Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
Sequoia Fabrica is located at 1736 18th Street in San Francisco’s Potrero Hill neighborhood.
Our workshop is near several major bus lines (19, 22, 55), a bike lane (on 17th Street), and there is street parking in the neighborhood.
Our facility is at sidewalk level, please enter through the glass double doors.
Find us on OpenStreetMap or Google Maps.
How can I access the space?
The makerspace is open to the general public for regular, hosted events and workshops. Anyone is welcome to sign up and attend these! RSVP is required, unless stated.
If you’d like access to the facility or to use equipment at other times, you must become a member or volunteer!
If this model does not meet your needs, there are many makerspaces in the Bay Area and around the world.
What tools do you have?
Tools are regularly changing. For a full list, see our wiki. Below is an abridged list of some tools.
Textiles: Domestic sewing machines, Embroidery machine, Knitting machines, Industrial serger, Industrial straight stitch sewing machine, Industrial walking foot sewing machine, Screenprinting Supplies.
Woodworking: Makita cordless track saw, DeWalt cordless power tools, Dremel cordless rotary tool, Variety of hand tools, workholding, etc.
Digital Fabrication: 3x Prusa 3d printers, XTool 55W CO2 laser, Nomad Desktop CNC, Cricut Vinyl Cutter.
Can I have a tour?
Our workshop is run by volunteers and we typically do not have the capacity to schedule one-off tours.
If you'd like to see the space please sign up for an event. If you're an organization looking to partner, please reach out to us.
How does membership work?
All prospective members should visit our space, complete an application, and sign up for an orientation. The Board and membership evaluate all applications. If approved, you will be asked to pay dues and receive a key. Members get access to our Slack and can participate in Sequoia Fabrica meetings.
Members are responsible for contributing to the upkeep of our shared space. Hosting classes is encouraged, you don’t need to be a subject matter expert!
Please review our membership page for more information!
How much does membership cost?
Monthly dues are similar to other Bay Area workshops, $100-150 a month.
We would like to offer more flexible dues in the future, provided we can find a funding source and meet all expenses.
Sequoia Fabrica also has a volunteer program.
Can I bring my kids?
Children are welcome under supervision of a parent or guardian.
We offer some events and classes specifically for families.
Read more about our policies and resources for children on our wiki.
Can I bring my pet?
At this time the workshop is not setup for pets, but we hope to offer some pet focused crafts and workshops in the future!
Can I take a class at Sequoia Fabrica if I can't afford a workshop fee?
Yes, scholarships are available for classes. Please fill out our form.
Are you a non-profit? 501(c)(3)?
Yes. Sequoia Fabrica is a California Public Benefit Corporation and the IRS has determined it is a public charity under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are tax-deductable for federal purposes to the extent allowed by law.
You can view the final determination letter here.
EIN: 93-4496044
Do you accept in kind donations?
With prior arrangement. Please email us at [email protected] with what you'd like to donate. Sequoia Fabrica maintains a list of equipment we are looking for! We can provide a receipt for your in-kind donation upon request.
If you have something you'd like to loan long-term to Sequoia Fabrica, we've got a form for that! Loans are not tax-deductible, and we cannot promise the equipment will remain in the state it was when you loaned it.
Why did you start another space?
San Francisco needs more workshops and 2023-24 is a window of opportunity for non-profits and arts organizations to find affordable space in the city.
Our organization offers:
- High quality tools and infrastructure for local artists, makers, and creators
- A clean and safe environment where members and visitors can focus on projects
- Robust public program of workshops, trainings, and community partnerships
- Culture that encourages teaching and learning
- Straight-forward governance and financial stability
Why did you choose the name Sequoia Fabrica?
Sequoia refers to the iconic California redwood tree. These trees grow from a tiny seed and are among the largest and oldest living organisms on Earth. We hope from our modest beginnings to create a community that lasts and thrives.
Fabrica comes from the Latin word meaning workshop or factory. It also evokes fabric, fibers woven together to form a whole. Our workshop is a place where people come together across disciplines to build, learn, create, and make things with hands and machines.
Conveniently, our initials are S.F.
What is a Grove?
A Grove is the term we use to describe smaller interest groups of maintainers and organizers within Sequoia Fabrica. Individuals will join a Grove that relates to their interests and the tools they use, such as electronics, sewing, or woodcraft. If it does not yet exist, they can lobby the community to start a new Grove.