Class 4 NeedleworkSewing 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.
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 )
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)
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)
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.
It’s hard to believe fair season is just around the corner. I remember as a youth the excitement of entering my projects in the county fair. Today I will be sharing tips for preparing your plant project for exhibition at the fair. At the North Florida Fair, youth plant projects are entered in Class 1 of department 210. This includes plants grown in containers or dish gardens, and each youth can enter up to six entries for this class. Youth need to have their plants six weeks prior to the fair; this year that is around September 15. If you are growing your plant from seed or from a cutting, you will want to start much earlier. The exact time will depend on the type of plant you are growing.
You want to select plants that will peak in November or that can be maintained at a good size for exhibit. Here’s a list of plants that have been exhibited in past years, and work well for this time of year in Florida: African Violet, Aloe, Aluminum, Angelonia, Arrowhead Plant, Basil, Begonia, Blue Daze, Cardinal guard/Mexican Firebush, Coleus, Christmas Cactus, Cilantro, Creeping Jenny, Croton, Cuban Oregano, Dianthus, Dieffenbachia, Dracaena, Crossandra, Jade Plant, Ferns, Fittonia, Ghost Plant, Kalanchoe, Lavender, Liriope, Perilla, Euonymus, Marigold, Moss Rose (Portulaca), Impatiens, Marjoram, Mums, Oregano, Oyster Plant, Orchid, Parsley, Pentas, Peace Lily, Ornamental Peppers, Pentas, Peperomia, Persian Shield, Petunia, Philodendron, Pilea, Polka Dot Plant, Portulaca, Pothos, Prayer Plant, Purple Heart, Rosemary, Sage, Salvia, Sedum, Spider Plant, Snake Plant, Stevia, Tarragon, Thyme, Torenia, Vinca, Wax Begonia, Zinnia.
Caring for your Plant
The fantastic thing about exhibiting plants is everyone can grow flowers and vegetables in small spaces using containers. It is also a relatively inexpensive hobby that helps the environment. The main requirement is that you grow plants together with similar light and moisture requirements. Here are a couple of resources to assist you with container gardening from Florida and Iowa.
Plants for exhibition should have good spread, fullness, and height. Branching is often more desirable than extra height. That may mean that the plant needs to be cut back to allow branching and encourage symmetrical growth. A one-sided or unevenly developed plant often indicates that it has not been rotated regularly and has grown toward the sun or source of light.
First decide where your plant will be kept. Is it sunny or shady? Will it get lots of water or a little water? Next select the plants that will meet the location needs. Then find a container to show off your plants for the fair. You want your pot to be in proportion to the plants you planted. You do not want the container to be unstable or overpowering. In our county, we use gallon size black pots for the ease of transport to the fair. However, the fair does not limit or specify the type of container to be used. Talk with your local extension faculty if they are transporting your plants for you since they may have limitations on what they can transport. The biggest thing to remember is the plants are the stars of the show and need to be the eyecatcher, not the container outshining the plants.
You will want to have a saucer to catch water drainage.
Next clean your pot by removing soil and spray residue from the sides. Remove any excess roots coming out of the bottom of the container. Groom your plant by remove any detritus (dead leaves, sticks etc.) laying on top of the soil. You may need to top dress the container with fresh soil or compost to make it neat in appearance.
When grooming the plants you want to remove all soil and spray residue from the foliage, stems, and flowers. You can do this by using a damp cloth or soft brush. Be careful not to damage the foliage or petals when doing this step. Next you want to look at the plant for faded blooms, ragged leaves and dead or diseased branches. These should be removed, or trimmed (following the natural shape of the leaf) but stubs or wounds may be noticed by the judge so avoid removing too many leaves and stems.
If your plant needs to be staked to stand up correctly, stake it but the stake should end below the plant. You want the stake to be as unobtrusive as possible.
Finally, attach the fair entry tag to your container. Make sure to include the container start date and common plant names to the entry tag or use another label.
