Merrimack County 4-H Sewing Showcase - 2026

ABOUT:

4-H youth (ages 5-18) can enter ANY handmade item to be judged and showcased. There are FOUR categories a 4-H member may enter a handmade item(s) in – 1. garments, 2. quilts/quilted items, 3. knitting/crocheting, and 4. other sewn items. The items will all be judged on Evaluation Day, and members will have the opportunity to model them at the Sewing Showcase. 

Additionally, youth (ages 8-18) can participate in the Fashion Selections event. Youth shop for an outfit from one of the judging categories and meet with a panel of judges to talk about their outfit selection and model it.

WAYS TO PARTICIPATE:

1. Youth can enter one item per category below:
   • Garment: youth sew and create their own piece of clothing
   • Quilt/Quilted Item: blanket, jacket, potholder, wall hanging, pillow, bag, etc.
   • Knitting/Crocheting: scarf, hat, mittens, sweater, blanket, etc.
   • Other Sewn Item: pin cushion, shopping bag, bandana, pillowcase, backpack, cushion, etc.
   • Participate in Fashion Selections (open to youth 8 & older)

SCRIPT SUBMISSIONS: 

• ALL YOUTH must submit their SCRIPT ONLY by April 6, 2026.
• Script Submission Link: https://unh.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5o4rY0oaGJnWbRk
• The Project Description Form must be completed for all handmade items (Sewn Garment, Quilted Item, Knitted/Crocheted Item, & Other Sewn Item).  One Project Description Form per item, with all items you are entering combined into one narrative script.
• Bring the Project Description Form(s) to Sewing Evaluation Day for the judge to review. Youth DO NOT need to submit the project description form to the 4-H office. They just need to submit their script using the above link.

The script needs to be lively and descriptive and include the youth’s name, age, and club as part of the narrative. Please review the commentary fact sheet to help guide youth while writing the script. All items entered must be described in one script, as they will be modeled/exhibited at the same time. Example: a 4-Her sews pajama pants and makes a crocheted scarf. Both would be worn at the same time and discussed in the same script while walking in the sewing showcase. 

FASHION SELECTIONS DETAILS:

Participants 8 and older are invited to take part in Fashion Selections. Youth shop for an outfit from one of the judging categories below and meet with a panel of judges to talk about their outfit selection and model it. We will assign an arrival time for youth to be interviewed by the judges and notify participants via email. Every participant needs to complete the Fashion Selection Entry Form (bring to the event) and register through ZSuite and submit their script by April 6, 2026. 

Fashion Selections - categories include:

• Best Bargains for under $25
• Sports/Leisure Activities (no team sport uniforms)
• School
• Special Occasions
• Makeovers (garments that you have changed since purchasing)
• Career Fashions (talk to someone in a career that interests you and then put together an outfit that would be appropriate for that career).
• Interview Outfits (appropriate for 4-H, work, or college interviews)

SEWING EVALUATION DAY DETAILS: April 18, 2026

Youth will arrive at 8:45am and check-in at the registration table. 4-Hers will be directed to their judging room(s).  Youth should not arrive wearing a garment that is to be evaluated. In between judging there will be a modeling clinic to help youth practice for the Sewing Showcase with their script being read. Parents are not allowed in the judging area and are invited to wait in the gymnasium. 

SEWING SHOWCASE DETAILS: May 8, 2026

Youth who participated in Sewing Evaluation Day are invited to show off their work at the Sewing Showcase on May 8, 2026. Participants arrive at 6:30pm (dressed and ready for show) and the show will begin at 7:00pm. Youth will take the stage to model and display their handmade items or Fashion Selections wardrobe for their family and friends at the showcase. Commentators will read their submitted script while youth will take the stage showing off their creations! Want to help us create the set for this year's showcase? Keep reading below.

STAGE SET COMMITTEE & COMMENTATORS NEEDED – YOUTH & ADULT OPPORTUNITY! 

Youth and adults are needed to volunteer to help create the set and set up the stage for the sewing showcase. 4-Hers will help create props and decorations during downtime on Evaluation Day. We are also in need of youth script readers for this year’s show. Please contact 4-H Volunteer, Pam Clattenburg (victoryworkers@aol.com) if you would like to be a commentator or be placed on the stage set committee list. These are great opportunities for teens to experience leadership skills.

SCORESHEETS:

Scoresheets can be found here: https://extension.unh.edu/event/2026/04/merrimack-county-4-h-sewing-showcase-2026. Cloverbuds will not be scored on a points system but will receive feedback on their items.

COUNTY AWARDS:

Youth will receive a participation ribbon, small gift, and certificate at the Sewing Showcase on May 8, 2026. Youth with qualifying scores will receive county recognition medal. 

QUALIFYING FOR NH 4-H PRESENTS:

Intermediate and Senior division youths scoring 40pts (80%) or more qualify for advancement to the NH State 4-H Presents Team to further hone their skills and potentially represent NH 4-H at The Big E in September to represent themselves and NH at the regional level and beyond.

Juniors, by invitation of the NH 4-H Presents Leadership, may participate at the NH State 4-H Presents (May 2 at Deerfield Fairgrounds) level up to The Big E with additional guidance.

Scoring is per the Likert Scale with 1 being the lowest rating and the provided section max points is the highest rating. All events have a maximum score of 50 points.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

If you can volunteer, please let us know. We need volunteers to fulfill the following roles: 

• Hall Monitors
• Garment Judges
• Quilting Judges
• Knitting Judges
• Crocheting Judges
• Other Sewn Items Judges
• Fashion Selection Panel of Judges
• General Event Helpers
• Showcase Help

If you can volunteer, please reach out to 4-H Volunteer, Pam Clattenburg at victoryworkers@aol.com. 

BRING YOUR HANDMADE ITEMS TO THE HOPKINTON FAIR:

Items that were judged at the Sewing Evaluation Day can be entered into the 4-H Exhibit Hall at the Hopkinton State Fair to receive further awards and premiums. 

QUESTIONS?