Elna 8300

Machine embroidery

Module: Embroidery machine

⚐ to improve | ☸
⚒ 2021/02/20 |
See also

* Brother PR1050X

See also

* Brother PR1050X

* Quality: to improve

## Contents

* 1 Introduction
* 1.1 Features
* 1.2 On-machine interface
* 1.3 Hoops
* 1.4 Firmware
* 2 How To
* 2.1 Barebones of the embroidery procedure
* 2.2 USB key
* 3 Maintenance
* 4 Trouble shooting
* 4.1 Thread tension and broken threads
* 4.2 Rethread
* 4.3 Ugly noise and nest
* 5 Software
* 6 File formats and conversion software
* 6.1 File formats
* 6.2 Conversion software
* 7 Links

## Introduction[edit | edit source]

The Elna 8300 experience, now also sold as eXpressive 820 and its almost identical sister Janome MC 350 are mid-end computer-controlled embroidery machines for the consumer market.

Elna 8300 embroidery machine sitting in a down-town Geneva University Office ...

At TECFA, we acquired one on May 11 2011 and this page includes some tips and tricks for this model. So far we found the Elna 8300 easy to use and easy to learn. I never touched an embroidery machine before and didn't touch a sewing machine in the last 20 years. Threading with this machine is much easier than I remember. I addition, the sales person will show how to do this. The user interface also is straight forward as you may learn from our short description below. All information we needed was found in the manual, i.e. we skipped the free class that was offered when we bought it. - Daniel K. Schneider 11/22 May 2011. Then years later I still believe that this is a good machine, since more modern machines don't have free arms anymore (12/2021).

See also:

* Brother PR1050X (our favorite)
* Computer-controlled embroidery and sewing. General information about this type of technology and related software is available there.
* Other articles in the computerized embroidery category.

Reasons for buying this model can be summarized as "satisfycing". I roughly looked at the following important criteria:

* Must be robust (no major complaints in forums, 3 year guarantee or better). We got a five year guarantee.
* Must be available in a local shop (for repairs and advice). That rules out Brother for Geneva.
* Must be reasonably priced
* Must be reasonably precise (no complaints in forums)
* Must have a relatively easy interface
* At least a medium-sized 20x14cm hoop and a very small hoop 5x5cm or smaller
* Must be somewhat known. Elna/Janome are respected brands
* Assistance with threads, i.e. sensors to check if threads run out and a needle threader (works fine).

Elna stitching anchor

Not important criteria:

* Built-in designs and fonts (since these can be had via software)
* Sewing (this model can't)
* Very large color screen (nice to have, but not worth the money)
* Stitches / minute (machines that go really fast are too expensive)

The following fairly important criteria that were not met:

* Automatic thread cutting without de-threading (don't know if that exists)
* Free basic editing software (but Wilcom TrueSizer works well)
* Free basic digitizing software (dreaming here ...)
* Clear explanations of what the software featured by the brand (usually in the CHF 2000 range) exactly can do compared to the competition or brand-independent software.
* Multiple needles, e.g. be able to print with six threads (much too expensive, not available in this price range)
* Automatic adaptation to fabric (probably on expensive machines only)
* Machine must be able to read several file formats (few can do more than one it seems. This model only reads *.jef)

After two days of playing around (part-time), we are happy with this purchase. The machine is really easy to operate and seems to operate fine. We cannot judge the precision of stitching since we don't have any machine to compare with.

We didn't take any software decision yet. The data with respect to (somewhat) affordable software - less than 2000 - are very obscure. Ideally I would like to get software that can both vectorize (translate pictures to vector graphics) and digitize (configure fills and lines of vector graphics with stitches), and edit vector graphics. So far, we are quite happy with the free Stitch Era embroidery software‎‎ and we may stick to this one.

### Features[edit | edit source]

Stitching is done by moving a hoop (embroidery frame) in two axis under a fixed needle. The hoop is attached to a built-in carriage that will stick out on the opposite side of the user.

