CLOTHING
DEPARTMENT C
STEAM Clothing 1 Construction, Knitting/Crocheting, Accessories - Premium Schedule A
Beyond The Needle, STEAM Clothing 2, STEAM Clothing 3 Consumer Management, Quilt Quest & Style Revue -
Premium Schedule B
**All clothing construction and other clothing related exhibits will be entered on Clothing Day.
4-H members in the clothing category will demonstrate their knowledge through the creation of garments using STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) techniques. Five divisions in the clothing category offer a varying level of difficulty for 4-H members. For more resources and materials in this category refer to the resource section at the bottom of the page.
PLEASE NOTE: Read project manuals before deciding on pattern and choosing fabric. Not all patterns and fabrics are appropriate for all levels of sewing.
Entry Tags - Entry tags available at Clothing Day. Every clothing exhibit must be described on the appropriate entry tag accompanying it. (For example, dark blue wool skirt and jacket, red and white printed blouse.) Entry tag placement: as you look at the garment place the entry tag securely using straight pins or safety pins on the right side of the garment and the hook of the hanger to the left.
Identification Labels - Each item entered as a clothing, knitting or crochet exhibit must have a label attached stating: County, 4-H member’s name, and age, project name and class in which garment is entered, and the number of years enrolled in the project exhibited. Wool entries must have fiber content listed on the identification label. Attach a label on every component of the outfit using safety pins or by basting. Not responsible for unlabeled items.
Preparation of Exhibits –Please bring all wearable exhibits on wire hangers or hangers with a swivel hook ONLY. All exhibits not suitable for hanging should be entered in a self-sealing plastic bag and hung on a hanger. Wool garments and garments with narrow straps hang better on other hangers, i.e., wooden or notched plastic hangers with a swivel hook. As you look at the garment, place the hook of the hanger pointing to the left. Fasten skirts, shorts, and pants to skirt/pants hangers or safety pin on hanger. Each piece should be entered on its own hanger. If more than one hanger is used for an entry, fasten hangers belonging to one exhibit together with twist ties or rubber bands.
NEW***A Design Data Card must be included with All Beyond the Needle Classes C221003 through C221008 and STEAM 2 and STEAM 3 upcycled exhibits. The data card is available at http://gol.unl.edu/ne4hclothing If the data cad is not included, the exhibit will be lowered one ribbon placing. The data card is only required for the classes listed above.
Garments as listed may be made for self (4-H member) or another person. 4-H members participating in clothing projects should continue their skill development. Once you have exhibited in a higher level, you are not eligible to exhibit in a lower level. Ex. Once you exhibit in STEAM Clothing 3 you are not eligible to exhibit in STEAM Clothing 2.
Scoresheets, forms, contest study materials and additional resources can be found at https://go.unl.edu/ne4hclothing In addition all entries must conform to rules and regulations as set forth in the current Nebraska State Fair Book which can be found in the general rules.
CONSTRUCTION
**Entry(ies) are to be submitted during the Clothing Construction Judging. Check with local Extension office for correct date (Monday, July 27th, 2026) . Listed below are CONSTRUCTION ONLY fair entries, modeling entries are listed after construction.
Special Recognition - STATE FAIR
- Premier 4-H Science Award is available in this area. Please see General Rules for more details.
- All garments and accessories will be considered for the juried “4-H Design Gallery” to be displayed at the Nebraska State Fair only.
- All garments with at least 60% wool content are eligible for the “Make It With Wool” Award.
Entries: Each exhibitor is limited to one item per class.
GENERAL CLOTHING
Department C - Section 220
4-H members in all skill levels may exhibit in this area.
*1. Clothing Portfolio - Complete at least four different samples/activities from Chapters 2, 3 OR 4 of the project manual. The Portfolio should be placed in an 8.5 inch x 11 inch, three ring binder. Include an appropriate cover. Portfolio should build upon itself each year (additional pages can be added each year but should be dated). See pages 9-11 in STEAM Clothing 2: Simply Sewing project manual for portfolio formatting.
