Elna eXcellence sewing machines: series overview
Elna‘s eXcellence line is a computerized sewing and quilting range aimed at sewists who want more workspace, stitch options, and automation than entry-level machines offer. Official model details are on elna.com. Soft U.S. pricing spans roughly from under $1,000 on the lower Excellence models into the multi-thousand-dollar range for the Pro and flagship machines. Below is a practical walk through the main models we cover, with a full comparison table at the end. Note: some older Excellence models (such as the 710 or regional 730 Pro variants) may still appear used or at dealers; availability varies by market.
For closer head-to-head posts, see:
Elna eXcellence 580+
The 580+ is the most approachable Excellence model for sewists moving into a computerized machine. Weight is about 9.8 kg (21.6 lb), so it is steady on the table but still manageable to shift.
Standout features
You get 120 stitches, 7 buttonholes, and a 7 mm (about 1/4 in) maximum stitch width, plus a touch-panel LCD and four white LEDs in two areas. There is no knee lifter or USB port, but you do get an auto-declutch bobbin winder with thread cutters and Elna’s easy threading system. Accessory storage is a simple case. Soft U.S. pricing often sits roughly around $800-$1,000.
Elna eXcellence 680+
The 680+ weighs about 10 kg (22 lb) and keeps the same footprint as the 580+, with clearer upgrades for people who sew often.
Standout features
Stitch count rises to 170 with 10 buttonholes and a 9 mm (about 3/8 in) maximum width. You also get an adjustable knee lifter, more accessory storage in the arm and top cover, stronger lighting (six LEDs in three areas), and a Superior needle threader with an extra thread guide. Soft U.S. pricing often lands around $1,200-$1,700.
Elna eXcellence 720 Pro
The 720 Pro is a more professional, flat-bed oriented machine (no free arm) weighing about 11 kg (24.25 lb). It suits sewists who want speed and dual feed more than sleeve sewing on a free arm.
Standout features
About 200 stitches, 9 buttonholes, 9 mm stitch width, and sewing speed up to about 1,200 spm. An upstanding dual thread stand supports longer sessions, memory holds up to 20 combinations, and a removable wide dual feed helps with layered fabrics. Tradeoff: losing the free arm matters if you sew a lot of cuffs and narrow tubes.
Elna eXcellence 780+
The 780+ is the series flagship for many home sewists who want a large sewing machine without jumping fully into the 790 Pro. Weight is about 13.2 kg (29.1 lb).
Standout features
About 350 stitches, 11 buttonholes, wide and narrow dual feed, 9 mm stitch width, and about 3 MB of memory with combinations up to 100 stitches. An HD LCD touchscreen, automatic thread cutter, automatic presser foot lifter, and 10 LEDs in five areas make long sessions easier. Stitch Composer software, automatic presser foot pressure, a remote thread cutter port, and a USB port round out the higher-end toolkit. Soft U.S. pricing often sits around $3,000.
Elna eXcellence 790 Pro
The 790 Pro sits at the top of the Excellence sewing/quilting ladder for most buyers. At about 17.3 kg (38.1 lb), it is a stay-put machine built for serious quilting and large work.
Standout features
About 400 stitches, 13 buttonhole types, wide and narrow dual feed, 9 mm stitch width, 3 MB memory, and combinations up to 100 stitches. A 7 in high-definition color touchscreen, automatic thread cutter, automatic presser foot lifter, and strong LED lighting support long projects. Stitch Composer, automatic presser foot pressure, remote thread cutter port, and USB connectivity are part of the package. Buy this when you will use the workspace and quilting tools; it is more machine than casual garment sewing needs.
Also worth knowing: Elna has offered related Excellence models such as the eXcellence 710. Check current dealer stock if you are shopping a specific number, because regional lineups change.
Conclusion
Start with the 580+ for solid computerized sewing without overspending. Move to the 680+ for 9 mm stitches, a knee lifter, and better lighting in the same footprint. Choose the 720 Pro when speed and dual feed matter more than a free arm. Pick the 780+ or 790 Pro when quilting space, dual feed options, touchscreen control, and memory are central to how you sew. Match the model to weekly projects, not to the longest feature list.
