Elna Lotus beginner sewing machine review

January 17, 2019

Elna Lotus Review // Beginner sewing machine recommendation // Megan Nielsen Design Diary

Written by Meg

For years people have been asking me what machines I would recommend for beginners – and I am so glad I finally got my hands on one to try out!

My mother in law recently got back into sewing after 20 years and this was the machine she bought. She’s been raving about how much she loves it and was kind enough to let me try it out this week! I was especially excited about trying out the new Elna Lotus because I actually own the original Elna Lotus released in 1968. Three generations of my family have learned to sew on an Elna Lotus which gives these machines a special place in my heart.

I really hope you enjoy this video review of the new Elna Lotus!

If you’d like me to review any of my other machines, or give you a tour of my 1968 Elna Lotus please let me know in the comments. If you like this video make sure you hit the like button and subscribe to my channel so you get my future updates!

Elna Lotus Review // Beginner sewing machine recommendation // Megan Nielsen Design Diary

About Author

Meg

Meg is the Founder and Creative Director of Megan Nielsen Patterns, and is constantly dreaming up ideas for new sewing patterns and ways to make your sewing journey more enjoyable! She gets really excited about design details and is always trying to add way too many variations to our patterns.

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Julie Bonnar

4 years ago

Great review Megan – we’d love to see a tour about your 1968 machine!

Carla Lissa

4 years ago

Very pretty machine , but I will love, love to see the 1968 – best year ever!

PsychicSewerKathleen

4 years ago

Seeing your 1968 Lotus brought back so many memories for me! I was the only one in my family to want to sew and without a machine in the house I was a little stuck to keep up with my evening sewing classes and had to talk my mom into buying one :) (1972) We went off to the sewing machine shop and as soon as I sat in front of that Lotus I fell in love. I had to press hard (beg) on my mom to buy it (it was a pricey machine compared to the others like the Whites they also sold). I loved that Lotus!

Sadly of course I moved off to go to university (1973) and had to leave the machine at home (yes my mother made it clear this was a machine for their household not mine :) ) A couple of years later my father took an upholstery course and somehow managed to destroy that Lotus. Apparently irreparable. Every time I see one of these old ones I remember that thrill of excitement the first time I sat at it at the dining room table :) Loved your review on the new one! I bought a new Elna last year (Excellence 780) and looked at the Lotus’s which are great for portability but I just didn’t need one that I can cart around or need to tuck away when I’m not using it.

Des

4 years ago

There is now the Elna Lotus 2! Thanks for the review

Carol Maguire

4 years ago

Hi. The new Elna Lotus is made by the company Janome, not the company Elna who closed their doors years ago
Carol

Johanna

4 years ago

Yes,please do a overview/review of your other machines. I am very interested, as I have a beginner machine and am looking for the next step up. Thanks!

Lisanne

4 years ago

Happy memories ! I bought one of the originals for my mother when she wanted a light machine to take to class (her main machine was still a Singer black and gold ;D). I used it myself too. Interesting upgrade.

Jan

3 years ago

I bought a brand new Elna Lotus in 1977, having learned to sew on my mom’s bigger Elna machine. I sewed on that machine for 25 years and really enjoyed it. On that model the “leaves” popped off for free arm use. Sadly, no parts are available to maintain the old Elnas after Janome bought it out. I still have it – can’t bear to part with it even though it’s not working. It has “SWISS MADE” painted right on it! I have a Bernina and a Pfaff now, both nice machines, but wouldn’t hate having another Lotus. Thank you for your review!

Deborah Gagnier

3 years ago

Were could I pick up a good second hand Elna machine, a good reliable source.

Deborah Wiley

2 years ago

I’d like a tour of your 1968 model, too!

Elna Lotus beginner sewing machine review

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