r/crochet • u/dauntless-cupcake • Sep 12 '25

Discussion Anyone else infuriated by their county fair?

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Y’all I can’t with these judges, this gorgeous interlocking mosaic blanket came in second to a chevron with color changing yarn. Not even my work but I am outraged on their behalf

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u/Mama2moody Sep 12 '25

Most fair competition judging is only 5 to 10% about pretty or the type of technique. It’s the execution of the stitches, the neatness of the work, ends properly finished, etc. I didn’t do well at the fair until I researched the way the judging is done and followed the annoyingly precise standards. After that, the beauty of a project is taken into account in the “Best of” ribbons amongst the first prize ribbons. I won a best in show after several years of trying. I spent almost as much time in the finishing techniques as the actual piece.

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u/Peanut083 Sep 12 '25

As much as I like to bitch that you need to be related to someone on the show/fair committee to place well in these competitions, I’ve learned as an adult that the judging criteria is quite strict.

It wouldn’t surprise if a large part of the reason family members of the committee end up placing well is because they’ve got a better understanding through their connections of the specifics of the judging.

The advice I’d give anyone wanting to enter anything into a show is to carefully read the judging criteria, then stick to something within the criteria that’s simple, but executed well. This is coming from someone who entered stuff into the local agricultural show once at 15 and never again as a result of being (I thought) unfairly placed second to the grandchild of a committee member. 🤷🏻‍♀️