These are the perfect introductory courses needed to start your next project! Each class will give you a good understanding of the various machines and programs found at the Iowa City Fab Lab.
- FabLab Members get this class free!
- All workshops and classes are available to the public. Bring your friends!
- Swing on by. Join us today!
Basic Ceramics December 16th 2024
This class is from 5:30 to 7:30 pm Were you the kid who made mud-pies as a kid? Did you go crazy for play dough? Have you always wanted to try making a vase, bowl, or mug of your own? This basics ceramics class may be just what you need! In this class you will learn several different techniques for how to work with clay on the wheel and off of it. You will learn by first observing the instructor on technique, and then working with your own chunk of clay to get it wedged, formed, centered, and thrown. …
Basic Woodshop December 17th 2024
This class is from 5:30-7:30PM How much wood could a woodshop chop if a woodshop could chop wood? Lots. In this beginner woodshop class, we will be creating one of the most important tools you can have in a wood shop: A push stick. Push sticks keep your hands and fingers away from the spinny sharp things so you keep all your bits where they should be. In order to make the push stick, we will use every major tool in a wood shop. The table saw, the chop saw, the drill press, the band saw, various sanding…
Basic 3D printing December 19th 2024
This class is from 5:30 to 7:30 pm It is the wave of the future! Just steps away from being able to say ‘Tea. Earl Grey. Hot.’ in your own kitchen! This basic 3D printing class will give you the lowdown on additive manufacturing. This class is designed to be an introduction, and is by no means an exhaustive class. Basics will teach you how to use a filament-based 3D printer, how to get a design into the slicer program (and some good settings to start with), how to design a basic file for 3D printing, and where to find…
Basic Silkscreen studio December 22nd, 2024
This class is from 1 to 3 pm Silkscreening is a great way to make custom t-shirts, mugs, paper art prints, or even yoga mats! In this interactive class we will go through all the steps you need for the process we use in our in-house print shop! (NOTE: this is only one technique, there are other systems out there.) We will go through the process of preparing a screen, creating a pattern, exposing the pattern in the dark room, readying it for use, and pressing the pattern onto a shirt, towel, or small object. We will also go…
2 in stock
Basic Laser Cutter December 26th, 2024
This class is from 5:30 to 7:30 pm The laser cutter is a very versatile tool that can be used in so many ways! From cutting puzzles and creating boxes and custom jewelry to creating signs and engraving projects! We will go through the basics of the software, and how our laser functions. We will create and cut a file so everyone can show off their prowess at controlling coherent light! Take that, power rangers! If you are a Fab Lab member, this class is required to use the laser cutter area of the Lab. If you are a…
1 in stock
Basic wood lathe December 28th, 2024
This class is from 10AM to 12 Do you like the idea of making your own wooden bowl, cup, or plate? Have you ever wanted to make your own chess set or been amazed by perfect wood or resin balls in those youtube videos? This lathe class is a great first step to being able to create your own cool projects. We will go over the proper types of wood to use, how to prepare the piece for the lathe, proper mounting, stance, and tool use, and practice on a chunk of wood. Using a lathe is kind of…
2 in stock
Basic 3D printing January 7th, 2025
This class is from 5:30pm to 7:30 pm It is the wave of the future! Just steps away from being able to say ‘Tea. Earl Grey. Hot.’ in your own kitchen! This basic 3D printing class will give you the lowdown on additive manufacturing. This class is designed to be an introduction, and is by no means an exhaustive class. Basics will teach you how to use a filament-based 3D printer, how to get a design into the slicer program (and some good settings to start with), how to design a basic file for 3D printing, and where to find…
1 in stock
Basic Tufting January 8th, 2025
This class is from 5:30pm to 7:30pm Have you ever done latch-hook? Have you ever fired a tommy-gun? When you did both of those things, did you ever think to yourself “Man! I wish I could combine my love of yarn with my desire to be a 1920’s gangster!”. Well then you are in the right place! Tufting is creating a carpet-like rug (as opposed to a rug made by weaving or a loom). Using tufting, you can create everything from a single color mat to wipe your feet on to a multi-colored work of art to hang on…
