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Madison Sandbox: Fiber Arts

Fiber Arts

Sewing Machines

Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machines have 32 built-in stitches and include presser feet for buttons, zippers, rolled hems, and more.

Tips: Sew slowly and practice on scrap fabric. If you're unsure about tension or stitch settings, ask a staff member for help.

Threading: Begin threading with the top thread and follow the numbered slots. You may need to turn the right-hand wheel to see position 5 clearly. Once the needle is threaded, you can begin the bottom threading with a pre-wound bobbin.

Embroidery

Embroidery uses decorative stitches to create a design on fabric. Each skein of embroidery thread comes with 6 strands that can be separated to create thick or thin stitch lines. Stretch your fabric in a hoop and sketch your design with a fabric marker or a pencil before starting. Pre-made designs are available in the Makerspace that can be ironed on to your fabric.

Tutorial

Embroidery Class

Knitting

Knitting needles in a variety of sizes are available for your use in the Makerspace. Circular needles are also available. A free online knitting course can be found here.

Tutorials

Knitting Tutorial

Needle Felting

Needle felting uses a barbed needle and foam block to mat wool fibers together. Felting needles, foam, and roving wool are available in the Makerspace. Learn to make basic shapes with cookie cutters here.

Tutorials

Crochet

Crochet hooks are available for use in the Makerspace. Crochet involves looping yarn with a hook to create yarn shapes and fabric. Beginners can start with simple stitches like chain or single crochet—plenty of tutorials are available online to get started. Please return hooks when finished.