Monthly Archives: June 2020

How to Make Handy Decorative Fabric Pots

Posted on by Empisal
sewing
15 Jun

Soft fabric pots or containers are a trendy storage solution. Use them to hold your sewing equipment, your stationery – anything really. Along with looking beautiful, creating a decorative soft fabric pot is one of the most enjoyable sewing machine projects perfect for beginners and advanced sewers alike. Here is how it is done. 

What you will need 

  • Your trusty sewing machine
  • Sewing thread that complements your choice of fabric
  • A tool for measuring
  • A hand sewing needle 

You will then need two different fabrics – one for the inside of the fabric pot and one for the outside. You will need two rectangular-shaped pieces measuring 30cm x 36cm for the inner fabric and two rectangular-shaped pieces of stylish print fabric of the same measurements for the outside. Finally, you will need two rectangular-shaped pieces of 30cm x 36cm of thin fusible craft fleece. 

How it is done 

Step one 

Start by fusing the craft fleece to the non-printed side of both pieces of your printed fabric that you will be using for the exterior portion of the fabric pot. You will then layer your pieces – the external pieces with the right sides together and the inner pieces with the right sides together. Sew the side seams on each set. 

Step two

Sew across the bottom seam on the outer piece and then the bottom seam of the inner piece, being careful to leave a 7cm opening in the bottom seam. Use an iron to press all seams open. 

Step three

You will then need to box the bottom corners of the exterior piece. Sew with a 1cm seam allowance and do the same for the inner piece. 

Step four 

Next, you will slip the inner piece into the exterior piece with the right sides together, the raw edges even at the top, and the side seams matching. 

Step five 

Prep your sewing machine for free-arm sewing and sew around the edge at the top with a 1cm seam allowance. 

Step six 

Pull the inner and outer pieces out before carefully pulling the exterior bag through the lining’s opening. 

Step seven 

Use small hand stitches to sew the bottom opening of the lining closed. Finally, tuck the inner piece into the outer piece and carefully mould the fabric pot by pushing the lining down and then pressing with an iron. Perfection!

Remember to turn to Empisal for all your sewing machine project essentials. We stock sewing equipment, overlockers, sewing machines, and more. Contact us today!

Learn to Sew the Perfect Hidden Inseam Pocket

Posted on by Empisal
sewing
08 Jun

Whether you are making a trendy summer dress or a snug pair of winter trousers, the design simply will not be complete without a pocket or two! The good news is that you do not have to be a sewing machine pro to learn to sew the perfect hidden inseam pocket into your creation. Here is how it is done. 

What you will need

In order to complete this sewing project, you will need:

  • An affordable sewing machine
  • An overlocker
  • Three – four matching threads
  • Your iron 
  • The inseam pocket pattern of your choice
  • A piece of 30cm x 80cm lining fabric
  • Two fabric cut-offs of 20cm x 6cm from your sewing project
  • The item of clothing that you want to sport inseam pockets

Step one 

Cut the facings out of the same fabric as the fabric used to create the item of clothing. Overlock the one side of the facing piece using the three or four thread overlock stitch.

Step two

Use a zig zag stitch to secure the facing on a pocket bag piece. 

Step three 

Place the pocket bag piece with the facing attached onto the side seam of the rear piece of your item of clothing (facing should be face down and on the garment’s right side). You will need to decide how far down you want the pocket on the side seam. Approximately 2cm is recommended from the waistband if the waistband rests on the hips. 

Step four 

Ensure a 1.5cm seam allowance as you secure the pocket to the item of clothing.  

Step five 

You will then need to overlock along the opening of the pocket. 

Step six 

Move the iron along the pocket bag keeping the side seam as flat as possible. 

Step seven 

Top-stitch along the opening of the pocket, being careful to place the edge of the foot flush with the seam. 

Step eight 

Repeat all steps for the remaining half of the pocket bag. Secure it to the side seam of the corresponding front piece of the item of clothing. 

Step nine 

The next step is to join the front and back of your item of clothing along the side seam. You will also need to overlock the side seam and pocket bag. 

Step ten 

Finally, iron the side seam and pocket bag towards the front. 

It is easy to learn to sew when you have the right sewing equipment on hand. For sewing machines, overlockers, and more, get in touch with Empisal today.