Preparing your Entry Form & Exhibitor’s Tag
Entry forms are due to your local 4-H Extension Office by the 1st of October. When you turn in your entry form, your 4-H agent will assign exhibit tags, which you will need to fill out and attach to your plant when it is time to submit for judging. Here is the information you need to correctly complete your entry tag:
Section – 210
Class- 1
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: dwarf coreopsis)
Exhibitor- Your name
Address- Name of your county
Scoring
Your plant will be judged the Wednesday before the fair opens. Foliage plants are judged on the quality and appearance of leaves and stems. Colors should be bright, clear, and typical of the plant. Flowering plants are judged for their display of flowers but should not show obvious foliage (leaf) damage. A comparison of the number of open flowers and buds is typically used to evaluate similar entries. You can download the judges’ scoring rubric for more information on how horticulture entries are judged. After judging, a ribbon will be attached to your plant, and the ribbon color will be recorded for the fair office so they can issue you your premium money. 4-H Day at the Fair (November 16) is a great time to check to see what placings your exhibits earned!
Take a little time today to dig in the dirt and create your own container garden(s) for fair exhibits. If you have questions, reach out to your local UF IFAS Extension Office.
When you think of the word “crafting,” you may think of hot glue sticks and pipe cleaners, but crafting also includes practices such as ceramics, woodworking, calligraphy, and leather stamping as well. Using crafting as a teaching tool can encourage youth to apply problem-solving skills, develop new interests, and increase confidence, all while having a fun, hands-on experience. This post covers how crafting can support the 4-H project, what crafting is, and how to prepare craft exhibits for the fair.
Does Crafting Support the 4-H Project?
YES! Exhibiting project work in 4-H is a cornerstone of the program’s philosophy of “learning by doing.” It provides young members with the opportunity to showcase their hard-earned skills, creativity, and dedication to a wider audience. Whether it’s raising livestock, crafting, or coding, exhibiting project work is about more than just winning ribbons—it’s about developing life skills, personal growth, and building a foundation for lifelong learning. There are several benefits to exhibiting project work, which is why it is one of the components of completing a 4-H project:
Recognition and Achievement: When 4-H members exhibit their work, they receive recognition for their efforts. This acknowledgment, whether through awards, feedback, or simply having their work on display, boosts self-esteem and motivates them to continue learning and improving. The process of preparing for an exhibition teaches members to set goals, meet deadlines, and take pride in their accomplishments.
Learning and Improvement: Exhibiting allows 4-H members to receive constructive feedback from judges and peers. This feedback is invaluable for growth, helping them identify areas for improvement and encouraging them to refine their skills. It’s an integral part of the learning process, fostering a mindset of continuous improvement.
Communication Skills: Presenting a project to an audience or judge develops critical communication skills. Members learn to explain their work, articulate their ideas, and answer questions. This experience is crucial for building confidence and public speaking abilities, which are essential life skills.
Community Engagement: Exhibiting projects at fairs or community events connects 4-H members with their local community. It’s an opportunity to share knowledge, inspire others, and demonstrate the positive impact of 4-H. Exhibitions also highlight the diversity of interests and talents within the program, showcasing the broad range of opportunities 4-H offers.
Encouraging Responsibility and Work Ethic: Preparing a project for exhibition requires planning, attention to detail, and perseverance. Members learn to take responsibility for their work, from the initial idea through to the final presentation. This process instills a strong work ethic and prepares them for future challenges in education and careers.
Benefits of Incorporating Crafting into Project Work
Crafting can be a great way to learn about different cultures!
Crafting can significantly support the 4-H Project by providing hands-on learning opportunities that align with the program’s focus on developing practical skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Here’s how crafting can contribute to 4-H projects:
1. Skill Development
Practical Skills: Crafting teaches valuable skills such as sewing, woodworking, painting, and other forms of art. These skills can be directly applied to various 4-H projects, from home economics to environmental stewardship.
