¶ Introduction
This shop guide is intended to supplement the safety classes offered for the 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.
¶ 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. Community Technicians are also 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!
¶ Shop Etiquette
¶ Awareness
- The 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 sew.
- Do not distract anyone using a machine.
- No food or drinks allowed in the shop.
¶ 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 15-30 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 classes are required to use the machines and tools in this shop. No reservations are required for the machines.
¶ Pre-requisites
The following classes and courses gives you access to all machines in the Textiles shop only. These do not include machines in the Digital Textiles Shop.
- Sewing 1 Shop Safety
- Sewing Basics and Certification (Beginner 2-day)
- Sewing 101 (4-day)
- Sewing for Senior Adults
¶ Textiles Shop Hours
Before your visit, please ensure the Textiles Shop is open for use. There are no reservations required to use the tools and machines in the shop, however, 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.
Will add dedicated calendar or other link if and when it's created.
Techs will ask you to begin cleaning up 15-30 minutes prior to closing so please allot extra time in your schedule if you plan to work in the shop until closing.
¶ 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 in the Textiles Shop. If you smell burning, stop work immediately and locate the source. Location of dust build up may vary. Ask a Community Technician for assistance in cleaning machines out.
¶ Emergency Procedures
See the Emergency Procedures page for more comprehensive information.
¶ Areas in the Textiles Shop:
Click to see key parts of the shop!
¶ Tools and Machines
The machines in the Textiles Shop are available on a first-come first-serve basis. However, in order to budget time fairly, please talk to a Community Technician if you are planning a large project or have an important deadline.
¶ Machines
A detailed comparison of the machines is here.
| Name of Machine | Make & Model | Number of Machines Available | Best For | Worst For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lockstitch | Juki DDL-8700 | 8 | Straight Stitching | |
| Serger | Juki MO 6700 | 1 | Making neat edges | |
| Walking Foot | Juki DNU-1541S | 1 | Thick/heavy fabrics | |
| Coverstitch | Juki MF-7923 | 1 | Knitted and stretchy fabrics | |
| Embroidery Machine | Melco EMT-16 Plus | 1 | Embroidery | everything that's not embroidery |
| Long-Arm Quilting Machine | Bernina Q24 | 1 | quilting | everything that's not quilting |
¶ Other Equipment
- Steam Iron and Ironing Board
- Dressforms
- Cutting Table
- Industrial Grommet Punch
¶ 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 Textiles Shop. 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.
- Zippers are available for members and day pass users.
¶ Materials
- Donated materials - Fabric and other donated materials can be found in the shelves under the big work table. Please only take what you need.
¶ 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 in this wiki 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.