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haberdashery and notions in bali: Toko Satria

It is possible to buy notions (haberdashery in UK English) such as zippers and buttons online, but Shopee does take its markup/cut, which sometimes makes things a bit more expensive.

I went to Toko Satria, specifically the branch in Imam Bonjol because that seemed to be the best. It seems to be a chain of stores not only in several locations in Bali, but also the whole of Indonesia. Lots of supplies, no prices visible anywhere (as usual...), and even though there's a price check kiosk, it's set up so that customers aren't supposed to use it. When I asked a staff member about checking for prices, she said cheerfully, "You can ask me!" and okay...yes, I could, but ... sigh.

Lots of stuff in Toko Satria, probably everything you need for sewing. Needles, lace, buttons, Organ sewing needles, that lining fabric (kain ero/hero/furing) that I couldn't get at Ultra Moda, etc.

Invisible zippers: two types available. "Bagus dan lebih bagus": good and better. The "better" zippers were YKK at 5,700 IDR each for the 10-inch, so I didn't bother with the "good" because "better" was cheap enough!

Only two brands of thread ever seem available here, even online: Extra and Yamalon. I asked what the difference between the two brands was, and the answer was Nothing, except for price. Yamalon is a bit more expensive - not because it's better, but because there's more thread in it, and it works out around the same if you account for that extra thread. I was told that the reason to pick one brand over the other is for the exact color match to your fabric. Is it true? I don't know. I guess I'll find out eventually.

thread colors

I asked if I could take a photo of the thread colors for use later. The staffer then pointed out that the colors in the image might not be accurate, and it's better to come by with a swatch of the fabric to compare. That IS true, but surely I'm not coming all the way here for ONE spool of thread!? The travel cost/time sure does make the thread cost a bit more!

I know it's not the fancy Gutermann thread that the English-speaking internet frequently recommends online ... but this is Indonesia. Imagine how expensive that imported Gutermann thread would be here!? And anyway, all those Made in Indonesia clothing from factories probably use Extra/Yamalon or something similar. Look: I've had problems with threads coming off clothes due to the quality of the craftsmanship, but the quality of the threads itself was never the problem. The threads weren't breaking or anything like that. I suppose the problem might be lint, but if they give off too much lint, I'll just make sure to keep the sewing machine clean?

elastic

Elastic. Some sold by package, some available by the meter.

sewing machines

A few industrial sewing machines for sale. Didn't see any domestic sewing machines.

receipt

Half the receipt came from the 2 rolls of 4 mm elastic!!

Toko Satria (Imam Bonjol)