Fabrication Studio
Part of Toronto Public Library, the Fabrication Studio is a creation and learning space that offers free access to equipment to create your own projects. Staff assistance follows physical distancing requirements to ensure the health and safety of our customers and staff.
Location
Inside North York Central Library (5120 Yonge Street) on the 2nd floor.
Hours
Open during North York Central Library's open hours:
- Monday
- 9:00 am to 8:30 pm
- Tuesday
- 9:00 am to 8:30 pm
- Wednesday
- 9:00 am to 8:30 pm
- Thursday
- 9:00 am to 8:30 pm
- Friday
- 9:00 am to 8:30 pm
- Saturday
- 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Sunday
- 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Check Holiday Hours for information about closures on or near public holidays.
Equipment
Available to Book
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Sewing machine
Singer 9985 Quantum Stylist features 13 button hole styles, 960 built-in stitches and six lettering fonts.
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Serger
Juki MO-735 Serger offers a two needle, 2/3/4/5 thread overlock with coverstitch and chainstitch modes.
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Vinyl printer/cutter
Roland VersaSTUDIO BN-20 can be used to create signage, stickers, labels, transfers for apparel, POP displays, window stickers, posters and more.
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Heat press
The Hotronix Auto Clam Heat Press applies high heat and pressure to transfer designs onto fabric efficiently and safely. Clear, opaque and coloured vinyl material are available.
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Fabric cutter
Bliss Model A Fabric Cutter quickly cuts strips up to 1/4 –inch wide.
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Button Maker
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Embroidery machine
Brother Persona PRS100 is a single needle embroidery machine.
Cost of supplies
Materials are available for purchase at the Fabrication Studio. A core list of consumables is listed below (taxes included in fees):
| Material | Price |
|---|---|
| Machine embroidery backing sheet | $0.75 |
| Embroidery thread (per 10,000 stitches) | $2.50 ($2.50 minimum) |
| Single colour vinyl for cutting (various widths) | $2.50 per foot |
| Printable vinyl for printing and cutting (various widths) | $3.00 per foot + $0.50 per 1 ml of ink |
| Heat transfer vinyl for printing and cutting (various widths) | $7.00 per foot + $0.50 per 1 ml of ink |
| Lock pin buttons (1") | $0.50 per button |
| Sewing machine needles | No charge |
Note:
Only materials purchased at the library can be used with the vinyl cutter/printer. You can bring your own fabric and thread to use with the sewing machines, serger and embroidery machine.
You can only use sewing machine needles provided by the library. The Fabrication Studio provides a variety of needles for the sewing machines that will accommodate many types of fabric. Please consult with staff about available needles. Denim, leather and fabric with glitter are not allowed on the machines.
The maximum project size for the Vinyl printer is 18.5 inches x 36 inches and the minimum cut-out size in a project is 0.5 cm.
How to book equipment
To book equipment at the Fabrication Studio, visit in person or call 416-395-5654. Drop-ins welcome if equipment is available.
- A Toronto Public Library card is required
- Bookings are limited to a maximum of two hours a day per equipment
- A mandatory introduction class is required to be completed before you can book the serger or embroidery machines. Please register for serger classes here and for embroidery machine classes here.
- Bookings can be made up to three business days in advance
- Bookings will be held for ten minutes
Guidelines for using the Fabrication Studio
The purpose of this space is to provide access to fabrication tools and training.
- A Fabrication Studio Equipment Use Form must be signed prior to using the Fabrication Studio equipment
- Users under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times
- No food or drink allowed
- The library's Rules of Conduct apply in the space
- Infringemtent upon any person's intellectual property rights, including copyright, trademarks and patents, or any other rights, including privacy and publicity rights, when using the vinyl/cutter and other equipment and software at the Digital Innovation Hub is not allowed
Programs & Classes
All programs and classes are free, but registration is required.