*2. Textile Science Scrapbook - Must include at least 10 different textile samples. Use Textile Information Cards template on page 39 in STEAM Clothing 2: Simply Sewing project manual to identify fabric 8.5 inch x 11 inch, three ring binder. Include an appropriate cover. Textile Science Scrapbook should build upon itself each year (additional pages can be added each year but should be dated). See project manual for fabric suggestions.
*3. Sewing For Profit - Using page 161-167 in the STEAM Clothing 2: Simply Sewing project manual, display what products you posted online and analyze the cost of goods purchased to determine the appropriate selling price for your product. The Exhibit may be a notebook, poster, or small display. Exhibits should not exceed 22 inches x 30 inches.
BEGINNING UNIT
STEAM CLOTHING I (FUNDAMENTALS)
Department - Section 920
(Clothing Construction)
Exhibits will be simple articles requiring minimal skills. Follow suggested skills in project manual. May exhibit one item per class.
4-H members who have enrolled in or completed STEAM Clothing 2 project are not eligible to exhibit in STEAM Clothing 1.
CLASSES
901. Sewing Kit - Include a list of sewing notions and purpose for each included. (pages 12-17 in project manual).
902. What’s the Difference— 4-H members enrolled in STEAM Clothing 1 may enter an exhibit (not to exceed 22 inches x 30 inches a notebook, poster, small display sharing a project comparison and price point. See project manual, “What’s The Difference?” page 118-119. Exhibits should include pictures NO actual pillows.
903. Clothing Service Project - Can include pillows or pillow cases but are not limited to those. Exhibit (not to exceed 22 inches x 30 inches) a notebook, poster, small display sharing information you generated in the project activity “Serving A Purpose” page 124 and 125.
BEGINNING SEWING EXHIBITS
904. Pincushion
905. Pillowcase
906. Simple Pillow—No larger than 18 inches x 18 inches
907. Bag/Purse - No zippers or button holes.
908. Simple Top
909. Simple Bottom - Pants, shorts, or skirt
910. Simple Dress
911. Other - Using skills learned in project manual. (Apron, vest, etc.)
912. Upcycled Simple Garment - The original used item must be redesigned (not just decorated - in some way to create a new wearable piece of clothing. A “before” picture and a description of the redesign process must accompany the entry or it will be disqualified.
913. Upcycled accessory - A wearable accessory made from a used item. The item used must be changed in some way in the “redesign” process. A “before” picture and a description of the redesign process must accompany the entry or it will be disqualified.
MIDDLE UNIT
4-Hers who have enrolled in or completed advanced projects are not eligible for STEAM II.
STEAM CLOTHING II (SIMPLY SEWING)
Department C - Section 222
(Clothing Construction)
Exhibits entered in this project must reflect at least one new skill learned from this manual. (See project manual skill-level list). A list of skills by project is available https://go.unl.edu/ne4hclothing.
Garments as listed below may be made from any woven or knit fabric appropriate to the garment’s design and should demonstrate sewing skills beyond STEAM Clothing 1.
NEW***A Design Data Card must be included with STEAM 2 and STEAM 3 upcycled exhibits. The data card is available at http://gol.unl.edu/ne4hclothing. If the data cad is not included, the exhibit will be lowered one ribbon placing. A list of skills and the Design Data Card are available at https://go.unl.edu/ne4hclothing
CLASSES:
*1. Design Basics, Understanding Design Principles - 4-H member’s exhibit sharing a learning experience from pages 17-20 in the project manual. Include answers to questions found on page 20 of the manual. The exhibit may be a notebook poster, or small display. Exhibits should not exceed 22 inches x 30 inches.
*2 Pressing Matters - 4-H Members 2 may enter a ham seam, or sleeve roll from pages 21-25 “A Pressing Matter” in the project manual. Exhibit should include answers to lesson questions that are most appropriate to include.
