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Sewing and Embroidery Machines Policies

Purpose

This policy establishes the guidelines for the safe and appropriate use of the sewing and embroidery machine(s) available at The University of Scranton IDEA Center.

The sewing machine is available for use in fabric-based projects, prototyping, and creative applications. The embroidery machine is available for use in decorative stitching, custom logos, and fabric design projects.

Sewing Machine Policies

  1. Sewing machines may only be used for lawful purposes and in compliance with University policies.
  2. Equipment may not be used to create obscene, harmful, threatening, or otherwise inappropriate designs. Staff, in their sole discretion, may decline or terminate projects inconsistent with University policy or community standards.
  3. Users must respect the intellectual property rights of others when using patterns, logos, or designs.
  4. Only trained and authorized users may operate the sewing machine. Training and supervision may be required for first-time users.
  5. Modifying machine settings or attempting repairs without staff approval is prohibited.

Embroidery Machine Policies

  1. The embroidery machine may only be used for lawful purposes and in compliance with University policies.
  2. Equipment may not be used to create obscene, harmful, threatening, or otherwise inappropriate designs. Staff, in their sole discretion, may decline or terminate projects inconsistent with University policy or community standards.
  3. Users must respect the intellectual property rights of others when uploading or using logos, artwork, or copyrighted designs.
  4. Only trained and authorized users may operate the embroidery machine. Staff assistance may be required for setup.
  5. Modifying machine settings, using unapproved software, or attempting repairs without staff approval is prohibited.

Eligibility

  • Currently enrolled University of Scranton students, faculty, and staff may use the sewing machine.
  • External community members may be permitted with prior approval from the Director of the IDEA Center, provided use aligns with the University's educational and community mission. Fees may apply.

Availability

The sewing and embroidery machines are available during IDEA Center operating hours.

Reservations for sewing machines are encouraged and will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to academic projects.

Reservations are required for embroidery machines and will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, with academic projects receiving priority.

Payments

Academic projects from University of Scranton students, faculty, or staff may use the sewing machine without a fee.

For personal or community projects, material and usage fees may apply. For personal or community embroidery projects, material or usage fees may apply, depending on stitch time and thread/material consumption.

Disclaimer

The University disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, regarding the sewing machine and/or embroidery machine and any resulting projects. The University is not liable for damages resulting from the use, misuse, or function of sewn and/or embroidered items.

Additional Sewing Machine Rules

  • Use only approved needles, thread, and materials.
  • Food and drinks are not permitted near the machine.
  • Users may not attempt to remove or replace machine parts.
  • Staff may stop any project that risks equipment damage or safety.
  • Projects produced with IDEA Center equipment may not be represented as officially affiliated with The University of Scranton unless specifically approved.

Additional Embroidery Machine Rules

  • Only approved file formats may be used (e.g., .PES, .DST).
  • Hooping and stabilizer setup must be performed carefully to avoid equipment damage.
  • Food and drinks are not permitted near the machine.
  • Staff may stop any project that risks equipment damage or safety.
  • Projects produced with IDEA Center equipment may not be represented as officially affiliated with The University of Scranton unless specifically approved.

Copyright law under Title 17 of the United States Code, patent law under Title 35 of the United States Code, and other intellectual property laws of the United States may govern the making of photocopies or other reproductions of content. Under 17 U.S.C. § 108(f)(2) the provision of unsupervised photocopy or reproducing equipment for use by patrons does not excuse the person who uses the reproduction equipment from liability for copyright infringement for any such act, or for any later use of such copy or phonorecord, if it exceeds fair use as provided by 17 U.S.C. § 107. Nor does it excuse the person who uses the reproducing equipment from liability for patent, tort or other laws.

This institution reserves the right to refuse to make available or provide access to photocopy or other reproducing equipment if, in its judgment, use of such equipment would involve violation of copyright, patent or other laws.

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