Category Archives: Sewing Machines

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. 

What Is the Best Empisal Sewing Machine for Professionals?

Posted on by Empisal
sewing
04 Mar

In search of a sewing machine guaranteed to satisfy the requirements of a sewing professional? You are certain to find it at Empisal. We specialise in affordable sewing machine models for both beginners and professionals. The question is, which sewing machine from our range is right for you? We break down your options below. 

EES200 Blue Empisal Electronic

The EES200 Blue Empisal Electronic is one of our best sellers and boasts 200 built-in stitches, a rotary hook, a free arm, 8 one-step buttonholes, a drop in bobbin, a needle threader, a removable accessory storage with flip cover and so much more. It weighs a total of 6,8 kg.

Empisal Creations Sewing Machine

This handy, affordable sewing machine comes with LED lighting and is designed to sew through heavier fabrics. It also features a 4-step buttonhole, 19 built-in stitch patterns, an oscillating hook as well as adjustable stitch length (0 to 4 mm) and adjustable zigzag stitch width (0 to 5 mm), just to name a few. It weighs 7,4 kg. 

Not happy with any of these sewing machine models? We also stock the Empisal Electronic EES10 Sewing Machine, the Empisal Electronic Sewing 50 and the Empisal Expression 889 Sewing Machine. Along with sewing machines, you can also come to us for a host of professional sewing equipment and overlockers. Get in touch today to learn more. 

5 Tips for Making Money With Your Sewing Machine

Posted on by Empisal
sewing machine
11 Feb

Have you found joy in exploring with your sewing machine? And, have you taken up sewing as a hobby with great success? Well, then you may be wondering how to take things to the next level to start making money by putting your most prized possession to good use. Here are five tips to keep in mind. 

Make Beautiful Home Décor 

Do you usually find yourself making home décor items in your free time, such as curtains, pillow cases and stylish tablecloths? There is a huge market for affordable, custom home décor if you know how to reach your market. Plus, it is really easy to upsell your customers. After all, if they order custom-made pillow cases, they will almost certainly be open to ordering matching curtains and a duvet cover. 

Make Designer Clothing 

Who can resist the promise of designer clothing at a much cheaper price? If you enjoy making clothes, you can turn it into a profitable business. You could make everyday fashion, bridesmaid and prom dresses, children’s clothing, the list is endless!

Offer Repairs and Alterations

Money is tight for a lot of people these days. So, there is a push for everyone to be more sustainable in any and every way possible. Hence, the reason why many will opt to have their favourite clothing and home décor items repaired rather than simply replacing them. No wonder that alterations have also become a common requirement.

Teach Sewing Classes 

Spread the joy by teaching others to sew. You would be surprised at the high demand that there is for this particular skill at the moment. People of all ages are becoming interested in learning the art of sewing.

Make and Sell Crafts 

If you use your sewing machine and sewing equipment to make unique and special crafts, why not sell them? You could do so on social media, create a website for your small business or book a stall at a craft or farmer’s market. 

In need of an affordable sewing machine, overlockers or sewing equipment for your brand new business venture? If so, look no further than Empisal! Get in touch with us today for more details about our range. 

6 Important Factors to Consider Before You Buy a New Sewing Machine this New Year

Posted on by Empisal
Sewing machine
13 Jan

Your good, old faithful sewing machine (handed down from your great grandmother) has decided to finally call it quits during the December holidays and you need to purchase a new sewing machine. So, exactly what do you need to look for in a new sewing machine? And, how do you know if it will be the perfect fit for you?

We’ve listed six important factors for you to consider before purchasing a new sewing machine:

Mechanical or Electronic?

Here is a view of the pros and cons of Mechanical and electronic sewing machines:

  • With a mechanical sewing machine, you’ll need to turn the dials manually to achieve the stitching you want, whereas, with an electronic sewing machine, it will make the adjustments for you. 
  • An electronic sewing machine will allow you to work with several layers of material – not just two layers as with a mechanical sewing machine. 
  • Electronic sewing machines are also much easier to operate if you intend on working with heavy materials such as leather, denim or canvas. 
  • However, electronic sewing machines are more expensive than mechanical sewing machines. 

Your Budget 

With a figure in mind of how much you’d like to spend on a new sewing machine, the endless options may leave you feeling overwhelmed and weighing the various pros and cons of each product. For instance, a high-quality mechanical sewing machine, such as our Empisal Creations Sewing Machine can come in at just under R2 000-00.

