one spot, no short or wide stitching.

[@elenafoa7833]

Thank you so much for your video!!! It is very useful! Do you know where I can find the sewing foot right for this machine? I really can't find them

[@kyoookami96]

This video has helped me alot! I have a Elna Lotus Sp I've had for almost a year, she was originally at a sowing school since 1979 (she came with the guarantee certificate) and I've been struggling so much with her (it was 2 minutes before I found your video that I found out that I can extend the thread stick -. - ') I know she gets stuck when I use her, so I bought some sowing machine oil, and dripped a few drops where the manual told me, thinking this was the solution. Then I came to the point where you showed that you can actually get the spole out with the white thingy behind the needle (I didn't even know it was there XD) and I tried it. There were 5 different thread pieces stuck in the part under the needle, so I pulled them out using my tweezers. I hope she'll work better now. Is there a safe or beginner friendly way of cleaning thread dust from her inside? She's very dusty O. O

I was looking for some tutorial on how to make the buttonholes with an elna lotus and I finally find it. I have a manual but it's not really helpful on the topic. for thank you

[@EkiwwaNoel]

Nice video. Is there a tutorial of how to fix replace a broken bobin winder for this model elna lotus? Mime is broke, but I can find a tutorial about how to fix it. Thanks

[@christinebrimson7732]

Where can I buy a 1/4 foot for elna lotus so machine,in Australia? I was told a brother1/4 foot fits but have not bought one.

[@budact4837]

hermosa maquina

[@vickijeanne9958]

Amazing machine! How many different stitches does this machine have?

[@bfmarchena]

What are you doing when you reverse it to the right off camera?

[@sallywiltshire975]

A great help thank you. I found a Lotus sp at the tip shop. Trying to figure out where to oil. Do you cover this in another video?

[@InStitches]

Thanks. I don't think I have a specific video for oiling but that information ios generally in the manual which can be found on line.

[@ggigi7401]

How can I change the light, if lotus sp and which is the reference ans where can I find it. Thanks

[@axelhollenberg1034]

Thanks for this video. I own two of this beautiful machines and one is in my Camper :-) This machine has a little problem. When the forward backword knob is set to zero, the machine is still stiching forward. The zero point is set when the knob is on the first backward position. I don't know where i should adjust it. Can you give me a hint? lg Axel

[@InStitches]

I can send you a photo of the page from the service manual if I can find it. Email me (address in description) and you can find me on patreon.com/sewingmachines

[@gladysmurahwa842]

Hie Sorry I have a question So my machine keeps hitting the plate when I’m sewing which makes a squeaky sound I don’t know why this is so May I please know what could be the problem

[@cherylmaeda448]

The reverse function doesn't work and the stitch length cannot be adjusted...it stays only on the longest length. Is there a broken part? I noticed there is a vertical bar connected at both ends to parts that are supposed to engage the functions but it is loose and nothing happens. Thank you for any assistance.

[@bysamirdz1992]

Merciiiiiii🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@nicknolan1221]

Your elna lotus videos and the husqvana ones have been of great help, thank you. With the elna lotus I have a tsp lotus that won’t zigzag. I’ve diagnosed the problem as a broken disc follower. Would you happen to have one for sale or know of any one who would. I’m in Australia. Cheers Nick

[@InStitches]

Hi Nick, please contact me via email. Address is in the video description. Cheers. Gary.

[@agussm1]

Many thanks for this!!! I’ve discovered a few this I didn’t know about my machine! Do you know if the dog feed can be lowered? Or you can just remove it?

[@dustycarter2729]

There’s a little plate fits over feed dogs

[@teimoorahmadi8037]

Hi I want open the shuttle . Guide me.

[@runesymph0ny809]

cheers for this video mate, im borrowing my mums machine just to sew some velcro onto a flag (uni dont let us use other stuff) and shes not in to tell me how it works djfjf

[@jacquelineroordaartist6123]

How to clean the boubine house? When end sewing and I want to remove the fabric, a double treat is stuck in the boubine house, not a bundel of treats under the fabric but only stuck in the boubine house. Thanks

[@InStitches]

Make sure your take up lever is at its upper position when removing fabric. Thanks.

[@clairegoodlet2472]

Hi i just bought one of these but the front tension button wont turn at all its stuck solid any ideas how to turn it?

[@InStitches]

It should just turn freely. You could try taking it apart but it may prove difficult to assemble correctly. Maybe take it to a sewing machine mechanic.

[@litamariacelia5374]

Hola podrá ser en castellano la exposición? Gracias

[@eleonore59830]

Thank you, this was really useful! I got this machine from my grandma but the bobbin winder isnt working sadly, I am sure it can be fixed tho!

[@InStitches]

Can you turn the bobbin winder shaft by hand when it's disengaged? It may be seized if you can't.

[@eleonore59830]

@@InStitches I can't do anything with it! When I try to use it, I heard the noise of the motor running but nothing happen. What is weird is that my grandma doesnt remember it was broken! Sorry if my english is weird, it is not my first language

[@InStitches]

There's a dial on the side of the machine, below the hand wheel. Make sure it's turned to the bobbin symbol for bobbin winding and to stitches for sewing.

[@eleonore59830]

@@InStitches that is what I did :((( ! I read the whole manual to be sure I wasnt forgetting something dumb! I will get it fixed by a professional when this whole quarantine thing is over haha

[@kleverkloggs]

@@eleonore59830 There's a plastic "wigwam" at the bottom of the spindle of the bobbin winder - you'll have to open the end with the wheel to see it - it's a common fault for it to break - and as it's moulded onto the spindle - the whole spindle needs to be replaced. Can you wind bobbins on another machine ?