The model also has two practical built-in sensors (one for the thread and the other for presser bar up/down)

It has some built-in memory (how much?) and can read USB memory sticks and PCMCIA cards. There is no direct PC connect, but it seems that one could attach an external drive.

The machine comes with two hoops (A and B, see below) and others can be purchased. Also included: some bobbins, cleaning brush, two screwdrivers, ...

### On-machine interface[edit | edit source]

This interface is well explained in the official paper manual. However, we found it useful to create a short summary here.

Elna 8300 Interface - Select a built-in Design

The Interface is used through a grey-level touch-screen and is easy to learn. Designs + edit screens are available through a TAB menu at the right: Built-in patterns (1), letters (2), PCMCIA card (3), USB (4) and Edit (5). As soon as a design is selected, the user is in Edit mode.

Yet different configuration and screens and help are available through the Mode button (11) available in the lower left (e.g. change the hoop size). In addition page next/previous buttons (7 and 6) allow to cycle through sub-screens.

Summary of key features:

* Basic Editing: Allows to reposition, rotatwill e in 90 angles, flip (mirror) and resize 90-120%
* Designs can be selected from both internal and external support, i.e. from USB memory sticks and some kind of PCMCIA memory cards. The latter are used to sell additional (read-only?) designs. Files can be saved from the machine to the USB card and the other way round.
* Stitch counter and time of stitching estimation

Configuration:

* To enter Interface configuration: Click on the Mode icon, then select Set. On different sub-screens using the next/previous buttons you then may adjust things like speed (between and 750), thread selection, interface language, inches/cm, etc.
* The mode button also allows to home/deploy the carriage.
* To change hoop size, enter Edit and then press the hoop symbol on top (so it's not in the configuration).
* There is also a possibility to recalibrate the touch screen (if needed).

### Hoops[edit | edit source]

Part of the standard package:

* Hoop A: 12.6 x 11.0 cm (5 X 4 3/8 in)
* Hoop B: 14.0 x 20.0 cm (5 1/2 X 8 in)

These hoops are compatible with Janome MC10000, MC10001, MC300E, MC350E, MC9500, MC9700 and Elna Expressive 820.

Acquired apart:

* Hoop C: 5.0 x 5.0 cm free-arm embroidery
* Hoop D: 23.0 x 20.0 cm (Giga Hoop). This hoop needs special software support if I understand right and has to be turned in the middle of a "print".

### Firmware[edit | edit source]

The 8300 firmware can be updated

## How To[edit | edit source]

### Barebones of the embroidery procedure[edit | edit source]

We assume that you should figure out how to

(1) Selecting a design

* Select a design (either built-in or from a USB memory stick)
* It must be in *.JEF format !

... see the picture above
Elna 8300 Interface - Edit

(2) Editing (e.g. position, size and rotation adjustments)

* Tab on the Edit button.
* Position the design. You either can use the arrow keys or use a finger. Since you can add 1-line phrases to a design, you first must select the object to be moved.
* Rotate or flip up/down or left/right if needed. Attention: Rotating several times is not the same as flipping (try out with some words)
* You then can slightly adjust the size (90-120%)
* You also can change the hoop (press the hoop symbol on top). Make sure that you have the right one
* Click OK. You should see "Ready to sew"
* Finally, you also could look at the colors used and then decide what threads you will use (press for example the color list button)

(3) Prepare the fabric

* Most fabrics require the use of one or more stabilizers. "Common forms of stabilizer for embroidery sewing are fusible, adhesive, tear-away, heat-away or washaway" (Elna 8300 manual: page 44).
* Read Hooping and stabilizing in computerized embroidery

(4) Insert the fabric in the hoop

* Position the fabric over the hoop (lower part). You can use the template that comes with each hoop (big plastic cards) to help with positioning. I.e. use a washable pencil to mark the origin (this starting point is usually in the middle of the drawing).
* Clip the top on the fabric and tighten the screw by hand (lightly)
* Then adjust the fabric and remove the template if it's still there.
* Then tighten with the screwdriver (not too much I think)
* Insert the thread if not already done so
* Clip the hoop onto the carriage