When buying a sewing machine, you need to choose the right product for your exact needs. If your hobbies include sewing, you don’t want to ‘over buy’. If, however, you use your sewing machine mostly for running a sewing business, we would recommend that you look at a higher-priced, professional sewing machine that can withstand continual use. A good option in such an instance would be our Empisal Electronic EES10 Sewing Machine at a price of just over R3 000-00.

The Weight and Size of the Sewing Machine 

Will your sewing machine accompany you to each craft market you are exhibiting at? Or, will it remain neatly tucked away in your sewing corner at home? These are two very important questions to consider when reviewing the various sizes and weights of sewing machines. 

If you plan to travel with your sewing machine, consider purchasing a small portable machine instead – try lifting the machine before purchasing it. If you plan to only use your sewing machine at home, then a heavier sewing machine may be more suitable as these are mostly made of metal instead of plastic. 

The Extra Features 

Essentially, you want a sewing machine that will meet all your requirements. Some sewing machines offer features that can be installed or added later, should you need to use them. Although the extras are a ‘nice to have’, you don’t want to overwhelm yourself by buying a machine that can be complicated. 

Service and Warranty 

Before making the final purchase decision, be sure to ask the sales assistant about the warranty as well as what it covers. For instance, will you be able to get your sewing machine serviced through the retailer you purchased it from, or will you need to send it away elsewhere? 

Research, Research, Research! 

You need to do your own research about choosing the ideal sewing machine which will be the perfect fit for you. Quality is always more important than the added features. 

For advice on which sewing machine will best suit your needs, contact us today for more information.

Learn to Sew: How to Find the Best Sewing Machine for Beginners

Posted on by Empisal
Sewing Equipment
02 Dec

 When you first learn to sew, the thought of buying a sewing machine can be overwhelming. Making the right choice in buying your first sewing machine is important. Not only to ensure that you enjoy the learning process, but also to ensure that you don’t get derailed by a frustrating machine.

We’ve got some tips to help you choose the right sewing machine for your experience, budget and intended projects. 

How to Pick the Best Machine When You’re Learning to Sew:

  • Budget

Your budget may be the most important factor in picking any sewing equipment. It is, therefore, important to work wisely with the budget you have to choose a machine that can take you from beginner to intermediate level. You want to pick the best machine you can afford to ensure that you don’t overspend or that you’ll need to buy a better machine in the near future.

You might be able to get a good machine second hand, but if you don’t buy from an accredited dealer, you won’t have any guarantee on the machine.  Our advice is to buy directly from a reputable dealer to get top-quality, value and support.

  • Intended use

As a beginner, you shouldn’t get distracted by machines that have all the bells and whistles if you don’t need all those extra features. If you want to use the machine now and again for simple projects, go for a basic model from a trusted brand, like Empisal.

As long as the machine has the basic features and attachments, you’ll be able to take on many projects without the added frustration of getting to know a complicated machine. For basic use, you don’t need 300 different stitch types. A straight stitch and zigzag stitch are perfect as long as you can set the length and width of the stitches.

If you are planning on sewing heavy fabrics for items such as curtains, you need to invest in a machine with a solid build and strong motor. Just bear in mind that the stronger motors often make more noise when in use.

  • Overall design

Design is so often overlooked, especially in the lower-end models. Be sure to take a thorough look at how the machine is designed before you make your choice. Are the important features easy to access? Can you quickly change the bobbin, machine foot and rethread the machine? Does it come with a light so you can see small stitches properly? Does it have a free arm that will allow you to easily manipulate sleeves and tricky parts of the fabric?

If you skip this step, you might end up with a beautiful machine that is impractical and frustrating.

  • Attachments

Additional attachments like feet won’t necessarily be useful in the beginning, but as you progress in developing your skills, attachments can easily make your machine more useful. When picking a machine, determine if it can accommodate extra attachments, how easy they are to find and to attach. By switching out a foot, you can go from straight stitches to buttonholes, blind hems and zippers. It will give you many more years of use from your beginner machine. 

Empisal has journeyed with countless sewing enthusiasts as they learn to sew. We’ve got an extensive range of sewing equipment for every project. So, contact us today for any of your sewing needs.

This Circle Skirt Is a Summer Must-Have!

Posted on by Empisal
04 Oct

 

Summer is nearly here, and we could not be more excited! Just think about all of the stunning summer fashion trends and items that you will be able to celebrate with the help of your trusty, affordable sewing machine. Looking for some inspiration to get you started? Then look no further -this circle skirt is a true summer must-have.

