Denver Public Library offers free access to Digital Embroidery Machines at our Hadley Branch ideaLAB, Montbello Branch ideaLAB, and Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Branch ideaLAB.
Reservation Use and Policies
- We encourage you to make a reservation for time on the embroidery machine by visiting or calling one of the branches listed above. Reservations can be made up to 2 weeks in advance, once per week. Each reservation is no more than 2 hours.
- Please check in with staff at the start of your reservation time.
- We'll give you some basic troubleshooting tips, but if something goes wrong, please don't do anything that involves disassembling the machine hardware. Doing so will result in loss of privileges to use the machine. Please let us know if a problem pops up and we'll help!
- Things happen. Occasionally the machine will jam or needles will get bent - these are understandable, and part of the learning process, and will not affect your ability to reserve and use the machine. If you do something intentionally dangerous or that we've asked you not to do, you will lose your privilege to use the machine.
- As with any machine, occasionally projects may not turn out as expected. We'll do our best to prevent any mishaps, but please understand that ideaLAB staff are not responsible if a project doesn’t go as planned.
What machines and supplies are available at the library?
- We have two models of embroidery machines available:
- Janome Memory Craft 500E (Hadley Branch and Montbello Branch ideaLABs)
- Janome Memory Craft 550E (Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Branch ideaLAB)
- Hoop sizes vary by branch. (Please note the embroidery field is slightly smaller than the hoop size.)
- All embroidery machines have 5.5” x 5.5” and 5.5” x 7.9” hoops.
- Gonzales Branch also has 7.9” x 7.9” and 7.9” x 14” hoops.
- Montbello Branch also has 7.9” x 7.9” and 7.9” x 11” hoops.
- Hadley Branch also has 7.9” x 11”, 7.9” x 14” and 11.5” x 15” hoops
- We have hat hoop extensions at our Montbello and Hadley Branches. If you plan to use this, we recommend talking to a staff member first to ensure your project fits within the limitations of the hat hoop.
- The library will provide thread, bobbins, hoops, stabilizer, and fabric scraps.
What projects can I make on the embroidery machine?
- The ideaLAB provides fabric scraps and felt for your projects.
- You can bring in your own projects for embroidery (sweatshirts, towels, etc.)
- Please understand that not all garments or items will fit with our machine. For example, we cannot embroider sleeves. If you have a specific question, please call or visit the appropriate ideaLAB and check in with a staff member.
- As with any machine, occasionally projects may not turn out as expected. We'll do our best to prevent any mishaps, but please understand that ideaLAB staff are not responsible if a project doesn’t go as planned.
How should I prepare a file for embroidery?
- We have Hatch Embroidery Digitizer software available to use. This software turns an image into a JEF file that the embroidery machine can read.
- You can create your own image in Hatch or choose from pre-loaded images in both the Hatch software or on the machine.
- Preparation of the file is part of your reservation time. We’re here to help!