[@claremcgill2490]

I've just recently started watching your videos. I was gifted an Elna Lotus SP a few weeks ago. I've taken it apart as much as I feel comfortable doing and discovered that the bobbin winding mechanism will not work. It seems that the little spindle has worn down quite badly and I have ordered a replacement. Where I feel stuck is in trying to remove the bobbin winder so as to replace it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much, your videos are so informative and interesting. Clare.

[@1911olympic]

There is a clip holding the bobbin winder in place. Remove the clip. The bobbin winder should go down and ultimately out now. However, often the metal has expanded a bit and it takes sone light tapping with a rod to get it out.

[@claremcgill2490]

I'll try that, thank you.

[@1911olympic]

@@claremcgill2490 When you do, you'll find that the top of the replacement winder is different from your old one. In fact it doesn't work, because the new top needs parts that aren't available. However there is a way around this. You can carefully tap the axle out of the new plastic part of the bobbin assembly and do the same with the old one. Now put the new plastic part on the old axle, together with some 2 component glue. This will hold forever. Now insert the axle again. Fixed! I have one last tip. These parts are the weak spot of these machines. They almost always break because the machine is put in storage with the function dial on the right of the machine on the 'bobbin winding' position. This distorts and strains the plastic part asymmetrically and eventually breaks it. Always, always store your machine with the function dial on zero! Thus it will work for another 50 years no problem.

[@claremcgill2490]

Oh thank goodness I hadn't started yet, thanks so much for these great tips, I can't wait to get started!

[@mimicouture9659]

Adresse pour comandermoteur machine a coudre elna merci

[@anncrosby2094]

Hello your videos are very good! However tricot is pronounced “tree-k-oh” it’s a French word from tricoter =to knit. I am a French teacher who also loves sewing and sewing machines! Keep the instalments coming… I need to touch base with my sewing machine fascination!!

[@susanlehnen593]

Do you have any instruction on how to adjust the timing on this model?

[@InStitches]

Not at this time, sorry.

[@susanlehnen593]

No worries. I fixed it myself! The access is simple, the metal plate underneath when removed reveals a long bar leading to the bobbin assembly. Two “screws” need to be loosened with an Allen key. Then flip the machine and adjust the bobbin till the hook passes the needle. Tighten it all up and done. Maybe I’ll make my own video;)

[@jodiegrace2849]

Do you have any elna 1000 tutorials? Hopefully they are similar as it says lotus 1000

[@InStitches]

Not as yet but I do intend on doing one. Not sure when though. Maybe subscribe if you haven't already and if you click the notification bell, you will be notified of any videos I release. Thanks.

[@jodiegrace2849]

In Stitches thanks so much for that. My machine is stitching little tiny stitches so not sure what's going on with it. I have oiled it as per instructions. The set up is very similar except it's a front loading bobbin.

[@schechteran]

Please help - I threaded the bobbin into the machine just as you show. I turn the knob for the uptake, but nothing happens. No thread comes out the bottom. I may have done something wrong, but I can't figure it out.

[@InStitches]

The first thing to try is make sure you have installed a brand new needle, make sure it's the correct type and inserted the correct way around and is pushed into the needle bar as far as it will go. When turning the machine over by hand to pick up the bobbin thread, make sure you don't pull the needle thread tight as you do that. Leave a little slack and only pull the needle thread to pull up the bobbin thread once the take-up lever is back at the top. There may be other issues going on like timing, needle bar incorrect height or broken hook drive gear to name a few.

[@schechteran]

@@InStitches I know nothing about needles, I have noticed that when I turn the thingy by hand it can get stiff. I have left slack. What is the take up lever? How would I know if the hook drive gear is broken? What is the needle bar? Should I just take it to a repair place and see if they can help me?

[@InStitches]

The hand wheel being stiff may suggest the hook drive gear is broken. A repair agent should be able to sort it for you.

[@schechteran]

@@InStitches thank you - it is now in the shop

[@jill552]

Do the metal Lotus sides come off too?

[@InStitches]

From memory they don't, unless the left panel is unscrewed. Thanks.

[@CoachFelicia11]

What can I do if my bobbin winding is not working?

[@InStitches]

There could be several causes but make sure you have the switch on the right end of the machine set to bobbin winding position, as per the video.

[@stevemonkey78]

I just bought one today for £20

[@sarwatjaved1085]

i have elna tsp its lead is out of order from where i can get it plz guide

[@sarwatjaved1085]

elna sp

[@sarwatjaved1085]

i need its cord plz help me

[@InStitches]

My web address is in the video description. You can contact me from there.

[@patriciapoot1180]

This later Elna SP appears to be more plastic than the orginal. What is the date for the manufacture of this machine?

[@janloftness]

Hi, I can answer your question. I bought this exact machine in 1977. The “leaves” that fold up are made of a very strong material that was also used to make jet airline windows (or so the salesman at the time told me). My sister also had an Elna Lotus which was a few years older and the leaves were made of metal, as were all the previous models. I don’t know how long Elna manufactured this style but I think it looks really cool!

[@6___________99_____________64]

​@@janloftnessthe material is polycarbonate , super strong plastic also used to make car head and tailamp housings.

[@mickguinard9398]

Peut-on avoir cettt explication en français ?

[@effiongjay373]

I can't catch the bobbing thread

[@patriciapoot1180]

the middle stitch is a blind hem stitch ;)

[@najettediy9877]

Dites moi est-ce que elle est rapide svp