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Sewing equipment
Mend, make and sew with The Edge's range of sewing machines, overlocker, and more!
State Library members can book and use The Edge's sewing machines, overlocker and embroidery machine for free after completing an induction.
The Edge, located at the State Library, has 10 Bernina sewing machines, a Bernina 700D overlocker and a Brother Embroidery machine available for use during Open lab times.
Access
Explore and get creative during Open lab at The Edge, open every Wednesday and Saturday from noon to 5 pm, and Thursdays from 1:30–8 pm.
You can also join our Hack the evening community meetup every Thursday from 5 pm, where staff are on hand to help you access equipment as capacity and demand permit.
While State Library is pausing standard inductions during July and August, the recording studio will remain accessible during hack the evening starting 18 June, with a specialist facilitator available to assist with short projects in 1-hour slots (first-come, first-served basis).
Stay up to date on future programming by subscribing to The Edge enews.
Check out getting started for further terms of use and FAQs.
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Sewing equipment
Sewing machines
Overlocker
Embroidery machine
Other sewing equiptment
Basic sewing resource toolkit (contains fabric scissors, measuring tape, fabric chalk, dressmaking pins, unpicker, black/white thread)
Spare regular sewing machine needles
Leather and other sewing needles
Irons and ironing board
Mannequins x2
Cutting tables
FAQs
Refresh your knowledge with our sewing equipment troubleshooting FAQs.
You can come in during Open lab at The Edge or join our Hack the evening community meetup every Thursday from 5 pm, where staff are on hand to help you access equipment as capacity and demand permit.
To gain booking permissions, you'll need to complete an induction.
Try these troubleshooting steps:
- Keep your thread ‘tails’ away from your fabric
- Sew a couple more stitches before you back tack
- Rethread your machine
- Check the bobbin is secure in the carrier and remove loose threads from under the arm.
Try these troubleshooting steps:
- Rethread the machine and check that the thread is correctly seated
- Adjust the thread tension if the fabric is gathering or puckering
- Check that you're using the correct thread type for your fabric
- Replace the needle if it is blunt, bent or damaged
- Ensure the needle is installed correctly and securely
- Confirm you're using the correct needle type for your fabric and thread
If the issue persists after trying these steps, the machine may require servicing. Please contact The Edge staff.
Check the following:
- The feed dogs (dog teeth) haven't been lowered
- There isn't any lint or loose thread caught in the bobbin area
- The machine is switched on and operating correctly
- The fabric is suitable for machine sewing
- A stabilising layer is needed between the fabric and presser foot to improve grip
Please ask The Edge staff for assistance.