 

What You Will Need: 

The skirt is actually very easy to recreate, especially because it consists only of two parts, namely the elastic waistband and the other part, the half-circle base. With this in mind, you will need:

  • A lightweight, patterned material of your choice – between 2 and 3 metres of fabric should do the trick
  • An elastic band according to the size of your waist/hips
  • Thread in a matching colour
  • A sewing machine
  • Needle
  • Pins
  • Scissors
  • Chalk
  • Rotary cutter
  • Overlocker

 

How it Is Done: 

  • Fold your fabric into a half circle.

 

  • After this step, you will need to measure to separate radii. The first one will be based on the measurements of your hips, plus an additional 10 cm. For example, if your hips are 105 cm, you will add 10 cm to that and end up with 115 cm. Divide this by 3,14 to get your first radius. In this case, it would be 37 cm (rounded up).

 

  • The larger radius is determined by the desired length of the skirt. Say you want it to be 80 cm long. Then, you will calculate the second radius by adding a seam allowance of 1 cm and adding this total to your first radius. In this case, it would be:37 cm + 81 cm = 118cm.

 

  • Make the necessary measurements on the fabric and cut. Once you have done this, you can start by sewing down the side seam and the bottom seams. An overlocker will make it easier to work with the edges.

 

  • Connect the ends of the waistband to one another, so that the right side is on the right side. Stitch it, but remember to leave the hole for the elastic. Stitch it to the body of the skirt before threading the elastic through and sewing both sides together.

 

  • Finally, get out into the fresh summer air and enjoy your new creation!

 

Looking for an affordable sewing machine, sewing equipment, a sewing kit, overlockers, ironing equipment or a new steam press? Then be sure to get in touch with Empisal today!

Get to Know Your Sewing Machine’s Stitches

Posted on by Empisal
sewing machine stitches
10 Jun

People who are new to the art of sewing probably will not be aware of the fact that there is an abundance of different types of stitches to choose from. Each stitch can transform the entire aesthetic of the garment that you are working on. Because of this, it is important to get to know a sewing machine’s stitches when buying a new one so that you know what you have to work with. Some sewing machines will have a wide assortment of options, while some may only have a handful. There is, after all, only one way to find out!

Here are some tips on how to experiment with the various stitches before getting started on any new and exciting sewing machine projects:

Refer to the Manual 

This is the easiest way to find out how many different types of stitches your new sewing machine has to offer. If you bought the machine second-hand and do not have access to a manual, the stitches will also usually be displayed on a dial, an LCD display or on the body of the machine.

Disappointed with the Number of Options? 

Fear not! You can alter the look and feel of basic stitches just by changing their length or the width between each one. By changing the length, you can make a row of stitching look more or less dense. By changing the width, the row of stitching will appear wider or narrower.

Use a Twin Needle

This is a simple way in which to add some variation and character to your stitching. Do not forget to experiment with spacing the needles closer together and further apart for even more disparity and creative freedom!

Looking to invest in a new sewing machine with plenty of stitching options? Here at Empisal, we stock everything that you could ever need for your sewing machine projects from sewing machines and sewing equipment to overlockers and steam presses. Contact us today to learn more!

Cheap Isn’t Best When You’re Looking for an Affordable Sewing Machine

Posted on by Empisal
sewing machine project
01 Apr

Picking a sewing machine can be confusing! And, no doubt, you will need to do research before investing in sewing equipment. If you are just starting out, borrowing a sewing machine may be a great option. But, if that is not possible, your best bet may be to buy an affordable machine to start with.

  • Cheap Isn’t Best

You may be wondering how cheap is too cheap? If the sewing machine doesn’t at least offer a few basic features (such as a drop in bobbin and automatic needle threader), every sewing project may turn into hours of frustration and leave you overwhelmed, discouraged, and…well, ready to quit. Meaning the money you invested is wasted.

What to consider when Looking for an Affordable Sewing Machine

Here is what we recommend:

  • Buy The Best You Can For Your Budget

Remember, this an investment, so choose a machine made with quality parts – one that if it breaks, might not be worth repairing.

  • Buy From A Dealership

A dealership might not have the lowest prices; however, you will be gaining a resource – getting assistance, experience, advice and instructional classes.

  • Ask About the Warranty

What does it cover? What does it exclude?

  • Check Repair Policies

Ask about turnaround time, which can vary from days to weeks.

Ask who does the repairs. Remember, repairs made by unauthorized technicians can void the manufacturer’s warranty.

