Blue Ribbon Clothing Construction, Sewing, & Needlepoint

Class 4 Needlework Sewing and needlework might seem like traditional crafts, but they are more relevant to today’s youth than ever before. These hands-on activities not only offer a creative outlet but also teach essential life skills such as planning, organizing, and critical thinking. For more information about how sewing and needlework projects teach life skills, check out this article. This post breaks down the different classes at the North Florida Fair where youth can exhibit their sewing and needlework projects, and includes helpful resources for parents, youth, and volunteers. Exhibiting project work is an essential component of a 4-H project, and allows youth to not only get recognition for their work, but receive constructive feedback for continuous improvement.

Entry forms to exhibit at the North Florida Fair are due to your local UF/IFAS Extension Office October 1st. Your local office will assign exhibit tag numbers to your entries.

Class 2: Clothing Construction

Youth can enter items of clothing they have sewn in Class 2. This could include beginner items, like a pair of elastic waist shorts, to items that are more difficult, such as a button-down shirt, pants with zippers, or a dress. It does not include accessories like hats or bags (class 3), or garments that are knitted or crocheted (class 4). To prepare the item for exhibition, make sure the item of clothing is clean and pressed (no wrinkles or stains)! Garments should be placed on hangers, and the exhibitor’s tag attached with a safety pin. Judges will be evaluating clothing entries based on how they are presented (clean, neat, and on a hanger). They will also be evaluating the fabric choice and construction method for appropriateness of the garment. They also look at the inside to see if the seams are neat and pressed. Finally, the judge the garment based on creativity.

Here is the information you need to correctly complete your entry tag:

Section – 210
Class- 2
Lot- This will be your age division; write “A” for juniors (8-10 years old), “B” for intermediates (11-13 years old), or “C” for seniors (14-18 years old).
Exhibit- a short description of the item you are entering (example: yellow cotton blouse )
Exhibitor- Your name
Address- Name of your county

Resources for Class 2 (clothing construction)

Class 3: Sewing

The sewing category is for anything sewn with fabric that you do not wear. This includes things like tote bags, pillows, blankets, or quilts. The only exception is knitted or crocheted items- those belong in class 4. Before submitting your items to the fair for judging, make sure they are clean and pressed. Judges will evaluate your item based on the fabric and construction methods you selected, as well as creativity and neatness.

Here is the information you need to correctly complete your entry tag:

Section – 210
Class- 3
Lot- This will be your age division; write “A” for juniors (8-10 years old), “B” for intermediates (11-13 years old), or “C” for seniors (14-18 years old).
Exhibit- a short description of the item you are entering (example: red and green quilted tote bag)
Exhibitor- Your name
Address- Name of your county

Resources for Class 3 (sewing)

Class 4: Needlework

Needlework isn’t just cross stitch! It is any textile art that is created with a needle. This includes crocheting (example: potholders, stuffed animals, hats), knitting (example: blankets, clothing, bags), embroidery (example: cross stitch, needlepoint, decorative), and quilting (example: jackets, quilts, bags).

Here is the information you need to correctly complete your entry tag:

Section – 210
Class- 4
Lot- This will be your age division; write “A” for juniors (8-10 years old), “B” for intermediates (11-13 years old), or “C” for seniors (14-18 years old).
Exhibit- a short description of the item you are entering (example: blue knitted scarf)
Exhibitor- Your name
Address- Name of your county

Resources for Class 4 (needlework)

Clothing construction, sewing, and needlework are fun and worthwhile ways to learn life skills. Exhibiting project work is an essential part of the 4-H project experience. And remember, 4-H has a great partnership with Joann Fabric and Craft Stores to support youth in their crafts through the Joann 4-H Rewards program. For information on how to incorporate crafting into your program, contact your local UF/ IFAS County Extension Office to learn more or follow us on Facebook.