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home arts & hobbies

NEEDLE & FIBER ARTS

Ever since county fairs began, a blue ribbon for the best cake or the prettiest quilt was a shining achievement. Home Arts & Hobbies is the competitive exhibit where cooks, crafters and collectors can shine!

Our Needle & Fiber Arts Competition includes:
  • Crochet
  • Knitting
  • Lacemaking
  • Needlepoint
  • Fiber Arts


The San Diego County Fair's Home Arts & Hobbies' Needle & Fiber Arts Competition invites makers to showcase their skills and creative expression in a variety of mediums including crochet, knitting, embroidery, cross stitch, lace, and many other needle and fiber arts. This competition provides creative enthusiasts with the chance to win cash prizes and donated awards as well as the unique opportunity to display their work for thousands of fair visitors.

Competition Timeline

Entry Deadline

Wednesday, April 30, 2025, by 8pm

Entry Delivery–Needle and Fiber Arts

Friday, May 16, 2025, 3pm-8pm and

Saturday, May 17, 2025, 11am-4pm

Open House - A Celebration of Exhibitors

Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 6-8pm

Fair Dates

Wednesday, June 11 – Sunday, July 6, 2025 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)

Entry Pickup

Tuesday, July 8, 2025, 10am-4pm


Eligibility

  • Adult Divisions are open to all adults aged 18 years old by the Entry Deadline listed above.
  • Entries must be original work of the exhibitor and completed in the last two (2) years.
  • Work by two (2) or more artists is not eligible.
  • Work, or nearly identical work, previously shown at the Fair, regardless of title, is not eligible.
  • Work created by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), either partially or completely, is not eligible.

CONTACT US

Elena Liu, Coordinator

Veronica Navarro, Assistant Coordinator
San Diego County Fair Entry Office
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014
Office (858) 792-4207 • Monday-Friday from 10am-4pm

2025 LOCAL RULES

  1. Completion of online entry registration shall be deemed acceptance of all rules. Acceptance includes permission to use your name, photograph, and exhibit for the news media.
  2. Online registration is required in all departments and for one-day contests. Online entries are accepted until 8:00pm (Pacific Time) on the deadline day for online entry registration, unless otherwise stated.
  3. Once registered, the description, title, and price may not be changed. Substitutions will not be allowed. Fair Management is not responsible for errors on entry forms which may lead to elimination or disqualification of an entry.
  4. Processing fees must be paid online at the time of registration. Processing fees are non-refundable.
  5. Exhibitors must be living at the time the entry form and/or online entry is submitted.
  6. All non-livestock entries must be the creative work of the exhibitor (whose name appears on the entry registration), be in good taste, and suitable for family viewing. Fair Management reserves the right to disqualify any entry/exhibit it deems objectionable or not in accordance with competition standards.
  7. If an entry is disqualified after judging is complete, no changes will be made to the status of awards given for other entries.
  8. Exhibitors are responsible for obtaining necessary permission from models and/or to use material in their entry that is considered copyrighted.
  9. No entry will be accepted should the exhibitor describe the conditions under which he/she will exhibit, or the exhibit will be displayed.
  10. Judges are qualified in the medium(s) they are judging. New judges may be chosen each year, and judges may be assigned to different divisions/classes from year to year.
  11. If a coordinator or judge deems an entry to be in the incorrect category, division, class, etc., he or she may direct the Entry Office to move that entry as appropriate. The Entry Office may combine divisions or classes to create an adequate judging pool.
  12. Fair Management reserves the right to limit entries, and display thereof, to facilities available and to cancel any division or class in which, in its judgment, the entries are insufficient to secure adequate competition.
  13. Entries must be delivered on the date(s) and times specified. Entries will not be accepted before or after the stated entry delivery date. All accepted exhibits must remain on display and shall not be removed until the stated entry pick up date. Any exhibit not picked up on the specified date becomes the property of the San Diego County Fair and will be disposed of promptly.
  14. All exhibits are entered and shown at the owner’s risk. Reasonable care will be taken to prevent loss or damage to exhibits, but in no event will the 22nd District Agricultural Association (San Diego County Fair) be responsible for any injury or loss which may occur or for the actions of third parties. Insurance, if desired, should be obtained by the exhibitor at his/her own expense.
  15. Any person who violates any Local, State, or Department rule or displays unethical conduct will forfeit all privileges and premiums and be subject to such penalty as the 22nd District Agricultural Association (San Diego County Fair) may order.
  16. To ensure reliable award notification, exhibitors are responsible for submitting all address, phone number and email address updates promptly in writing to entry@sdfair.com or Entry Department, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014.
  17. Premium money will be paid per the recorded placings in the official judging books rather than the ribbon attached to the exhibit.
  18. Donated Award recipients will be selected per the instructions given on the Donated Award Confirmation Form submitted by the donor.
  19. Premium, donated cash award, and auction checks will be made payable to the exhibitor as listed on the online entry registration. Checks will be mailed within 30 days after the close of the Fair to the address shown on the online entry registration, or as updated by the exhibitor via written notification to the Entry Office. Auction checks may be held longer if the buyer has not paid. Checks not cashed within 6 months from the date of issue will be forfeited. Replacement checks may be subject to a $35 stop payment fee.
  20. The 22nd District Agricultural Association (San Diego County Fair) is required by the Internal Revenue Service to report any premiums paid totaling the amount of $600 or more. Exhibitors may be required to submit a W-9 form.
  21. The 22nd District Agricultural Association management reserves the right to amend or add to these rules; the 22nd District Agricultural Association (San Diego County Fair) assumes no liability or responsibility not herein expressed.