Elna 8300 Interface - Ready to sew

(5) Consult design information and test the surface needed

* Press the Trace outline button (3), in order to make sure that you won't stitch into the frame !! Unlike some other machines, the Elna will not inhibit you from stitching into the frame.
* Usually, the origin of a design is in the middle of the "drawing". But if I understood right, it can and is positioned in other places, e.g. lower left (Xmin/Ymax) for letterings. Another good reason for tracing the outline ...
* You could adjust the carriage (hoop position) with the left/right up/down arrow (jog) buttons (2).
* Also, as the "Ready to sew" figure shows you get a lot of other useful information: (a) recommended tension for the needle thead, (b) sewing time, (c) number of colors that you could change with the color selection key, (d) size of the design, and (e) appropriate hoop and its dimensions. However, you are free to select another hoop, just make sure that is not too small and well positioned (!).
* Finally, you could decide to start printing only at a given color. Use the next/previous section keys (just below the sewing information, not numberd in the figure)

Elna 8300 Interface - Pause

(6) Print

* The machine will tell you what area it will stitch and what thread color is needed. The area to be stitched will be drawn in black. At this point you can of course to decide using a different color. Sometimes the color may be wrong, since color numbers are not standardized...
* Press the start button (next to the needle). Do a few stitches then press stop to cut the dangling thread, then press start again.
* The interface will change, i.e. you will see a stitch count and stitch -/+ keys (2). You also can look at this manually by pressing the jog/ST toggle button (3) .
* Change the thread when the machine will ask you.
* If the thread breaks, the machine should stop and ask you to insert it again. In addition, you can press the - button to backtrack a bit since you likely lost some stitches. A single press goes 10 stitches back/forward.
* ... enjoy

(7) After printing

* Press the Return carriage key (4). You also retract it to left/close through the mode button.
* Cut the dangling threads.

### USB key[edit | edit source]

* I tried a standard 4MB USB key
* Before using the memory stick, turn of the machine, then insert it, then turn the machine on. It will create the following folder and subfolder structure.

EmbF5

MyDesign

Insert your stitch files in this MyDesign directory !

If this doesn't work:

* On the Elna, click on mode.
* Then click right arrow (change page) until you see formatting. Format the USB key (this will erase all prior data)
* ... This may take a long time

File names

* Use rather short file names, else you won't be able to distinguish different versions. The Elna only display part of the file name.

Important - Different hoop sizes

* After reading the USB stick, the Elna will display files sorted by hoop size and these groups are shown in different pages.
* E.g. if you started working with Standard hoop A (let's start small) and then add Large Hoop B designs, the Hoop B designs will not show on the first "screen", event if there is plenty of space left. Click on the right arrow (next page) in order to see these. I lost about 2 hours with this thinking that my *.jef files were somewhat corrupted...

## Maintenance[edit | edit source]

There is only one regular task. The machine is autolubrificating, i.e. doesn't require any oiling

Clean out the lint from the hook/bobbin area

* Remove the steel plate with the little white screwdriver
* Remove the bobbin
* Remove the bobbin case (and remember how to put it back!)
* Clean the hook area and the removed bobbin case with one of the following methods: (a) Air spray, (b) lint brush and soft cloth, (c) a mini vacuum cleaner.
* Put the bobbin case and the bobbin back.

## Trouble shooting[edit | edit source]

### Thread tension and broken threads[edit | edit source]

Tension of the upper thread

* Start by setting the upper thread tension to 2 with the wheel that is inside the top of the machine
* If stitches are not tight, then tighten, however this may augment the "pull". Therefore go slowly, e.g. from 2.0 to 2.5
* If the thread breaks (and not because the thread is somehow stuck), then you could make tension a bit less tight.

