Elna has built sewing machines since 1940, and the eXcellence line is where the brand puts its larger domestic sewing and quilting models. The eXcellence 710 is aimed at sewists who want a wide throat, Dual Feed for layered fabrics, and a full computerized feature set without stepping into a long-arm Pro machine.
In the eXcellence series, the 710 sits above the more compact 580+ and 680+, and below the higher-end 780+. It is made for everyday garments through bulkier quilting, with enough space and feeding help for both. US street pricing varies by dealer, so check the product box below for the current dollar price.
Key Features of the Elna eXcellence 710
Size, Workspace, and Dual Feed
Official dimensions are about 519 x 316 x 230 mm (about 20.4 x 12.4 x 9.1 in), and the machine weighs 12.2 kg (about 26.9 lb). Sewing space is 280 x 120 mm (about 11 x 4.7 in) to the right of the needle, with a free arm of about 150 mm (about 5.9 in). That extra harp room is the main reason quilters look at the 710 instead of the 680+.
The standout hardware feature is Elna’s removable Dual Feed system. It feeds from the top and bottom so multiple layers move together, which helps with striped or checked matching, quilt sandwiches, and slippery or sticky pairings. A wide Dual Feed foot is included; narrower Dual Feed Plus feet are optional. You can remove Dual Feed when you want a standard presser foot for ordinary sewing.
The motor and feed give solid needle penetration on thick seams. It handles layered denim, batting-heavy quilts, and light leather or vinyl better than a light portable, within normal home-machine limits. Pair that with the knee lifter and extension-style workspace and longer sessions are less of a fight.
Stitches, Controls, and Threading
You get 170 built-in stitches, including 10 one-step automatic buttonholes and an alphabet (with capital letters and numbers available at 9 mm / about 3/8 in). Maximum stitch width is 9 mm and maximum stitch length is 5 mm (about 3/16 in). Patterns can be mirrored and combined (up to 50 stitches) in temporary memory. On the touch panel, stitches are grouped so you are not scrolling one endless list for every change.
Front controls include start/stop, reverse, automatic lock stitch, needle up/down, automatic thread cutter, a speed slider up to 1,000 stitches per minute, and direct selection for common utility stitches. Threading uses a horizontal spool pin and a built-in needle threader. The bobbin side is a horizontal rotary hook with a clear cover, guided bobbin threading with a cutter, and an auto-declutch winder. Tension is semi-automatic; presser foot pressure is adjustable by hand. There are 91 needle positions for fine placement.
Feed Dogs, Plates, Lighting, and Accessories
A 7-piece retractable feed dog system moves fabric evenly on longer seams and lighter fabrics. Drop the feed dogs for free-motion work. The machine includes both a standard needle plate and a straight-stitch plate, with one-step plate conversion. Quilters use the straight-stitch plate for cleaner piecing and free-motion support when they want a single-hole plate under the needle.
Accessory storage is generous enough to keep feet and tools with the machine. The stock kit is one of the stronger parts of the package: about 15 presser feet plus the two needle plates, covering zipper, buttonhole, 1/4 in (about 6 mm) style piecing, Dual Feed, and other common tasks without an immediate shopping trip. LED lighting covers the needle area for evening work; count and layout can vary slightly by market literature, but the sewing bed is clearly lit for a machine this size.
Setup and Ease of Use
Plan a proper unpacking: clear packing materials, mount the knee lifter, learn Dual Feed attach/remove, wind a bobbin, and thread along the marked path. The touch panel is responsive once you know where stitch groups live. Needle up/down, lock stitch, and the thread cutter become muscle memory quickly. Newer sewists may feel overwhelmed by the foot kit and Dual Feed options for a week or two; the full user manual helps with sequences and maintenance (Elna USA manual PDF).
Warranty terms depend on where you buy. Some Elna markets advertise a base period with optional registration extensions. Confirm coverage with your US dealer at purchase rather than assuming a fixed multi-year package.
Sewing Performance
Day to day, the 710 feels consistent on garment seams, piecing, and thicker joins. Dual Feed is the difference on quilt sandwiches and patterned fabrics that tend to shift. Without Dual Feed engaged, the 7-piece feed dogs and optional specialty feet still cover ordinary sewing well. At up to 1,000 spm you can sew long seams at a useful pace, then slow the slider for curves, buttonholes, and heavy spots.
The 280 mm (about 11 in) throat is a real step up for quilt tops and larger home-dec pieces compared with the 210 mm (about 8.3 in) class machines. It is still a domestic machine, not a frame quilting system. No embroidery module is included; decorative stitches and lettering cover embellishment needs instead.
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths: Wide 280 x 120 mm sewing space, Dual Feed with a wide foot included, 170 stitches at 9 mm width, straight-stitch plate in the box, strong accessory kit, knee lifter, automatic thread cutter, and enough power for thick layers in normal home sewing. It is a practical long-term machine for quilters and garment makers who sew often.
Limitations: The footprint and 12.2 kg (about 26.9 lb) weight need dedicated table space. Price sits above entry-level computerized models. Beginners can learn on it, but the feature set is more than many new sewists need in year one. No built-in embroidery.
Who the 710 Suits Best
Choose the 710 if you quilt regularly, sew garments and home decor on the same machine, and want Dual Feed plus a wider throat than the 580+/680+ class. It also suits people upgrading from a smaller computerized machine who are ready for more space and layered-fabric control.
Look at a smaller eXcellence model if desk space or budget is tight, or at the 780+ / Pro models if you want even more automation and a higher stitch count. Pure embroidery buyers should look elsewhere.
Final Verdict
The Elna eXcellence 710 is built for sewists who want power, space, and Dual Feed in one domestic machine. The strong feeding, wide stitch selection, and practical extras make it a solid pick for quilters and garment makers who sew for the long haul. It may be more machine than a beginner needs, but if you want a capable tool that can grow with thicker projects and larger quilt work, there is plenty here to justify the investment.
Manuals, warranty, and registration
Manuals: Find manuals via elna.com or your regional Elna distributor / dealer. Where available, also download the Quick Reference Guide, Quick Start guide, or sewing guide for your model.
US: US warranty and registration are usually handled by the authorized seller or Elna distributor. Keep your dated receipt.
UK / EU: Confirm warranty and registration with your national Elna importer or authorized dealer. Terms vary by market.
Official site: Elna.