Ready to bring your creative projects to life? Studio 300 currently has four different circulating sewing machines that you can check out and use in the comfort of your own home! Each machine has unique strengths and comes with all the sewing notions you need to get started. To check out a sewing machine, you must first complete Studio 300 Orientation, now available in person and online.
When you check out a sewing machine from our library, you’ll also get a handy carrying case which includes: scissors, thread, universal needles, ball-point needles, twin needles, pins, hand-sewing needles, a seam-ripper, measuring tape, tailor’s chalk, spool pins and caps. Also, all of our machines have needle threaders, variable stitch length and width, bobbin winders, top-loading bobbins and free-arm access for hemming sleeves and narrow pant legs.
The Brother XM2701 and Brother SE 400 are best for beginners, and they come with six accessory feet to get you started on most projects. The Singer 6800C and Singer 9600 are best for advanced sewers and include more feet and advanced features. Learn more about the different feet in each kit.
Specifications
Each machine is discussed more thoroughly below, with specifications so you can find the perfect machine for your project. If you’re new to sewing machines, I’ve broken down what each specification means here:
Type
Our sewing machines fall into two categories: mechanical and computerized. Computerized machines offer more functions for complete creative control of your craft. Mechanical machines are often simpler, loaded with just enough stitches to get you started without confusing computer menus.
Built-In Stitches
Built-in stitches specify the number of actual stitch patterns included in the machine. These range from the most practical (your straight and stretch stitches) to the most decorative (your satin stitches).
Stitch Functions
Stitch functions refer to the number of functions you can achieve using the built-in stitches by adjusting width and length. Depending on the machine, they may also refer to built-in lettering designs for simple monogramming. Our more advanced machines also feature stitch mirroring and stitch elongation for maximum creative potential when adding finishing touches.
Buttonholes
Each machine includes at least one basic buttonhole for use with a one-step buttonhole foot. Many machines include a variety of buttonholes, such as keyhole designs, which offer additional reinforcement and utility.
Speed
Speed is measured in stitches per minute (spm) and can be controlled with a foot pedal. All of our machines, except the Brother XM2701, have variable speed functions, so you can slow them down according to your preferred pace.
Brother XM2701
- Perfect for: Beginners
- Type: Mechanical
- Built-in Stitches: 27
- Stitch Functions: 63
- Buttonholes: 1
- Maximum Speed: 800 spm
- Special Features: Easy-to-Use Stitch Selector Dial
- Included Accessories: Zigzag Foot, Buttonhole Foot, Button Foot, Zipper Foot, Narrow Hem Foot, Blindstitch Foot and Darning Plate
This mechanical sewing machine is great for beginners and anyone who doesn’t want to fuss with a computer. Its range of stitches may seem limited, but it’s just what a beginner needs to hem, tailor and craft. A number of these stitches are stretch stitches, perfect for sewing stretchy knits. Although this machine can’t drop its feed dogs, it comes with a darning plate to cover them when doing free-motion work.
Brother SE 400
- Perfect for: Mending and Freehand Embroidery
- Type: Computerized
- Built-in Stitches: 67
- Stitch Functions: 98
- Buttonholes: 10
- Speed: 710 spm
- Special Features: Thread Cutter, Needle Up/Down Button and Variable Speed
- Included Accessories: Zigzag Foot, Buttonhole Foot, Button Foot, Zipper Foot, Overcasting Foot, Monogramming Foot and Blindstitch Foot
This computerized workhorse is our retired embroidery machine. Although this kit doesn’t include the embroidery arm, the included thread is polyester embroidery thread with a satiny sheen. In combination with a free-motion foot, you can lower the feed dogs and go wild with free-hand embroidery and applique. If you’re interested in machine embroidery, I recommend taking Maker Lab training so you can access our in-house machines.
Singer Heavy Duty 6800C
Perfect for: Tough Jobs
- Type: Computerized
- Built-in Stitches: 10
- Stitch Functions: 586
- Buttonholes: 9
- Speed: 1100 spm
- Special Features: Metal Frame, High-Performance Motor, Thread Cutter, Needle Up/Down Button, Tie-Off Button, Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure, Two Built-In Lettering Fonts, Mirror Imaging, Stitch Elongation
- Included Accessories: All-purpose Zigzag Foot, Buttonhole Foot, Button Foot, Zipper Foot, Blind Hem Foot, Sew Easy Foot, Satin Stitch Foot, Even Feed/Walking Foot, Open Toe Foot, Cording Foot and Quilting Bar
This heavy-duty computerized machine is perfect for tough projects like working with thick denim, canvas and upholstery fabrics. Its metal frame and high-performance motor offer superior piercing power to get through multiple layers of fabric. It also offers the highest speed for experienced sewists who want to get things done.
