Sewing Lab

The FCFI Makerspace has multiple sewing machines.

The sewing machines are available to FCFI Members and faculty.

• The first time you use the sewing machines you will be required to complete a mandatory Sewing Machine Quiz, a Code of Conduct and Safety Quiz and sign a Makerspace User Agreement (must be signed in person).
• The sewing machines can be used in the FCFI Makerspace for up to three hours.  Arrangements can be made to extend the time if the machine is not required by another maker. Each time you wish to use the sewing machine, please check with the Makerspace Technician so they can confirm you have completed the training and that the sewing machine is available.
• The use of the sewing machine is offered in a non-commercial capacity.  
• Student assignments take priority over other sewing projects.

The use of the sewing machine must conform to Franklin Center For Innovation policies.

Where do I start?

If you are new to sewing and wish to learn the basics, Instructables is a good place to start. Instructables has easy-to-follow tutorials which can teach both basic skills and more advanced techniques.

How do I use the sewing machine?

Prior to using the sewing machine for the first time, you will be required to complete a one-time mandatory Sewing Machine quiz and the Code of Conduct and Safety quiz and sign a Makerspace User Agreement (must be signed in person)  Once you have passed the training with 100% and completed the User Agreement you can use the sewing machine.

What can I sew? 

While the possibilities may seem endless, there are some limitations around using the sewing machine. Users must provide their own materials and thread, use is limited to within the FCFI Makerspace and the equipment cannot be used for commercial purposes or to create material that is in violation of the intellectual property rights of others. For example, reproducing material that is subject to copyright, patent, or trademark protection.

A. The thread guides are hooks and loops that hold the thread in line from the spool to the needle.

B. The tension dial determines the looseness or the tightness of the stitches.

C. The stitch regulators control the length, width, and type of stitch desired.

D. The spool pin holds the spool of thread.

E. The bobbin winder fills the bobbin with thread.

F. The hand wheel allows you to manually advance the sewing machine.

G. The reverse lever enables the machine to sew in reverse

H. The extension arm cover covers the compartment where the bobbin case is kept.

I. The presser foot holds the fabric in place.

J. The needle holds the thread and sews the fabric.

K. The feed dogs feed the fabric in the sewing direction.

L. The bobbin case holds the bobbin in the machine and regulates the tension of the bobbin thread. The bobbin holds the bobbin thread.

M. The foot pedal allows you to advance the machine and controls the speed at which the machine advances.

SEWING MACHINE SAFETY

• Turn off the machine when not in use.
• Keep your foot off the pedal when not sewing and keep the pedal out of reach of others.
• Turn the machine off before threading or changing the needle.
• Never put your fingers under the needle while the machine is on.
• Hold the edges of the fabric while steering, out of the path of the needle.
• Keep pins and small equipment away from the needle area and do not sew over pins.
• Do not push or pull fabric through the machine; it will move through on its own.
• Always put the presser foot down while sewing.
• When pivoting or turning a square corner, the needle should always be in the 'down' position.
• Sew at a reasonable speed; don't go too quickly.
• The hand wheel should only be used to advance the machine and should not be turned in the opposite direction.
• Long hair should be tied back while operating the machine.

IRON SAFETY

• Do not touch the iron to test if it is hot. Instead, slide it on the ironing board, then touch the ironing board to see if it is warm.
• Keep hands and fingers out of the path of the iron and away from the steam.
• Be mindful of the cord and take care that the iron does not get pulled off of the ironing board.
• Never leave the iron with the sole plate down.
• Make sure that the iron is set to the correct temperature for the fabric. If it is too hot, it might scorch the fabric.
• Unplug the iron when refilling with water.
• Make sure that the iron is hot enough to convert the water into steam or it will leak.
• Be aware that when the iron is set to ‘steam’ it will be hotter than it would be if the steam were not turned on.
• Let the iron cool before putting it away.
• Do not wrap the cord around the hot sole plate.

MISCELLANEOUS SAFETY

• Shoes must be worn at all times.
• After you are finished sewing, check the floor and pick up any dropped pins.
• If a pin or needle is bent or broken, wrap it in tape before disposing.
• Do not put pins in your mouth, clothes, or any furniture; use a pin cushion.
• Keep sewing shears closed when not in use.
• Sewing shears are only to be used on fabric and tread, not on paper or other materials.
• Handle the stitch ripper carefully and keep covered when not in use.

Who can use the sewing machine?

The sewing machine is available to FCFI Members and faculty.

How much does it cost to use the sewing machine?

FREE.  There is no fee to use the sewing machines.