Seven-Needle Embroidery Machine

Elna eXpressive 970

Overview

Name: Elna

Location: Textile Area

Status: Operational

Training: Required

Slack Channel: #help-textiles-arts-and-crafts

Owner: denhac

Training

Training is required. The training only covers this machine, if you want to use the Brother embroidery machine, you must complete a separate training. Reach out in the slack channel to schedule a training.

Operation

There are two main parts to machine embroidery: digitizing designs and sewing fabric. This guide is intended for the latter. It is recommended to start embroidery with a design that is already digitized, so that you can learn about threads, fabrics, and stitch types. 

Safety

• Do not operate the embroidery machine and leave it unattended! You must be present while the machine is in use.
• Do not use the embroidery machine if there is visible or audible damage.
• Turn off the machine when attaching or removing parts like the needle(s), etc.
• Turn off the machine when threading or cleaning the machine.
• Turn off the machine when leaving the machine.

Setup

The machine has a power cord that plugs into the left side of the machine. The power button is located above this.

Before turning on the machine, change the needle(s) if necessary and make sure the machine is properly threaded. Thread the machine if necessary. If the machine is threaded but you need to change the thread color either cut the thread at the cone and tie on a new thread or rethread the machine with the desired thread.

Insert a bobbin. If there isn’t already a bobbin with thread on it or you want a different color bobbin, then you will need to wind one.

Select the hoop you will be using. Once you have selected the appropriate hoop size for your project, select your interfacing. You will then need to cut the interfacing so that it is larger than the hoop.

If you need to cut fabric for your project, then you will need to do that next. If you are embroidering an item like a shirt or bag then you don’t need to worry about this step.

Place the stabilizer over the outer hoop, then set the fabric or item over the stabilizer. Insert the inner hoop, stretch the fabric taut, then tighten the screw. Line up the hoop into the hoop supporter and slide it under the side clips.

Usage

Once you’ve threaded the machine, inserted a bobbin, and put the hoop in place. Turn on the machine. Use the LCD touch panel to find the file you created on the computer or select a preprogrammed design you want to embroider. Files need to be .JEF and fit within 7.8″ x 9.4″.

Make any necessary adjustments (spools used, order, etc.). The machine will automatically center the design in the hoop, you can adjust the placement of the design in the hoop by using the grid on the LCD screen (there is also a grid sheet that can be placed in the hoop for reference, but make sure to removed it before you start the machine).

The machine will give an approximate run time for the design. This is an estimate based on stitch speed, it could take longer. Make sure that you can be present for the entire run. You are not allowed to leave incomplete projects on the machine.

Once you press the start button it will confirm the hoop size. Press “Start” again if it is correct. You can use a larger hoop than the machine confirms, but not a smaller hoop!

The machine will start running. You can change the stitch speed on the screen (this will also change the estimated run time). If you need to pause the machine simply press the “Start/Stop” button.

If your design uses multiple colors, make sure to release each color from the spring before the machine starts using it! It will break the needle. You can program a pause between colors or simply push the “Start/Stop” button to pause it.

The machine will stop once it has finished your design.

Monitoring

• Do not leave the machine running and unattended. You must be present while the machine is in use.
• Pay attention to what you and the machine are doing.
• Make sure that the stitches are forming and that everything is running smoothly.
• Release each color from the spring before the machine starts using it.
• Keep an eye out for needles breaking.
• If the machine makes any weird noises, stop using it and report it in the slack channel.
• If the machine is not functioning properly, report it in the slack channel.

Shutdown & Cleanup

• Power off the machine.
• Remove the hoop and your project. Put the hoop back on the machine or in the desk drawer.
• Please discard all thread and any other scraps.
• If there are thread and cuttings on the floor vacuum them up.
• Empty the trash when it gets full.

Troubleshooting

Accessories

The Elna has hoops, needles, scissors, bobbins, a bobbin case, lint brush, seam ripper, handy needle threader, spool caps, spool nets, oiler, and tweezers. All of these are stored in the large desk drawer under the machine. The small accessories are kept in a clear plastic box.

Materials

The materials needed for embroidering are fabric, stabilizer, and thread. For more specific information

Information on available materials and where they can be found. Also information about any allowed/disallowed external materials.

Files & Resources

This section is for links to things like:

• Elna eXpressive 970 User Manual
• There are 6 help videos on the LCD screen
  – Winding the Bobbin
  – Threading the Machine
  – Threading the Needle
  – Stretching the Fabric
  – Attaching the Hoop
  – Changing Needles
• How to Thread the Elna eXpressive 970
• Machine Cleaning

Specifications

History

This section is for noteworthy events such as:

• Purchased new in March 2024 and arrived April 2024