Explore the Creative World of Textiles at Past Lives Makerspace Studio

Explore Textile Art at Past Lives Makerspace: Sewing, Embroidery & Screen Printing Studio

Transforming Our Textiles Studio

Discover the diverse world of sewing and fabrics in our dedicated textile studio, equipped with way more than just sewing machines. Our Textiles Studio is a haven for multifaceted artists, including specialty sewists, costume designers, and handicraft makers. We provide members a space where creativity knows no bounds.

The Past Lives Textiles Studio just keeps getting better! New machinery, better organized work spaces, instructional materials and more.

Textiles Studio Amenities and Resources

Discover our dedicated textile studio, equipped with way more than just sewing machines. Our Textiles Studio is a haven for multifaceted artists, including specialty sewists, costume designers, and handicraft makers. We provide members a space to bring their ideas to life.

Here's a glimpse of what awaits you:

Unleashing Sewing Potential with Industrial Sewing Machines

We have brand-new Brother Nouvelle 1500S and Janome MyLock 204D Industrial Sewing Machines. These machines can handle denim, leather, and other specialty work such as bag making.

Embroidery Excellence at Your Fingertips

Bring your designs to life with our two Melco EMT16 Auto-Embroidery Machines. Whether it's intricate detailing or bold lettering, these machines are ready to turn your visions into reality with quick precision. 

Screen Printing Mastery: From Concept to Completion

Manage your own merch with our 6-Color 4-Screen Printing Press Station. Create dynamic and multi-layered designs to leave a lasting impression on family members and customers alike. We've got you covered with everything you need, from screens, infrared curing dryers, flash dryers, ink, and more.

Discover the Art of Leather Crafting in Our Studio

Explore the art of leather crafting at our dedicated leather-working Station. From accessories to apparel, our studio has the tools and space for your leather projects– stamping, punching, sewing, and beyond.

Screen Printing Mastery: From Concept to Completion

Manage your own merch with our 6-Color 4-Screen Printing Press Station. Create dynamic and multi-layered designs to leave a lasting impression on family members and customers alike. We've got you covered with everything you need, from screens, infrared curing dryers, flash dryers, ink, and more.

Discover the Art of Leather Crafting in Our Studio

Explore the art of leather crafting at our dedicated leather-working Station. From accessories to apparel, our studio has the tools and space for your leather projects– stamping, punching, sewing, and beyond.

Versatile Workspaces for Fashion, Cosplay, and Crafts

Our Textiles Studio is a comprehensive workspace furnished with a 12’ Self-Healing Table, multiple desks, adjustable Dress Forms, and additional tools and notions for sewing handicrafts like knitting, crocheting, embroidering. Patterns and scrap fabrics add to the palette of possibilities if you need some inspiration or practice.

Navigate your projects seamlessly with the aid of light tables, multiple dedicated work tables, and a convenient sink area. Our studio is designed to enhance your workflow and bring your fabric-based visions to life.

Access our wiki for information, tool-use instructions and more!

Take a Look Around the Textiles Studio

  • Melco EMT Auto Embroidery Machine

    Auto Embroidery Machine

  • Textiles screen printing machine

    Screen Printing

  • Our Textiles Studio has something for everyone from hobbyist to entrepreneur

    Get Started!

  • Workstations equipped for your creations

    Specialized Workstations

  • Leather working tools are provided

    Leather Working Tools

  • Full screen printing set up

    Screen Printing at Work

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Commission the Guild: Quality Textile Projects for Your Needs

Open Commissions

Do you need a big batch of T-Shirts screen printed? How about 500 Embroidery Patches of your company’s logo? Or perhaps you just have a pair of dress pants you’ve been meaning to get altered? 

The Textiles Guild at Past Lives Makerspace is available for hire for unique commissions and large-quantity merchandise! If you’re in the market for yourself or your business, consider hiring the Textiles Guild. Elevate your creations with the collective spirit and skill of our community makers.

Every order is fulfilled in-house from start to finish. By commissioning our Guild, you are supporting not only the mission of our art collective, but also are directly hiring Portland-local independent artists. 

Reach out for a free consultation to see if we’re the right fit for your project.

Past Lives Makerspace Textiles Studio

Join the Vibrant Community of Our Textiles Guild

Become a vital part of the innovative textile arts community in Portland, Oregon!

Attending guild meetings offers members direct access to skills-learning, group project discussion, equipment introductions, and vital conversations about improving our shared spaces. Weave your way into the Textiles Guild by simply joining our Discord channel or attending one of the monthly meetings! Guild membership is no additional fee and helps members meet like-minded creatives and directly access the Textiles Guild Lead. 

All you need to do to join is to become a member of Past Lives and complete the Textiles Guild orientation.

Guild-Led Studio Improvements and Innovations

Guild's Role in Studio Enhancement

The Textiles Guild is currently re-organizing the studio in a big way: we’ve removed a large, old wooden shelf in exchange for new, adjustable metal wire shelves, they’ve completed the construction of the lightlock to the darkroom allowing the full screen printing process to be operational, and have created a dedicated auto-embroidery zone!

Earn with Our Textiles Guild: Commissions and Collaborations

Guild Commissions and Opportunities

Being a Guild member also gives you first access to earn an income with Guild commissions: If you are a screen printer and someone places an order with our Guild for 30 t-shirts, the Guild lead may assign that commission to you!

If you want to help the renovation, or support the mission of the Guild Lead – reach out!

For information about how to use textiles-related machines and tools, check out our Textiles Studio Wiki.