Comparison Table
| 580+ | 680+ | 720PRO | 730PRO | 780+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machine size | W475 × H316 × D223 mm | W475 × H316 × D223 mm | W516 x H300 x D220 mm | W519 x H317 x D230 mm | W528 × H321 × D243 mm |
| Machine weight | 9.8 kg | 10 kg | 11 kg | 12.3 kg | 13.2 kg |
| Bed type | Free arm / flat bed convertible | Free arm / flat bed convertible | Flat bed (no free arm) | Free arm / flat bed convertible | Free arm / flat bed convertible |
| Free arm (length from the needle) | 100 mm | 100 mm | – | Extra-long (150 mm) | Extra-long (150 mm) |
| Sewing space | W 210 x H 120 mm | W 210 x H 120 mm | W 255 x H 120 mm | W 280 x H 120 mm | W 280 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) | LCD (W 78.5 x H 47.5 mm) | Touch panel / LCD (W 33 x H 67.2 mm) | LCD-HD touch screen (W 62.8 x H 110.9 mm) |
| Horizontal rotary hook | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Spool pin | Horizontal type | Horizontal type | Upstanding dual thread stand | Horizontal type | Horizontal type |
| Auto declutch bobbin winder with thread cutters | ✔ | ✔ | With independent motor | ✔ | ✔ |
| Easy and guided threading system with thread cutter | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Needle threader | Built-in Superior System | Built-in Superior System | Built-in Superior System | Built-in | Built-in Superior System |
| Upper and bobbin thread sensor | – | – | – | – | ✔ |
| 7-piece retractable feed dog | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Dual Feed System | – | – | Removable / Wide type | Removable / Wide type | Removable / Wide and Narrow type |
| Thread tension control | Semi-automatic | Semi-automatic | Manual | Semi-automatic | Automatic |
| Presser foot pressure adjustment | Manual | Manual | Manual from 0 to 3 | Manual | Automatic |
| Extra-high presser foot position | Manual | Manual | Two positions | ✔ | ✔ |
| Clip-on easy conversion presser foot | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| One-step needle plate conversion | – | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Professional HP needle plate and HP foot | – | – | ✔ | – | ✔ |
| Lighting | 4 white LEDs in 2 areas | 6 white LEDs in 3 areas | 3 white LEDs in 3 areas | 5 white LEDs in 3 areas | 10 bright LEDs in 5 areas |
| Adjustable knee lifter | – | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Stitch reference chart | Top cover | Top cover | Detachable Top cover | Top cover | Top cover |
| Accessory storage (continued) | Accessory case | Arm, Top cover, and Elna side storage | Arm, Top cover, and case | – | – |
| Remote thread cutter port | – | ✔ | ✔ | – | ✔ |
| USB port | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| 580+ | 680+ | 720PRO | 730PRO | 780+ | |
| Number of stitches | 120 | 170 | 200 | 170 | 350 |
| Maximum stitch width (mm) | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| Maximum stitch length (mm) | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Number of buttonholes | 7 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| Special functions: Variable zigzag, Tapering, Ruler work | – | – | – | – | ✔ |
| Typefaces / Alphabets | 1/2 | 1/2 | 3/3 | 1/2 | 3/3 |
| Max. stitches in combination | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 100 |
| Maximum sewing speed (spm) | 820 | 100 | 1200 | 1000 | 1060 |
| Variable needle positions | 15 | 91 | 91 | 91 | 91 |
| Stitch Composer Software | – | – | – | – | ✔ |
| Memory (combinations) | Temporary | Temporary | 20 | 50 | 3MB |
| FUNCTIONS WITH EASY-ACCESS BUTTONS | 580+ | 680+ | 720PRO | 730PRO | 780+ |
| Start / Stop | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Reverse | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Automatic lock stitch | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Up / Down needle position | ✔ | ✔ | With memory | With memory | With memory |
| Automatic presser foot lifter | – | – | – | – | ✔ |
| Automatic thread cutter | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Bobbin winder | – | – | ✔ | – | – |
Hello, I received a used Elna Excellence 680 (white and blue case), and was looking for what the difference is between that machine and the Elna Excellence 680+ (white and red case). I can’t seem to find any information online. I’m not sure of the age of the machine, but I’d guess it’s from 2015 or so. I’m wondering if you could help? Thank You!