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Elna Lotus 2 Computerized Sewing Machine Review
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced seamstress, we are confident that you have seen the market’s shift towards computerized sewing machines. Sewing is made simple by a variety of time-saving, convenient functions that are available on computerized sewing machines’ on-board computers. This article should help you choose a computerized sewing machine that is appropriate for your skill level and price range if you are in the market for one. We believe the Elna Lotus 2 Computerized Sewing Machine is wonderful and deserving of notice, so we are presenting you with a comprehensive assessment of it.
Elna Lotus 2- Overview
A technological gem is revealed when the Elna Lotus 2 unfolds itself. Elna Lotus 2 owners will appreciate having this device on hand at all times. With its carry-case design, your ability to sew while traveling will never be compromised. With the pull of a lever, the folding flaps open, revealing a wonderful, roomy built-in sewing table.
There are 100 built-in stitches available and you can choose the ones that are best for your requirement. Users may create a variety of work, such as applique, buttonholes, decorations, darning, quilting, and patchwork by combining the machine's utility stitches with decorative stitches.
Along with the utility and decorative stitches, you can also utilize traditional buttonholes like the square and keyhole. With so many options available, you'll be self-assured to give your stitching a polished appearance.
The machine's sleek and minimal design makes it useful and portable. The needle bar is positioned in a special central location to provide you a lot more space to maneuver and manipulate your cloth.
The Lotus 2 is the whole package with functions including 100 pre-installed stitches, an automatic thread cutter, a built-in needle threader, an LCD screen, one-touch buttons, a centralized needle bar, and an integrated spool pin for permanent threading.
Elna’s flagship model, the Lotus, debuted in 1968. It was a complete breakthrough and the ideal embodiment of modernism, dynamism, and independence. The Museum of Modern Art in New York has the original Elna Lotus in its collection. Elna renamed this iconic sewing machine as Lotus 2 to honor its 50th anniversary and improved it by adding more stitch options and a beautiful elna-red finish.
Maximum sewing enjoyment and bare minimal fuss are combined in the Elna Lotus 2. It is the ultimate all-in-one sewing machine, with robust flaps that provide machine protection and build a convenient, large sewing table. The Lotus philosophy emphasizes simplicity and usability.
Features of Elna Lotus 2
- Computerized model.
- Direct stitch selection on the touch screen.
- Automatic thread cutter.
- Automatic needle threader.
- Drop feed dog.
- Extra-high presser foot lift.
- Free arm.
- Automatic bobbin-winding with automatic declutch system.
- Snap-on presser feet.
- Metallic shuttle hook.
- Start and Stop key.
- Reverse stitch key.
- Autolock key.
- Needle up and down key.
- Integrated sewing table made by the flaps.
- Horizontal rotary hook with transparent bobbin cover.
- Huge LCD screen.
- Vertical spool pin with pop-up system.
- Two accessory storage areas – top cover and drawer.
- Two white LED lamps.
Specifications of Elna Lotus 2
Built-in Stitches | 100 |
One-Step Buttonholes | 7 |
Presser Feet | 7 |
Maximum Stitch Length | 5 mm |
Maximum Stitch Width | 7 mm |
Speed Control with the Start and Stop key | 700 stitches per minute |
Speed Control with the Foot Controller | 820 stitches per minute |
LCD Screen | 62 mm W / 27 mm H |
Free Arm Dimensions | 162.5 mm L / 110 mm H |
Product Dimensions | 12″D x 15″W x 15″H |
Product Weight | 18 pounds |
Accessories that come with the Elna Lotus 2
1. Presser Feet
- Rolled Hem Foot D
- Satin Stitch Foot F
- Blind Hem Foot G
- Multi-Cord Foot H
- Automatic Buttonhole Foot R
- Zigzag Foot A
- Zipper Foot E
2. Standard Accessories
- Bobbins (4)
- Seam Ripper
- Spool Holder (Small and Large)
- Screwdriver Plate
- Lint Brush
- Foot Controller
- Power Supply Cable
- Foot Controller and Power Supply Cable Case
- Instruction Manual
- Needle Set
Why you’ll love the Elna Lotus 2?
- It is a small, light-weight sewing machine that is ideal for both amateur and experienced sewers.
- It is a fantastic option for individuals who require a machine that can be taken to sewing lessons or transported about the house because it is portable.
- The tiny size of this device is one of its key advantages. It is convenient to use in tiny locations because it may easily fit on a table.