A upper thread that is too loose can cause a nest in the lower part. In that case take the smaller screwdriver and remove the plate, then take out the mess. Finally tighten the tension and start again.

Lower thread breaks

* Make sure that the thread is correctly inserted and that the bobbin is correctly wound and that the bobbin wheel is not dammaged.
* Clean the bobbin case. Look at every angle, including the space between the notch and the black case, i.e. where the thread goes through.
* You also may have to much tension, but I suggest first looking at the first two points above.

Tips

After a broken thread, make sure to backtrack (pressing the minus sign will go 10 stitches backwards).

... All of that is perfectly well described in the manual.

### Rethread[edit | edit source]

If you get a "rethread message" for the bobbin plus a little nest underneath the tissue:

* Check the upper thread. It's quite likely that you made a mistake when you inserted the thread, e.g. you may have missed the "arm" that goes up and down". This happened to me and lost 1 hour checking the bottom of the machine for some failure or stuck bobbin thread.

### Ugly noise and nest[edit | edit source]

You very likely did not correctly thread. In particular, check the arm the moves up and down, the thread must go through it !!

## Software[edit | edit source]

See also: Software and formats for embroidery

A dark area (and that includes all other vendors) is software. It is difficult to find clear informed comparative evaluations of software. Also, prices are too steep. E.g. an extension for an old (!) Illustrator version (Embroidery i2) costs about 6000$, Corel draw extensions with lesser functionality (Wilcom DecoStudio and Embroidery Software) are well over 2000.

It is not clear what exactly the programs specifically made for Elna/Janome (Digitizer EX V 3.0 / Janome Digitizer Software Series) can do besides vectorizing, lettering, digitizing both fills and lines, plus some motif work for stitches and fills. E.g. no explanation is given how the bitmap tracer would work or whether there is a little support for drawing (probably not) and how well various vector graphics can be imported. Elna claims that traced bitmap files can be re-edited. Janome claims that BMP,JPG,PNG,PCX,WMF,EMF and EPS can be imported (no AI or SVG). Does this work with Digitizer ? These programs probably are user friendlier, but much less powerful in terms of vector graphics. In addition, there may be better support for the 8300 model, e.g. for the giga hoop.

If you want to see some of the first designs we made, read Stitch Era embroidery software, the free software we settled down with for the moment. As far as we can tell it is as powerful as any other high-end consumer product, though probably not as friendly for non-technical novice users. However, if you got some experience with any kind of 2D drawing program like Illustrator or Flash Professional and may with some 3D modeling or CAD/CAM software (for the idea that a vector drawing is not the final thing), you can learn its essentials fairly quickly.

Janome MC350 embroidery machine (almost identical model from the parent company)

## File formats and conversion software[edit | edit source]

### File formats[edit | edit source]

Supported File format is *.JEF

When you download or buy designs, make sure to acquire a scalable file format such as PES or better, one of the formats that is used by design software to store all the data used to create a design. Formats that only include stitches like JEF can't get edited easily !

### Conversion software[edit | edit source]

Wilcom TrueSizer

WILCOM TrueSizer, made by the high-end design suite specialists is a free converter that can write *.jef files

* It cannot import Bernina *.art files. But you could install the free Bernina Artlink and export to some other formats. E.g. I managed to export a *.art file from Artlink as *.sew (randomly chosen) and then imported it to TrueSizer and then saved it as *.jef.

You also can try Pulse ambassador, a free program from the other well known high-end software company.

## Links[edit | edit source]

It is very difficult to find online instruction manuals. We only got a print manual when we bought the machine.

Official

* Elna.com. On the official Elna sites, there is no interesting technical documentation

Manuals

* Search for "Elna 8300 Instruction Manual",
* For repairs, search for Elna 8300 Service Manual, e.g. Manualslib

Firmware updates

* Elna 8300 Mise à jour V1.10

Support forums

* Janome Forum (The Janome 350 is very similar to the Elna 8300)

Specialized topics

* Gigahoop explains how they work and also how to use EasyGigaHoop software.