How to sew a cell phone cover

Posted on August 6, 2020August 6, 2020 by Empisal

06 Aug

When you leave your cell phone lying around, it can get dirty quickly, or even worse, damaged. Cell phone covers are quick to make, and with a bit of creativity, you can easily sew your own customised cover that is stylish, functional and keeps your phone a little more protected. Learn how to do just that in this innovative and fun sewing machine project with step-by-step instructions to guide you through the entire process. Happy sewing!

Here is what you will need to get started:

Sewing machine
Fabric
Felt
Pins

Step 1

Choose three unique types of fabric. One will serve as the main pocket of your cell phone cover, and the two layers will be for your cards and earbuds. Cut the main pocket to be twice as wide as your phone, plus about 2-3 inches. The other two pocket layers will be 2-3 inches plus your phone size.

Step 2

Cut three pieces of felt the same size as your phone. Pin one to the back of each piece of fabric, with the long edges pinned over to add an extra layer of protection.

Step 3

For what will be the two smaller front pieces, fold the two layers diagonally and sew along the top edges. Keep the larger back piece unfolded for now.

Step 4

Stitch the two front-pieces along each side at one edge of the back piece. Fold over the back piece to cover the entire case.

Step 5

Sew along the bottom and sides. After you have finished sewing, cut off any extra fabric from the sides. Turn inside out to reveal.

Step 6

Grab your cards, cell phone, and earbuds. All done!

Empisal is a leading supplier of sewing machines, overlockers, ironing equipment, and haberdashery items. At Empisal, we are not only a trusted sewing brand on the market, but more so your creative assistant. We provide top quality and affordable sewing machines for novice and more advanced sewers. For more information, contact us today and let us know what you need, and we will present you with a range of viable options.

Sewing machine project: Fun Fashion

Posted on August 3, 2020July 17, 2020 by Empisal

03 Aug

The reversible wrap skirt is a must-have item in your wardrobe because of its versatility, comfort, and stylish flair. Because of the lack of structure and fastening, this skirt is suitable to wear year-round and is flattering to every figure. If you are a fashionista looking for a fun, new sewing machine project to revitalise your wardrobe, read on. Let’s create that innovative signature piece!

The reversible wrap skirt

Here is what you will need to get started:

Empisal sewing machine
Overlocker
Wrap skirt pattern (any basic A-line or flared skirt pattern)
2 contrasting colour/patterned fabrics of the same weight
3-4 spools matching thread
Buttonhole foot

Steps

Sew and repeat:

If your pattern has darts, sew them first. Repeat for the lining.
Join the front pieces to the back piece at the side seams. Repeat for the lining.
Overlock the side seams to finish the raw edges. Repeat for the lining.
Press the seams and darts. Press the side seams towards the back, and the darts towards the side seams. To reduce the bulk, press the seams and darts the opposite way on the lining.
Finish the raw edges of the hems with the overlocker. Sew up the hems. Ensure that the length of the skirt and lining are equal.

Joining the layers:

Join the lining to the skirt along the edges of the front pieces. Remember to place right-sides together.
Turn the skirt right-side-out and top-stitch along the edges of the front pieces.
Join the waistband pieces at the centre-back seam or side seams (refer to your chosen pattern). Press the seams open to reduce bulk.
Secure the skirt pieces together along the top edge with staystitching. Join the waistband to the skirt.
Sew a buttonhole at the side seam of the waistband.
Join the two layers of the skirt together at the side seams on the hem.

Tips

For best results, we recommend that your two chosen fabrics be of the same weight or similar fibre content to ensure an even drape when wearing the skirt.
Join the skirt hems together before attaching the waistband instead of sewing two separate hems to prevent the underlayer from showing.

Go green with reusable grocery bags

Posted on July 8, 2020July 1, 2020 by Empisal

08 Jul

Are you keen to scope out some new, easy sewing projects? How about sewing your own reusable grocery bags? These grocery bags, perfect for fresh produce, are gorgeous and functional, all the while helping you to reduce waste and save the environment, too. Follow our simple step-by-step guide here.

What you will need

The sewing equipment required includes:

Your affordable sewing machine
Your overlocker
A pretty fabric of your choice (78cm x 35cm, seams included)
2 colourful cords (80cm long)
Iron
Pins
Scissors
Fabric marker
Safety pins

Step one

Start by folding your chosen fabric in half, with the right-hand side in the fold. Pin the side seams by placing your pins crosswise, and sew. Remember to secure the stitches on both sides of the seam.

Step two

Next, overlock the cut edges of the seams using your overlocker to reduce the risk of fraying. Turn the fabric inside-out.

Step three

Fold over the open side by 1,25cm, and again with the same size fold. Pin in place and press the folded upper side with an iron. Sew to create a tunnel for your cord. Place the safety pin through the cord and slide it along the tunnel.

Step four

Iron and enjoy! Feel free to get creative by including a buttonhole to make your grocery bag even sturdier. You can also choose to embroider the front portion of the bag if you wish.

Looking for the right equipment for your sewing projects? Look no further than Empisal. Contact us now for more details regarding our sewing equipment, affordable sewing machines, and overlockers.

