When I first started my company I knew I could not do the production myself and run a company. At first I hired local knitters for my knitted products and later I helped found a small knitting manufacturing company.  Eventually we moved the knitting to Hong Kong. 

 

As we added sewn products to our line, it was much more of a challenge. Though there were plenty of manufacturers right in our backyard of Seattle - I found there was a real learning curve to finding the right ones for our products; not just because our quantities were small to start out with, but because all sewing factories are not geared towards making every product.

The first time you do business with anyone is generally the most difficult because there is a certain learning curve for both parties - so be advised to stay calm and be patient.

•   Referrals  - These can be some of the best resources
• Thomas.net 
•  Alibaba.com  A global resource
•  Trade Schools or Community Colleges - talk to the department that relates to your product
•  Other Manufacturers: If they do their own production in house they might have slack  times where they need extra work OR may know of a contractor who is looking for work
•  Put an ad in Craigslist ( I recently did this and had at least 10 responses from small businesses wanting more work)
•  Ask at Fabric Stores for sewing contractors
•  Ask Sales Reps from whom you purchase raw materials, they often sell products directly to manufacturers