Comparison of the Elna Excellence 580+ vs 680+ Sewing Machine

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

Elna Excellence 580+ Sewing Machine
Elna eXcellence 580+ Sewing Machine

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.

Elna Excellence 680 Plus Sewing Machine
Elna eXcellence 680 Plus Sewing Machine

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 sizeW475 × H316 × D223 mmW475 × H316 × D223 mm
Machine weight9.8 kg10 kg
Bed typeFree arm / flat bed convertibleFree arm / flat bed convertible
Free arm (length from the needle)100 mm100 mm
Sewing spaceW 210 x H 120 mmW 210 x H 120 mm
Control panel / Screen type and sizeTouch panel / LCD (W 25.5 x H 68 mm)Touch panel / LCD (W 25.5 x H 68 mm)
Horizontal rotary hookXX
Spool pinHorizontal typeHorizontal type
Auto declutch bobbin winder with thread cuttersXX
Easy and guided threading system with thread cutterXX
Needle threaderBuilt-in Superior SystemBuilt-in Superior System
Upper and bobbin thread sensor
7-piece retractable feed dogXX
Dual Feed System
Thread tension controlSemi-automaticSemi-automatic
Presser foot pressure adjustmentManualManual
Extra-high presser foot positionManualManual
Clip-on easy conversion presser footXX
One-step needle plate conversionX
Professional HP needle plate and HP foot
Lighting4 white LEDs in 2 areas6 white LEDs in 3 areas
Adjustable knee lifterX
Stitch reference chartTop coverTop cover
Accessory storage (continued)Accessory caseArm, Top cover, and Elna side storage
Remote thread cutter portX
USB port
580+680+
Number of stitches120170
Maximum stitch width (mm)79
Maximum stitch length (mm)55
Number of buttonholes710
Special functions: Variable zigzag, Tapering, Ruler work
Typefaces / Alphabets1/21/2
Max. stitches in combination5050
Maximum sewing speed (spm)820100
Variable needle positions1591
Stitch Composer Software
Memory (combinations)TemporaryTemporary
FUNCTIONS WITH
EASY-ACCESS BUTTONS
580+680+
Start / StopXX
ReverseXX
Automatic lock stitchXX
Up / Down needle positionXX
Automatic presser foot lifter
Automatic thread cutterXX
Bobbin winder

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