Learn to Sew Elegant Lavender Sachets

Posted on July 1, 2020July 1, 2020 by Empisal

01 Jul

Lavender is an aromatic plant used in arts and crafts and in this step-by-step guide you will learn to sew beautifully-scented lavender sachets for your wardrobe. Some people have lavender readily available and growing in their gardens. The sachet will be a small aromatic bag fashioned out of cloth filled with fragrant ingredients or herbs. You will place your sachet in your wardrobe or drawer leaving your clothes smelling fresh.

What you will need for this project

Sewing equipment
An affordable sewing machine
An overlocker
Scissors
Ruler or measuring tape
Pins
Paper
Teaspoon
Fabric offcuts (this should be light in weight)
Satin ribbon (if you want to use it)
Matching thread
Dried lavender

Step one

Once you have gathered all your sewing equipment together, draw a square using a pencil on a piece of paper measuring 10 x 10cm and then cut it out. The allocated seam area is 1cm and has been included in the previous measurements. Therefore the finished sachet will be a 9 x 9cm square. You can change these dimensions should you wish. Cut out the pattern as many times as you like depending on how many sachets you want to make. Each sachet requires two pieces of the pattern.

Step two

Pin the two pieces of pattern together with the right sides facing inwards. On the outside of the sachet measure 2,50cm from each side and mark it. This will be the opening where you will stuff your sachet with dried lavender.

Step three

Having an affordable sewing machine available to stitch your sachet using your sewing equipment and the thread is very handy. Start 1cm away from the edge, from one side of the opening to the other. Strengthen the start and end-point by sewing back and forth. Overlock the one side of the outward-facing piece using the three or four thread overlock stitch. Using overlockers will be worthwhile in investing in, for this project.

Or on your sewing machine use reverse-pattern foot number 1, plain seam number 1, and then stitch length 2.

Step Four

Using your scissors cut away the corners, carefully. Turn your bag inside out. Ensure that the corners look good.

Step Five (This step is optional)

Some people like their sachets to hang in their wardrobe so you can use a 1cm wide satin ribbon or anything similar to attach to your sachet. Cut the ribbon to 20cm in length. Pin the end pieces of the ribbon to one corner on the right side of the sachet then pin the other part on the right side facing inwards. The sewing equipment you gathered at the outset of this project, make it easier to be organised and get the job done smoothly.

Step Six

On one side of the sachet mark the opening using a pencil and stitch it using your sewing machine.

Step Seven

Turn the bag inside out and press it out.

Step Eight

This step involves filling the sachet with lavender. You can dry fresh lavender or buy it dried. Fill the sachet with 5-6 teaspoons of dried lavender.

Step Nine

Once you have completed filling the sachets you can stitch the openings closed using a sewing machine. Having an affordable sewing machine at your disposal means you can get the job done easily. Use Edgestitch and foot number 10, plain seam number 1, the stitch length 2,5 on the sewing machine. The needle will be on the far left side. You can use overlockers in this step to complete an overlocking stitch. You need to stitch the sachet all the way around and repeat this for each sachet you make.

Your lavender sachet sewing project is now complete and you will have fragrant smelling clothes from now on! It’s a simple project that has a wonderful end result. We hope you have enjoyed the learn to sew elegant lavender sachets step-by-step guide.

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

How to Make Handy Decorative Fabric Pots

Posted on June 15, 2020May 13, 2020 by Empisal

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 June 8, 2020May 13, 2020 by Empisal

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.

Understanding the Nap and Print Direction of Fabrics

Posted on May 12, 2020 by Empisal

12 May

If you have recently purchased a sewing machine with the sole purpose of making items of clothing or quilts, there are a few important considerations to address before getting started. Once you understand how to operate your sewing machine and when exactly to put your sewing equipment to good use, you should start learning all about the fabric itself.

Most of the time, especially when making clothes for wintertime, the fabric in question will have what is called a ‘nap’. Furthermore, when working with patterned fabrics for dresses and shirts, for example, you must be aware of how to manipulate the direction of the fabric to ensure symmetry. Here is a breakdown.

What is the ‘nap’?

The nap of a piece of fabric refers to the raised, fluffy side which is traditionally placed on the inside of the garment for maximum comfort and warmth. However, some sewing professionals choose to do it the other way around, keeping the smoother side on the inside and embracing the softer effect for the outside. It is a personal choice, so feel free to experiment.

Also, keep in mind that placing the nap vertically can give the illusion of a slightly darker shade. You may opt to pair up vertical and horizontal naps for a textured effect, or you may opt to keep your garment consistent. Either way, it is important to be aware of how the nap is placed and why.

What is print direction?

Print direction is exactly that – the direction that the fabric print faces. Usually, you will need the print to remain consistent at all times. It is, therefore, essential that you pay close attention to this direction throughout your project, especially if you are making a quilt.

The best way to get symmetry when making a quilt that has a square in the middle and is surrounded by strips is to cut two horizontal strips and two vertical strips. Be sure to sew them in the right order and you will be able to keep them all pointing in one direction.

