Love all your selfless contributions to the world of sewing. I picked up a Lotus and the machine has been my toughest challenge to date. Not from an engineering or maintenance standpoint but on a philosophical position. I claim to restore machines to bring them back to their original glory. I paid $50 for a Lotus and the fun and challenge began. Bobbin winder $50, drive wheel $50. I realized that I bring back machines that don't need expensive parts. Yesterday the bobbin pickup plastic snapped off where it meets the spring. I love the machine but it tests as a shelf queen as I am reluctant to sew with it. The plasics used in the machine we're 1970s plastics. I'm old enough that I remember when plastics were adopted by the car industry and every car had plastic stability issues. The design and engineering on this machine are a true masterpiece. Thanks again for all you do.
I had been after one of these for 40 years and finally found one at a car boot sale last year. However, when I asked the price they said they couldn't sell it as it hadn't been tried out!! But - - The seller stores stuff in a building next to my son's office and he spoke to them and they gave it to him - free!! So, now I finally have one. I have loved it for it's absolute beauty. Having used it now it sews as good as it looks, it purrs, it's solid, it's simple and practical.
+Michael vK Hej Micheal, I also got a elna lotus for little money. Unfortunately mine isn't working properly. As it is all mechanic i imagine, that it should be possible to fix it. Do you know the sewing machine technically? I would appreciate some help. The problem is, that the thread tension needs to be adjusted, every time a sew zick zack and it looks like it needs to be more adjusted on the left then on the right. I have not yet unscrewed everything that is at the bottom close to the bobbin case, as I am not sure if there is any adjustment, which I could mess up by unscrewing. I am happy for any hint
Hi, I have the Elna with dark plastic closing petals. My machine went with me to Belgium, while I stayed there for 3 months. Also take it with when we go camping.I like to stay busy.
I am a huge fan of Elna machines and the Lotus is really one of the best, it sews like an Elna and is so compact... it also has a full size motor which gives it great power too.
I have two Elnas, both inherited from my mother. The oldest one is a fifties machine and the newest an Elnita ZZ. They are very well made and nearly indestructable.
Saw your comment and wondered if u still have your manual. I cant remember what some of the dials / symbols are For. Maybe i could get a downloaded copy these days.
Hi Alex I really liked your presentation I've been working on the Elna lotus for forty years but learnt some new background facts about the designer I did not know !
+Robb Myers Hej Robb, I also got a elna lotus for little money. Unfortunately mine isn't working properly. If you know the machine technically well and you can give me some hints, i would be very happy. I explained the problem a bit in a comment below to Micheal.
Mine was called Stella Air.. my first Elna sewing machine.. passed it on to my sister.. it is still in working condition.. almost 35 , years old.. Had many Elna machines. Recently had my elna 6000 serviced.. just need to get the instruction manual.. lost it during all the house movings I had
Hello, Alex - thank you for your posts! I have the Elna Stella but no manual of course. Can you demo the oiling points? I'd be much indebted. Alternatively, if you're not feeling a vid-post in it, if you would have a schematic that shows them?. THANKS.
Thanks for sharing the awesome background on this fantastic machine. I will be on the lookout for one. I’ve owned an Elna SU since 1981and I bought the Golden Jubilee model about 5 years ago. Although, I haven’t used it much but now I plan to use it for quilting. I can’t find any where on the internet that shows you how to and where to oil the Air Electronic SU Models HELP!!
thanks I love elnas,have an elnita bought new in 1976 and an air-electronic bought in 1978 the air-electronic is the machine that has seen me though lots of sewing businesses,she sews sweetly now as I make my vintage style lingerie,jane in the uk
Hi Alex. I have a Elna electronic SU sewing machine and I love it. I've had it since late 70's I believe. Anyway I can't seem to get the cams to work properly. My husband oiled it and it runs like a caddie but not the cams, do you sell the repair manuals?? If so I'd like to buy one. Thank you
Great video. I just purchased an Elnita 240 and have tried finding info on it and can't. Do you know anything on this machine. Would like to know when it was produced, how good the machine is/was, and obtain owner's manual.
