It struggles to sew through flat felled seams on denim jeans or anything thick/heavy. Something, and I don't know what, causes it - but sewing along then all of a sudden it's like the foot pedal sticks & the machine just sews uncontrollably - the only way I can stop it is to switch it off! It goes flat out even when it's set to slow speed. Trying to do anything special is almost impossible as I never know when this problem will arise. I have checked the foot pedal & nothing is jammed in it. I'd like to chuck this thing in the bin. I am an experienced sewer not a novice. I originally had an Elna SP which I bought it in 1973 - beautiful machine it just got old and worn out an not able to repaired anymore.

I have had this machine for a while and have sewn everything from clothes to quilts on it. I have had no problems at all and it is so easy to use. If there is a negative, it is that you need to re-set the stitch after you have turned it off, but I usually keep a jotting of exactly what I was using before I finish a session because it can be weeks until I get back to it.
I am not sure about the negative reviews - I think they must have had bad luck.
I own a vintage Bernina too, but honestly prefer this machine.
I would advise purchasing a walk...

I seem to have constant tension problems, skipped stitches etc. It seems from feedback that some machines have this problem while others are amazing. I find sewing really frustrating and will probably have to buy another machine.

Well I have just read Piccolacassa review wow!!! I am on my second Elna 40 SP machine it is the easiest machine I have ever used. if I had a machine that acted up the way you say I would contact the manufacture to have it looked at. I am a Nanna of 5 granddaughters and I use mine every day. ( my old machine still works well I figured to use an older machine that often it would arc up ).

As a costumer using predominantly industrial machines, I specifically purchased the Elina 40 for the 'one step' button hole feature for making literally hundreds of buttonholes on costumes and military style jackets. It has not missed a stitch. The only issue was the buttonhole presser foot, one of the rubber treads detached after about the 300th buttonhole. I've glued it back on.
I use the zig zag stitch extensively for organza costumes and decorations, rolling the edges , and the machine keeps going after hours and hours of solid work. ...

I purchased this machine from Spotlight and have been meaning to write this review for sometime now.
This is an extremely frustrating machine to work with. The tension is extremely temperamental and needs constant adjusting even when you haven’t changed your fabric type.
The additional stitch options down the side are great - but Elna should have placed more emphasis on getting the basic stitches and other elements of this machine right and maybe you’d be forgiven. This is not a fun machine to work with and be warned it is not a work hors...

Good machine purchased from spotlight. Needle threader broke after 2 month. Spotlight could not order replacement part and elna customer service firstly failed to ring them back several times and then directed me to a service centre 250 km away for a $15 part. If you're going to sell the machine in places like Cairns you need to provide some backup service

When a sewing machine takes over an hour to sew 6 inches, there is some serious problems, I have been sewing for over 50 years so I know sewing machines. This thing just skips, breaks needles, breaks cotton, regardless of the correct tension, correct needle, the correct thread makes no difference, will never buy an Elna ever, I would rather sew by hand.

The upper thread tension needs to be constantly adjusted for both straight sewing and zig zag stitches. It is very loose and easily pulled out. I have had to set the dial at almost seven to get the stitching anywhere near even. There is barely enough room beneath the upper housing to get my fingers underneath to change the needle. I find sewing has become a very frustrating and unpleasant experience since I purchased this machine about 6 months ago.

I just really enjoy using this machine and it's never let me down yet. I've had it over 4 years and sew all the time. It's intuitive and easy to operate and is serving me well as I delve into quilting. I don't use half of the functions available but I'm very happy with it. It's a good weight without being too heavy and it's quiet. Stitches perfect every time.

Bought this from Spotlight December 2016. Thread holder is ridiculous. Buttonholer only worked Properly for 2 buttonholes. Now I have to change the stitch code and then change it back to 16 (the code I use) between every buttonhole. Worst problem is the presser foot. Keeps stopping mid stitch. Sometimes will do this constantly ie every single stitch and sometimes will sew fine for a few minutes before stopping again. And it doesn’t always want to restart either. This is a maddening machine. Bought on sale. Should have put my mone6 towards some...

Easy to use. Only negative is that the cotton reel holder on the top is very awkward and there is no access to the small section that can hold the bits and pieces. The bed has to be removed and when you do everything falls out. Apart from that it is good. It sews rubber backed material which my u-beaut expensive Brother won't and also allows me to use shirring elastic, another item that the Brother will not allow. I am very happy with it as I purchased it on special for $299 at Spotlight but would be hard pushed to recommend it at its normal price of $899.

I bought the Elna as an upgrade from my old Elna 21. My thoughts before purchase were; it's got more features, it's newer and it's computerized among other things. – That was the huge mistake!

The machine worked perfectly well most of the time, aside from a few things.

The first and biggest flaw with this machine is the horizontal thread spool on top of the machine (as opposed to vertical spools on most other machines), having the thread orientated horizontally meant there was practically no tension on the thread as the machine sewed; it ...

I bought this at Spotlight on special for $299. It's a rebadged Janome DC2200 (in America its a Janome Magnolia 7330).

It is extremely easy to use, i just took it out of the box, wound a bobbin, threaded it and sewed...it was that easy! I pretty much only do quilts and bought this for piecing (my old machine was pulling the fabric and weighs a ton), but i have also hemmed some pants, and so far its been a dream! Fabric feeds through nicely, barely have to hold or guide it, stitches are nice and even, tension is perfect ( I only ever use Gut...

I bought my Elina 40 in May 2015 at Spotlight and I love it. I am doing sewing alterations and work on my Elina almost every day with no problem. It is so easy to stitch a buttonhole and it looks professional. The machine is user friendly. With my Elina, the best is to sew with a good quality cotton, otherwise the upper tension can be a problem.

I bought this machine to replace my old one which I have the other famous brand for 10 years. Love this machine it has a lot of functions that will never disappoint oneself. Have never enjoyed sewing that much. Price is very reasonable so no need to go for the famous brands . I will recommend to anyone.

I love this machine, I have put a long review on about how good this is, this machine has a one step button hole which is perfect for beginners and experienced sewers too, it has stitch length and width, a few useful extra stitiches and a few fun ones too and has speed control which is a big bonus for kids and when do intricate work so you don't have to worry about your foot control if you are less experienced.

I run a sewing, craft and cooking workshop and have bought 10 of these sewing machines, and will buy more in the future, they're so easy for children to use, I teach from 6 years onwards and they all feel comfortable and confident on it. It has speed control so they don't need to worry about going fast, it goes slow for them, it's easy to use, safe, has a needle threader (perfect for you too). They are strong and lightweight, it's easy to thread & has a drop down bobbin. The children have made cushions, quilts, skirts, toys, decorative homewar...

I'm really happy with my Elina that I bought myself from Spotlight for mothers day. Its really easy to use and I have had no issues with it, the self threading needle is fantastic. I even let my 5 year old daughter use it. Can highly recommend it to anyone looking for a sewing machine.

Got the Elina 40 as a Mother's Day gift. Best gift ever. Have made 4 dresses, 3 skirts, curtains and a shirt so far. I have a Bernina which is very big and heavy and has zillions of stitches that I never used and this little chap just hums along quietly.I sewed different weight stretch and cotton fabrics without any problem. The needle threader is great especially as I now don't have to peer over my glasses to thread the machine. It is a no nonsense little machine that does everything an enthusiastic home sewer can throw at it.