Cabot Sewing Station

Have you seen the sewing machine in Cabot Science Library? It's free for everyone to use--just check out the kit of sewing supplies from Access Services. If you haven't used a sewing machine before, request a training appointment using the form below, or check Harvard Library Calendar for the next sewing workshop at Cabot.

About the machine

tan Singer sewing machine from 1957Cabot Science Library's Sewing Station has a Singer 401A, a model released by Singer in 1957. Don't let its age fool you--this machine is quite a workhorse and is still running smoothly after 60 years. In addition to a basic straight stitch and zigzag stitch, the 401A has a number of special decorative stitches.

Sewing kit

The sewing kit includes the following items:

  • Assorted threads
  • Thread scissors
  • Seam ripper
  • Hand sewing needles
  • Measuring tape
  • 6 inch gridded ruler

Sewing guides

Threading guide

Singer sewing machine with threading guide drawn on top