All clothing exhibits will be judged on Contest Day - July 16, 2026.
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.
Awards:
Doug and Mary Temme, Wayne - Champion Beginning Clothing
Wayne County 4-H Council – Reserve Champion Beginning Clothing
Kinship Pointe, Wayne - Champion Advanced Clothing
Wayne County 4-H Council – Reserve Champion Advanced Clothing
Yvonne Wittler Advanced Clothing Award - Yvonne Wittler was a past 4-H mom, grandmother, and leader of the Spring Branch 4-H Club. The $50 memorial award was established in 2013 by Yvonne’s family and is based on an accumulated point system of clothing construction, style review, and consumer management.
Premiums:
Beyond the Needle and STEAM Clothing 1 and 2 Premiums: Purple $4.50, Blue $4.00, Red $3.50, White $3.00
STEAM Clothing 3 Premiums: Purple $8.00, Blue $7.00, Red $6.00, White $4.00
General Information:
A. 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 printed blouse). Entry tag placement: as you look at the garment place the entry tag securely using safety pins on the right side of the garment and the hook of the hanger to the left.
B. Identification Labels: Each item entered as a clothing, knitting or crochet exhibit must have a label attached stating: County, 4-H members 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.
C. 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/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.
D. A Design Data Card must be included with all Beyond the Needle Classes C221003 - C221008 and STEAM 2 and 3 upcycled exhibits. The data card is available at https://go.unl.edu/ne4hclothing. If data card is not included, the exhibit will be lowered one ribbon placing. The data card is only required for the classes listed above.
E. General: 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. Example: Once you exhibit in STEAM Clothing 2, you are not eligible to exhibit in STEAM Clothing 1.
F. Criteria for Judging: 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 at https://4h.unl.edu/fairbook/general/rules.
G. An explanation of projects and curriculum resources can be found at https://4h.unl.edu/resources/projects/.
H. Premier 4-H Science Award is available in this area. Visit https://4h.unl.edu/fairbook/premier-science-award for more details.
I. Entries: Each 4-H member is limited to one item per class.
J. Special Recognition at State Fair: 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.
GENERAL CLOTHING - 4-H members in all skill levels may exhibit in this area.
+C-220-001 Clothing Portfolio (SF20) – 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 inches x 11 inches, 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 (SF20) – Must include at least 10 different textile samples. Use Textile Information Cards template on page 39 in STEAM Clothing 2: Simple Sewing project manual to identify fabric swatches. Completed textile cards should be placed in an 8.5 inches x 11 inches, 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.
+C-220-003 Sewing for Profit (SF) - 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.
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