Elna eXcellence 790 Pro Review: A Powerful Quilting and Sewing Machine Built for Precision

The Elna eXcellence 790 Pro is part of Elna’s high-end Excellence lineup, designed for sewists who want power, space, and smart features all in one machine. Whether you’re quilting full time or working on detailed garments, the 790 Pro is built to handle it all with ease. It offers a combination of thoughtful design and practical features that make a noticeable difference when you’re deep into a project.

Overview Elna eXcellence 790 Pro

This model is clearly made with serious sewists and quilters in mind. It has a full-aluminum body for stability and durability, and the extra-large sewing area gives you the freedom to manage big projects without feeling cramped. The machine is solid, responsive, and packed with helpful technology that supports precision work across many types of sewing.

Elna Excellence 790 Pro Sewing and Quilting Machine
Elna Excellence 790 Pro Sewing and Quilting Machine

Features of the Elna eXcellence 790 Pro

From the touchscreen interface to automated tools that save time, the 790 Pro is focused on making your workflow smoother. It’s well-equipped for both utility sewing and decorative stitching, and many of its features are built to reduce the effort needed for setup and adjustments.

Design and Construction

The flatbed design mirrors what you’d find in professional studio machines. This model doesn’t include a free arm, but the wide surface more than makes up for it in workspace. At 17.3 kg, it’s not lightweight, but the added weight keeps it steady during high-speed stitching. Everything about the build feels durable and designed for regular, intensive use.

Display and Interface

The 7-inch full-color touchscreen is one of the highlights here. It’s large enough to navigate menus easily, and the display is bright and sharp. Settings are well-organized, and it doesn’t take long to get comfortable using the interface—even if you’re transitioning from a more basic machine.

Elna Excellence 790 Pro Display
Elna Excellence 790 Pro Display

Sewing and Quilting Area

With 343 mm of throat space and 140 mm of vertical clearance, this machine gives you plenty of room to maneuver bulky quilts or layered garments. The included extension table expands your workspace further, and the built-in accessory case keeps your tools close at hand while keeping your surface clear.

Built-in Stitches and Fonts

There’s no shortage of creative options with 400 built-in stitches, including 12 automatic one-step buttonholes and three alphabets. Whether you’re adding monograms, working on heirloom details, or using utility stitches, there’s plenty of variety to support your projects. Stitch width goes up to 9 mm for bold decorative work, while smaller widths are available for finer detail.

Advanced Functions

Several advanced features help take the guesswork out of sewing. The dual feed system helps feed multiple layers evenly, which is especially useful for quilting and slippery fabrics. The one-step needle plate conversion makes switching plates easy and quick, and the superior needle threader, auto tension control, and presser foot lifter all help streamline setup and transitions between techniques.

Lighting

Lighting is well-distributed across the workspace thanks to nine bright LEDs spread over four key zones. The setup makes it easy to see your stitching clearly, even in the evening or on darker fabrics.

Additional Functionalities

The Excellence 790 Pro also boasts a number of functional buttons, such as start/stop, reverse, and automatic-lock stitch. It also features an up/down needle position with a memory function, automatic and programmable thread cutter, and a speed control slider.

Elna Excellence 790 Pro Quilting Sewing Machine
Elna Excellence 790 Pro Quilting Sewing Machine

Connectivity

The USB port supports firmware updates and importing stitch data, which is helpful for anyone using the Stitch Composer software or other PC tools. There’s also a remote thread cutter port for optional accessories.

Storage and Portability

Despite its large size, the machine is thoughtfully organized. Accessories are stored in the extension table and a separate case, so everything stays tidy. While it’s not something you’ll move around often, it’s easy to pack up and store if needed thanks to the integrated storage design.

Elna Excellence 790 Pro Storage
Elna Excellence 790 Pro Storage

Accessories

Presser Feet and Needle Plates

The included accessories are extensive. You get 21 presser feet to cover nearly any technique, from basic sewing to quilting, free motion work, and buttonholes. The needle plate options include a standard zigzag plate, a straight stitch plate, and the HP professional-grade plate for precision work.

Other Tools and Add-ons

Extras include bobbins, a seam ripper, a needle set, spool holders and nets, a quilting bar, a knee lifter, and a large foot controller with a thread cutter switch. A touch panel stylus helps keep the screen clean and easy to use. The machine also comes with Stitch Composer software and a semi-hard cover for protection between uses.

Elna Excellence 790 Pro Needle Plate
Elna Excellence 790 Pro Needle Plate

Sewing Comfort and Storage

The adjustable knee lifter and extra-wide extension table help keep you comfortable during long sessions. It’s easy to customize your setup, and everything you need is within reach. These small touches can make a big difference when you’re working for hours at a time.

Protective and Software Add-ons

The included software suite adds more value, especially for quilters. Quilt Block Advisor helps with layout planning, while Stitch Composer lets you create or customize stitch designs. A screensaver is also included to personalize your machine.

Pricing

The Elna eXcellence 790 Pro is priced in the premium range, typically between $3,500 and $4,000 depending on the retailer. This reflects its professional-grade features, extensive accessories, and durable construction. For those who sew regularly and need a machine that can handle a wide range of tasks with precision, the price is justified.

Final Thoughts

The Elna eXcellence 790 Pro is a strong contender for sewists who want more than the basics. It handles heavy use, supports creative flexibility, and includes thoughtful details that make sewing easier and more enjoyable. From large quilting projects to precision garment construction, this machine is built to keep up.

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