Stitching Community Together: National Sewing Month at San Mateo County Libraries

Written by Josey, Atherton Library

September is National Sewing Month, a wonderful opportunity to celebrate creativity, sustainability and community—and San Mateo County Libraries is stitching right into the spirit of the month.

Borrow & Sew: The Grab & Sew Program

San Mateo County Libraries brings sewing right into your home with our Grab & Sew service. Library card holders (cards beginning with “29041” or “29045”, or valid through Peninsula Library System) can borrow Baby Lock Joy sewing machines—complete with tools and thread—to use at home for up to a week. Machines are available at all 13 of our libraries.

Library Sewing Programs & Maker Support

Our libraries provide sewing-focused programs to support all skill levels:

Beginners can join Sewing Basics, Ab‑SEW‑lute Beginners or Sewing Machine Basics Junior.
Intermediate to advanced sewists are welcome at Drop‑In or Open Sewing sessions.
Attend a Fixit Clinic to explore repair-focused meetups that often include “fabric and textile repair” sessions—perfect for mending and upcycling.

Explore all our sewing events.

Sewing Inspiration

Need ideas or guidance for your next sewing project? Creativebug offers thousands of free video tutorials, sewing patterns and step-by-step classes—ranging from beginner basics to advanced projects. Library cards beginning with 29041, 29731 or 29735 can access this resource.

Explore these festive sewing ideas this September:

Craft a Lumbar Pillow or Animal Baby Slippers with Creativebug
Get a head start on your DIY Halloween costume
Make reusable bags, mend clothes or craft thoughtful gifts

Sew Many Stories, Sew Little Time: Threads of Inspiration

From elegant dressmaking to creative bag design and imaginative cosplay, this book list celebrates the art of sewing in all its forms. Whether you're building a wardrobe, crafting the perfect accessory or bringing your favorite characters to life, these books will inspire every stitch of your journey.

View Full List

How to Participate This National Sewing Month

San Mateo County Libraries shine as vibrant community hubs—not just for reading, but for hands-on learning and creative collaboration. We're here to help as a resource, whether you're repairing items, crafting unique gifts or trying something new!

Share your creations with us—online or in person—and join the #sewexcited movement.