Digital Embroidery Machines at Denver Public Library

What Can You Make?

A Digital Embroidery Machine turns a digital image into a physical design made with thread on fabric. It works much like hand embroidery, though can be more precise and detailed. 

Example 1 Example 2 Example 3

Where is this Equipment Available?

How It Works

Prepare Your Design File

Embroidery machines require a stitch-based file format.

  • We have Hatch Embroidery Digitizer software available to use.
  • Hatch converts images into a .JEF file, which the machine reads.
  • You can upload your own image to Hatch or choose from preloaded designs in the software or on the machine.

File preparation is part of your reservation time, if needed, staff are available to help

Reserve Your Time

Use of the embroidery machine is primarily by reservation.

  • Reservations are 2 hours, once a week
  • Reservations can be made up to 2 weeks in advance
  • A Denver Public Library card is required
  • Reserve by calling or visit one of the available branches above to book your session

Bring Your Materials

The library provides many basic supplies: thread, bobbins, hoops, stabilizer, and fabric scraps.

  • You may bring in your own project material for embroidery (sweatshirts, towels, etc.)
  • Not all garments or items will fit 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.

Create!

  • Staff will help you load your materials and thread into the machine
  • Monitor your project throughout the session
  • Set-up and clean-up time are part of your 2-hour reservation

Approved and Available Materials

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.
  • 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.

Reservation Use and Policies

To ensure safe and fair access:

  • Check in with ideaLAB staff before using the machine
  • Late arrivals: reservations are canceled after 10 minutes.
  • If equipment is unavailable due to maintenance, staff will notify you when possible
  • Do not attempt to repair or disassemble equipment
  • Unsafe or intentional misuse will result in loss of privileges

Projects must finish before the end of your reservation. Jobs cannot be left running overnight or past your session time.

While staff provide guidance and support, they are not responsible for projects that do not turn out as expected.

Safety Waiver

Use of ideaLAB equipment requires agreement to the Behavior Agreement and Advisement of Potential Risks Associated with Use of Tools at the Denver Public Library