Comparison Overview of the Elna Excellence 580+ vs 680+
The Elna Excellence 580+ and Elna Excellence 680+ sewing machines are impressive machine from the Excellence line from Elna. They can be great options for any sewing enthusiast, combining comfort and stability with their stylish design and vibrant metallic finish. With a variety of utility and decorative stitches, these machines serve a range of creative potential. For a full list of the features that comes with each machine, check out the Comparison Table at the bottom of the page.
Stitch Width and Alphabet
With the Excellence 580+, you can select from 120 stitches, with a stitch width of 7mm, excellent for a range of standard sewing projects. The 680+, however, elevates the game with 170 stitches and a broader stitch width of 9mm. This wider width opens up additional possibilities for decoration and monogramming.
Superior Needle Threader
Both the 580+ and 680+ feature the superior needle threader. This advanced design helps you avoid time-consuming threading, allowing you to start sewing swiftly with extreme precision and accuracy.
Accessory Storage
An exclusive accessory compartment makes these models extremely user-friendly. The 580+ comes with 9 presser feet, providing a respectable variety for your sewing tasks. However, the 680+ comes with 15 presser feet, offering a more extensive range of sewing options.
Operational Features
The eXcellence 680+ has the unique feature of a knee lifter, which allows you to raise and lower the presser foot while keeping your hands free for your work. Additionally, you can attach a remote foot controller, available separately, to cut the needle and bobbin threads simultaneously with a simple press of the pedal. These features are absent in the 580+ model, making the 680+ a more ergonomic and efficient choice.
Function Buttons
Both models make operation incredibly simple with direct access to crucial functions through function buttons. These buttons allow control over start/stop, reverse, lock stitch, up/down needle position, and thread cutter. A touch panel on both models enables easy control and selection of stitches and functions.
Machine Dimensions and Weight
Both models have identical dimensions, with a size of W475 × H316 × D223 mm and a minor difference in weight, with the 580+ weighing 9.8 kg and the 680+ weighing 10 kg.
Lighting
The Elna Excellence 680+ stands out with its superior lighting, offering six white LEDs in three areas, compared to the 580+ that has four white LEDs in two areas. This additional lighting can make a significant difference when working on intricate designs.
Number of Stitches and Buttonholes
The 680+ comes with a wider variety of stitches and buttonholes, boasting 170 stitches and 10 buttonholes compared to 120 stitches and seven buttonholes in the 580+. This gives users a broader creative palette to work with in the 680+ model.
Maximum Sewing Speed
The 580+ has a maximum sewing speed of 820 stitches per minute (spm), while the 680+ significantly slows the pace down to 100 spm, potentially offering greater precision and control.
Accessory Storage and Additional Features
The 680+ outperforms the 580+ by providing more storage options, including an arm, top cover, and Elna side storage. It also has a unique feature of the remote thread cutter port, which is absent in the 580+.
In conclusion, while both the Elna Excellence 580+ and 680+ sewing machines offer a host of impressive features, the 680+ pulls ahead with its wider stitch width, additional stitches and buttonholes, better lighting, and special operational features. The 580+, however, wins on speed, which may be a determining factor for some users. Choose the one that best aligns with your specific sewing needs and preferences.
Needle Positions
The 680+ takes the lead again with 91 variable needle positions, offering an outstanding range of precision and control, compared to the 15 needle positions in the 580+. This expansive range makes the 680+ more adaptable to intricate sewing projects.
Temporary Memory
Both the 580+ and 680+ come equipped with temporary memory, allowing you to save your favorite stitch combinations for later use. This feature can be a great time-saver, particularly for repetitive sewing tasks.
Function Buttons
While both models have the start/stop, reverse, automatic lock stitch, up/down needle position, and automatic thread cutter functions, only the 680+ has the automatic presser foot lifter. This feature adds an extra layer of convenience, allowing you to raise and lower the presser foot automatically without having to manually manipulate it.
Thread Cutter
In both models, there is a built-in thread cutter for easy and convenient thread trimming. This feature adds efficiency and saves time, particularly when handling large sewing projects.
