I purchased my used Elna T-33 (the grandmother or great grandmother to the Elna 664 Pro). She has proven to be such a faithful serger. So, I thought it would only be appropriate if my next serger would be the same brand. After some research I discovered that the Elna brand was now being produced by Janome. I was a little hesitant to purchase from Janome because I wasn't sure if this company could "deliver" the same durability and performance as my T-33.
A little over a year ago, I visited a nearby dealer who sold Janome machines. The dealer demonstrated the Elna Pro 664, but I wasn't ready to purchase because I had already purchased a new sewing machine and wanted to learn its features first. So, I left empty handed.
About a year later, I purchased my Elna 664 Pro (04/2015). I thought it was time for a new serger. I did not know how much I was missing! How could I have gone so long without these wonderful new stitches I can now serge. Although my T-33 doesn't make as many wonderful stitches as the Pro 664, she is still working just fine, and I will not put her away until she decides she wants to retire.
A little over a year ago, I visited a nearby dealer who sold Janome machines. The dealer demonstrated the Elna Pro 664, but I wasn't ready to purchase because I had already purchased a new sewing machine and wanted to learn its features first. So, I left empty handed.
About a year later, I purchased my Elna 664 Pro (04/2015). I thought it was time for a new serger. I did not know how much I was missing! How could I have gone so long without these wonderful new stitches I can now serge. Although my T-33 doesn't make as many wonderful stitches as the Pro 664, she is still working just fine, and I will not put her away until she decides she wants to retire.
There are some noticeable differences between the two:
Elna 664 Pro vs Elna T-33
The Elna Pro is a little quieter, but who knows how long She is loud
this will last as she is put through hours of use.
With the Elna Pro I can do more decorative stitches.. I can only do a basic stitch, rolled
and narrow hem.
When it comes to thick fabric, she needs a little help; She is not afraid of thick fabric
however, there is an adjustment knob you can turn when
working with thick fabric.
Threading the lower looper of the 664 Pro is Supposed to I self-thread
be easier with the added Self-threading lower looper.. There are
times when I feel they slow me down because I have to
"Self-thread" them.
The 664 Pro has a Built-in program reference panel.. This The Elna T-33 has a manual and
feature is really convenient when switching to a different stitch... only 3 types of stitches you need to learn
you don't have to look for your misplaced manual.
The 664 Pro has the tilted needle bar for easy threading. I can thread the needle just fine.
Sometimes/days this is true. It does get easier.
The Elna 664 Pro requires a special needle (HAx1sp which might ) The Elx 705 serger needle is required.
be interchangeable with the Elx705) that I have to
purchase online because the dealer does not carry them
Overall, the 664 Pro is a nice little serger. Her seams turn out beautifully. I have put every stitch to the test and love all of the them. In the beginning, I found this serger to be a pain to operate until I felt comfortable learning how to use her. Now she has almost obtained the same status as her grand/great grand mother.