1 in stock
Basic Ceramics January 9th 2025
This class is from 5:30 to 7:30 pm Were you the kid who made mud-pies as a kid? Did you go crazy for play dough? Have you always wanted to try making a vase, bowl, or mug of your own? This basics ceramics class may be just what you need! In this class you will learn several different techniques for how to work with clay on the wheel and off of it. You will learn by first observing the instructor on technique, and then working with your own chunk of clay to get it wedged, formed, centered, and thrown. …
2 in stock
Basic Woodshop January 11th 2025
This class is from 5:30-7:30PM How much wood could a woodshop chop if a woodshop could chop wood? Lots. In this beginner woodshop class, we will be creating one of the most important tools you can have in a wood shop: A push stick. Push sticks keep your hands and fingers away from the spinny sharp things so you keep all your bits where they should be. In order to make the push stick, we will use every major tool in a wood shop. The table saw, the chop saw, the drill press, the band saw, various sanding…
1 in stock
Basic Electronics January 13th 2025
This class is from 5:30 to 7:30 pm Are electronics a mystery to you? You can use a flashlight, you can change batteries, but can you make either of them? You will be surprised at how easy it is! Making electronics projects comes down to two pretty basic skills: Soldering components and wires, and reading a diagram correctly. We will be doing both, with a bunch of explanations in between! This basic electronics course will walk you through Direct Current electricity (batteries) and what is happening, and a bit (Just a bit, I promise!) of the math used…
3 in stock
Basic Jointer and Planer January 14th 2025
This class is from 5:30 to 6 pm Are you interested in fine woodworking? Creating things from a simple cutting board to a bedframe or dresser of hardwood? If so, you need to know how to use a Jointer and Planer. This short class is very focused on the do’s and don’ts of a Jointer and Planer. What the difference between them is, and the proper way to safely use them both. This class should only take around a half hour and is instructional only. You won’t leave with any project, just with knowledge. That is why it is priced…
2 in stock
Basic Laser Cutter January 15th, 2025
This class is from 5:30 to 7:30 pm The laser cutter is a very versatile tool that can be used in so many ways! From cutting puzzles and creating boxes and custom jewelry to creating signs and engraving projects! We will go through the basics of the software, and how our laser functions. We will create and cut a file so everyone can show off their prowess at controlling coherent light! Take that, power rangers! If you are a Fab Lab member, this class is required to use the laser cutter area of the Lab. If you are a…
3 in stock
Basic Sewing Machines January 16th 2025
This class is from 5:30 to 7:30 pm Do you like wearing clothes? I know I sure do! The first step to creating clothing, stuffed animals, or even just mending a tea-towel is learning how to use a sewing machine. We will take you step-by-step through the basics of a modern sewing machine, including how to wind a bobbin, how to thread the machine, and how to adjust for different stitch styles and tensions. We will talk about how to make a button hole with the pre-set button option, the difference between the different feet for selected fabrics, and…
2 in stock
Basic Sublimation printing January 19th 2025
This class is from 1 to 3 pm Have you ever wondered how they get photos on mugs and t-shirts? One of the answers is they use sublimation! Sublimation is a special ink that turns from solid to gas when heated (sublimates, for you science nerds) and then likes to attach to a substrate (a solid surface). In this case, the ink attaches to polyester, and transfers the image onto the material, whether it is a coffee cup, a plate, or a piece of cloth! Learn this cool technique and open up possibilities for personal gifts, and custom coolness! …
3 in stock
Basic Ceramics January 20th 2025
This class is from 5:30 to 7:30 pm Were you the kid who made mud-pies as a kid? Did you go crazy for play dough? Have you always wanted to try making a vase, bowl, or mug of your own? This basics ceramics class may be just what you need! In this class you will learn several different techniques for how to work with clay on the wheel and off of it. You will learn by first observing the instructor on technique, and then working with your own chunk of clay to get it wedged, formed, centered, and thrown. …