One-Step Needle Plate Conversion
Only the 680+ has the one-step needle plate conversion feature, a boon for those who often switch between standard and straight stitch needle plates. This feature significantly simplifies the process, making the 680+ an attractive choice for users who value ease and convenience.
Pricing
Pricing is a vital aspect to consider when comparing the Elna Excellence 580+ and 680+.
Elna Excellence 580+: Given its feature set, this machine is likely to be priced in the mid-range, typically around £800 to £1,000. This price includes the machine’s broad range of stitches, user-friendly features, and impressive design and build quality.
Elna Excellence 680+: With its wider array of stitches, additional presser feet, and superior features like the knee lifter and remote foot controller compatibility, the 680+ is likely to be positioned in the higher price range, typically around £1,200 to £1,500.
Summary
So the Elna Excellence 580+ and 680+ are both two powerful and user-friendly sewing machines packed with features to meet a variety of sewing needs. While they share many similarities, the 680+ is the more advanced machine with its broader stitch width, greater stitch variety, superior lighting, additional needle positions, and unique operational features. The 580+ is not a bad machine by any stretch and comes out ahead in a few categories such as the faster sewing speed and a slightly lighter weight. Your choice between these two models should simply depend on your sewing needs, preferences, and the complexity of your projects. Whether you choose the 580+ or the 680+, you’re getting in a machine that blends functionality with comfort and style.
Comparison Table
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a feature-by-feature comparison of the Elna Excellence 580+ and 680+. This detailed table will give you a clear understanding of what features comes with each model:
| 580+ | 680+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Machine size | W475 × H316 × D223 mm | W475 × H316 × D223 mm |
| Machine weight | 9.8 kg | 10 kg |
| Bed type | Free arm / flat bed convertible | Free arm / flat bed convertible |
| Free arm (length from the needle) | 100 mm | 100 mm |
| Sewing space | W 210 x H 120 mm | W 210 x H 120 mm |
| Control panel / Screen type and size | Touch panel / LCD (W 25.5 x H 68 mm) | Touch panel / LCD (W 25.5 x H 68 mm) |
| Horizontal rotary hook | X | X |
| Spool pin | Horizontal type | Horizontal type |
| Auto declutch bobbin winder with thread cutters | X | X |
| Easy and guided threading system with thread cutter | X | X |
| Needle threader | Built-in Superior System | Built-in Superior System |
| Upper and bobbin thread sensor | – | – |
| 7-piece retractable feed dog | X | X |
| Dual Feed System | – | – |
| Thread tension control | Semi-automatic | Semi-automatic |
| Presser foot pressure adjustment | Manual | Manual |
| Extra-high presser foot position | Manual | Manual |
| Clip-on easy conversion presser foot | X | X |
| One-step needle plate conversion | – | X |
| Professional HP needle plate and HP foot | – | – |
| Lighting | 4 white LEDs in 2 areas | 6 white LEDs in 3 areas |
| Adjustable knee lifter | – | X |
| Stitch reference chart | Top cover | Top cover |
| Accessory storage (continued) | Accessory case | Arm, Top cover, and Elna side storage |
| Remote thread cutter port | – | X |
| USB port | – | – |
| 580+ | 680+ | |
| Number of stitches | 120 | 170 |
| Maximum stitch width (mm) | 7 | 9 |
| Maximum stitch length (mm) | 5 | 5 |
| Number of buttonholes | 7 | 10 |
| Special functions: Variable zigzag, Tapering, Ruler work | – | – |
| Typefaces / Alphabets | 1/2 | 1/2 |
| Max. stitches in combination | 50 | 50 |
| Maximum sewing speed (spm) | 820 | 100 |
| Variable needle positions | 15 | 91 |
| Stitch Composer Software | – | – |
| Memory (combinations) | Temporary | Temporary |
| FUNCTIONS WITH EASY-ACCESS BUTTONS | 580+ | 680+ |
| Start / Stop | X | X |
| Reverse | X | X |
| Automatic lock stitch | X | X |
| Up / Down needle position | X | X |
| Automatic presser foot lifter | – | – |
| Automatic thread cutter | X | X |
| Bobbin winder | – | – |