2024- 2025 Sewing Workshops
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
- February 1st
- March 29th
- April 26th
- May 3rd
- June 7th
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
Your e-Record is an important part of completing your 4-H project! Each project you enroll in will have its own e-Record. We recommend downloading and starting on it right away. Please note, if your project also uses a manual, the manual is different from the e-Record.
We have more information about how to fill out your e-record here.
2023 - 2024 Clothing Construction Record Book (PDF)
2023 - 2024 Clothing Construction Record Book (DOCX)
2023 - 2024 Artistic Clothing Record Book (PDF)
2023 - 2024 Artistic Clothing Record Book (DOCX)
2023 - 2024 Buymanship Record Book (PDF)
2023 - 2024 Buymanship Record Book (DOCX)
Participating in the Larimer County Fair?
If you choose to participate in the Larimer County Fair, your e-Record will be turned in during Interview Judging Day. Before coming to the fair, please print out your e-Record and place it in a 3-ring binder. The front cover should have the 4-H'ers name, unit number, and project.
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.
Thinking about signing up? Already enrolled but have questions? Contact us.
