C: Clothing Construction, Knitting, Crochet

Content

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. Through the creation of garments 4-H'ers will learn more about clothing and application of STEAM abilities. Five divisions in the clothing category offer a varying level of difficulty for 4-H contestants.

Refer to General Rules for Ribbon Premium information

Resources:

Scoresheets, forms, contest study materials and additional resources can be found at https://go.unl.edu/ne4hclothing.  

A list of 4-H projects and links to 4-H curriculum resources can be found at https://4h.unl.edu/resources/projects.

Rules:

  1. Entry Tags: Every clothing exhibit must be described on the appropriate entry tag accompanying it (for example: dark blue wool skirt and jacket, red and white figured 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.
  2. Identification Labels: Each item entered as a clothing, knitting or crochet exhibit must have a label attached stating: County, Exhibitor'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 the 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. 
  3. 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 to the left. Fasten skirts, shorts, and pants to skirt/pant 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. 

  4. Design Data Card must be included with all Beyond The Needle (classes C221003 through C221008 and STEAM 2 and 3 upcycled exhibits). 

    The data card is available at http://go.unl.edu/ne4hclothing. If the data card is not included, the exhibit will be lowered one ribbon placing. The data card is only required for the classes listed.

  5. General: Garments as listed may be made for self (4-H member) or another person. Garments will be displayed by county. 4-H members enrolled 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. 
  6. Criteria for Judging:  Scoresheets, forms, contest study materials and additional resources can be found at https://go.unl.edu/ne4hclothing

 

Judged on Pre-Fair Judging Day, Saturday, June 27, 2026, 

at the United Methodist Church, Allen, NE.

 

GENERAL CLOTHING

4-H members in all skill levels may exhibit in this area.

C 220 001  CLOTHING PORTFOLIO  Complete at least four different samples/activities from Chapters 2, 3, OR 4 of the STEAM Clothing 2 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.

C 220 002  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 swatches. Completed textile cards should be placed in an 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 the STEAM Clothing 2 project manual for fabric suggestions.

C 220 003  SEWING FOR PROFIT Using pages 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.

 

BEYOND THE NEEDLE

4-H members must show their own original creativity.

C 221 001  DESIGN PORTFOLIO  A portfolio consisting of at least three design samples or activities. Refer to the Beyond the Needle project manual for activity ideas. The Portfolio should be placed in an 8.5 inch x 11 inch, three ring binder. Include an appropriate cover. (Additional pages can be added each year but should be dated.) See pages 14-16 in the Beyond the Needle project manual for portfolio formatting.

C 221 002  COLOR WHEEL Create your own color wheel, complimentary color bar or color scheme using pages 27-39 in the project manual. The Exhibit may be a notebook, poster, or small display. Exhibits should not exceed 22 inches x 30 inches. 

C 221 003  EMBELLISHED GARMENT WITH ORIGINAL DESIGN  (Eligible for State Fair Fashion Show) Create a garment using techniques as defined in the project manual. Designs are the original idea of the 4-Her using the elements and principles of design to make an original statement. A Design Data Card must be included with this project. The data card is available at https://go.unl.edu/ne4hclothing. If additional information is not included, exhibit will be lowered one ribbon placing. 

C 221 004  ORIGINAL DESIGNED FABRIC YARDAGE  Fabric yardage is designed using techniques such as those found in the manual. Other embellishments may be added. Exhibit consists of at least one yard of finished fabric. A Design Data Card must be included with this project. The data card is available at https://go.unl.edu/ne4hclothing. If additional information is not included, exhibit will be lowered one ribbon placing.

C 221 005 ITEM (GARMENT OR NON-CLOTHING ITEM) CONSTRUCTED FROM ORIGINAL DESIGNED FABRIC (Only garments are eligible for State Fair Fashion Show) Fabric yardage is designed first, then an item is constructed from that fabric. Other embellishments may be added. A Design Data Card must be included with this project. The data card is available at https://go.unl.edu/ne4hclothing. If additional information is not included, exhibit will be lowered one ribbon placing. 