Fine Motor Skills: Activities like knitting, embroidery, and model building improve hand-eye coordination and dexterity, which are beneficial in many 4-H activities.
2. Creativity and Innovation
Project Personalization: Crafting allows members to personalize their 4-H projects, making them unique. For example, a 4-H member working on a gardening project might create decorative planters or garden markers.
Problem-Solving: Crafting often involves figuring out how to create something from raw materials, which enhances problem-solving skills—a key component of many 4-H projects.
3. Educational Integration
STEAM Learning: Craft projects can integrate science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). For instance, a project on building a birdhouse can involve measuring, cutting, and assembling, all while learning about bird habitats.
Life Skills: Crafting teaches patience, attention to detail, and perseverance, which are important life skills that 4-H aims to instill in its members.
4. Community Service
Donations and Fundraisers: Crafts can be used to create items for community service projects, such as blankets for shelters, or for fundraising efforts to support 4-H activities.
Collaborative Projects: Crafting can be a group activity, fostering teamwork and collaboration among 4-H members.
5. Exhibition and Recognition
Fair and Competitions: Many 4-H members exhibit their crafted projects at county or state fairs, earning recognition and awards. This provides a sense of accomplishment and encourages further learning and improvement.
Portfolio Building: Craft projects can be included in a member’s 4-H portfolio, showcasing their skills and creativity, which can be beneficial for scholarships and future opportunities.
6. Personal Expression and Confidence Building
Self-Expression: Crafting allows 4-H members to express their individuality and creativity, which can boost self-confidence and a sense of ownership in their work.
Presentation Skills: When presenting their crafted projects, members develop communication and presentation skills, important aspects of 4-H education.
7. Sustainability and Environmental Awareness
Upcycling and Recycling: Crafting with recycled materials promotes environmental stewardship, a core value in 4-H. Members can learn to repurpose items, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Nature Crafts: Projects that involve using natural materials, such as creating leaf prints or pinecone decorations, help members connect with the environment and understand the importance of natural resources.
8. Mental and Emotional Well-being
Stress Relief: Crafting is a therapeutic activity that can reduce stress and promote mental well-being, helping 4-H members maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Sense of Achievement: Completing a craft project gives members a sense of achievement, which is important for building self-esteem and a positive outlook.
Incorporating crafting into 4-H projects not only enhances the learning experience but also aligns with the program’s mission to empower youth to lead for themselves and their communities. Crafting has been a vital part of world culture and is still celebrated today. Pottery, woodworking, string art, and various other crafts have contributed to the documentation and passing down of history across generations. While crafting has adapted and changed over time, its importance is still the same. It provides artists with a means to express their passion and emotions through their creations, fostering appreciation and sharing among others. Moreover, the skills acquired from crafting seamlessly transition into practical workforce abilities used in daily life.
Examples of Crafting:
While crafting can cover many creative areas, here are a few examples that you can introduce to youth that may spark their interest. This infographic can also be a helpful reminder!
Paper Goods– calligraphy, paper dyeing, origami, decoupage, scrapbooking
This is a great starter project for youth of any age and make great gifts for everyone. Crafts such as cardmaking and origami can help introduce youth to using hand-eye coordination. This project is cost-effect as it can be made with a variety of supplies, including paper, markers, stamps, leaves, flowers, magazine clippings and more. Consider having a messy craft when the project is introduced so that youth can get comfortable with thinking outside of the box and brainstorming ideas based on the supplies provided.
Home Goods– candles, ceramic pottery, macramé, wreaths, stained glass
For youth who may be interested in creating items they can give as gifts or make a profit from, crafting home goods is a great option. This type of project requires a few extra supplies but can be a rewarding experience. Some crafts such as stained glass and ceramics can become expensive, so you will want to make sure you have the right audience before investing. Since these crafts can vary in difficulty, size, and style, it can be a fun place to start with youth that may be new to crafting entirely. Macramé, making beeswax sheet candles, or clay figurines may be a good place to start to help spark interest.
