The Crisis of American Sewing

Ripstop on the Record

Ripstop on the Record
The Crisis of American Sewing
May 20, 2026 Season 1 Episode 148

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Most of us like the idea of American-made production, but very few of us understand the complexity (or the role DIY makers can play in rebuilding it). This conversation explores what it actually takes to build sewn products sustainably in America without losing sight of the people behind the products.

The Carolina Textile District helps businesses (big and small) create amazing products here in the US through educational courses, businesses connections, and operational support. 

Sewn Goods 101 Course

Industrial Sewing Program

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Episode Artwork The Crisis of American Sewing 1:21:18 Episode Artwork Sewing EVERYTHING For a Thru Hike 58:40 Episode Artwork How to Think Like a Product Developer 1:39:35 Episode Artwork Why Your Projects Look Worse Than They Really Are 1:14:50 Episode Artwork 5 (non-sewing) Habits That Make You a Better Maker 1:17:29 Episode Artwork Your Guide to Working with Foam 1:15:02 Episode Artwork What makes KAI scissors so good? 56:52 Episode Artwork How New Fabrics Come to Life 1:23:18 Episode Artwork The Hidden Power of Tailoring in Technical Gear 1:09:04 Episode Artwork What Factories Teach Us About Better Making | Douglas Davidson is Back! 1:50:39 Episode Artwork This episode will never see the light of day... 4:37 Episode Artwork Built by hand, Designed for scale 1:59:31 Episode Artwork Fix These MYOG Mistakes Before You Start Your Next Project 1:21:33 Episode Artwork These Materials Tell a Story Beyond the Performance 1:03:02 Episode Artwork Fidlock is gone... Now what? 1:22:58 Episode Artwork True or False about Tech Fabrics and MYOG 1:13:56 Episode Artwork Fabric Draft 2025: Who Has the Strongest Roster? 1:24:55 Episode Artwork Creating Original Work in a World of Remakes 1:16:40 Episode Artwork Secrets from the Mills (in Asia) 1:27:29 Episode Artwork Get More Projects Done in Less Time 1:05:50 Episode Artwork Every maker NEEDS to have these skills 1:22:50 Episode Artwork Inside Hyperlite's Production Process | Creating Minimalist and Functional Gear 52:16 Episode Artwork Inside ULA Equipment with Pack Designer Owen Forbes 1:22:00 Episode Artwork The Blueprint of A Great Sewing Pattern 1:05:07 Episode Artwork How to Design a Fanny Pack Worth Wearing 56:25