C 221 006 TEXTILE ARTS GARMENT OR ACCESSORY  (Garment eligible for State Fair Fashion Show) A garment or accessory constructed using new unconventional materials. Examples: rubber bands, plastic, duct tape. A Design Data Card must be included with this project. The data card is available at https://go.unl.edu/ne4hclothing. If additional information is not included, exhibit will be lowered one ribbon placing.

C 221 007 FASHION ACCESSORY (Not eligible for State Fair Fashion Show) An accessory designed and/or constructed using elements and principles of design; can be textile or non-textile based. Example: shoes, strung bracelet/necklace, wire wrapping, scarves, flip flops, design on tennis shoes, etc. A Design Data Card must be included with this project. The data card is available at http://go.unl.edu/ne4hclothing. If additional information is not included, exhibit will be lowered one ribbon placing.

C 221 008 WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY GARMENT OR ACCESSORY (Garment is eligible for State Fair Fashion Show) Technology is integrated into the garment or accessory in some way (For example: LEDs, charging capabilities, sensors, etc.) A Design Data Card must be included with this project. The data card is available at https://go.unl.edu/ne4hclothing. If additional information is not included, exhibit will be lowered one ribbon placing.

 

STEAM CLOTHING 1 *Not State Fair Eligible

  BEGINNING SEWING EXHIBITS: Exhibits must be made from medium weight woven fabrics that will sew and press smoothly, flannel/ fleece is acceptable. Solid color fabrics or those having an overall print are acceptable. NO PLAIDS, STRIPES, NAPPED or JERSEY KNIT. Patterns should be simple without darts, set-in sleeves, and collars. Raglan and kimono sleeves are acceptable

*C 900 901 PINCUSHION

*C 900 902 PILLOWCASE

*C 900 903 SIMPLE PILLOW – No larger than 18” x 18”.

*C 900 904 BAG/PURSE – No zippers or buttonholes.

*C 900 905 SIMPLE TOP

*C 900 906 SIMPLE BOTTOM – pants, shorts, or skirt

*C 900 907 SIMPLE DRESS

*C 900 908 Other – Using skills learned in project manual. (Apron, vest, etc.)

*C 900 909 SEWING KIT – Include a list of sewing notions and purpose for each included. (pg. 12-17 in project manual)

*C 900 910 FABRIC TEXTILE SCRAPBOOK – Must include at least 5 different textile samples. Use Textile Information Cards template on page 41 in project manual to identify fabric swatches. Completed textile cards should be placed in an 8 1/2 x 11, 3 ring binder. Include an appropriate cover. See project manual for fabric suggestions.

*C 900 911 CLOTHING SERVICE PROJECT – Can include pillows or pillowcases but are not limited too. Exhibit (not to exceed 22” x 30’) a notebook, poster, small display sharing information you generated in the project activity “Serving A Purpose” page 124 and 125.

 

STEAM CLOTHING 2: SIMPLY SEWING

Rules: 

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 at http://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.

C 222 001  DESIGN BASICS, UNDERSTANDING DESIGN PRINCIPLES  4-H members may enter an 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. 

C 222 002  PRESSING MATTERS 4-H Members may enter a ham 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.

C 222 003  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.

C 222 004  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 using skills learned in STEAM Clothing 2 (not just decorated) in some way to create a new wearable accessory. 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, the exhibit will be lowered one ribbon placing. A list of skills by project and the Design Data Card are available at https://go.unl.edu/ne4hclothing.

C 222 005  TEXTILE CLOTHING ACCESSORY (Not eligible for State Fair Fashion Show) (SF28) - 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 or rubber base items allowed (i.e. barrettes, headbands, flip flops, duct tape, etc.)

C 222 006  TOP (Not eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows) (vest acceptable)

C 222 007  BOTTOM (Not eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows) (pants or shorts) 

C 222 008  SKIRT (Not eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows)

C 222 009  LINED OR UNLINED JACKET (Not eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows)

C 222 010  DRESS (Eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows) (not formal wear) 

C 222 011  ROMPER OR JUMPSUIT (Eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows)

C 222 012  TWO-PIECE OUTFIT (Eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows)

C 222 013  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).

