4-H Needle Craft Project

Hand crafted knitting, embroidery, crocheting, needlepoint, crewel, candle wicking, chicken scratching, hand quilting, tatting, huck embroidery, and hemstitching are suggested exhibits. Entries may also include pulled, drawn and counted thread work and punch needle work. Needle craft exhibits do not include latch hook, plastic canvas, machine knitting, machine quilting, or arm knitting/crocheting.

All exhibits must include a 4-H Craft Information Card, 4-H 618A. This information card is to describe work completed so the judge can more accurately evaluate the exhibit. Craft information cards are for judging purposes only and will not be returned to the exhibitor. Craft cards should be attached to the article (or set) using tape, string, safety pin, or another suitable means for the project at hand. Both front and back side of the card may be used (if needed). Card can be hand written or typed. A completed crafts record sheet is to be submitted with the project exhibit at check-in time.

All craft articles that are framed should be ready to hang.  All craft articles that are framed will be required to have a dust cover on the back and must be ready to hang.

Judges evaluating exhibits should recognize individual differences and creativity, therefore using information in this document as a guide rather than a requirement.

Definitions for the different categories of Needle Crafts

Embroidery: Any needlework done on material (i.e.) embroidery, cutwork, appliqué hemstitching, pulled work, and drawn work. Cross stitch (counted threads) items are not be eligible in this category. (Examples: bib, pot holder, vanity scarf, picture, pillowcases, towels.) 

Cross Stitch: Any needlework done on material as a counted thread (cross stitch) technique. (Examples: picture, pillow, towels, etc.) 

Needlepoint: Any needlework done on canvas. (Examples: belt, pillow, picture except plastic canvas work.)

Other Needle Craft (Handwork): Any other handwork not mentioned above. It must be hand done. Anything done by machine would be in General Arts and Crafts. Items that fit into this category are: Knitting, embroidery, crocheting, needlepoint, crewel, candle wicking, chicken scratching, hand quilting, tatting, huck embroidery, hemstitching; also pulled, drawn and counted thread work and punch needle work. Does not include latch hook, plastic canvas, machine knitting, machine quilting, or arm knitting/crocheting.

Definitions of some of these items are listed below:

Hand Quilting: Any article that has three (3) layers sandwiched as one, except for novelty quilts such as yo-yo and cathedral window. This means a top that is either pieced, embroidered, appliquéd, or solid laid on top of a backing material with a batting laid between and then sewn together and sewn by hand or knotted with yarn. All work must be done by the 4-Her, (i.e.) pieced and quilted by the 4-H member.

Tatting: Any lace made with a tatting shuttle.

Weaving: Weaving done on a loom or off loom weaving, (i.e.) purses, belts, pillows, wall hanging, table mats, etc.

Punch Needlework: Any article using a punch needle, (i.e.) pillows, pictures, wall hangings, rugs, table hot pads, etc.

Crocheting: any crocheted article or set using crochet hook and thread or yarn. (Examples: pot holder, scarf, vest, poncho, cape, afghan, coat, dress, jumper.)

Knitting: any knitted article or set using knitting needles and thread or yarn. (Examples: slippers, scarf, shrug, sweater, vest, stole, afghan, hat, gloves.)