All Pikes Peak Library District locations will close at 4 p.m. on Tue., Dec. 31 and be closed on Wed., Jan. 1 in observance of New Year's Day.

All Pikes Peak Library District locations will be closed Tue., Dec. 24 and Wed., Dec. 25 in observance of the Christmas holiday. 

Manitou Springs Library is temporarily closed to prepare for its move in early 2025. 

Textiles Lab - Sewing Machine Certification

Event Type:

Makerspace

Age Group:

Teen, Adult, Senior, Family
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.

Event Details

Hosted by the MAC

Who is this class for?

Sewing Machine Certification Workshop is for MAC makerspace members who have this level of expertise on sewing machines:

  • Beginners 
  • Competent
  • Proficient
  • Expert

We have a variety of machines for you to use. Members of all levels will benefit from learning the 'house rules' of the MAC machines so they are able to use them independently.

Membership Types and Access to the Sewing Machines

Once certified a member will be able to use the sewing machines independently depending on membership type:

  • Certified library card members will have access to the sewing machines during the hours of 10am-6pm Tuesday to Thursday and 10am-5pm Friday and Saturday
  • Certified members who have red entry badges will have access to the sewing machines for 22hrs a days, 7 days a week.

Learning Objective

To be able to:

  • wind a bobbin, insert it in bobbin case, and prepare for sewing
  • thread the machine with the top thread
  • check for proper threads, presser foot pressure, stitch length, needle and foot for task
  • tie- off or backstitch to secure stitching
  • check for equal tension on top and bottom threads
  • know where to place your hands

You will practice stitches on various materials:

  • zig-zag on edge w/ zig-zag foot
  • baste with a long stitch, then gather
  • blind hem stitch
  • small zig-zag on knit
  • buttonhole stitch on applique

You will learn how to care for the machines:

  • Clean interior and exterior of machine: remove dust and stray threads, tape or marks you might have made
  • Store cord(s), pedal, attachments, manual, bobbins, with correct machine
  • Be sure work area is cleared and prepped for next user.

Learning Outcome

Once certified a member will be able to:

  • Apply skills from this certification session to work independently in the textiles lab on the sewing machines
  • Use the sewing machines respectfully including caring for and cleaning the machine

Teacher: Catherine Carr

Catherine is a retired public school teacher, and has been sewing for over 60 years. She loves to share this activity with anyone who is interested.