- The machine has a built-in needle threader, which eliminates the hassle of manually threading needles. You may start sewing right away by following a few easy steps, which will save you a lot of time and work.
- You can alter the stitch length and width to meet your needs because they are changeable.
- Changes to the bobbins are made simple by the machine’s drop-in bobbin mechanism.
- The adaptability of this device is another advantage. 100 built-in stitches are included, including common ones like straight, zigzag, and buttonhole stitches. This makes it appropriate for a variety of operations, from straightforward repairs to trickier stitching jobs.
- Since the machine has a free arm, sewing sleeves, cuffs, and further little fabric fragments is simple. Use the unlocking button to quickly remove the safety flaps and convert the sewing bed into a free arm.
- Whenever you switch out any size of thread spool, the bobbin spool pin easily pops up and back into place. The machine’s perfect incorporation of a spool pin enhances its distinctive form and guards against breakage or damage while in transit.
- Comes with a durable cover that makes transporting and storing the device simple.
- Comes with a number of presser feet, making it simple to handle a variety of jobs.
- 5 one-touch buttons are neatly located in the machine’s middle area. The buttons for Start/Stop, Auto-lock Stitch, Reverse, Thread Cutting, and Needle Up/Down make it simple to transition between jobs.
- The centralized needle bar gives you plenty of room to easily maneuver your fabric whether you’re sewing on thick materials like big patchwork projects, draperies, or problematic delicate cloth. More control is possible for accurate sewing and better outcomes when there is space for both hands to grasp the fabric steadily.
- Stitch length, width, the selected pattern number, and suggestion for presser feet are all displayed on a simple-to-read LCD display. To correlate to the machine’s internal stitch patterns, input a 2-digit number using the Direct Pattern Selection Keys.
- All of your primary sewing necessities have a place to be stored thanks to the machine’s accessory storage on top and accessory drawer on the bottom. To gain access to the buttonhole foot, instruction chart, presser feet, needles, etc, lift the top cover. To easily access tools like bobbins, seam ripper, screwdriver, spool holder, lint brush, etc, pull the bottom flap’s pull tab open.
- Can be easily carried around
- Has an innovative folding flaps open technology
- Looks very stylish
- Because of its compact sewing surface, it may be difficult to complete larger tasks
- It is less robust compared to other sewing machines, which may impact its durability
Fabrics that can be used with the Elna Lotus 2
The Elna Lotus 2 is meant to be used for light-weight to medium-weight fabrics. This machine is not a heavy-duty one, so it cannot sew through heavy-weight or multiple layers of fabrics with ease. Using appropriate heavy-duty needles may assist you in sewing thick fabrics, but it is advisable not to do so, as the machine may get damaged.
Some of the fabrics that can be used with this machine are:
- Mesh
- Linen
- Lace
- Chiffon
- Silk
- Cotton
- PVC
- Felt
- Charmeuse
- Sateen
- Chambray
- Polyester
- Chino
- Jersey cloth
- Taffeta
- Velvet
- Nylon
- Neoprene
Maintenance of the Elna Lotus 2
Maintenance activities | After each use | Monthly | Once each year | As needed |
Wipe head with soft damp cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
Wipe head with soft dry cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
Clean race hook and feed dogs | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Servicing | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Oiling | No | No | No | Yes |
What are some alternatives for the Elna Lotus 2?
A flexible and easy-to-use computerized sewing machine, the Elna Elnita ec60 offers a number of functions for both beginner and experienced sewers. This machine can handle a variety of chores, from straightforward repairs to more challenging sewing tasks, thanks to its 60 built-in stitches, which include basic, decorative, and stretch stitches.
The Elna Elnita ec60's user-friendly LCD screen, which makes it simple to choose and modify stitches, stitch length, and stitch width, is one of its noteworthy characteristics. Additionally, the machine has an automatic needle threader that makes threading the needle simple and does not require hand threading.
This sewing machine's constant and accurate stitching is another advantage. Each stitch is even and accurate thanks to the machine's sophisticated features, which include a drop-in bobbin system that prevents jams, automated tension adjustment, and an adjustable speed control.
The Elna Elnita ec60 is light-weight and transportable, making it convenient to use for extended periods of time. The machine also includes a foot control, which makes it simple to manage the sewing machine's speed while allowing your hands to be free to control the cloth.
Introducing the sleek and powerful Brother CS7000X Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine in a dazzling shade of white! Crafted with a sturdy metal frame, this 14-pound powerhouse is designed to effortlessly handle any project you throw at it.