In search of a trusted sewing machine and equipment supplier? Along with affordable sewing machine models, Empisal can supply you with other must-haves, including overlockers and steam presses. Get in touch today to learn more.

How to Sew a Crib Sheet

Posted on May 5, 2020May 12, 2020 by Empisal

05 May

Spending most of your time adhering to social distancing recommendations? If so, you are likely to be feeling the effects and battling the boredom by now. What better way to keep both your hands and your mind occupied than by embarking on a few new sewing projects, such as sewing a crib sheet for a baby or a toddler? Grab your sewing machine, overlocker, and your sewing equipment and follow our simple guide below.

What you will need

About 1.8 meters of fabric
Trim to 175 cm x 115 cm
2.3 meters of elastic
Fabric marker
Fray Check
Large Ring Micro Tip Scissors
Pins
4 spools
Overlocker
Elasticator Foot

Step one

You will start by marking your corners. Take your rectangular-shaped fabric and fold one corner at an angle of 45 degrees. Measure 20 cm in from the corner and use your fabric marker to mark a line. The line should fall at a 90-degree angle from the raw edge. Pin together and repeat on the other three corners.

Step two

Your next step is to start sewing. Use the standard tension, differential feed, and stitch length settings. Set the cutting width to 7 mm. Do the same with all of the corners and finish off by securing with Fray Check.

Step three

Next, you will add the elastic, which will allow for a snug fit on the crib’s mattress. You will need your Elasticator Foot for maximum accuracy. Be sure to trim away the seam allowance and sew all the way around. If you have only ever tried your hand at easy sewing projects, you might want to perfect this skill using scrap fabric first.

Step four

Wash and use!

Do not forget to choose Empisal as your trusted supplier for all your sewing project essentials. We can provide you with everything from overlockers to steam press options and more. Contact us today.

Find Inspiration for Your Next Quilting Project on Instagram

Posted on April 8, 2020March 30, 2020 by Empisal

08 Apr

Cannot get enough of creative quilting projects? The best place to look for inspiration is on Instagram! Here are four of the top quilting-related accounts that you should be following from here on in.

Freebirdquiltingdesigns

This Australian quilter is well-known for her incredible free-hand, longarm quilting creations as well as her exceptional detailing. She definitely has a penchant for floral quilting designs and most of her masterpieces have a classic feminine look and feel.

Quiltingjetgirl

This US-based quilter is a great source of inspiration if you are someone who enjoys experimenting with bright and vibrant colours in your quilting projects. Her use of colour and her mind-boggling geometric designs are definitely sights to behold.

Sassyquilter

This American quilter has experience on her side; she has been embarking upon extensive quilting projects for over 10 years. She is known for incorporating more than one pattern into her work, often pairing two completely different motifs for an edgy, ultra-creative result. Her quilts are talking pieces, to say the least.

Myquiltinfatuation

This quilting professional is another quilter based in the States. She has even written a book about the art of perfecting the craft. She celebrates shapes in her quilting projects, often emphasising patterns with a stark contrast between white and brighter colours.

Lilysquilts

This quilting professional is from the UK, and specialises in simpler and subtler designs. But, that definitely does not mean that they are any less stunning. She has also recently started making branded quilts as well as quilts that celebrate favourite TV shows, such as Game of Thrones and RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Now that you are fully inspired, it is time to get started on a new quilting project of your very own.

In need of new sewing equipment? Empisal has got you covered. From an affordable sewing machine and overlockers, to steam presses and embroidery machines, we have it all. Contact us today.

4 Great Accessories and Gadgets for Your Sewing Machine!

Posted on April 1, 2020March 30, 2020 by Empisal

01 Apr

So, you have invested in an affordable sewing machine, as well as the basic sewing equipment, and you have loved every minute of the sewing projects that you have undertaken ever since. Now it is time to take things up a notch and treat yourself to an array of accessories and gadgets. Here are four of the ones that you will definitely want to add to your wish list.

Magnetic Seam Guide

If you are new to the sewing world, you will have noticed just how challenging it can be to keep a straight seam. That is where the magnetic seam guide comes in. Secure the gadget onto your needle plate and line it up with the required seam allowance. Then use it to guide the fabric through the sewing machine. Effortless!

Mini Iron

Mini irons are incredibly versatile sewing accessories because they can be used to not only iron out seams but also to experiment with applique. Its compact size means that there will not be a single crease in sight – not even in those little corner nooks.

Slip Reduction Mat

A slip reduction mat will help to reduce the risk of any sewing mishaps by – you guessed it – preventing slips. They come in especially handy if your affordable sewing machine is quite small or lightweight. They dampen the machine’s vibrations, reduce noise and help to protect the surface on which you are working.

Pattern Notcher

Anybody who uses their sewing machine to make items of clothing will absolutely adore the little gadget that is the pattern notcher. It saves time by marking key locations on your chosen pattern. It does this by cutting tiny notches into the edges of paper patterns.

When looking for an affordable sewing machine, a steam press, overlockers or the best sewing accessories look no further than Empisal. Contact us today for more information regarding our products.