Clothing & Sewing Projects
Love 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.
2024 Sewing Workshops
Enrolling a sewing-related project? Mark your calendars!
All workshops will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon in the McKee 4-H Building at The Ranch in Loveland. Please bring your sewing machine and/or needed supplies.
- January 27 - Berthoud/Loveland Rooms, McKee
- This workshop is open to everyone. Make a craft with us using a sewing machine. Learn more about sewing projects. Space is limited so registration is required.
- February 10 - Timnath/LaPorte Rooms, McKee
- How to Sew Zippers & Buttons for Unit 2 or above
- March 9 - Timnath/LaPorte Rooms, McKee
- An Overview of Fabric & Patterns (and how to pick)
- March 30 - Loveland/Fort Collins Rooms, McKee
- Project Orientation
- April 20 - Timnath/LaPorte Rooms, McKee
- Unit 1 Pillowcase
- You can also bring your own project to work on. Project volunteers will be available to answer questions and provide support.
- May 11 - Timnath/LaPorte Rooms, McKee
- Unit 1 Elastic Waist Skirt (part 1)
- You can also bring your own project to work on. Project volunteers will be available to answer questions and provide support.
- June 1 - Loveland/Fort Collins Rooms, McKee
- Unit 1 Elastic Waist Skirt (part 2)
- You can also bring your own project to work on. Project volunteers will be available to answer questions and provide support.
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.
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)
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.
Colorado State University Extension is an equal opportunity provider. Colorado State University does not discriminate on the basis of disability and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations. CSU’s Office of Engagement and Extension ensures meaningful access and equal opportunities to participate to individuals whose first language is not English. Colorado State University Extension es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.
Colorado State University no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad y se compromete a proporcionar adaptaciones razonables. Office of Engagement and Extension de CSU garantiza acceso significativo e igualdad de oportunidades para participar a las personas quienes su primer idioma no es el inglés.
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Larimer County Colorado State University Extension
ADDRESS
1525 Blue Spruce Dr.
Fort Collins, CO 80524-2004
Phone: (970) 498-6000
7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Monday - Friday
Our office follows the Larimer County Holiday Calendar for office closures.