Note that things like needlework, woodworking, sculpture, and jewelry belong in other fair categories, and are not exhibited in Class 7 at the North Florida Fair
Preparing Your Craft Exhibit for the Fair
Now that you have learned more about crafting, how can you encourage youth to participate? It is important to remind youth that they can enter their goods into the fair and win premium money! For the North Florida Fair, Crafting is Class 7 and includes the following entries: macramé, ceramics, pottery, candles, wreaths, picture frames, holiday ornaments, etc. To exhibit your crafts, you will need to complete a fair 4-H entry form and submit it to your local UF/ IFAS County Extension Office by October 1st. Your local office will provide tags for your craft exhibits and submit your form to the fair office. Use this checklist to prepare your exhibits for the fair. You may also want to refer to the judges’ rubric; craft exhibits will be judged based on creativity, technique, and neatness.
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: horse holiday ornament )
Exhibitor- Your name
Address- Name of your county
Crafting is a fun and worthwhile way to learn new skills. Through crafting, youth learn new techniques and have fun and can share their crafts with others, which is all a part of the 4-H experience. And remember, if you need , 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.
A day of outdoor games is a great way to celebrate the end of the 4-H year.
As the 4-H Club year draws to a close, it’s time to celebrate the hard work, growth, and achievements of its members. Whether you’ve been raising animals, honing your leadership skills, or mastering a new craft, there are numerous ways to commemorate the end of the 4-H year. Here are five creative ideas to make the celebration memorable:
Recognition Ceremony: This is probably the most traditional way to celebrate youths’ achievements. Start the celebration by hosting a recognition ceremony to honor the accomplishments of club members. It doesn’t have to be a formal occasion- a picnic or barbeque can be a fun way to celebrate! Recognize achievements such as completing projects, participating in competitions, or demonstrating leadership qualities. Award certificates, ribbons, or trophies to highlight individual and group successes. Encourage members to share their experiences and lessons learned, fostering a sense of pride and belonging within the club.
A service project can be a fun end to a great 4-H year. These youth are building bird houses for a local school.
Community Service Project: Embrace the spirit of giving back by organizing a community service project to mark the end of the 4-H year. One of my favorite ideas that one of my club leaders did was to have an annual canoe or kayak trip down the Chipola river. Along the way, we would collect any litter. Check out our earlier series on planning a kayak trip. Any community cause or organization that aligns with the values of the club would work! Whether it’s cleaning up a local park, volunteering at a food bank, or organizing a fundraiser for a charitable organization, participating in a service project reinforces the importance of civic engagement and philanthropy. Invite club members, families, and community members to join forces and make a difference together, strengthening bonds and leaving a lasting legacy of service.
Outdoor Adventure Day: Celebrate the end of the 4-H year with an outdoor adventure day filled with fun and excitement. Plan a day trip to a nearby nature reserve, campground, fishing area, or recreational area where members can engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, or rock climbing. Organize team-building games, scavenger hunts, or nature walks to promote teamwork and exploration. Encourage members to disconnect from technology and immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural world, fostering a sense of appreciation for the environment and each other. Don’t forget to pack plenty of snacks and refreshments to keep everyone fueled and hydrated throughout the day. I used to have a 4-H volunteer who planned an end-of-the-year camping trip that was always something the youth looked forward to!
Talent Showcase: Showcase the diverse talents and interests of club members (and their families) with a talent showcase or variety show. Invite members to showcase their skills in areas such as music, dance, drama, or visual arts. Whether it’s performing a musical piece, showcasing a craft project, or demonstrating a cooking technique, a talent showcase provides a platform for members to express themselves creatively and celebrate their passions. Encourage collaboration and participation from all members, regardless of skill level, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to shine.
The end of the 4-H year is a great time to reflect on the accomplishments of members and start setting goals for the next year!