3 in stock
Basic Woodshop January 21st 2025
This class is from 5:30-7:30PM How much wood could a woodshop chop if a woodshop could chop wood? Lots. In this beginner woodshop class, we will be creating one of the most important tools you can have in a wood shop: A push stick. Push sticks keep your hands and fingers away from the spinny sharp things so you keep all your bits where they should be. In order to make the push stick, we will use every major tool in a wood shop. The table saw, the chop saw, the drill press, the band saw, various sanding…
3 in stock
Basic Jewelry hand tools January 22nd, 2025
Do you like to make jewelry and want to up your game? Have you looked into all of the hammers, drawplates, sizers, flatteners, breaks, shears, and grinders and either drooled over how cool they are, or despaired at the cost of all these small specialized gizmos? This class may be a good one for you to take! We will make a small project using sheets of metal, riveting, hammers, grinders, and a bunch of other tools to get you some experience at creating some next-level pieces. If you are a Fab Lab member, this class is needed to access…
Out of stock
Basic 3D printing January 23rd, 2025
This class is from 5:30pm to 7:30 pm It is the wave of the future! Just steps away from being able to say ‘Tea. Earl Grey. Hot.’ in your own kitchen! This basic 3D printing class will give you the lowdown on additive manufacturing. This class is designed to be an introduction, and is by no means an exhaustive class. Basics will teach you how to use a filament-based 3D printer, how to get a design into the slicer program (and some good settings to start with), how to design a basic file for 3D printing, and where to find…
3 in stock
Basic Cricut January 25th, 2025
This class is from 10AM to noon The Cricut is an exceptional tool with so many possibilities! From creating stickers and vinyl cutouts to embossing and making custom cards, popup cards, and decorations, there are literally thousands of things that you can do with a good machine. We will walk you through the basics of the software, as well as the limitations of the materials that can and can not be used, and create a fun project to give you some practical experience! If you are a Fab Lab member, this class is needed to use the cricut…
1 in stock
Basic Silkscreen studio January 26th, 2025
This class is from 1 to 3 pm Silkscreening is a great way to make custom t-shirts, mugs, paper art prints, or even yoga mats! In this interactive class we will go through all the steps you need for the process we use in our in-house print shop! (NOTE: this is only one technique, there are other systems out there.) We will go through the process of preparing a screen, creating a pattern, exposing the pattern in the dark room, readying it for use, and pressing the pattern onto a shirt, towel, or small object. We will also go…
3 in stock
Basic Embroidery Machine January 28th, 2025
This class is from 5:30 to 7:30 pm Were you ever jealous of all the patches that Suzy down the street had from girl scouts? Just skipping along, counting all that cash from those cookies she was always shelling out and showing off her accomplishments? Well now you can finally show her! With this class you can make your own patches! Yeah! Bet you don’t have a ‘wine tasting champion’ patch, do you, Suzy? Take that! This class is a primer on how to use our BAI 15 string computerized embroidery machine. This sweet machine can do 10 stitches…
3 in stock
Basic Laser Cutter January 30th, 2025
This class is from 5:30 to 7:30 pm The laser cutter is a very versatile tool that can be used in so many ways! From cutting puzzles and creating boxes and custom jewelry to creating signs and engraving projects! We will go through the basics of the software, and how our laser functions. We will create and cut a file so everyone can show off their prowess at controlling coherent light! Take that, power rangers! If you are a Fab Lab member, this class is required to use the laser cutter area of the Lab. If you are a…
3 in stock
Basic 3D printing February 4th, 2025
This class is from 5:30pm to 7:30 pm It is the wave of the future! Just steps away from being able to say ‘Tea. Earl Grey. Hot.’ in your own kitchen! This basic 3D printing class will give you the lowdown on additive manufacturing. This class is designed to be an introduction, and is by no means an exhaustive class. Basics will teach you how to use a filament-based 3D printer, how to get a design into the slicer program (and some good settings to start with), how to design a basic file for 3D printing, and where to find…