  • Room to Improve

Ask if they offer trade-ins and trade-ups. This may take the pressure off the initial purchase if you know you can get started on one and move up the line if you want.

  • Look For Sales

Sometimes, sewing machines are offered on promotions around Easter, Mother’s Day and Christmas.

Buying sewing equipment is an investment. So, don’t feel rushed or pressured. Gather as much information as you can to help you to choose an affordable sewing machine suitable for you. For more information, the best range and expert advice, contact us today.

A Beginner’s Guide To Sewing Patterns

Posted on by Empisal
Sewing patterns
07 May

Entering the sewing world is exciting. You may have just bought a brand-new Empisal Creations sewing machine and are ready to get started on some sewing projects. Looking at patterns for the first time can be daunting, as there is jargon you’re unfamiliar with and you have no idea whether it is going to be an easy sewing project or not. Fret not, for we at Empisal have created this guide to selecting and working with beginner sewing patterns:

  • Choosing the Pattern

    When choosing a pattern, there are a couple things you should look out for:

  • Look for the sewing level on the pattern, and choose an easy one.
  • Stay away from lined patterns. Adding a lining to a garment is an advanced sewing technique.
  • Watch out for multi-sized patterns. Be aware of them and choose a size to sew.
  • Ensure you have all the sewing equipment you need to complete the project.

  • Reading the Pattern

    Once you’ve selected your sewing project, you need to know what you’re looking at. Here are some things you should be aware of:

  • Read the directions that come with the pattern. They will give invaluable advice.
  • Check your seam allowances. If the pattern does not include them be sure to do so yourself.
  • Make note of the features like grain lines, notches, dots, and button markings.
  • Follow the cutting lines, sewing lines and fold lines exactly for the best-shaped garment.

  • Using the Pattern

    Once you’ve selected and made sense of your pattern, it’s time to cut it out and use it.

  • Cut out the pattern with paper cutting scissors and lay it out on the fabric according to the guide.
  • Use pins to secure the cut-outs and trace the pattern onto the fabric.
  • Cut out the parts of the fabric, follow the instructions and assemble your piece.
  • A professional seam goes a long way in adding a good finish to your item. The Empisal Overlocker 760D is the best item for the job.

Empisal

For over 3 decades, Empisal has been the top supplier of sewing equipment. Whether you need a sewing machine, overlocker or steam press, Empisal can cater for your sewing project’s needs. From bridal dresses to easy sewing projects, Empisal products can do it all. Contact us today for more information.

Our Top Tips for Sewing Garments

Posted on by Empisal
Sewing machine
05 Mar

Sewing can be tricky! Whether you are an old hand or a greenhorn to the sewing trade, there are always tips and tricks that you can employ to make your project come along a little bit easier and neater. While having a top of the range sewing machine does help, there are certain techniques that you can employ with even an affordable sewing machine. All you need is sewing equipment, a can-do attitude and this list of the top sewing tips:

  1. Use A Stay When Sewing on A Zipper
    A stay is a separate piece of fabric that will stabilize the area when the zipper is sewn. Stabilisation is necessary when sewing in general, but the added weight of the zipper makes it harder to keep in place. A stay ensures that your zipper will fit snug and lined up.
  2. “Fingertip Sewing”
    When sewing, you should never push or pull the fabric. This will result in unevenly spaced stitches and crumpled or wrinkled material. To avoid this, you should use “Fingertip sewing”. This method employs holding the fabric lightly in your fingertips while guiding it to the left or the right.
  3. Interfacing Is Important
    Interfacing is what gives a fabric its rigidity, strength and firmness. Without interfacing, the fabric would just flop around. You can use fusible interfacing on just about any fabric. Place the glue side of the interfacing on the wrong side of your fabric and then use a hot iron to press in place.
  4. Clip and Trim
    Clipping and trimming seam allowances as you go along (especially around curved pieces) allows you to see and work on the following pieces to be sewn.
  5. Finish the Fabric Edges.

Without a finishing, fabric edges are prone to fraying. Even if the garment looks acceptable without a finishing, you will find that after being washed and dried a few times the edges will start to fray, cheapening the look of the garment.

Empisal

Empisal is a leading supplier of sewing machines, overlockers, ironing equipment and haberdashery items in Sub Saharan Africa. We specialise in sewing machines for garments, such as the Dressmaker 120A. If you need a reliable overlocker, consider the 760D. Empisal can provide you with both a sewing machine and the practical guidance and wisdom to turn your idea into a reality. Contact us for more information.