Sewing Machines
About the Equipment
Whether you are working on small repairs, new fashion designs, or other textile projects, our sewing machines are great for both beginner and experienced sewists. We also have large tables, natural light, and plenty of space for you to utilize while working.
The MakerSpace has two kinds of sewing machines available for reservation: the Janome Skyline S5, a versatile all-rounder, and the Sailrite Ultrafeed LSZ, which is perfect for projects with heavy-duty materials such as leather or canvas.
Reserve Equipment
- Reserve up to four hours per week
- Reserving more than one piece of equipment is not permitted
- Equipment that is not reserved is available for same day reservations
Using the Equipment
The MakerSpace has two Janome Skyline S5s and one Sailrite Ultrafeed LSZ available for reservation. If you are brand-new to sewing, we recommend getting started with the Skyline and watching our in-depth tutorial first.
What's Provided
- Black, white, and grey thread
- A sewing toolbox containing small tools and fabric cutters
- An iron and ironing pad
- Presser foot attachments for both machines, such as zipper feet. Please see our FAQ for a full list.
What To Bring
- Your project
- Thread to match your project beyond black, white, and grey
Inspiration
From the Makers
MakerSpace Sewing
Tutorials and Resources
Maker Tutorial: Sewing Machine
Resources
- The manufacturer's manual for the Janome Skyline S5 (PDF)
- The manufacturer's manual for the Sailrite Ultrafeed LSZ
- An intro to sewing tutorial by the Makers for a zipper pouch
Sewing Machine FAQs
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We have the following presser foot attachments for each of our machines.
Janome Skyline:
- 1/4 Inch Seam Foot
- Blind Hem Foot
- Darning Foot
- Zig Zag Foot A
- Automatic Buttonhole Foot
- Button Sewing Foot
- Walking Foot or Even Feed Foot
- Overcast Foot
- Rolled Hem Foot
- Zipper Foot
Sailrite Ultrafeed:
- Sawtooth Foot
- Left Zipper Foot
- Right Zipper Foot
- Knurled Foot
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Our sewing machines can be moved to any of the work tables to allow for flexibility while working. Our MakerSpace tables are approximately 36" x 72".
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The Janome can stitch thin leathers if using the correct tension, pressure dial setting, stitch length, and leather needle along with a heavy duty thread and a walking foot.
For thick leather, we recommend using the Sailrite LSZ Ultrafeed. We have leather needles available for the machine as well as walking feet designed to handle leather sewing. Check the Sailrite guidebook for more specifics on the best settings for your material.
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The Janome Skyline S5 has 170 built-in stitches, some of those include one-step buttonholes. Check out the user manual from Janome to see them all.
The Sailrite LSZ performs both straight and zigzag stitches.
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Yes, the Makerspace staff are trained on all of the equipment in the MakerSpace and can help you with set up and proper usage of the equipment.
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Once you have reserved your time on the sewing machine, be sure to bring the fabric and materials for your project with you.
We have the neutral thread colors like white, black and grey. We suggest that you bring your own thread if you are matching a fabric.
The MakerSpace has a sewing toolbox that contains thread, straight pins, measuring tape, tailor’s chalk and fabric scissors. We also have cutting mats, rulers, and rotary cutters available.
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MakerSpace FAQs
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The Black & Veatch MakerSpace hours are slightly different than the Central Resource Library open hours. For up to date information about the MakerSpace, please visit the main MakerSpace page.
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The Black and Veatch MakerSpace is located at the Central Resource branch.
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You cannot create anything designed for or capable of causing harm, such as firearms, knives, swords, and other items that could be used to inflict injury or intimidate. If you’re unsure whether your project might fall under this rule, please ask a Maker staff member before starting. Library staff reserve the right to stop any print or job at their discretion if it is deemed unsafe, violates library policies, or is otherwise inappropriate.
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Questions? We're here for you.