I have an Elna Stella, received as a gift without manual. I couldn't figure out the different stitches... Have you got the manual to share with me? Thanks a lot
Can you post a picture of exactly what should be in the compartment on the top of the Lena lotus machine please. Also how do I remove the front flap for sewing. Thanking you in advance. Chris
I've a TSP Lotus, it's the only machine I have ever needed. Took it to a sewing class, the teacher was sooo impressed she hunted one down to buy for her daughter who sews for a living. There really is nothing that compares to these machines. That's why I also have an Electronic Air and a TD34 Serger.
@Alex Askaroff Hi, I've just bought a Stella TSP model on which the upper tension dial was missing. Now I've found a dial but don't know it's correct orientation. How do I guage correct factory setting for the tension?
I bought one of these little wonders at the local thrift shop for only $9.99! Only problem was that it was missing the pedal, which I picked up off eBay. Alex, is there any maintenance I should perform before I start using this machine regularly?
I'm looking for someone who knows about the Elna 1500? I cannot figure it out and the manuel isn't quite right in the drawings... thank you from California.
Unfortunately the cost of living in Switzerland makes it almost impossible to manufacture sewing machines there so look for the earlier Made In Switzerland machines, they are simply the best.
I have a lotus SP, but I have one issue that I could never fix, every time I press the pedal the light goes out, when I release the pedal light comes back on. Anyone got any ideas.?
Love all your selfless contributions to the world of sewing. I picked up a Lotus and the machine has been my toughest challenge to date. Not from an engineering or maintenance standpoint but on a philosophical position. I claim to restore machines to bring them back to their original glory. I paid $50 for a Lotus and the fun and challenge began. Bobbin winder $50, drive wheel $50. I realized that I bring back machines that don't need expensive parts. Yesterday the bobbin pickup plastic snapped off where it meets the spring. I love the machine but it tests as a shelf queen as I am reluctant to sew with it. The plasics used in the machine we're 1970s plastics. I'm old enough that I remember when plastics were adopted by the car industry and every car had plastic stability issues. The design and engineering on this machine are a true masterpiece. Thanks again for all you do.
I had been after one of these for 40 years and finally found one at a car boot sale last year.
However, when I asked the price they said they couldn't sell it as it hadn't been tried out!!
But - -
The seller stores stuff in a building next to my son's office and he spoke to them and they gave it to him - free!!
So, now I finally have one.
I have loved it for it's absolute beauty.
Having used it now it sews as good as it looks, it purrs, it's solid, it's simple and practical.
+Michael vK Hej Micheal, I also got a elna lotus for little money. Unfortunately mine isn't working properly. As it is all mechanic i imagine, that it should be possible to fix it. Do you know the sewing machine technically? I would appreciate some help.
The problem is, that the thread tension needs to be adjusted, every time a sew zick zack and it looks like it needs to be more adjusted on the left then on the right.
I have not yet unscrewed everything that is at the bottom close to the bobbin case, as I am not sure if there is any adjustment, which I could mess up by unscrewing.
I am happy for any hint
I just saw your video.. in 2023! Love elna. I have an elna elnita and had forgotten how to do
Some jobs. Tks for your videos. 😊
Hi, I have the Elna with dark plastic closing petals. My machine went with me to Belgium, while I stayed there for 3 months. Also take it with when we go camping.I like to stay busy.
I have two now Alex. Looking for them ever since I watched your video last year !!! lol
My first machine! I loved the Elna Lotus to pieces!
I am a huge fan of Elna machines and the Lotus is really one of the best, it sews like an Elna and is so compact... it also has a full size motor which gives it great power too.
Alex you look fantastic in HD. Love the little Elna's too.
I've always wondered how well the Elna Lotus performed. Thank you so much for posting this, Alex. Have a wonderful day!
Few machines sew better than the Swiss Elna.
I have two Elnas, both inherited from my mother. The oldest one is a fifties machine and the newest an Elnita ZZ. They are very well made and nearly indestructable.
I owned one when I was about ten. It was a beautiful little machine. Mum upgraded me to Elna SP. And still have it.
Saw your comment and wondered if u still have your manual. I cant remember what some of the dials / symbols are
For. Maybe i could get a downloaded copy these days.
Hi Alex I really liked your presentation I've been working on the Elna lotus for forty years but learnt some new background facts about the designer I did not know !
+Robb Myers Hej Robb, I also got a elna lotus for little money. Unfortunately mine isn't working properly. If you know the machine technically well and you can give me some hints, i would be very happy. I explained the problem a bit in a comment below to Micheal.