California State Rules apply and are available here.


Entry Limit

Two (2) entries per exhibitor per class. Exhibitors may enter as many classes as desired.

Entry Fees

  • Adult divisions: $10 per entry
  • Youth divisions: $5 per entry

Entry fees are payable online with a credit card and are not refundable.

Fair Tickets

Each exhibitor will receive two (2) Exhibitor Access Passes.


How to Enter

  1. After reading all entry materials, click the “Enter Now” link below to go to the ShoWorks Entry Homepage.
  2. Register as an Exhibitor (or Quick Group if entering for members of a club or guild).
  3. Select the appropriate division and class and input the required information. (See “Divisions and Classes” below for a list of all divisions and classes.) In the Description field, provide appropriate information, including the technique, so that the work can be identified if the entry tag becomes unattached. For example, “Child’s wool sweater, knit, original pattern,” or “San Diego Padres Bobblehead Collection – 27 pieces.” Character limit is 100 including spaces.
  4. Review your entry before completing registration to ensure that you have entered the correct division and class for each entry.
  5. Click the check-out button and pay for all entries.
  6. Read the confirmation statement and type YES. Do not click multiple times, as it will charge you each time.
  7. You will be prompted to upload your image(s) AFTER you pay. Digital image(s) of entries must be submitted before the entry deadline. Ensure uploaded images match the entry division, class and title for each entry. (See Photographing Your Entry for Upload.)

If you plan to make changes to your entries or need to leave ShoWorks at any time, SAVE YOUR CART before exiting out.

For additional help with entering and uploading images, review this detailed step-by-step guide: Entry Tutorial

Still have questions?
Please call or email the Entry Office.
Phone: (858) 792-4207, Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm


How to Prepare Your Entry for Delivery

  • Please see individual categories, divisions, and classes for specific entry requirements.
  • Fabrics must be clean, reasonably odor-free, and free of pet hair and dander.
  • Framed work must be able to stand on its own or be ready to hang with wire.
  • Pillows and pillowcases must be finished and have forms inside.
  • Wall Hangings, wreaths, and macramé must include a secure means for hanging. Exhibitors may provide a stand that will be returned at entry pick-up.
  • Delivery bags, boxes and containers may be used for delivery but will not be saved in the exhibit. Exhibitors should take them away after delivery.

Judging

The Home Arts & Hobbies competition uses the American system of judging for Adult Divisions.

Judging Results

Results will be announced at the Home Arts & Hobbies Open House and posted on the San Diego County Fair’s website by the second week of the Fair.


Entry Delivery & Pickup

Entries must be delivered to the Fairgrounds. Please refer to the Exhibition Timeline for in-person delivery dates. Exhibitors will be emailed delivery and pick up instructions including a map showing access to the Fairgrounds.

Home Arts & Hobbies will provide entry tags at entry delivery. Please allow time to attach entry tags to projects with materials and assistance provided by fair staff. Exhibitors will be responsible for attaching tag.

A claim check will be issued to each exhibitor upon entry delivery and must be presented at the time of entry pick up. If an exhibitor is unable to pick up their artwork, they may arrange for another person to bring in their claim check with a signed written authorization from the exhibitor.