Singer 9960
- Perfect For: Quilting and Garment Construction
- Type: Computerized
- Built-in Stitches: 600
- Stitch Functions: 1172
- Buttonholes: 13
- Speed: 850 spm
- Special Features: Metal Frame, Thread Cutter, Needle Up/Down Button, Tie-Off Button, Five Built-In Fonts, Mirror Imaging, Stitch Elongation
- Included Accessories: All-purpose Zigzag Foot, Buttonhole Foot, Button Foot, Zipper Foot, Satin Foot, Blind Hem Foot, Open Toe Foot, Cording Foot, Single Welt Cord Foot, Braiding Foot, Braiding Guide, Adjustable Bias Binder Foot, Fancy Trim Foot, Darning/Embroidery Foot, Even Feed/Walking Foot, Overcasting Foot, Narrow Hem Foot, Quarter Inch Foot, Stitch in the Ditch Foot, Seam Guide and Quilting Bar
This computerized machine is extremely versatile and offers an extension table, perfect for quilt piecing and larger projects. Additionally, a quilting bar ensures even stitch spacing while quilting. If you’re feeling creative, use the included free-motion foot to add intricate free-hand quilted details. The options are endless with this top-notch machine!
Additional Resources
Not an experienced sewist yet? Don’t fret! Fountaindale has many great resources to help you learn!
Books
Our catalog includes many books for all levels of sewing. Stuck at home? Search “sewing” on your favorite eBook platform. Libby offers many crafty magazines to browse, while Boundless has a lovely catalog of reference guides.
“The Act of Sewing” by Sonya Philip
“The Sewing Book” by Alison Smith
“How to Train Your Sewing Machine” by Rehana Begum
“Radical Sewing” by Kate Weiss
Hoopla
Hoopla offers a BingePass for their Startup Library: Sewing SeasonPass. One borrow will give you seven days of unlimited access to this comprehensive beginner’s sewing class. Seventeen full episodes walk you through material lists, glossary terms, machine operation, garment construction and finishing touches in six hours of content.
Kanopy
I usually recommend Kanopy in conjunction with my monthly short film program, ShortHaus Cinema, because of its vast catalog of notable films. But did you know Kanopy also offers learning resources? For sewing, they have a collection of beginner tutorials created by the National Sewing Circle and the National Quilters Circle.
CreativeBug
By far the best resource for your crafting journey, CreativeBug offers hundreds of classes on sewing, quilting and more. The best way to get started is to follow their Learning Journeys, which compile a series of tutorials to get started in any craft. My personal favorite tutorials are the Patchwork Improv Quilting classes.
Sewing Basics
Garment Construction
Quilting 101
Hobbies and Craft Source
EBSCO’s Hobbies and Craft Source is a new online resource available to Fountaindale patrons. Resources are broken down into browsable categories, and the Needlecrafts & Textiles section is filled with tutorials, books and periodicals for you to explore.
Sewing with Kelli Chase
Kelli Chase teaches sewing workshops right here at Fountaindale Library. The only requirements are that you bring your own machine and have a basic understanding of how to use it. Feel free to check out one of our machines prior to class. Register for the upcoming dates today!
- Friday, September 26: Sunflower Candle Mat
- Sunday, September 28: How to Use a Sewing Machine
- Monday, September 29: Halloween Treat Bag
- Monday, November 3: Fabric Bowl
Start Stitching
Ready to dive in? Sign up for Studio 300 Orientation and start sewing today! Have questions? Our staff is here to help you pick the perfect machine for your project. Simply call us at 630.685.4260 or email us at studio300@fountaindale.org.
Sewing machines are free to use for patrons with a valid library card and Studio 300 Orientation. Thread and broken needles will not be charged to the patron, as they are expected consumables. However, if accessory feet are not returned with the kit upon check-in, the replacement cost may be incurred on the patron’s account. Please take care to return the kits as you found them so they can be used for many years to come, and let staff know when machines aren’t working as intended.