Sewing, Overlocker, and Embroidery Machines

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

Open Creative Time - Sewing and Embroidery, Mondays 6pm to 7.30pm
Open Creative Time - General session, Thursdays at 10am to 12noon
Youth Creative Time, including 3D printing, for ages 12-25: Fridays 4pm to 5.30 pm​

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.

Auahatanga - South Library

Open Creative Time, Sewing Machine and Overlocker only, Thursdays at 10am to 3pm
If none of these times suit then you can use our Book a Creative form to arrange a time that suits you to get one-on-one help (subject to room and staff availability.  Monday to Friday only)

Auahatanga - New Brighton Library

Afterschool Creative Time. Fridays 3.30pm to 5pm
Weekend Creative Time. Saturdays 2pm to 3pm

Technical specifications

  • Sewing Machines: Janome 1008 (2)
  • Overlocker: Bernina L450
  • Embroidery: Janome 500E

Photos

Sewing accessories Overlocker kit

Back to Top