3 in stock
Basic vinyl cutting February 5th, 2025
This class is from 5:30pm to 7:30pm Have you ever wanted to make decals for your car? Do you need to make a large sign? Would you like to learn how to get advertising onto a window or decorate a bedroom wall with custom stickers? Than you need to learn how to cut vinyl! The Fab Lab vinyl cutter is larger than most, with accuracy of 0.1mm and a width of 4 feet (I know, I am mixing imperial and metric units. Too bad). Many times vinyl projects only need a small cutter, like our cricut, but sometimes, you…
3 in stock
Basic Ceramics February 6th 2025
This class is from 5:30 to 7:30 pm Were you the kid who made mud-pies as a kid? Did you go crazy for play dough? Have you always wanted to try making a vase, bowl, or mug of your own? This basics ceramics class may be just what you need! In this class you will learn several different techniques for how to work with clay on the wheel and off of it. You will learn by first observing the instructor on technique, and then working with your own chunk of clay to get it wedged, formed, centered, and thrown. …
3 in stock
Basic Woodshop February 8th 2025
This class is from 5:30-7:30PM How much wood could a woodshop chop if a woodshop could chop wood? Lots. In this beginner woodshop class, we will be creating one of the most important tools you can have in a wood shop: A push stick. Push sticks keep your hands and fingers away from the spinny sharp things so you keep all your bits where they should be. In order to make the push stick, we will use every major tool in a wood shop. The table saw, the chop saw, the drill press, the band saw, various sanding…
3 in stock
Basic Electronics February 10th 2025
This class is from 5:30 to 7:30 pm Are electronics a mystery to you? You can use a flashlight, you can change batteries, but can you make either of them? You will be surprised at how easy it is! Making electronics projects comes down to two pretty basic skills: Soldering components and wires, and reading a diagram correctly. We will be doing both, with a bunch of explanations in between! This basic electronics course will walk you through Direct Current electricity (batteries) and what is happening, and a bit (Just a bit, I promise!) of the math used…
3 in stock
Basic Jointer and Planer February 11th 2025
This class is from 5:30 to 6 pm Are you interested in fine woodworking? Creating things from a simple cutting board to a bedframe or dresser of hardwood? If so, you need to know how to use a Jointer and Planer. This short class is very focused on the do’s and don’ts of a Jointer and Planer. What the difference between them is, and the proper way to safely use them both. This class should only take around a half hour and is instructional only. You won’t leave with any project, just with knowledge. That is why it is priced…
3 in stock
Basic Laser Cutter February 12th, 2025
This class is from 5:30 to 7:30 pm The laser cutter is a very versatile tool that can be used in so many ways! From cutting puzzles and creating boxes and custom jewelry to creating signs and engraving projects! We will go through the basics of the software, and how our laser functions. We will create and cut a file so everyone can show off their prowess at controlling coherent light! Take that, power rangers! If you are a Fab Lab member, this class is required to use the laser cutter area of the Lab. If you are a…
3 in stock
Basic Sewing Machines February 13th 2025
This class is from 5:30 to 7:30 pm Do you like wearing clothes? I know I sure do! The first step to creating clothing, stuffed animals, or even just mending a tea-towel is learning how to use a sewing machine. We will take you step-by-step through the basics of a modern sewing machine, including how to wind a bobbin, how to thread the machine, and how to adjust for different stitch styles and tensions. We will talk about how to make a button hole with the pre-set button option, the difference between the different feet for selected fabrics, and…
3 in stock
Basic Sublimation printing February 16th 2025
This class is from 1 to 3 pm Have you ever wondered how they get photos on mugs and t-shirts? One of the answers is they use sublimation! Sublimation is a special ink that turns from solid to gas when heated (sublimates, for you science nerds) and then likes to attach to a substrate (a solid surface). In this case, the ink attaches to polyester, and transfers the image onto the material, whether it is a coffee cup, a plate, or a piece of cloth! Learn this cool technique and open up possibilities for personal gifts, and custom coolness! …
