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FAQs


What is Sew Valley?

Sew Valley is a non-profit that is part development/production facility for apparel, part shared space for designers + entrepreneurs, and part space to learn how to build + grow your brand.

I am not a designer, but I have an idea of an item I'd like to have made. Can you help me?

We are happy to consult with you on your project. We also offer design services and work with you to reach a final technical drawing  that’s ready for the first phase of development. If you aren’t quite ready, we have a range of freelancers that we can reach out to find the right fit for your project. We can not guarantee a freelancer but will try our best to connect you with the right person. Then it can be handed back over to Sew Valley when you are ready! Check out our production services page to learn more.

I am a designer, what's in it for me?

Sew Valley is what you make it! You can be involved as little or as much as you like. If you already have a good thing going and just need access to specific machines, we offer hourly rentals on most of our machinery. If you're looking for a physical work space to call your own, as well as a community of like-minded individuals, and discounts on services/workshops, membership is for you!

What does my membership space look like?

Sew Valley membership spaces are semi-private, and come equipped with shelving. Check out our membership page to learn more.

Perks of becoming a member:

  • 24 hour access to your space

  • Access to Sew Valley’s specialty machinery and equipment 

  • Optional machine private training by request ($75 per/hr after) business hours

  • Access to Sew Valley’s ever growing materials and trims sourcing library

  • 15% discount on workshops and services

    • Discounted services

      • Development

      • Production

      • One-on-one business / brand consultation

      • Workshops 

  • A positive environment to set up shop and get to work on growing your brand/business

  • Community of designers and like-minded individuals that collaborate 

 What are your hours of operation?

10:00am to 6:00pm, Monday through Friday. Members receive keys and have 24-hour access to their space.  If you would like to see our space you can schedule a tour by emailing info@sewvalley.org or call us at 513-873-2481.

I am a trained sewer. What can you offer me?

We are always looking for talented stitchers, and contract sewers for production jobs. Get in touch!

Do studio renters get discounts on other services offered?

Yes! Members will receive between 15% discount on all Sew Valley services and workshops.

Why is Sew Valley a non-profit?

Sew Valley exists to help small brands and entrepreneurs, while also providing jobs and resources for individuals interested in the industrial sewn trades (a dying industry in our region and the U.S.) With that comes an intense focus on education and community building. We dedicate much of our time to educating our clients, coordinating meaningful classes, and doing our best to give designers the tools and knowledge they need to build their business. Our values differ from a typical factory. We’ll tell you when we see errors and issues, we’ll tell you if you should slow down and take more time to think about it. We are here to help you build and grow your business in a sustainable way. All revenue we make goes to keeping the lights on and our staff paid a living wage. Any profits go back into education or equipment so our production team can work more safely and efficiently. 

What is your average timeline for projects?

We strongly recommend giving yourself a full year before your launch. Development is a lengthy process with a lot of moving parts and pieces.  It takes time to finalize a style to be production ready. We want to assure you have time to perfect the construction and fit of your garment as well as secure all of the proper materials/trims. Every project is different and there are many factors that play a role in the timeline.  Providing you with quality goods to send out in the world is our number one goal! 

What projects do you take on?

We are an apparel focused facility. We do not develop or produce certain accessories, intimates, or baby/children’s wear. We work with a wide variety of fabrications but exclude working with leather, heavy denim and delicate silks. We can develop styles that are either cut and sew knits (i.e. hoodies and tee shirts) or wovens ranging from shirting, flannel to heavy twill and workwear. 

I have an idea but I don’t know anything about producing a product?

That’s great!  We strongly recommend signing up for a one-on-one Idea to Product Session. Sessions are tailored to your project.   You can ask for consultation in whatever stage of the design process that you’re in as well as business, branding,or  social media.  We are here to help!  Sign up here for a 60 minute virtual call.  

I’m a designer, how do I get started?

Great!  While we strongly recommend signing up for a one-on-one Idea to Product session prior to getting started (mentioned above), the first step is filling out the Development/Production inquiry questionnaire here. A project manager will then reach out to you. 

What does sustainable small batch production mean?

Small batch for us, means 10-100 units per style.  Small batch production ensures better quality goods and sellable quantities for a designer who is just getting started, allowing you to start small and grow in a sustainable way.  

Sustainability isn’t just about producing quantities you can sell.  Sew Valley’s approach to sustainability is mainly through educating our clients about the industry and doing our best to provide them with sustainable and ethical choices from the sourcing process all the way through to production and packaging.  We aim to teach mindfulness and intention around creating products.  

What kinds of clients do you work with?

We work with many local Cincinnatians but we work with clients from all over! If you live in a different state our process just involves more online communication and virtual

Do I own the patterns you create for me?

All the work we do for you is yours. If you produce elsewhere or with Sew Valley we will send you the final pattern, sample, tech pack and any materials you have purchased.

Have any other questions? Contact us - - -