Sewing Machines
The Octavia Lab has two different brands of sewing machines. Design and construct your own clothes. Mend and repair articles of clothing. Craft puppets or custom throws. Use our serger to edge, hem, and seam your sewing projects. Lab members may use/reserve a machine for a single two-hour session each day.
Availability
The sewing machines are available:
Sunday: 1 - 4 p.m.
Monday: 1 - 3 p.m. or 3 - 5 p.m.
Tuesday: 1 - 3 p.m. or 3 - 5 p.m.
Wednesday: 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. or 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Thursday: 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. or 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Friday: 1 - 3 p.m. or 3 - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 1 - 3 p.m. or 3 - 5 p.m.
How does it work?
Lab members will have access to counter space to design, lay out, sew, and construct their projects. You will be limited to one machine per session. If you are learning how to sew, the lab will provide access to the following resources:
Instructional manuals for each model of machine.
A small in-house collection of instructional books.
Lab instructional videos on using Octavia Lab equipment.
Interested lab members may request additional information prior to their visit by emailing us at octavialab@lapl.org.
How much does it cost?
Access to the lab’s software/equipment/tools is free, but limited to lab members only. Lab membership is free.
What do I need to bring?
The Octavia Lab does not provide materials for member projects. Lab members will need to bring their own fabric and thread. Members who intend to use the computerized embroidery machine will also need to bring a USB drive for their design, and stabilizer for their fabric. The lab will provide replacement needles as needed.
| Sailrite | Singer | Brother | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavyweight Fabrics | X | ||
| Medium Weight Fabrics | X | X | X |
| Lightweight Fabrics | X | X |
Heavyweight Fabrics: canvas, woolens, outdoor tent and quilted fabrics, denims, upholstery material (light to medium). Heavy woolen, overcoat fabrics, upholstery fabrics, some leathers and vinyls, cotton duck, woolen, heavier knits, terrycloth, denims.
Medium Weight Fabrics: cotton, satin, kettlecloth, sailcloth, double knits, lightweight woolens.
Lightweight Fabrics: Thin cottons, voile, silk, muslin, interlocks, cotton knits, tricots, jerseys, crepes, woven polyester, shirt & blouse fabrics.
| 40-92 TEX* | 30-50 Weight* | |
|---|---|---|
| Sailrite | X | |
| Singer | X | |
| Brother | X |
*Weight and TEX are not the same, please purchase according to machine and material type.
Hardware
Sewing Machines
- Sailrite Ultrafeed LSZ Walking Foot Sewing Machine
- Brother Sewing & Quilting Machine CS6000i
- Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine #4423
- Brother ¾ Thread Serger #1034D
Serger
Tools (by request)
- Dress Form
- Fabric Shears
- Rotary Cutter
- Iron
- Rulers
- And more...
