Elna #1
Updated: 2026.04.08
The Elna #1 is often referred to as the Elna Grasshopper because of its color, small size and folding motor controller knee bar that resemble the legs of a grasshopper.
Elna International Corp. SA stepped into the sewing machine world in the late 1930s with a completely different take on what a home machine should be. Working with Tavaro SA and led by engineer Ramon Casas Robert, the focus was on building something lighter, more practical, and easier to live with than the big, cabinet-mounted machines from companies like the Singer Corporation. That thinking turned into the Elna #1 Grasshopper sewing machine in 1940, a compact, portable machine that looked and felt like nothing else at the time. Its release ran straight into World War II, which slowed things down early on, but the design was clearly ahead of its time and helped put Elna on the map for thoughtful, user-focused machines.
All metal carry case
Not only does the case protect the machine, it folds out to convert the machine from free arm to a flat bed machine. Next time I have this machine in the shop I will get some photos of the machine and case in the flat bed configuration.
3/4 sized machine
This 3/4 sized machine is smaller than you might expect, so I’ve given some items for scale. The drink can is the typical 12oz. and the machine in the background of the second photo is a full sized Elna Super.
A few detail shots
Specifications
| Brand | Elna |
| Model | Model #1 – Grasshopper |
| Made In | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Years Produced | 1940 to 1952 |
| Hook Type | Rotary hook with a horizontal, drop-in bobbin |
| Bobbin | Class 15A “Elna type” part number 426000 |
| Bobbin Case | Internal |
| Needle System | 15×1 |
| Construction | Steel and molded aluminum |
| Construction Drivetrain | All metal |