Sewing, Overlocker, and Embroidery Machines

Construct your own projects from fabric using our sewing machines and overlockers, embellish with stitched designs using the embroidery machine.

A sewing machine is used in garment (clothing) and other fabric construction, such as quilting, upholstery and repairs. It uses an automated needle, bobbin and thread to create stitches, allowing fabric pieces to be joined together.

An overlocker is a machine that uses multiple threads to finish the edges of fabric to keep them tidy and preventing fraying. It can also sew a seam and finish the edge at the same time – allowing it to be used for making clothes – usually from a knit fabric like t-shirting.

An embroidery machine is a type of sewing machine that can stitch designs and patterns onto fabric. Our embroidery machine uses designs created on a computer using the Hatch embroidery software.

Using the sewing, overlocker, and embroidery machines

Christchurch City Libraries have a number of sewing machines available:

Tūranga – four sewing machines, an overlocker, and an embroidery machine
South Library – a sewing machine and an overlocker
New Brighton – a sewing machine

Tūranga, Auahatanga | Creativity, Level 4

Our embroidery machine at Tūranga is only available to use under staff guidance, it can be used during our Open Creative times, by requesting a one-on-one Book a Creative session, or during select programming.

Use of the sewing and overlocker machines is free and they are available during normal Library hours. Talk to one of our friendly staff about swapping your library card/ID for a sewing kit that contains the essentials to use the machine.

When you have finished sewing you can return the kit to retrieve your library card/ID.