CAT Lab Launches Hands-On Sewing & Serger Access Course

Posted on October 28, 2025 by Jennifer Adams

Hands-On Learning Takes Shape: Sewing and Serger Course Now Live on Brightspace

The CAT Lab’s newest learning path is officially open!
After months of planning, testing, and threading (literally), the Sewing and Serger Course is now live on Brightspace — giving students a safe, guided way to earn access to the Brother CS7000X sewing machine and MARGAR serger in the CAT Lab on the second floor of the Melville Library. To enroll in the course, please use the Discover tab, or go directly to this link:

INN 160: Introduction to Sewing and Serger Machines

A Badge-Based Path to Maker Confidence

Each stage of the course unlocks new levels of access in the lab:

Badge 1 – Sewing and Serger Access: Complete the digital part first in order to be able to come in a start using the machines
Badge 2 – Sewing Machine Experiential: Demonstrate your first line of stitches and proper cleanup on the Brother CS7000X.
Badge 3 – Serger Experiential: Demonstrate your first line of stitches and proper cleanup on the MARGAR serger
Badge 4 – Maintenance: A special module for student employees and lab stewards, learning to maintain and cleanup our machines.

The badges aren’t just icons — they’re visible markers of skill that staff can verify before hands-on use.

Learn by Doing — Safely

The CAT Lab emphasizes experiential learning rooted in safety and self-reliance. Students complete short, interactive modules on Brightspace, then demonstrate their skills on site.
Each assessment focuses on confidence, care, and cleanup — teaching habits that translate to every tool in the lab, from textiles to 3D printing.

Designed for Everyone

This course welcomes total beginners as well as experienced makers who want official access to the equipment.
It’s self-paced, visually rich, and supported by short in-lab check-ins with CAT Lab staff.

Get Started

The Sewing and Serger course is now available to all Stony Brook students, faculty, and staff.
Visit the CAT Lab in the Melville 2nd floor or enroll through Brightspace to begin your first project — one stitch at a time. Lab hours are not public yet, but feel free to contact me for a walk through.