*3. Upcycled Garment - Eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows Create a garment from used textile-based items. The original used item must be redesigned using skills learned in STEAM Clothing 2 (not just decorated) in some way to create a new wearable piece of clothing. The finished garment must reflect at least one skill learned in this project. A Design Data Card must be included with this project including a “before” picture no larger than 4.25 inches x 5.5 inches. If additional information is not included, exhibit will be lowered one ribbon placing. A list of skills and the Design Data Card are available at https://go.unl.edu/ne4hclothing
*4. Upcycled Clothing Accessory - Not eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows. A wearable accessory made from a used item. The original used item must be redesigned suing skills learned in STEAM Clothing 2 (not just decorated) in some way to create a new wearable accessory. The finished item must reflect at least one skill learned in this project. A Design Data Card must be included with this project including a “before” picture no larger than 4.25 inches x 5.5 inches. If additional information is not included the exhibit will be lowered one ribbon placing. A list of skills and the Design Data Card are available at https://go.unl.edu/ne4hclothing
*5. Textile Clothing Accessory - Not eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows. Textile accessory is constructed using at least one skill learned in this project from materials appropriate for STEAM 2. A list of skills by project is available at https://go.unl.edu/ne4hclothing. Entry examples include: hats, bags, scarves, gloves. No metal plastic, paper, rubber base items allowed (i.e. barrettes, headbands, flip flops, duct tape, etc.)
*6. Top - Not eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows (vest acceptable)
*7. Bottom - Not eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows (pants or shorts)
*8. Skirt - Not eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows
*9. Lined or Unlined Jacket - Not eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows
*10. Dress - Eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows Not Formal Wear
*11. Romper or Jumpsuit - Eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows
*12. Two-Piece Outfit - Eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows.
*13. Alter Your Pattern - Eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows, in the class that best describes the type of garment constructed (i.e. Dress, Romper, or Jumpsuit, or Two-piece Outfit) Garment constructed from a significantly altered pattern. Entry must include both the constructed garment and the altered pattern. Include information sheet that describes:
1. How the pattern was altered or changed.
2. Why the changes were needed/wanted.
Appropriate skills for altering/designing a pattern in STEAM 2 include: moving darts, merging two patterns together, altering a pattern for a woven or knit material, adding a lining.
*14. Garment Constructed from Sustainable or Unconventional (Natural or synthetic) fibers - Eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows in the class that best describes the type of garment constructed. (Dress, Romper or Jumpsuit, or Two-piece Outfit). Fabric/Fibers used in this garment must be manufactured/purchased, for example: bamboo, banana, corn husk, and recycled fibers. Garments that are constructed out of the unconventional items themselves should be exhibited under Beyond the Needle.
ADVANCED UNIT
STEAM CLOTHING III (A STITCH FURTHER)
Department C - Section 223
(Clothing Construction)
Exhibits entered in this project must reflect at least one new skill learned from this manual. (See project manual skill-level list).
Garments as listed may be made from any pattern or any fabric and should demonstrate sewing skills beyond STEAM Clothing 2. Entry consist of complete constructed garments only. Wool entries must have the fiber content listed on the identification label.
NEW***A Design Data Card must be included with All STEAM 3 upcycled exhibits. The data card is available at http://gol.unl.edu/ne4hclothing. If the data card is not included, the exhibit will be lowered one ribbon placing.
*1. Upcycled Garment - Not eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows Create a garment from used textile-based items. The original used item must be redesigned (not just decorated) in some way to create a new wearable piece of clothing. The finished garment must reflect at least one skill learned in this project. A list of skills by project is available at http://go.unl.edu/ne4hclothing. A Design Data Card must be included with this project including a “before” picture no larger that 4 inches x 6 inches. The data card is available at: http://go.unl.edu/ne4hclothing.
*2. Upcycled Clothing Accessory - Not eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows A wearable accessory made from a used item. The item used must be changed in some way in the redesign process. The finished accessory must reflect at least one skill learned in this project A list of skills by project is available at http://go.unl.edu/ne4hclothing. A Design Data Card must be included with this project including a “before” picture no larger that 4 inches x 6 inches. The data card is available at: http://go.unl.edu/ne4hclothing.
