Programming
Our programs serve as a platform within the Rust Belt Fibershed to advance social mobility, creative arts, and circular sustainability in Cleveland, OH.
apply to our training program!
Industrial Sewing & Production Training
Intensive training in industrial sewing techniques and production practices to prepare individuals for jobs in Cleveland's apparel manufacturing industry.
Our flagship program offers a 4-week intensive in Industrial Sewing available to anyone interested in developing their employable skills, creative craft, and entrepreneurship aspirations. Scholarships and full-tuition coverage are available for barrier-to-employment individuals, immigrants, and refugees.
For those seeking stable employment opportunities, we offer a micro-apprenticeship experience after successful completion of the 4-week industrial sewing intensive.
Micro-apprenticeship is offered through Open Threads, where participants will receive hands-on experience in a production floor environment for an additional 4-week period. After successful completion of the Industrial Sewing & Production Training we will directly connect students to employment opportunities with our partners.
Community Classes
Rotating textile classes to introduce, expand, and enhance your sewing skills; taught by local
artists and artist residents.
Personal sewing basics
These evening classes are offered on select weekday evenings between 6:00p-8:30p for learning home sewing skills. Supplies and sewing machines are provided for your use in a course-long project of your choosing. Open to anyone and everyone!
Other workshops
These are shorter workshops focused on specific textile and fabric skills. Supplies are provided. Open to anyone and everyone!
Creative Reuse
The textile industry is one of the largest polluting and greenhouse gas-emitting industries. We believe we can make a difference at a regional level that serves people and the planet. We achieve this through upcycling donated/deadstock textiles and innovating with our community partners to develop processes that can upcycle and recycle an increasing volume of textile waste.
Textile Thrift Shop
Deadstock and donated textiles are used in our sewing programs by students, and are available to the public for purchase at a flat rate of $2/yd.
Upcycling & Recycling
Turning textile waste into a commercial product and innovating with partners on emerging processes for textile recycling.
Sewing Seeds
We introduce and advance educational opportunities for youth and adult learners through programming at our facility or field trips to outside community spaces. Project-based introduction to industrial sewing opens opportunity for entry into a new industry, exercises technical skills, and expands knowledge of fair and sustainable manufacturing practices.
If you are interested in hosting a program with us, please email hello@open-threads.org.
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