The Fabric
Step 1 : The Braid
Jute, a textile fiber extracted from the plant of the same name, comes to us in the form of rolls of threads; these are then wound on axes which, placed on a machine called a braiding machine, intersect to form the braid, an essential element in the manufacture of the sole. Depending on the number of threads used, this braid gives a different body to our sole, which combines both resistance and flexibility.
Step 2: The sole
The braid is wrap on a wooden plate which turns on a pivot, around small nails arranged more or less far from the central axis according to the desired size: this tool is the molding machine. The number of turns will change according to the desired strength and size.
To give the final shape, we place this rope sole between metal jaws to compress it. Each shape obtained is then introduced into a machine called "Millet" named after its inventor, which stitch after stitch will sew the sole completely: our jute sole is ready!
Step 3 : The Rubber
To make it more resistant, and using vulcanising presses, a thin layer of recycled rubber is added.
Step 4: The Cloth
The canvas used for the espadrilles is mostly cotton but one model is also made of linen
For each pair using a band saw we obtain front fabrics, rear fabrics, which, coupled to the corresponding soles, will be distributed to sewing machines.
Step 5 : The Sewing
Point after point these workers sew the fabrics on the sole, we then speak of the assembly of the fabric. This operation requires 30 minutes of work for each pair of espadrille.
