Step Inside Baltimore’s Sewing Sector
Baltimore once had a thriving garment industry and was second only to New York in the production of utilitarian garments. Beginning in the 1970s, the city experienced a mass exodus of garment manufacturing, with many of its garment factories closing and generations of sewing and manufacturing knowledge at risk of being lost.
In 2021, SEW IMPACT began working to reconnect and grow Baltimore’s sewing ecosystem. This work contributed to the formation of the Needle Trades District at the Baltimore Innovation Center, which now spans more than 20,000 square feet.
Today, the District brings together fashion entrepreneurs, manufacturers, needle-trades nonprofits, educators, and other organizations working across Baltimore’s sewing economy.
The Needle Trades District is not generally open to the public. This special tour offers a behind-the-scenes opportunity to learn about Baltimore’s garment-industry history, explore the District, and see what is being designed, sewn, manufactured, and built in Baltimore today.
Not all businesses within the District will be open during the tour. However, every attendee will receive a Needle Trades District Directory with contact information for businesses and organizations throughout the District, as well as the Maryland Sewing Economies Ecosystem Map.
About the Tour
The tour is guided by Stacy Stube, founder of SEW IMPACT, who has been actively working to preserve, connect, and grow Baltimore’s needle-trades ecosystem.
Stube previously served as Head of Innovation for one of Baltimore’s remaining garment manufacturers and has more than 20 years of experience across fashion, manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Tour Schedule
30 minutes — Baltimore’s Sewing Economy
Learn about Baltimore’s garment-industry history, the needle trades, the evolution of the industry, and opportunities for its future.
30 minutes — Fashion Innovation Hub & Needle Trades District Tour
Walk through the District and see the businesses, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and organizations working within Baltimore’s sewing economy.
30 minutes — Questions & Answers
Ask questions about Baltimore’s sewing ecosystem, entrepreneurship, manufacturing, and the future of the industry.
Important Arrival Information
Please arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled tour start time.
The Baltimore Innovation Center is a secured building, and all entry points are locked once the tour begins. For security reasons, we cannot guarantee access to attendees who arrive after the tour has started.
Late entry may not be possible. If you cannot arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start time, please consider selecting a different tour time that better fits your schedule.
Location
Needle Trades District
Baltimore Innovation Center
1100 Wicomico Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21230
Please plan to arrive 10 minutes early for building access.
Step Inside Baltimore’s Sewing Sector
Baltimore once had a thriving garment industry and was second only to New York in the production of utilitarian garments. Beginning in the 1970s, the city experienced a mass exodus of garment manufacturing, with many of its garment factories closing and generations of sewing and manufacturing knowledge at risk of being lost.
In 2021, SEW IMPACT began working to reconnect and grow Baltimore’s sewing ecosystem. This work contributed to the formation of the Needle Trades District at the Baltimore Innovation Center, which now spans more than 20,000 square feet.
Today, the District brings together fashion entrepreneurs, manufacturers, needle-trades nonprofits, educators, and other organizations working across Baltimore’s sewing economy.
The Needle Trades District is not generally open to the public. This special tour offers a behind-the-scenes opportunity to learn about Baltimore’s garment-industry history, explore the District, and see what is being designed, sewn, manufactured, and built in Baltimore today.
Not all businesses within the District will be open during the tour. However, every attendee will receive a Needle Trades District Directory with contact information for businesses and organizations throughout the District, as well as the Maryland Sewing Economies Ecosystem Map.
About the Tour
The tour is guided by Stacy Stube, founder of SEW IMPACT, who has been actively working to preserve, connect, and grow Baltimore’s needle-trades ecosystem.
Stube previously served as Head of Innovation for one of Baltimore’s remaining garment manufacturers and has more than 20 years of experience across fashion, manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Tour Schedule
30 minutes — Baltimore’s Sewing Economy
Learn about Baltimore’s garment-industry history, the needle trades, the evolution of the industry, and opportunities for its future.
30 minutes — Fashion Innovation Hub & Needle Trades District Tour
Walk through the District and see the businesses, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and organizations working within Baltimore’s sewing economy.
30 minutes — Questions & Answers
Ask questions about Baltimore’s sewing ecosystem, entrepreneurship, manufacturing, and the future of the industry.
Important Arrival Information
Please arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled tour start time.
The Baltimore Innovation Center is a secured building, and all entry points are locked once the tour begins. For security reasons, we cannot guarantee access to attendees who arrive after the tour has started.
Late entry may not be possible. If you cannot arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start time, please consider selecting a different tour time that better fits your schedule.
Location
Needle Trades District
Baltimore Innovation Center
1100 Wicomico Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21230
Please plan to arrive 10 minutes early for building access.
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