C 222 014  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 i.e. 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.

 

STEAM CLOTHING 3: A STITCH FURTHER

Rules:

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 at http://go.unl.edu/ne4hclothing. Garments as listed may be made from any pattern or any fabric and should demonstrate sewing skills beyond STEAM Clothing 2. Entry consists of complete constructed garments only. Wool entries must have the fiber content listed on the identification label.

C 223 001  UPCYCLED GARMENT  (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 than 4.25 inches x 5.5 inches. The data card is available at http://go.unl.edu/ne4hclothing

C 223 002  UPCYCLED CLOTHING ACCESSORY (Not eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows) (SF28) – 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 than 4.25 inches x 5.5 inches. The data card is available at http://go.unl.edu/ne4hclothing.

 C 223 003  TEXTILE CLOTHING ACCESSORY (Not eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows) (SF28) - 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, gloves. No metal, plastic, paper or rubber base items allowed (i.e. barrettes, headbands, flip flops, duct tape, etc.)

C 223 004  DRESS OR FORMAL (Eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows) 

C 223 005  SKIRTED COMBINATION (Eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows) (skirt with shirt, vest or jacket OR jumper and shirt) 

C 223 006  PANTS OR SHORTS COMBINATION (Eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows) (pants or shorts with shirt, vest, or jacket) 

C 223 007  ROMPER OR JUMPSUIT (Eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows)

C 223 008  SPECIALTY WEAR (Eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows) (includes: swim wear, costumes, hunting gear, or chaps) 

C 223 009  LINED OR UNLINED JACKET (Eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows) (non-tailored)

C 223 010  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 on the identification label to be considered for the “Make It With Wool Award”.

C 223 011 ALTER/DESIGN 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 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).

C 223 012 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 i.e. 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.

 

 

KNITTING & CROCHETING

The purpose of this category is to establish basic to advanced crocheting and knitting skills. In addition, projects in this category require 4-H'ers to select adequate yarn and make design decisions. For more resources and materials in this category refer to the resource section at the bottom of the page.

Rules:

1. Entry Tags: Every exhibit must be described on the appropriate entry tag accompanying it (for example: blue afghan, yellow sweater, crocheted gray elephant). Attach the entry tag securely to the exhibit using straight pin or safety pins (no paper clips).

2. Identification Labels: Each item entered as a knitting or crocheting exhibit must have a label attached stating: County, Exhibitor's name and age, project name and class in which exhibit 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 exhibit using safety pins or by basting. Not responsible for unlabeled items.

3. Preparation of Exhibits: Knitted and Crocheted exhibits should be entered in the most appropriate manner for the exhibit.

4. General: Garments as listed may be made for self (4-H member) or another person. All knitted and crocheted items will be displayed together or by county. 4-H members enrolled in knitted and crocheted 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 Knitting Level 3, you are not eligible to exhibit in Knitting Level 2.

**Rules for Entry Tags, Identification Labels, Exhibit Preparation, and General are the same as Clothing Rules.

Resources:

Scoresheets, forms, contest study materials, and additional resources can be found at https://go.unl.edu/ne4hknitting-crocheting.  

A list of 4-H projects and links to 4-H curriculum resources can be found at https://4h.unl.edu/resources/projects.

KNITTING

   Information Sheet must be included for all classes in for Knitting. 

 

Judged on Pre-Fair Judging Day, Saturday, June 27, 2026,

at the United Methodist Church, Allen, NE.

Knitting Rules:

  1. Criteria for judging knitting: Design and Color, Neatness, Knitting Mechanics, Trimmings, and Constructions Finishes.
  2. Each knitted exhibit must include the following information on the Fiber Arts Data Card with the entry tag or exhibit will be lowered one ribbon placing. A Fiber Arts knitting data card is available at https://go.unl.edu/ne4hclothing.
  3. Why did you choose to create this exhibit?
  4. What steps did you take as you created this exhibit? 
  5. What were the most important things you learned? 
  6. Gauge-Number of rows per inch; number of stitches per inch. 
  7. Size of needles, finger knitted, arm knitted, loom or machine knitted. 
  8. Kind of yarn – weight and fiber content. 
  9. Names of stitches used. 

