Sewing is a skill not usually taught in homes today. But there are several benefits to sewing; it can improve hand eye coordination, improve critical thinking skills, serves as a creative outlet and can improve mental health as well as relieve anxiety.   Students feel accomplished when completing projects which build confidence and self-worth.  

The audience for 4-H sewing were students aged 9-12, there were 6 students that participated over a span of 5 weeks, making three 4-H sewing projects.

Students were taught basic sewing skills using a sewing machine, the names of parts of the sewing machine, how to thread the machine, how to read and layout a pattern, how to safely use, a sewing machine, fabric scissors, an iron, and seam gauge for measuring. 

As the Hancock Co. FCS Agent, I partnered with the 4-H agent and the Hancock Co. Master Clothing Volunteer. The MCV and I taught 4-H projects; a laundry bag, PJ pants, and 4 block strip quilts for the students to be able to enter their projects in the county fair in hopes to win blue ribbons to then be entered at the state fair.

The follow-up survey showed that all students were satisfied with the finished projects, were able to be creative with their projects and liked/loved the whole sewing workshop experience. 5 of the 6 students reported feeling confident enough to use the sewing machine, iron and other tools with little or no help to make other projects.