¶ Introduction
This shop guide is intended to supplement the classes offered for the Digital Textiles Shop here at Open Works. It is a helpful resource for beginners looking to expand their knowledge, and can also serve as a reminder for more experienced users.
To help new users get acclimated to the lingo, technical terms throughout this document will have a footnote link[1] (⇦ like this) that will take you to definitions in the page's footnotes.
¶ Community workshop culture
The shops here are a shared space, with a community of users at all different experience levels. Open Works strives to foster a welcoming environment where folks feel comfortable asking questions and learning.
¶ Shop Etiquette
¶ Awareness
- The Digital Textiles Shop is a shared space, so please be mindful of others working.
- Pay attention to the area around and behind you before you begin to work.
- Do not distract anyone using a machine.
¶ Cleanup
Everyone is expected to clean up after themselves during and after using any shops, labs, or classrooms. Use the brooms and other cleaning supplies provided to clean your work station as you go. Turn off machines and return tools to their storage location after each use. Techs will ask you to begin cleaning up 30 minutes prior to closing. Please be mindful that we share this space with everyone and its all of our responsibilities to keep things neat and orderly.
¶ Shop Access
A membership or day pass, and safety certification classes are required to access the machines and tools in this shop.
Once you are certified for a particular machine, you may reserve time to use the machine.
¶ Pre-requisite Classes (By Machine)
-
Digital Embroidery Shop Safety
- Gives you access to the Digital Embroidery Machine (Melco EMT-16 Plus)
-
Direct to Garment, Dye-Sublimation & Heat Press Safety
- Gives you access to the Epson SC F2100 Direct to Garment Printer, Epson SC F570 Dye Sublimation Printer, Mister-T1 Pretreat Machine, and the Vevor 5-1 Heat Press
-
Quilting Machine 1: Shop Safety
- Gives you access to the Longarm Quilting Machine (Bernina Q24)
Kniterate Automatic Knitting Machine (COMING SOON)
¶ Digital Textiles Shop Hours
Before your visit, please ensure the Textiles Shop is open for use. Reservations are required to use the machines in the Digital Textiles shop. Please note that the shop is closed for general use when there are classes and special events booked in the space.
The shop's weekly class schedule and other closures will be posted on the shop door and communicated via email. Please plan accordingly.
Techs will ask you to begin cleaning up 30 minutes prior to closing so please allot extra time in your schedule if you plan to work in the shop until closing.
¶ Machine Reservations
¶ Safety
¶ Proper Attire
- As in all of the shops, sturdy, close-toed shoes must be worn at all times for traction and stability, and to protect your feet.
- Long hair, jewelry, and loose clothing must be tied back to prevent getting caught in moving parts.
¶ Fire Safety
¶ Extinguisher and First Aid Kit Location
Expand to view map
¶ Common Flash Points
Make sure the settings for each piece of equipment are correct. Take care to note the location of an extinguisher before beginning to work. Dust and lint build-up in the sewing machines can be a fire hazard. If you smell burning, stop work immediately and locate the source.
¶ Emergency Procedures
See the Emergency Procedures page for more comprehensive information.
¶ Machines and Equipment
¶ Machines
-
Digital Embroidery Machine (Melco EMT-16 Plus) (2 available)
¶ Other Equipment
- Cutting Table
¶ Textiles Tool Kits
Did you forget your scissors? No problem! A small textiles kit is available to borrow at the front desk for members and day pass users using the Digital Textiles and Textiles Shops. We do ask to hold onto your ID or driver's license until the kit is returned.
The kit contains one of each of the following:
- Pair of scissors
- Measuring tape
- Seam ripper
- Thread snips
¶ Consumables
- Thread - Various types of thread are available for use in the Textiles Shop. Please consult our Thread Guide to ensure you are using thread that is compatible with the machine you are using. Please be mindful that these are finite resources and use as frugally as possible.
- Pre-wound Bobbins for digital embroidery machine - The digital embroidery machine requires pre-wound bobbins in order to operate correctly. Available in black and white.
- Needles - Universal commercial needles are available for use. Please make sure you are using needles that are compatible to the machine AND material you are using for your project.
¶ Reference Guides and General Assistance
Open Works strives to foster a welcoming environment where folks feel comfortable asking questions and learning.
Apart from this Wiki, manuals and other reference materials are on or near each machine in the shops. You can also look up each machine page for general guides and reference information.
¶ Additional Reference Guides
¶ Community Technicians
Community Technicians are available to help and answer questions about any tools or processes you are unfamiliar with. It is always better to ask questions than use a tool in an unsafe way. Even experts sometimes need to be reminded of good habits!
If any tool or machine needs attention, please alert a community technician as soon as possible.
¶ Storage
The availability of project storage depends on which area you are working in, intend to leave it in, and how many other people are storing a project there.
The best place to store a project is, if you have a microstudio, in your microstudio or to rent additional storage. It is also possible to get daily or temporary storage- ask for availability at the front desk.
The areas upstairs do not offer in-shop storage.
¶ Footnotes
Clicking the arrow at the end of each definition will take you back to where you were on the page. ↩︎