3 in stock
Basic Ceramics February 17th 2025
This class is from 5:30 to 7:30 pm Were you the kid who made mud-pies as a kid? Did you go crazy for play dough? Have you always wanted to try making a vase, bowl, or mug of your own? This basics ceramics class may be just what you need! In this class you will learn several different techniques for how to work with clay on the wheel and off of it. You will learn by first observing the instructor on technique, and then working with your own chunk of clay to get it wedged, formed, centered, and thrown. …
3 in stock
Basic Woodshop February 18th 2025
This class is from 5:30-7:30PM How much wood could a woodshop chop if a woodshop could chop wood? Lots. In this beginner woodshop class, we will be creating one of the most important tools you can have in a wood shop: A push stick. Push sticks keep your hands and fingers away from the spinny sharp things so you keep all your bits where they should be. In order to make the push stick, we will use every major tool in a wood shop. The table saw, the chop saw, the drill press, the band saw, various sanding…
2 in stock
Basic Spinning Wheel February 19th, 2025
You can do almost anything, but is one of those things creating your own yarn and string? When you learn to use a spinning wheel, you have completed the journey and gone full circle into the wonderful world of clothing making. Need a new shirt? All you have to do is find a stray sheep, and in a little while you will be warm and snuggly, in your hand-knitted, hand-made, handSOME new garment! (Make sure you ask the sheep politely first, though.) If you are a Fab Lab member, this will allow you to use the spinning wheels at…
Out of stock
Basic 3D printing February 20th, 2025
This class is from 5:30pm to 7:30 pm It is the wave of the future! Just steps away from being able to say ‘Tea. Earl Grey. Hot.’ in your own kitchen! This basic 3D printing class will give you the lowdown on additive manufacturing. This class is designed to be an introduction, and is by no means an exhaustive class. Basics will teach you how to use a filament-based 3D printer, how to get a design into the slicer program (and some good settings to start with), how to design a basic file for 3D printing, and where to find…
3 in stock
Basic Cricut February 22nd, 2025
This class is from 10AM to noon The Cricut is an exceptional tool with so many possibilities! From creating stickers and vinyl cutouts to embossing and making custom cards, popup cards, and decorations, there are literally thousands of things that you can do with a good machine. We will walk you through the basics of the software, as well as the limitations of the materials that can and can not be used, and create a fun project to give you some practical experience! If you are a Fab Lab member, this class is needed to use the cricut…
3 in stock
Basic Silkscreen studio February 23rd, 2025
This class is from 1 to 3 pm Silkscreening is a great way to make custom t-shirts, mugs, paper art prints, or even yoga mats! In this interactive class we will go through all the steps you need for the process we use in our in-house print shop! (NOTE: this is only one technique, there are other systems out there.) We will go through the process of preparing a screen, creating a pattern, exposing the pattern in the dark room, readying it for use, and pressing the pattern onto a shirt, towel, or small object. We will also go…
3 in stock
Basic Embroidery Machine February 25th, 2025
This class is from 5:30 to 7:30 pm Were you ever jealous of all the patches that Suzy down the street had from girl scouts? Just skipping along, counting all that cash from those cookies she was always shelling out and showing off her accomplishments? Well now you can finally show her! With this class you can make your own patches! Yeah! Bet you don’t have a ‘wine tasting champion’ patch, do you, Suzy? Take that! This class is a primer on how to use our BAI 15 string computerized embroidery machine. This sweet machine can do 10 stitches…
3 in stock
Basic Laser Cutter February 27th, 2025
This class is from 5:30 to 7:30 pm The laser cutter is a very versatile tool that can be used in so many ways! From cutting puzzles and creating boxes and custom jewelry to creating signs and engraving projects! We will go through the basics of the software, and how our laser functions. We will create and cut a file so everyone can show off their prowess at controlling coherent light! Take that, power rangers! If you are a Fab Lab member, this class is required to use the laser cutter area of the Lab. If you are a…
3 in stock