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Sewing Machines

This guide offers information about the sewing machines in PPLD's Makerspaces.

Contact the Makerspaces

Library 21c: 
    (719) 531-6333 x1549
    Library21cMake@ppld.org

East Library: 
    (719) 531-6333  x1372
    EastMake@ppld.org

Sand Creek Library: 
    (719) 531-6333 x7018
    SandCreekMake@ppld.org

Safety and First Aid

If an injury occurs:

  • Inform the staff member on duty immediately about any injuries, even if you treat yourself.
  • Every makerspace has basic first aid supplies available. Items provided include bandages, antiseptic wipes, burn creams, and more.
  • You may help yourself to any first aid supplies, but if you need assistance with an injury, let staff know.
  • Note: The library cannot give any kind of ingested medication (including over-the-counter pain relief) to a minor. If someone under the age of 18 needs such medication, a legal guardian will need to be present.

Policy Reminder:

The library reserves the right to prohibit or stop any project that the staff deems a risk to people, the building, and/or the equipment. 

 

Machine Specific Safety

Prior to use:

  • Please read all safety information in a machine's manual before operating it. Specific safety procedures may vary from one machine to another. 
  • Make sure you are using the right machine for your project. This especially applies for thick and durable fabrics, which may require use of the Sailrite industrial machine at East Library.
  • Check the needle in the machine. A needle that isn’t the right size for the fabric you are using may break. Also, make sure the needle is not damaged, as an already worn needle is more likely to break while sewing.
  • Be careful with long hair, loose clothing, and dangling jewelry. Any of these can become caught in the moving components of the sewing machine, so make sure to secure them before turning on the machine.
  • Protective eyewear is available in all makerspaces and is valuable to prevent an injury from a broken needle.

During use:

  • Watch your fingers and keep them at least an inch away from the needle at all times while sewing.
  • Avoid distractions and if you need to look away from the machine, even for a second, make sure to stop sewing first.
  • Never sew across pins. Stop the sewing machine and remove pins as they get close to the presser foot.
  • Turn the machine off when taking a break from sewing for a minute or longer.
  • Stop sewing and notify staff if you notice a machine making any loud or unusual noises.

After use:

  • Properly dispose of broken pins and needles. Ask a staff member for the location of a disposal container.
  • Make sure the machine is turned off, then carefully unplug the cord from the socket.
  • Clean up your work area.
Subjects: Makerspace