Monthly Archives: May 2016

A sewing guide to different thread types

Posted on by Empisal
16 May

Visit any sewing shop and you’ll find a wide range of different types of threads, each suited to different types of sewing. Here’s a quick guide to finding the right thread for your project:

  • General purpose thread: Available in polyester or mercanised cotton, this thread can be used for sewing most types of fabrics on a machine or by hand.
  • Silk thread: Designed for sewing silks and wool, this thread is fine, flexible and won’t leave holes. It is, however, a much more expensive thread.
  • Woolly nylon thread: This loosely spun thread is used for overlockers and decorative effects. It is strong, stretchy and soft, giving the best coverage for seams and rolled edges.
  • Machine embroidery thread: This is a fine, high-sheen thread that is used in combination with bobbin fill when creating embroidery, applique, patching, quilting and more.
  • Bobbin thread: This is a fine, lightweight thread used in combination with machine embroidery thread when quilting or embroidering fabric.
  • Glow-in-the-dark thread: A fun, novelty thread, this is used in decorative sewing.
  • Metallic thread: A polyester thread with a metallic sheen, this thread comes in a wide range of colours and is used for decorative sewing.
  • Top stitching cotton: This is a thicker, strong thread used for top stitching on denim or making buttonholes.
  • Wash away thread: Highly soluble, this thread is ideal for basting stitches as they simply dissolve and wash away in water. It is often used when doing applique or quilting.
  • Decorative thread: This is a variegated cotton thread used for decorative sewing.
  • Invisible thread: This thread is transparent, allowing the fabric to retail patterns, textures and effects without revealing the stitching. This is often used in applique and quilting.

Affordable sewing equipment from trusted specialists

At Empisal, we’ve been providing high quality, affordable sewing machines, sewing kits, overlockers, haberdashery products and ironing equipment to South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa for over 35 years. Ideal for anyone who wants to learn to sew as well as accomplished crafters and professionals, our machines and equipment are reliable, precise and durable.

For more information on our sewing machines and products, please contact us today.

6 must-have tools for your sewing room

Posted on by Empisal
02 May

No sewing room is complete without these essentials, say Empisal sewing machine specialists:

  1. Measuring tape: You need one or two good quality measuring tapes. They come in a variety of lengths and sizes (with 150cm being the most popular choice) as well as combinations (cm and inches, just cm or just inches). Be sure to buy a new measuring tape every few years, as they can stretch.
  2. Point turner: This is essential for sewing corners and collars. It allows you to turn over fabric without damaging it, to create sharp creases and push out corners, and unfasten basting stitches easily.
  3. Erasable markers: It’s best to never use anything else than an erasable marker when tracing out patterns. These will make clear outlines that last while you are assembling the finished product but will completely disappear when washed. You can also get chalk pens and wheels, which are great for marking out darts and pleats.
  4. Cutting tools: These include dressmaking scissors (these are used for sewing and making clothing, and are available in right and left-handed versions), pinking scissors (for neatening edges of cottons and non-fray fabrics), needlework scissors (for snipping into seam allowances and clipping threads when handling small work areas) and seam rippers/unpickers.
  5. Fabric glue: This product prevents fraying where the fabric is clipped close to the stitching.
  6. Interfacing and stabilisers: Available in light, medium and heavyweight for different types of fabric, these are needed in pockets and collars and can be ironed on before stitching.

Affordable, high quality sewing equipment from Empisal

At Empisal, we’ve been providing high quality, affordable sewing machines, sewing kits, overlockers, haberdashery products and ironing equipment to South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa for over 35 years. Ideal for anyone who wants to learn to sew as well as accomplished crafters and professionals, our machines and equipment are reliable, precise and durable.

For more information on our sewing machines and products, please contact us today.