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seeking advice on Elna Press or similar

MartensChr | Posted in Equipment and Supplies on

Hi– for a long time I have wanted to get an ironing press, like an Elna Press or Singer. I’m referring to the kind that looks like two ironing boards that you sandwich fabric between, close the “lid” to press a large area. Can anyone comment on whether these presses are actually possible to use well, are they useful, recommend a brand etc.? What to look out for either to avoid or to be sure the feature is present? Prices range rather dramatically and it is not easy to find these items in stock to look at. Thanks for all help

Replies

  1. alotofstitches | | #1

    Elna press

    I have the Euro-Pro because I was looking for the large press with the steam feature.  I love my large press although I prefer to use a spray bottle of water rather than the steam.  I purchased it for fusing interfacings as I do a lot of tailoring--it's worth it's weight in gold!  I also use it for tablecloths, pressing pre-shrunk fabrics, etc.  Cannot be used for clothing!!  Jeans legs don't even work well.  This one has 100 lbs. pressure I believe and does give a good fuse as it heats on both beds.  It has a cloth cover on the bottom bed but I use a large muslin sheet over the bottom, lay the pre-shrunk fabric item down, add the fusible that is cut exactly as fabric item, then spritz with water--you can actually see the interfacing shrink!, then I cover with another muslin sheet on top and close the lid.  I do use a clock to time it.  I do not use it for pre-shrinking wools, etc.  I still send those to the cleaners because I like the results better.

  2. flytootall | | #2

    I have the Elna Press 1004 and it's worth its weight in gold.  I paid $400 for it around 1995 or 1996.  It has a 10-second timer on it to let you know when it's done pressing. I've never had any problems with it.  I heard bad things about Singer.  I bought a Conair steam press from Marshall's a few months ago for $70, but I'm going to return it, since I don't need two.  I thought I'd get it since it was such a good price in case my other one quit working, but like I said, who needs two?  I only use if for fusible interfacing.  The guy selling it to me said he uses it for all his clothes.  I don't believe him, as it would be a hassle to iron a shirt on it.

    1. HelgaPataki | | #3

      similar equipment different separate features

      Its really sad to give up your good equipment because getting it back costs more.  If you have storage space or display space for it so you can use it readily, wouldn't it be worth it?  Even though both equipment basically offer the same initial function, wouldn't each have its special features that you can rely on in the future?  You can set both up according to special use?  When I gave away my baby lock to my sister-in-law, I decided I did not need 2 sergers.  That one has 3 threads and my new one is a Janome and it has 4 threads.  I still have attachments for the bernina baby lock like for elastizer and gathering, and luckily I am allowed to reclaim my equipment because my sister-in-law felt I am at an advantage to sew for her rather than having her keep it for herself.  Its still at her house, but this is an example of why I am hesitant to get rid of perfectly good stuff.  Like, I don't have accessorized attachments for my Janome, but with both sets of equipment, I am pretty well covered for more tasks in my plans.  What do you think?  Couldn't you keep one in the laundry room and the other in the sewing room? or something like that? 

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