Clothing & Sewing Projects

Two children sew fabric on a sewing machineLove fashion or want to learn to sew? Enroll in the Clothing Construction Project or the Artistic Clothing Project. 

Clothing Construction Project

  • Learn the basics of sewing and make:
    • A pillow
    • A top
    • A bottom
    • A dress
    • or more!
  • Explore different tools, learn how to use a pattern, and discover different types of fabric
  • Participate in the Fashion Revue

Artistic Clothing Project

  • Take an old item and make it new through Upcycle Your Style
  • Create fun sewing projects (toys, stuffed animals, bags, and more) in Creative Sewing
  • Explore a topic, like lace, how to make your own pattern, or history of fashion in Create Your Own
  • Learn how to build a wardrobe and make smart clothing purchases in Buymanship
  • Participate in the Fashion Revue

Looking for quilting? You'll find it in the Heritage Arts Project. 

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Enrolling a sewing-related project? Mark your calendars! 

All workshops are from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon in the McKee 4-H Building at The Ranch in Loveland. All the workshops are free to attend. If you have a sewing machine, please bring it. 

Each project workshop will have an agenda for the day. Frequently we will have a project to complete as a group. You are always welcome to work on your own project instead of participating with the larger group at the project workshop.   All members enrolled in a sewing project will get an email reminding them of the sewing project workshops, along with instructions for what materials they will need. If you cannot provide your own materials, please let us know and we’ll see if we have something you can use.

You are not required to attend every workshop - but we do recommend it! 

  • October 19th - Loveland/ Fort Collins Rooms
    • This workshop is open to everyone. Space is limited so registration is required. We will provide all materials needed for a simple craft at this workshop. Please bring a sewing machine if you have one. If you don’t know how to use your sewing machine, we will teach you. If you don’t have a sewing machine, we will have a few to use.
  • November 2nd - Loveland/ Fort Collins Rooms
    • This workshop is open to everyone; you do not have to be enrolled in sewing or 4-H to be able to participate. We will be making a simple bag together.   We are encouraging everyone to bring a yard of fabric, but we will have a limited selection of fabric for those who do not have any. We will have some sewing machines for anyone to use, but please bring your own if you have one.
  • January 25th
    • Topic TBD
  • February 1st
    • Topic TBD
  • March 29th
    • Topic TBD
  • April 26th
    • Topic TBD
  • May 3rd
    • Topic TBD
  • June 7th
    • Topic TBD

A 4-H member shows off the dress she made. The dress is blue cotton with a dolman sleeve.Our project leaders are here to help 4-H members be successful their projects. They can answer questions before you purchase anything. Below is a general list to help you get started:

Clothing Construction Project:

  • Fabric: Members will need access to fabric for their project. First-year members should use 100% woven cotton.
  • Fabric scissors
  • Paper Scissors
  • Sewing pattern
  • Sewing pins
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Sewing Machine: Members will need access to a sewing machine. The Larimer County Extension office has three sewing machines members can check out for the duration of their project if needed.
  • Attend the Clothing Construction workshops
  • Thread
  • Seam ripper
  • Tape measure / ruler
  • Sewing machine needles
  • Optional: seam gauge, needles for hand sewings (we recommend sharps or size 7, 8, or 9)

Artistic Clothing Project:

  • Clothing to upcycle or fabric to create something new.
  • Materials to upcycle or create something new. The materials you need will depend on your project, but may include:
    • Fusible items
    • Fabric Paint
    • Fabric Dye
    • Beads
    • Scissors
    • Thread
    • Seam ripper
    • General craft supplies
    • Optional: sewing machine (the Larimer County Extension office has three sewing machines members can check out for the duration of their project if needed)
    • Sewing patterns

Clothing Construction Units 1-3 Manuals: Project manuals are received through the Larimer County 4-H Extension office. These will be distributed to 4-H members through their organizational leaders (club leaders) after enrollment is complete.

Other manuals are available on the Colorado 4-H Website

4-H E-Records were previously known as Record Books. Each project has its own E-Record book that members are required to complete each year. We recommend downloading and starting your record book right away. All record books should be kept in a 3-ring binder. The front cover should have the 4-H'ers name, unit number, and project.  

Need help filling out your E-Record? Talk to your club leader, project leader, or visit our E-Record help page.

If you participate in the Larimer County Fair, you will turn in your e-record at Interview Judging Day in July. Learn more about getting your project ready for the Larimer County Fair.

2024 - 2025 Clothing Construction Record Book (PDF)

2024 - 2025 Clothing Construction Record Book (DOCX)

2024 - 2025 Artistic Clothing Record Book (PDF)

2024 - 2025 Artistic Clothing Record Book (DOCX)

2024 - 2025 Buymanship Record Book (PDF)

2024 - 2025 Buymanship Record Book (DOCX)

Project units 1, 2, & 4 are designed for members 8-18 years old. Project unit 3 is designed for members 11-18 years old.

STEAM Unit 1

Learn how to use a sewing machine, basic tools, and read a sewing pattern. Youth enrolled can choose to sew:

  • A pillowcase or pillow
  • A simple top
  • A simple bottom
  • A simple dress

STEAM Unit 2

Build on skills from Unit 1 by making a more complex item. Your item can include buttons, zippers, a set-in sleeve, or use knit fabric. Youth enrolled can choose to sew:

  • A top
  • A bottom
  • A skirt
  • A dress
  • A romper or jumpsuit
  • A two-piece outfit

STEAM Unit 3 (Advanced)

Build on skills from Units 1 & 2. Construct a garment while trying new fabrics and advanced techniques, including:

  • Rolled hems
  • Indivisible zippers
  • Princess seams
  • Advanced seam finishes
  • Welt pockets
  • and more!

Sewing for Others Unit 4

Make garments for others and learn how to:

  • Take accurate measurements
  • Adjust patterns
  • Keep accurate records

 

Upcycle Your Style

Learn how to alter an existing item of clothing with tools and textile crafts, including:

  • Jewels
  • Puff paints
  • Appliques
  • Tie-dye
  • Embroidery
  • Quilting
  • Beading
  • and more!

Creative Sewing

Learn new sewing techniques by constructing a special interest project such as:

  • Costumes
  • Doll clothing
  • Stuffed animals
  • Book bags
  • Sleeping bags
  • Accessories

Recycled Clothing

Create something new from something old. Find an old item made of fabric and sew it into a garment.

Create Your Own (Intermediate/ Senior Only)

  • Explore a topic of interest, such as
    • Learn about lace
    • Pattern design
    • Study historic costumes
    • Explore careers
  • Create an article or display to show what you've learned.

Buymanship (Intermediate/ Senior Only)

  • Learn styles/colors that flatter body types
  • Understand design, fabric, and color
  • Understand clothing care and construction
  • Coordinate with existing wardrobe
  • Purchase and put together an outfit that fits your outlined goals.

Larimer County CSU Extension

Email: extnsn01@larimer.org
Phone: (970) 498-6000

1525 Blue Spruce Dr.    
Fort Collins, CO 80524-2004

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