For over 40 years, HBI has been a strong voice in the Minnesota home sewing community. In fact, we’ve been awarded for this effort more than once. And to this day, we consider it an important part of our overall production environment having grown to 150+ sewers as well as partnering with multiple satellites (or groups) of sewers.

There are several reasons why we’ve taken this approach, built this community, and then integrated it into our overall manufacturing process:

1. It is cost-effective: Home sewers are granted work on a freelance or contract basis. This allows us to save on overhead costs normally associated with in-house production. Hiring home sewers can be more affordable in terms of wages, as well as expenses like equipment, utilities, and workspace. In addition, this makes the re-shoring effort more palatable for businesses as we are able to keep costs down and pass those savings on to our customers.

2. It offers flexibility and scalability: Engaging home sewers offers us greater flexibility in adjusting production capacity based on demand fluctuations. Since home sewers typically work on a project basis, HBI can easily scale the number of sewers employed in effort to meet changing production needs. This is even more true when used as an extension to our in-house production. It also offers the same flexibility for the home sewers themselves. It gives them the ability to work when they want, and as much as they want. All while not having to worry about the expense of commuting, packing a lunch, etc. It is especially convenient for sewers with small children, or those looking to start a family.

3. It allows for customization and small-batch production: Home sewers are well-suited for customization and small-batch production. With their attention to detail and ability to work on individual projects, home sewers cater to specific customer requests, create unique designs, and produce limited quantities of specialized products.

4. There are a wide range of skills and abilities: With a network of home sewers, HBI is able to focus on an array of skills and abilities. We have sewers with experience in making bags, and we have sewers experienced in sewing apparel. And many things in between. This allows us to direct projects to the most capable individuals/groups.

5. Collaboration and communication: Working with home sewers helps us foster a closer collaboration between our business, the sewers, and the community they belong too. As the manufacturing process is often decentralized, we have the opportunity to work closely with the individual sewers, providing feedback, addressing any issues, and ensuring that the final products meet the desired specifications required by our customers.

6. Supporting local and independent talent: Utilizing home sewers helps contribute to supporting local and independent sewers. This can align with ethical and sustainable practices, promoting fair wages and empowering individuals within the community.

7. It provides for constant growth and education: At HBI, we have developed a program that allows home sewers to gain certification and in turn, drive value and worth for each individual sewer. Worth that can follow a sewer around to future opportunities.

8. Inclusivity and diversity: HBI strives to bring value to each community we work with. Diversity is a goal of ours and we work hard to bring inclusivity to the people we work with. They are the heartbeat of our operation and we strive to give back to the individuals as well as their community.

9. Niche and specialty markets: Home sewers can cater to niche and specialty markets that require unique or specialized sewing skills. Jobs requiring a niche focus such as custom clothing, handmade accessories, or small-scale artisanal production benefit from the expertise and craftsmanship offered by our home sewers.

Utilizing home sewers for manufacturing does have some challenges. Challenges such as ensuring consistent quality control, managing production timelines, and coordinating logistics. HBI has curbed these issues through certifying each sewer on the product they are making, clear communication, effective training and documentation, well-defined contracts, and regular feedback.

Ultimately, the decision to use home sewers for manufacturing has been driven by the specific needs, resources, and goals of our business. Assessing the cost-benefit analysis, production requirements, and the desired level of customization and craftsmanship has helped identify home sewing as an effective tool to growing our business while better aligning with our target market.

Need help with your next project? Lets talk. Maybe it’s a good candidate for our home sewing program. Maybe it is better suited for our in-house production. Either way, we are eager to help. Contact us today.