Elna’s Excellenc line is known for its reliability and attention to detail, and the 720 Pro is no exception. Built with precision and durability in mind, this machine is a solid option for quilters, dressmakers, and anyone who needs a heavy-duty workhorse that can keep up with demanding projects.
In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the features that set the 720 Pro apart – from its construction and stitch quality to its usability and accessories. Whether you’re sewing daily or tackling larger quilting projects, this breakdown should help you figure out if the 720 Pro is a good fit for your workspace.
Overview of the Elna Excellence 720 Pro
The Elna 720 Pro draws clear inspiration from industrial machines. It’s computerized, powerful, and built to handle both speed and precision. What really stands out is how thoughtfully the features are laid out – aimed at serious sewists who want both control and performance without too many frills.
This machine isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. Instead, it focuses on being really good at the fundamentals: smooth stitching, solid construction, and consistent results.
Structure and Build Quality
The 720 Pro has a sturdy aluminum body that feels ready for anything you throw at it – especially long hours of sewing or heavier fabrics. Its flat-bed design mirrors what you’d see in an industrial setup, which gives you a stable and spacious surface to work on.
With a footprint of 516mm wide by 300mm tall and weighing around 11kg (about 24 lbs), it’s clearly meant to stay put in your sewing space. The weight works in its favor when it comes to vibration and noise – it stays steady and runs quietly even at higher speeds.
Professional HP Foot and HP Needle Plate
One of the standout features is the professional its High Performance (HP) foot and matching HP needle plate. These are designed specifically for high-precision stitching, especially when sewing curves or doing topstitching. You get excellent visibility around the needle, and the machine includes a one-step needle plate converter, which makes swapping plates quick and easy.
This combo is especially useful for piecing and quilting, where even slight shifts in fabric can throw off your results. It’s a thoughtful addition that helps elevate stitch quality without needing constant manual adjustments.
Dual Feed System
The 720 Pro uses a seven-piece feed dog system, which helps guide fabric smoothly and accurately – particularly useful when working with multiple layers or tricky materials. Combined with the dual feed and a powerful motor (one of the fastest in this class), it gives you great control whether you’re doing detailed quilting or general sewing.
Everything feeds evenly, which is key when you’re matching seams or aligning prints. This system makes the 720 Pro especially reliable for patchwork and long seams.
Lighting and Workspace
Lighting is often overlooked, but not here. The 720 Pro uses three LED lights spread across different parts of the machine to brighten your workspace. Combined with the extra-large sewing area, it’s easy to stay focused on your stitching, even during long sessions or when working on large quilts.
Another bonus is how quietly the machine runs – even at full speed, it’s not disruptive, which makes for a much more pleasant sewing experience overall.
Stitch Selection and Accessories
With 200 stitches built-in, the 720 Pro covers everything from utility to decorative work. It also includes 9 buttonhole styles and a solid kit of over 40 standard accessories. Whether you’re working with knits, cottons, or heavier upholstery fabric, the machine gives you plenty of options right out of the box.
What’s nice is that the stitch options are useful – not just filler. If you like to switch between garment sewing and quilting, you’ll find the selection practical rather than overwhelming.
Other Notable Features
There are a few more thoughtful additions worth calling out:
- Horizontal rotary hook system for smooth bobbin performance
- Built-in needle threader to save time
- Manual thread tension control for greater accuracy
- Adjustable knee lifter for hands-free presser foot lifting
The machine reaches speeds up to 1200 stitches per minute, which is especially helpful if you’re working on bulk projects or need to get through long seams quickly.
Pros and Cons of the Elna Excellence 720 Pro
Pros:
- Sturdy and reliable build – Solid aluminum frame for long-term durability
- Precision stitching tools – HP foot and needle plate setup really shines for accuracy
- Powerful motor and feed system – Smooth, even fabric handling and high stitch speeds
- Spacious sewing area – Plenty of room for larger projects, plus great LED lighting
- Generous stitch variety – 200 stitches with useful accessories included
- Quiet operation – Runs surprisingly quietly for a machine this powerful
Cons:
- Heavy and less portable – At 11kg, this isn’t a machine you’ll want to move around often
- No free arm – The flat-bed design limits its flexibility for things like cuffs or sleeves
- Manual adjustments – Thread tension and presser foot pressure aren’t automatic, which may be a learning curve for beginners
- Higher price point – It’s a serious investment, better suited to intermediate or advanced users than casual hobbyists
Final Thoughts
The Elna Excellence 720 Pro is a workhorse machine aimed at experienced sewists who prioritize stitch quality, workspace, and build. It’s not packed with gimmicks – it focuses on giving you the tools to sew precisely, efficiently, and comfortably. If you’re mainly working on quilts, garments, or home decor projects and need a machine that can keep up without fuss, the 720 Pro is a strong contender. Just keep in mind that it’s built for those who are ready to commit – not necessarily for beginners testing the waters.