Sometimes the best local discoveries happen by accident.
While searching for a Japanese dyeing class, I stumbled across The Sewing Labs in Kansas City—and discovered a nonprofit that’s doing much more than teaching people how to sew. This organization is creating career opportunities, fostering creativity, and building community one stitch at a time.
Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, The Sewing Labs offers everything from beginner sewing classes to an industrial sewing training program that prepares students for careers in manufacturing.
A Mission That Gives Back
Founded by two women who built successful sewing businesses and wanted to give back, The Sewing Labs has grown into a unique community resource under the leadership of CEO Robyn Kerkaert.
Volunteer-turned-staff member Robin Beck has seen the organization’s impact firsthand.
“It’s just been such a rewarding thing for me,” Beck said. “Watching these students, hearing their stories, and knowing that we’re making a difference in lives—that’s what motivates us.”
Building Skills—and Careers
One of the organization’s signature offerings is its Industrial Sewing Training Program. The nearly six-month program teaches students to operate industrial sewing equipment before placing them with employer partners in paid apprenticeships. After completing 2,000 hours, participants earn certification through the U.S. Department of Labor, opening the door to long-term careers in skilled manufacturing.
For those looking to learn for fun, The Sewing Labs offers classes for every skill level. Whether you’re learning to thread your first sewing machine, creating garments, mastering alterations, drafting patterns, or making quilts, there’s a class designed to help you build confidence.
Every Friday, the organization also hosts Open Studio, where community members can use sewing machines, cutting tables, tools, and supplies in a welcoming creative space.
Quilting, Creativity, and Community
Quilters have plenty of opportunities as well. The Sewing Labs offers long-arm quilting instruction, machine rentals, and quilting services for customers both locally and across the country.
The nonprofit’s reputation continues to grow beyond Kansas City. This August, The Sewing Labs will participate in the Original Sewing & Quilt Expo, returning to the Kansas City area for the first time in a decade. The event takes place August 6–8 at the Overland Park Convention Center. The organization has also been featured in national quilting publications, including an upcoming five-page feature in the American Quilter’s Society magazine.
Upcoming Events You Won’t Want to Miss
Community support plays a vital role in keeping the mission moving forward. On Saturday, August 22, The Sewing Labs will host its popular Fabric Grab, where shoppers can purchase donated fabric for just $5 per pound, along with sewing machines, notions, and other sewing supplies. The last event welcomed more than 300 shoppers.
This fall, the nonprofit is launching an exciting new fundraiser, the Greater KC Stitch Off, inspired by The Great British Sewing Bee. The six-week online competition will feature sewing challenges for both amateur and professional makers, with supporters casting votes through donations. Winners in each division will receive a $5,000 cash prize.
Supporting a Stronger Community
The Sewing Labs also accepts donations of fabric, sewing supplies, quilt tops, and most sewing machines during weekday business hours. Many donated quilt tops are completed by volunteers and later sold through fundraising auctions that help support scholarships and programming.
What impressed me most during my visit wasn’t just the rows of sewing machines or shelves filled with colorful fabric—it was the sense of purpose. Every class, every donation, and every volunteer hour helps create opportunities for someone else.
The Sewing Labs is proving that sewing isn’t simply a hobby. It’s a creative outlet, a valuable trade, and for many students, a pathway to a brighter future.
Sometimes all it takes is a single stitch to change a life.