Quick Group Delivery Appointments - If you registered as a Quick Group (clubs, guilds, organizations) and plan to deliver all entries in the group together, please CLICK HERE to request an appointment time on one of the in-person delivery dates.

Awards

Award checks will be available at entry pick up. Checks not picked up will be mailed within 30 days.

Adult Divisions

1st Place - Awarded in each class

$25 and ribbon

2nd Place - Awarded in each class

$20 and ribbon

3rd Place - Awarded in each class

$15 and ribbon

Honorable Mention (awarded at judges' discretion)

Ribbon

Best of Division - Chosen from 1st Place winners in each class

$25 and ribbon

Best of Show - Chosen from Best of Division winners, awarded in each Adult Category

$100 and ribbon

Special Awards

Chana Mannen Award for Excellence in Original Design

In recognition of Chana Mannen, former Home & Hobby Coordinator

$100 and rosette

Eva Peterson Award for Superior Craftsmanship

In recognition of Eva Peterson, former Home & Hobby Coordinator

$100 and rosette

Nyla James Award for Innovation

In memory of Nyla James, former Home Arts Coordinator

$100 and rosette

Best Fair Theme Award

$100 and rosette

Home Arts & Hobbies Employee Award

$100 and rosette


ADULT NEEDLE AND FIBER ARTS

See Glossary for all definitions


Division 103: CROCHET

Class 001 Kitchen and Household Items

Class 002. Granny Square Creations

Class 003. Afghans - Techniques other than granny squares

Class 004. Fashion and Accessories

Class 005. Original Designs

Class 006. Art and Sculptures

Class 007. Fair Themed “Summer Pet-tacular” Dolls and Amigurumi, Single items or sets

Class 008. Other than listed


Division 104: Hand Knitting

Class 001 Creative Cozies (Including the item that it covers)

Class 002 Blankets

Class 003 Adult Fashion and Accessories

Class 004 Novelty Items

Class 005 Best Beanie Ever

Class 006 Adorable Fair Themed “Summer Pet-tacular” Items for Babies and Children

Class 007 Other than listed


Division 105: Machine Knitting (Original Designs)

Class 001 Intarsia Illustration

Class 002 Best Beanie Ever

Class 003 Pattern Hack

Class 004 Unconventional Materials

Class 005. Art and Sculptures

Class 006. Fair Themed “Summer Pet-tacular” Garment


Division 106: Lace

Lace may be half-mounted, unmounted or framed

Class 001 Continuous Bobbin Lace – Bucks Point, Bedfordshire, Binche

Class 002 Tape Bobbin Lace – Milanese, Idrija, Russian, Cantu

Class 003 Motif Bobbin Lace – Bruges, Honiton, Duchesse

Class 004 Tatting

Class 005 Novice Lace Projects

Class 006 Fair Themed “Summer Pet-tacular” Pattern


Division 107: Needlepoint (Canvas Embroidery)

Needlepoint projects must be framed or finished items.

Class 001 Stuffed Projects, including pillows and pincushions

Class 002 Framed Art and Home Décor

Class 003 Bestie Inspired

Class 004 Fashion and Accessories

Class 005 3D Plastic Canvas Projects, including cozies, models, and brick covers

Class 006 Fair Theme “Summer Pet-tacular”


Division 108: Needlework and Embroidery (Hand-stitched)

Needlework projects must be framed or finished items.

Class 001 Stamped or Transferred Design - Any technique

Class 002 Counted Design - Any technique

Class 003 Original Design - Any technique

Class 004 Specialty Technique 1 - Projects featuring drawn thread, pulled thread, or cutwork

Class 005 Specialty Technique 2 - Projects featuring embellishments, beading, gold work, turkey work, ribbon embroidery, etc.

Class 006 Russian Punch Needle or Thread Painting

Class 007 Fair Theme “Summer Pet-tacular”


Division 109: Fiber Arts

Class 001 Yarn, hand spun from dyed roving. Specify fiber, technique, and gauge.

Submit one spool or skein.

Class 002 Fiber Dyeing. Specify fiber.

Submit dyed roving/yarn spool or skein with sample of pre-dyed material.

Class 003 Tapestries and Rugs, handwoven. May be hand- or commercially spun/dyed.

Class 004 Hand-or Machine-Felted Design

Class 005 Fair Themed “Summer Pet-tacular” - 3D Hand-Felted Item

Class 006 Other than listed

DOWNLOAD & PRINT

Download Competition Guide

All Local and State Rules apply.
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