*C 225 901 LEVEL 1 KNITTED (*Not eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows) Display the new skill of casting on your needles and add 10-20 knit stitches. Project cannot be repeated every year. 

C 225 001 LEVEL 2 KNITTED CLOTHING (Garment eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows) Knitted item or garment using pattern stitches such as diamond, block, twist or seed/moss stitches. Basic stitches [including: Knit (K), Purl (P), Slip Knit Pass Over (SKPO), Knit Two Together (K2tog), Yarn Over (yo)] to form pattern.

C 225 002 LEVEL 2 KNITTED NON-WEARABLE ITEM  Knitted Item using basic stitches [including: Knit (K), Purl (P), Slip Knit Pass Over (SKPO), Knit Two Together (K2tog), Yarn Over (yo)] to form patterns.

C 225 003 ARM OR FINGER KNITTED ITEM (Wearable or Non-wearable Item)

C 225 004 LOOM KNITTED ITEM (Wearable or Non-wearable Item)

C 225 005 LEVEL 3 KNITTED CLOTHING (Garment eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows) - Knitted item or garment made from advanced knitting stitches such as pass slip stitch over, double-pointed needle knitting, cable, Turkish, tamerna, plait, germaine, feather and fan or knitting with one or more patterns such as Aran or Fair Isle, made by using stitches learned in Level 2 while advancing to circular knitting, double pointed needle knitting, knitting with multiple pattern stitches, and changing colors throughout the garment such as argyle knitting and chart knitting.

C 225 006 LEVEL 3 KNITTED (Non-wearable Item) Knitted item made by using stitches learned in Level 2 while advancing to circular knitting, double-pointed needle knitting, knitting with multiple pattern stitches, and changing colors throughout the garment such as argyle knitting and chart knitting.

C 225 007 LEVEL 3 MACHINE KNITTING

 

 

CROCHETING

Information Sheet must be included for all classes in For Crochet. 

Judged on Pre-Fair Judging Day.

Crochet Rules:

  1. Criteria for judging crochet: Design and Color, Neatness, Crochet Mechanics, Trimmings, and Construction Finishes.
  2. Each crocheted exhibit must include the following information on the Fiber Arts Data Card with the entry tag or exhibit will be lowered one ribbon placing. A Fiber Arts crochet data form is available at https://go.unl.edu/ne4hclothing
  3. Why did you choose to create this exhibit?
  4. What steps did you take as you created your exhibit?
  5. What were the most important things you learned?
  6. Gauge and size of hook or type of crocheting tool.
  7. Kind of yarn - weight and fiber content or other material used. 
  8. Names of stitches used.

*C 226 901 LEVEL 1  CROCHETED CHAIN STITCH (*Not eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows) Display this new skill, beginning with a slip knot and 10-20 chain stitches. Project cannot be repeated every year.

C 226 001 LEVEL 2  CROCHETED CLOTHING (Garment eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows) - Crocheted garment using basic stitches [including: chain, single, double, half-double, treble] to form patterns.

C 226 002 LEVEL 2  CROCHETED HOME DESIGN & RESTORATION ITEM - Crocheted item using basic stitches [including: chain, single, double, half-double, treble] to form patterns

C 226 003 LEVEL 3 CROCHETED CLOTHING (Garment eligible for State Fair Fashion Shows) Crochet garment using stitches learned in Level 2 while advancing to use afghan stitch, broomstick lace, hairpin lace, design motifs, and multiple pattern stitches.

C 226 004 LEVEL 3 CROCHETED HOME DESIGN & RESTORATION ITEM  - Crochet item using stitches learned in Level 2 while advancing to use afghan stitch, broomstick lace, hairpin lace, design motifs, and multiple pattern stitches.