*3. Textile Clothing Accessory - Not eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows Textile accessory is constructed using at least one skill learned in this project from materials appropriate for STEAM 3. A list of skills by project is available at http://go.unl.edu/ne4hclothing. Entry examples include: hats, bags, scarves, globes. No metal plastic, paper rubber base items allowed (i.e. barrettes, headbands, flip flops, duct tape, etc.)
*4. Dress or Formal—Eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows
*5. Skirted Combination - Eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows (skirt with shirt, vest or jacket OR jumper and shirt)
*6. Pants or Shorts Combination - Eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows (pants or shorts with shirt, vest or jacket)
*7. Romper or Jumpsuit—Eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows
*8. Specialty Wear - Eligible for State Fair Fashion Show s(Includes: swim wear, costumes, hunting gear, or chaps)
*9. Lined or Unlined Jacket. Not eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows (Non-tailored)
*10. Coat, Blazer, Suit Jacket or Outerwear - Eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows A tailored blazer or suit jacket or coat. Wool entries must have the fiber content listed MAKE IT WITH WOOL Award.
*11.. Alter/Design Your Pattern - Eligible for State Fair Fashion Showsin the class that best describes the type of garment constructed i.e. Dress, Romper, or Jumpsuit, or Two-piece Outfit) - Garment constructed from a significantly altered pattern. Entry must include both the constructed garment and the altered pattern. Include information sheet that describes:
1. How the pattern was altered or changed.
2. Why the changes were needed/wanted.
Appropriate skills for altering/designing a pattern in STEAM 3 include: moving darts, adding a zipper, merging two patterns together, altering a pattern for a woven or knit material, adding a lining, designing your own pattern.
*12. Garment Constructed from Sustainable or Unconventional (natural or synthetic) fibers - Eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows, in the class that best describes the type of garment constructed. Dress, Romper or Jumpsuit, or Two-piece Outfit). Fabric/Fibers used in this garment have to be manufactured/purchased, for example: bamboo, banana, corn husk, and recycled fibers. Garments that are constructed out of the unconventional items themselves should be exhibited under Beyond the Needle.
OTHER SEWING
Department C - Section 918
**Entry is submitted during the clothing construction judging. July 28th. 2025. Open to any 4-H member enrolled in a clothing project. See Beyond the Needle class 6 for accessory exhibits eligible for State Fair.
901. Poster - Can be on any subject related to clothing projects.
902. Doll Clothes - Must be a complete outfit for any size doll. (Complete outfit can be a dress or a top and bottom.)
903. Doll Clothes - Any 2nd complete outfit for any size doll.
POSTER CRITERIA -
The purpose of a poster is to call attention to a subject. Every poster must be crafted to catch the viewer’s attention quickly. Each must present only one specific message clearly.
Posters shall be 14 inches x 22 inches and must be of a material that can be pinned to a display board. They may be arranged horizontally or vertically. Those generated by computer must also meet this standard. Computer art generated on an 8.5 inches x 11 inch sheet of paper and mounted on poster board will be disqualified. Posters may be in any medium: watercolor, ink, crayon, markers or computer graphics. They may not be three-dimensional. Entries with components thicker than paper (such as milk cartons, pencils, pop cans) will be disqualified. Poster may not use copyrighted materials, such as cartoon characters or commercial product names. Computer “Clip art” will not be scored as positively as original computer art designs. Use of Name and Emblem must follow approved guidelines.
The 4-H member’s name, address, age, and county must be listed on the back of the poster.
Entry cards must be stapled, (Not paper clipped or taped) to the upper right hand corner of poster. Posters may be laminated to protect them. Loose plastic coverings used to protect the exhibit while being transported will be removed by the superintendent for evaluation and display. Incomplete exhibits will be lowered a ribbon class.
**Entry is submitted during the clothing construction judging. July 27th. 2026. Open to any 4-H member enrolled in a clothing project. See Beyond the Needle class 6 for accessory exhibits eligible for State Fair.