International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society

Fostering the collecting of, and research into, sewing machines.

REVOLUTIONARY ELNA DEVELOPMENTS

and Developments of Particular Interest and Brief Elna History and Stitches Created by Elna 1994

This information provided to ISMACS courtesy Elna USA

Early contributors to the invention of the sewing machine included Barthelemy Thimonnier, 1829, (chain stitch), Elias Howe , 1845, (double lock stitch), and John Kaiser, 1882, (zig zag stitch). Following is a brief history of Elna sewing machines and stitches whose development has played a major role in the evolution of the modern household sewing machine.

In the late 1930's a refugee from the Spanish Civil War, Dr. Ramon Casas, approached a Swiss manufacturer and supplier of fine timing mechanisms named Tavaro S. A. with designs he had developed for a sewing machine. Elna sewing machines were developed using Casas' ideas and are still manufactured by Tavaro S. A. in Geneva, Switzerland.

1940	Elna I The first compact, free arm machine — light in weight, die-cast metal, with a built-in motor and sewing light. Its metal carrying case doubled as an auxiliary sewing table. Signature Elna green finish.
1952	Elna Supermatic Introduced zigzag stitching and a unique "brain" using Elna Discs to produce utility and decorative stitches. First machine to offer true forward-and-reverse stretch stitches — well ahead of its time. Stitches Introduced (ED = Elna-Disc) ED 01 – Overcasting Stitch ED 02 – Darning Stitch ED 05 – Scalloped Edging ED 14 – Shell Stitch (also listed as Blind Stitch) ED 19 – Edging Stitch ED 101 – Turkish Hemstitch ED 107 – Herringbone Stitch Forward-moving Stretch Stitches Quick Seam – ideal for lingerie and knits Serpentine – elastic and edge overcasting Stretch Blind Stitch – great for knit hems True Forward/Reverse Stretch Stitches Reinforced Straight Stretch – for heavy fabrics Feather Stitch – suited for spandex and decorative work
1953	Stitches Introduced ED 14 – Blind Stitch (also listed as Shell Stitch) ED 126 – Point de Paris
1957	Stitches Introduced Parisian Hemstitch — a machine stitch mimicking traditional handwork.
1959	Stitches Introduced ED 140 – Venetian Hemstitch — used for entredeux trims or inserting lace.
1960	Stitch Popularized ED 107 – Elastic Triple Seam. Originally introduced in 1952 (as Herringbone); rose in popularity with stretch fabrics.
1963	Stitches Introduced ED 149 – Overlock Stitch — the first overlock available on a home sewing machine.
1964	Elna Star Series A group of models offering varied stitches, available in both free-arm and flatbed formats. First domestic machine line to introduce electronic foot control (in 1968). Models included: Elna Supermatic, Star, Zigzag, and EC. Notable Feature Electric motor with automatic clutch, manufactured in-house by Tavaro S.A.
1965	Stitches in Use ED 125 – Tricot Stitch. Introduced in 1955, but became widely used with the rise of stretch fabrics.
1968	Elna Lotus Series Designed by Raymond Loewy. Compact model with integrated sewing table, case, and accessory box. Received international design awards. Featured a horizontal rotary hook and fold-out flaps. Innovation First household machine to include electronic foot control with variable speed and full needle penetration at low RPMs.
1969	Elna Lotus-sp Special variant expanding the Lotus range. Stitches Introduced ED 152 – Superstretch and Knit Stitch — designed for soft sweater knits
1972	Elna SP (Special) Enhanced the Elna Star line with new features. Stitches Introduced Multistretch Stitch (Elna TSP)
1974	Elna TSP (Top Special) Top-tier model in the Elna Star series.
1975	Elna Lotus-tsp Introduced dual sewing programs: automatic and superautomatic stitches.
1977	Elna Lotus Convertible Flaps replaced the case — fold out to form a sewing table, remove to reveal the free arm. Stitches Introduced ED 163 – Double Overlock — resembled commercial serging, suited to lightweight fabrics and sweater knits
1978	Elna Air Electronic Featured air-powered foot control, permanent magnet motor, Synchrocolor stitch selection, and convertible base.
1979	Elna Air Electronic Duplex Flatbed/free-arm variant designed for standard sewing cabinet openings.
1980	Elna Stella Air Electronic Replaced the Lotus line. Updated styling and improved free arm. Retained the air-powered control and Synchrocolor.
1982	Elna Carina Elna's new top-of-line model. Introduced updated motor, raised needle stop, snip cutter, bobbin lift system, clip-on feet, redesigned base and stitch table. Stitches Introduced ED 165 – Superoverlock — inspired the 4-thread mock safety stitch on home sergers ED 166 – Sideward Darning Rhodes Hemstitch — decorative, honeycomb-style effect

Other Stitches Pioneered by Elna

Interlock
Triple zigzag
Three-stitch zigzag
Automatic darning
Wide variety of other decorative stitches

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