Imagine a world of endless possibilities with 70 built-in stitches that cover everything from utility to decorative, heirloom to quilting, and seven one-step auto-size buttonholes for flawless closures every single time. Tired of fumbling with threads? Say hello to the hassle-free automatic needle threader and top bobbins that never jam!
But wait, there's more! The CS7000X offers an expansive needle-to-arm workspace, making those grand quilting dreams a reality. And don't forget the bonus goodies—a wide table, 10 sewing feet, and a quilt guide—all in the box, ready to fuel your creative fire.
Heading to a sewing class or on a crafting adventure? No problem! This beauty comes with a protective hard case, ensuring your machine stays as pristine as your stitches.
With its fixed needle bar for pinpoint accuracy and a modern design that screams "creativity at its best," the Brother CS7000X is more than a sewing machine; it's your sewing soulmate. Order now and redefine your craft!
- Fantastic for novices
- Simple to use
- Light-weight and transportable
- Includes a wide table
- Unsuitable for heavy materials or free-motion quilting
- Problems with needle placement can occur
- Restricted functionality for knowledgeable users
Working with Elna Lotus 2
We’ll start off by saying that the Elna Lotus 2 is unlike any other sewing machine out there. Working with it feels extraordinary because of its unique construction.
To open the machine, you must pull back a small button at the top that releases the side flaps. When working on huge projects, the open flaps expand the work area, which is quite useful. When working with the free arm, the flaps slip off.
Although it is a good feature, employing the free arm makes the needle’s location in the center of the workspace less useful because it provides less support for your project.
Although the stitch length, stitch width, and stitch selection are all controlled electronically, the tension is manually adjusted. Setting the sewing machine to always stop when the needle is down was something we found to be quite intriguing.
The maximum speed may be adjusted with a slider, which is particularly helpful if you have a big foot. Even without a pedal, you can stitch by pressing the start and stop buttons. These are all lovely added details.
When the top is opened, a compartment holds the thread spool and the stitching foot that are supplied. The spool is held on the machine’s left rather than its right, which results in a somewhat different method of threading.
Winding the bobbin on the Elna Lotus 2: Pop the thread spool down after placing it in the holder. To pull the thread between the metal coil and the lever, first pull the lever into the center. Pull the thread through the small hook in the piece that is open to the right of the spool and over the top of the circle piece.
Next, manually wind the thread onto an empty bobbin, attach it to the bobbin winder, and begin winding. The bobbin can be wound by moving the winder to the right and then winding it using the start and stop button or pressing the pedal. Cut the thread when finished, and then place the bobbin in the holder next to the needle.
Threading the Elna Lotus 2: The thread needs to pass through similarly to winding a bobbin. But during threading, that area to the right of the spool needs to be closed. Pull the thread through the slot and then around the circular portion.
Raising the presser foot will allow you to access the tension discs, which are located in the slot and must be opened. Back up after pulling the thread through the slit. Pull the thread within the metal component ponting up from the top.
To elevate the needle if the metal component is not facing upward, crank the hand wheel. Pull the thread back down through the bottom slot and out the other side.
The huge metal hook will be passed through, followed by the small metal hook. Finally, lick the thread’s tip and insert it into the needle’s eye. You are then prepared to pull up the bobbin thread after pulling the thread to the left and under the presser foot.
Finally, you are prepared to sew a variety of great projects now that you are familiar with the working of the Elna Lotus 2 and are aware of how to wind a bobbin and thread this device.
Summary: Elna Lotus 2 Review
Summary
The Elna Lotus 2 is a charming and compact sewing machine that marries vintage aesthetics with modern functionality. With its iconic lotus-inspired design, it’s not only visually appealing but also incredibly portable. Despite its small size, it boasts a surprising range of features, including 18 built-in stitches, adjustable stitch length and width, and a one-step buttonhole function. The unique pop-up design reveals the machine’s working area, and it includes a convenient storage compartment. While it may not handle heavy-duty tasks like some larger machines, the Elna Lotus 2 is perfect for sewing enthusiasts looking for a stylish and versatile machine for everyday sewing and creative projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
In 1968, the Elna Lotus sewing machine made its debut. Its special qualities made it a sewing machine that was quite well-liked.
Elna is a Swiss company that formerly produced sewing, overlocking, and coverstitching machines, as well as fabric presses. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Design in Zurich, and Tekniska Museet all have Elna sewing machines in their collections.
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Happy Stitching.
I just purchased the Lotus 2 and find I cannot use my Aurifil thread because the spool is too tall. Is there a work around for this?