Sewing School

The Collective Thread is expanding our current sewing school to provide needed skills training and employment opportunities to immigrant and refugee women in St. Louis by adding commercial sewing classes to our current curriculum. We will provide industrial sewing training for 60 women per year, who will have employment opportunities at identified businesses in need of sewers in St. Louis.

Our small batch facility will employ 20 women to sew commercially for local clothing brands in year 2020, with 2-3 additional managerial positions. In 2021, we hope to double that number employed at The Collective Thread.

Our Next class begins Spring 2020, register here:

Changing Lives Through Connection, Learning and Understanding

Celebrate our differences and support the diversity of our city

St. Louis is a diverse city, as evidenced by the variety of restaurants you can find in just a small area. You can find Ethiopian, Mexican, Italian, Turkish, Vietnamese, Moroccan, Persian and others on one street alone. Our city is home to many nationalities, including a growing population from East Africa. Many of these immigrants are women struggling to support themselves and their families.

A strong economy is built on diversity. Support that diversity by helping local immigrants to make a living wage in St. Louis.

Find out how The Collective Thread Impacts our Community

When you donate to our nonprofit, we're able to provide essential services to a vulnerable population. Many times, preconceived ideas cause us to be fearful or frustrated with those from another culture. Instead, let's provide the necessary support for our new friends to thrive. Your donation will help with:

Scholarships available for beginner sewing classes
Intermediate on the job sewing training
Apprentice Management Program
Social Services

By working together and supporting one another, we create a stronger society. Your generous donation will help women to support themselves and contribute to our local economy.