ISMACS Logo

International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society

The purpose of the International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society is to foster the collecting of, and research into, sewing machines.

Elna Sewing Machine Logo

Elna Sewing Machine Collection: Swiss Innovation Through the Decades

Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the Elna sewing machine collection. From the revolutionary green "Grasshopper" of 1940 to the advanced "Air Electronic" models of the late 1970s, Elna machines represent Swiss precision engineering and groundbreaking innovation.

ISMACS has assembled this detailed resource to celebrate the brand that pioneered numerous sewing technologies we now take for granted:

  • The first truly portable free-arm machine
  • Revolutionary lightweight die-cast aluminum construction
  • Pioneering decorative stitch capabilities
  • Advanced electronic foot controls and pneumatic systems

Whether you're a collector seeking information on model identification, a sewing enthusiast researching the capabilities of vintage Elnas, or simply curious about this significant part of sewing history, you'll find detailed specifications, historical context, and technical information throughout these pages.

Browse through our model guides, historical timelines, and reference materials to discover why these machines remain both functional tools and coveted collectibles decades after their introduction.