SewForward
Creating opportunity stitch by stitch.
SewForward is a cut and sew studio providing high-quality, small-batch manufacturing while providing job training and employment opportunities for people facing barriers in the workforce. Those who complete SewForward's available classes gain insightful tools that equip them with the ability to seek out even more job opportunities in manufacturing, textiles, commercial sewing, and more.
Work With Us
SewForward is a truly unique venture that meets the needs of local small businesses while empowering in-house sewers to expand their knowledge of commercial sewing techniques.
Find out what working with SewForward's commercial sewing program looks like below.
Development
Meet with our Sewing Program Manager to help refine your product and prepare for production.
Fabrication
Learn about our variety of in-house industrial machines that are capable of handling all types of products. Find professional-grade tools and services that meet your project requirements.
No Minimums
We provide cutting, sewing, and packaging; all with no production minimums.
Services
This is manufacturing that supports EECM and the community. Every project we take on helps us continue our job training in the sewing industry. We work to fight poverty while improving the local economy.
Contact us today to see what we can do for your sewing project.
Sewing
As sewing projects get more complicated, one machine can no longer do it all. If you need a straight stitch, serging, zigzag for elastic, Merrow purl edge, or a blindstitch, we can help you out.
Cutting
Whether your items need to be cut individually or in bulk, we have the right tools to handle it all.
Embellishments
It’s the little things that can elevate a project from simple to special. We can do specialty finishes such as grommets and snaps, add your hang tags, and finish your project with a crisp press.
Our History
SewForward was initially designed as a career development program in collaboration with RK Mellon, the Pittsburgh Opera, and Bridgeway Capital. The project launched in February 2017 to provide technical education, access to professional machines, jobs, and pre-apprenticeship training in the sewing and manufacturing fields.
EECM built and equipped a sewing production and training space, using equipment and machines that are considered the best in the industry. The program was designed to train participants in the fundamentals of stitching, embroidery, and design, all while helping them learn soft business skills.
SewForward is still a running professional sewn manufacturing facility today. It employs graduates of the Workforce Development and Education and Employment training programs, preparing them for work in other sewn product or manufacturing facilities outside the organization.
Contact Us
Reach out today to learn more or to get started with your commercial or industrial small batch sewing project.
SewForward Direct: 412-345-7141
EECM Main: 412-361-5549
Email: SewForward@eecm.org