Reflection and Goal Setting Retreat: Conclude the 4-H year with a reflection and goal-setting retreat to look back on past achievements and plan for the future. Find a peaceful retreat venue where members can unwind, reflect, and recharge away from the distractions of everyday life. Facilitate discussions and activities to encourage members to reflect on their experiences, lessons learned, and personal growth throughout the year. Guide them in setting new goals and aspirations for the upcoming year, empowering them to strive for excellence and pursue their passions with purpose and determination. Foster a supportive and collaborative atmosphere where members can share their dreams and aspirations, inspiring each other to reach new heights of success and fulfillment.
The end of the 4-H Club year is a time to celebrate achievements, foster camaraderie, and inspire future endeavors. Whether it’s through recognition ceremonies, community service projects, outdoor adventures, talent showcases, or reflection retreats, there are countless ways to commemorate the accomplishments of club members and set the stage for continued growth and success in the years to come. By embracing these creative ideas, you can make the end of the 4-H year a memorable and meaningful experience for all involved.
Who doesn’t love a warm, soft pretzel? Did you know they are fast and easy to make? Pretzels are a yummy way to introduce youth to the science of bread baking. Following a recipe can also help them practice following directions and measuring ingredients. Plus….it’s just fun! In honor of National Pretzel Day, we are sharing our tried and true soft pretzel recipe, which is perfect for your next 4-H club meeting or a fun family night. Of course, be sure to note any youth with food allergies and plan accordingly! This recipe makes 12 pretzels, so you may need to double (or triple) the recipe depending on the number of people you have.
You can demonstrate making the dough, or divide youth up into groups of 4-5 to make a recipe of dough each. In addition to the ingredients below, you will need either a stand mixer or a bowl and spoon for each group, measuring spoons, a liquid 1-cup measuring cup, 1-cup measure for solids, baking sheets, parchment paper, pastry brush, oven, and pot-holders.
Tips for baking with youth:
Create stations with all the supplies (including the recipe) needed. If possible, have a teen or adult for each station.
Demonstrate how to measure ingredients
Demonstrate how to knead and shape the dough
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups of warm water (around 100 degrees Farenheight 2 1/4 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast (this is about 1 packet)
1 tablespoon of sugar or honey
1 teaspoon salt
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus a little more for kneading)
3 tablespoons of melted butter
This is optional, but you can have a variety of toppings for youth to try:
Traditional-course sea salt
Cheesy- nutritional yeast (if allergic to dairy), or cheese-flavored seasonings (like the kind you use for popcorn)
Ranch, or any other seasoning you prefer
Instructions:
Stir the yeast into warm water and sugar (or honey). Allow to sit for 1 minute. Slowly add 3 cups of flour, 1 cup at a time. Mix with a wooden spoon (or dough hook attached to stand mixer) until dough is thick. Add 3/4 cup more flour until the dough is no longer sticky. If the dough is sticky, continue to add flour (a small bit at the time) until it is no longer sticky. This will depend on how much humidity is in the air (this is a great science discussion!).
If using a stand mixer, keep the dough in the mixer and beat for an additional 5 full minutes. If mixing by hand, place the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead with clean hands for 5 full minutes. If the dough becomes too sticky during the kneading process, sprinkle more flour on the dough as needed. After kneading, the dough should slowly bounces back when you poke it with your finger.
Shape the kneaded dough into a ball. Cover lightly with a towel and allow to rest for 10 minutes. While the dough is resting, preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
After the dough has rested, use a knife to cut it into 12 even portions. Give one portion to each youth, and show them how to roll the dough into a rope, or “snake” shape. Form a circle with the dough bringing the two ends together. Twist the ends and bring them back down over the circle to form the pretzel shape. Place pretzels onto the baking sheets and brush with melted butter and the topping of your choice.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and enjoy!
Further Engagement:
Youth who enjoy this activity may also enjoy the 4-H Breads Project. Youth can enter their baked goods in their local county fair or the North Florida Fair. Youth can also do a demonstration on breadmaking for county events, district events, or 4-H University.
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.
Class 3: Sewing
Here is the information you need to correctly complete your entry tag:
