Sewing machines and overlockers
Construct your own projects from fabric using our sewing machines and overlockers.

Construct your own projects from fabric using our sewing machines and overlockers.
Christchurch City Libraries have a number of sewing machines available:
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-shirt material.
Use of the sewing and overlocker machines is free and they are available during normal library hours. Please note that there is a limit of two hours per customer a day. Talk to 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.
The sewing kit includes a variety of threads, pins, scissors, marking chalk, various needles, sewing machine feet, repair implements, and black and white thread cones for the overlocker. Kits may look different depending on location. If you want to use other colours or types, please bring your own.
You can work on your sewing projects.
Watch our how-to videos:
Check Linkedin Learning for courses:
Check out the Sewing page
Customers are responsible for understanding their legal obligations under copyright, trademark, patent, and industrial law as well as their moral obligations to protect their own and others' intellectual property. Our libraries are busy public places. While we will endeavour to do our best to protect the privacy of your work, we cannot guarantee that it will not be seen by other customers. The Library reserves the right to refuse any request.
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