Robb Myers a
Mine was called Stella Air.. my first Elna sewing machine.. passed it on to my sister.. it is still in working condition.. almost 35 , years old..
Had many Elna machines. Recently had my elna 6000 serviced.. just need to get the instruction manual.. lost it during all the house movings I had
Hello, Alex - thank you for your posts! I have the Elna Stella but no manual of course. Can you demo the oiling points? I'd be much indebted. Alternatively, if you're not feeling a vid-post in it, if you would have a schematic that shows them?. THANKS.
- Thanks, I bought and very pleased with your review.
Thanks for sharing the awesome background on this fantastic machine. I will be on the lookout for one. I’ve owned an Elna SU since 1981and I bought the Golden Jubilee model about 5 years ago. Although, I haven’t used it much but now I plan to use it for quilting. I can’t find any where on the internet that shows you how to and where to oil the Air Electronic SU Models HELP!!
Rosemary Proefrock does it have any red dots in places that would need oil. My old 70’s model has that feature
thanks I love elnas,have an elnita bought new in 1976 and an air-electronic bought in 1978 the air-electronic is the machine that has seen me though lots of sewing businesses,she sews sweetly now as I make my vintage style lingerie,jane in the uk
Hi Alex. I have a Elna electronic SU sewing machine and I love it. I've had it since late 70's I believe. Anyway I can't seem to get the cams to work properly. My husband oiled it and it runs like a caddie but not the cams, do you sell the repair manuals?? If so I'd like to buy one. Thank you
thank you Alex, I have an Elna Primula in my collection.
Great video. I just purchased an Elnita 240 and have tried finding info on it and can't. Do you know anything on this machine. Would like to know when it was produced, how good the machine is/was, and obtain owner's manual.
I have an Elna Stella, received as a gift without manual. I couldn't figure out the different stitches... Have you got the manual to share with me? Thanks a lot
I've got the Carina model, can't figure out the discs. Lost the manual, can't find a free manual online anywhere.
Can you post a picture of exactly what should be in the compartment on the top of the Lena lotus machine please. Also how do I remove the front flap for sewing. Thanking you in advance. Chris
I've a TSP Lotus, it's the only machine I have ever needed. Took it to a sewing class, the teacher was sooo impressed she hunted one down to buy for her daughter who sews for a living. There really is nothing that compares to these machines. That's why I also have an Electronic Air and a TD34 Serger.
@Alex Askaroff
Hi,
I've just bought a Stella TSP model on which the upper tension dial was missing. Now I've found a dial but don't know it's correct orientation. How do I guage correct factory setting for the tension?
I bought one of these little wonders at the local thrift shop for only $9.99! Only problem was that it was missing the pedal, which I picked up off eBay. Alex, is there any maintenance I should perform before I start using this machine regularly?
My neighbors wife passed away and he was going to throw it out but gave it to me! I need to learn how to sew!~
I'm looking for someone who knows about the Elna 1500? I cannot figure it out and the manuel isn't quite right in the drawings... thank you from California.
Hi i just bought one of thes but the front tension button won’t turn at all its stuck solid any ideas how to fix it?
Hi Alex, My wife has the Elna 6003 computer sewing machine do you know if the computer can be reset as it beep when you press the foot control
Elna Lotus was designed by Raymond Loewy
one of the old Elna machines had elastic gathered do you know which, I still have them just got secondhand elna57 they don't fit that one
I've just been given one of these little beauties, but alas it has a problem, I'm hoping to find a UA-cam video tutorial on how to fix it 🙂🙏
How to line up bobbin housing
They are still making these, aren't they?
Unfortunately the cost of living in Switzerland makes it almost impossible to manufacture sewing machines there so look for the earlier Made In Switzerland machines, they are simply the best.
+Alex Askaroff Hi Alex, thanks for a great video. Were the Lotus's made elsewhere as well? Which countries?
I have a lotus SP, but I have one issue that I could never fix, every time I press the pedal the light goes out, when I release the pedal light comes back on. Anyone got any ideas.?
I have the same problem
Excellent video. I just picked one up for US$18. It really is an amazing machine.
ooh, I would love to get a hold of the elna lotus.
Sew channek
😈😇😈😇😉😇😈😈😈😈😈😈😈