The Elna Excellence 780+ is part of Elna’s top-tier lineup Excellence, designed with serious sewists in mind. This computerized machine brings together precision, power, and thoughtful design in a way that makes it well-suited for everything from everyday projects to more demanding quilting or decorative work.
Overview of the Elna Excellence 780+
The 780+ is built to handle large, complex sewing projects with ease. With its spacious sewing area, advanced features, and solid construction, it’s clearly aimed at users who want performance and flexibility. Whether you’re quilting, crafting home décor, or working through multiple layers, the machine is designed to support long sewing sessions while maintaining stitch consistency and control.
Features
One of the first things you’ll notice about the 780+ is how comfortable it is to work on, especially during longer projects. The extended sewing bed and bright LED lighting create a clear, open space that’s easy on the eyes. The wide LCD touchscreen puts all the controls right at your fingertips, making it simple to choose and adjust your settings.
With more than 350 stitches to choose from, fast sewing speeds, and a generous 3MB of internal memory, this machine is built for versatility and endurance. It runs smoothly and quietly, and stitch quality remains even and reliable, even after hours of continuous use.
Specialities and Accessories
Quilters will appreciate the long arm and large throat space, as well as the extra-wide extension table that comes standard. The Dual Feed Plus system gives better control over layered fabrics, which is especially helpful for precision piecing or working with tricky materials.
You’ll also get a full set of specialty presser feet, including open-toe options for free-motion quilting. The clip-on foot system makes switching between feet quick and easy. An adjustable ruler foot is included too, giving you the option to use quilting rulers and templates for more intricate work.
Professional HP Foot and HP Needle Plate
The Professional HP foot and needle plate combo is built for accuracy. It’s especially helpful for piecing and topstitching where a clean, even seam is critical. The 1/4″ seam foot, paired with the straight-stitch HP plate, gives better visibility and helps keep curves smooth and seams straight. It’s a noticeable upgrade if you regularly do detailed work.
Dual Feed System
The integrated Dual Feed system on the 780+ works with a seven-piece feed dog to move fabric evenly from both the top and bottom. It’s ideal for matching prints, keeping layers aligned, and avoiding puckering. The detachable Dual Feed Plus unit adds even more flexibility by allowing narrower presser feet to be used without giving up that extra fabric control.
One-Step Needle Plate Converter
This feature makes it easy to swap needle plates with the press of a button. If you regularly switch between straight stitch and zigzag or decorative stitching, this saves a lot of time. It’s a simple but smart upgrade that improves both workflow and efficiency.
Stitching Capabilities
With 350 built-in stitches, a maximum stitch width of 9mm, and a 5mm stitch length, the 780+ gives you plenty of creative options. There are 11 buttonhole styles, variable zigzag and tapering functions, and support for ruler work. You also get three alphabets for adding custom text or labels to your projects.
User-friendly Controls
Despite its long list of features, the machine is easy to navigate. You’ll find all the key controls – start/stop, reverse, thread cutter, needle position, and presser foot lift – right on the front panel. Threading is straightforward thanks to the built-in needle threader, and automatic thread tension takes the guesswork out of getting your stitches right.
Instruction Manual and Warranty
Instruction Manual
The user manual is available online through Elna’s website. It’s well-organized and provides step-by-step instructions for everything from threading the machine to selecting decorative stitches.
Access the manual here.
Warranty
Elna provides a standard two-year warranty with the Excellence 780+. In the UK, you can extend this coverage by one to three years (for a total of five), as long as the extension is requested within 30 days of purchase. This gives you some extra peace of mind if you’re making a long-term investment.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Feature-Rich: Dual Feed system, HP foot and needle plate, and one-step needle plate converter make a big difference in precision and ease.
- Versatile: With 350 stitches, 11 buttonholes, and 3 alphabets, it’s suitable for nearly any type of project.
- Comfortable to Use: The ergonomic layout, large workspace, and bright lighting help reduce strain during long sessions.
- User-Friendly: Despite the advanced features, the controls are intuitive and well-placed.
- Durable Build: Solid construction and steady stitch quality even during extended use.
Cons:
- Size: It’s on the larger side, so it might not suit small spaces or users who need a portable option. you depends on your specific needs, skills, and budget. The Elna Excellence 780+ is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a feature-rich, high-quality machine and are willing to invest in your sewing endeavors.
- Price: The cost may be out of reach for beginners or casual hobbyists.
- Learning Curve: There’s a lot to learn if you’re coming from a simpler machine.
Pricing
The Elna Excellence 780+ typically falls in the $3,500 to $4,000 range in the US. While that’s a significant investment, it’s well-matched by the machine’s performance, build quality, and features. For experienced users or serious hobbyists, it’s a tool that can grow with your skills and projects.
Summary
The Elna Excellence 780+ brings together precision, power, and thoughtful features in a way that supports both everyday sewing and more demanding projects. Whether you’re quilting, tailoring, or doing decorative work, this machine handles it all with ease. With its spacious design, smart accessories, and reliable stitch performance, it’s a great option for users who want more from their sewing setup.
I have the Elna Excellence 680 and it has utility features for 1/4″ and 1/2″ needle positions for 1/4 and 1/2″ seams. Does the Elna Excellence 780+ have this feature? I know it has the 1/4″ feet but the needle option is so much better.
Thank you for this article! I have had mine for over a year and wanted a comprehensive manual, the one in the States is laughable. So happy this was out there!!