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When we receive your enrolment we place you on our secure database, we will then send to you, (generally within 24 hours of receiving your payment) your first module. This is a series of lessons and samples with all relevant templates, drawings and step by step photographs, in a file, ready for use. Also with this is sent a separate file containing all the relevant answers to how assessments are given, how to meet your tutor, who sees your work, etc. along with these you also receive a large padded envelope already addressed ready to post your work back to us in.


Level 1, 7722 course

The City & Guilds Level 1 Machine Embroidery course is an ideal undertaking for those completely new to using their machine in a decorative or more free way.
Machine embroidery is ideal for quick and fun techniques such as appliqué and cutwork. It is also used for decorative effects with soluble fabrics. This course is a first step in machine work, and expects you to have a basic machine, as long as you can lower the feed dogs in some way no decorative stitches are needed.

Method: The candidate will complete and supply for assessment

a. A portfolio of free machine samples as listed in the syllabus

b. Folder of essential notes including relevant Health & Safety advice

Each module is split into lessons, with each lesson consisting of notes, photographs and where required step by step instructions. Included with each module is a question and answer sheet as well as a check list, this ensures that students have completed all of the work within the module prior to it being returned for assessment.

Being a distance learning scheme students are able to communicate with the centre via post, e-mail and telephone, or if possible visit Dorset and one of our regular workshops.

Module 1- development of source book, designing with colour and texture, free machine techniques using a hoop, cut through effects, traditional and one other quilting effect.

Module 2- appliqué shapes with running, zig zag and if possible decorative stitches, Broderie perse, shadow appliqué, fabric colouring, basic design for a cushion.

Module 3- identifying fibres and fabrics, weaving sample, thread awareness, creating textural effects, soluble fabrics, couching threads, evaluation of course.

 

Level 2, 7822 course

The City & Guilds Level 2 Machine Embroidery course, is ideal for those who have either completed the level 1 course, or who have done a certain amount of machine embroidery and are ready to extend their techniques and abilities. The course will also set you on the path of designing your own individual work, in fun, inventive and new ways.

This course expects you to have a basic machine, as long as you can lower the feed dogs in some way no decorative stitches are needed, although if your machine has the capacity they will be utilised.

Method: The candidate will complete and supply for assessment

a. Work to satisfy the core unit

b. A set of ten samples

c. 2 Assessment pieces

d. Folder of work

Each module is split into lessons, with each lesson consisting of notes, photographs and where required step by step instructions. Included with each module is a question and answer sheet as well as a check list, this ensures that students have completed all of the work within the module prior to it being returned for assessment.

Being a distance learning scheme students are able to communicate with the centre via post, e-mail and telephone, or if possible visit Dorset for one of our regular workshops.

Module 1- looking at places to find inspiration, making and using stencils on fabric. Colouring of fabric, free machine sampling, to enhance and embellish, bag assembled from a template provided, making of cords.

Module 2- texture, designs from architecture, steam fix dyeing, cutwork design, appliqué sample, to be taken into a cushion cover rich in texture and colour.

Module 3- exercises in line, developing formal and informal designs, quilting techniques; Italian, Welsh, English, trapunto, quilt as you go.

Module 4- colour wheel; and the use of colour to bring new dimensions to machine work. Cut through techniques, appliqué the easy way, achromatic (black and white) piece.

Module 5- creating texture and form with paper, developing a fabric book, shadow appliqué, trapping fabric with sheer techniques, use of soluble fabrics. to create borders, motifs and jewellery.

Module 6- 3 dimensional surfaces on paper, manipulating fabric, smocking, edging techniques, assessment piece, using straight and zig zag stitches, choose from cushion, bag, hat, scarf, belt, panel, hanging, etc. this to be developed from core units, and to include design ideas, costing and an evaluation.

Module 7- Innovations, decorative stitch techniques, new fabrics and products, to make machine embroidery even more exciting, assessment piece, to show innovative techniques taken from the list as above.

Module 8- moving on, producing three dimensional pieces, working on different surfaces, i.e. leather, metal and plastic, making saleable items, jewellery and cards, teaching opportunities, evaluation of course.

Level 3, 7922 course

The City & Guilds Level 3 Machine Embroidery course, is ideal for those who have some skills with the sewing machine, either through completing the level 1 or 2 course or perhaps have used the machine with confidence in other area, soft furnishings maybe or dress making. Machine embroidery is becoming very popular as it enables one to create stunning pieces of work relatively quickly.
This course expects you to have a basic machine, as long as you can lower the feed dogs in some way no decorative stitches are needed, although if your machine has the capacity they will be utilised.

Method: The candidate will complete and supply for assessment

a. Work to satisfy the core unit

b. 3 experimental samples

c. 4 Assessment pieces

d. Portfolio of work

Each module is split into lessons, with each lesson consisting of notes, photographs and where required step by step instructions. Included with each module is a question and answer sheet as well as a check list, this ensures that students have completed all of the work within the module prior to it being returned for assessment.

Being a distance learning scheme students are able to communicate with the centre via post, e-mail and telephone, or if possible visit Dorset for one of our regular workshops.

Module 1- colour and making it work for you, straight stitching with reference to colour. Painting fabric, with stamps, stencils and marks, to enhance and embellish, bag assembled from an optional template provided, making of cords.

Module 2 texture for design, experiments in creating surfaces, paper and fabric manipulations. Smocking, steam fix dyeing, Shibori effects, to be taken into a cushion cover rich in texture and colour.

Module 3- developing lines into shapes, appliqué basic shapes, transferring designs, broderie perse its history and application., developing formal and informal designs, quilting techniques; Italian, Welsh, English, trapunto, quilt as you go.

Module 4- Dominance and contrast, beginning printing on paper and fabric. Cut through techniques, appliqué the easy way, achromatic (black and white) piece. Study into the work of a well known machine embroiderer.

Module 5-mark making techniques, developing a fabric book, shadow appliqué, trapping fabric with sheer techniques, use of soluble fabrics. to create borders, motifs and jewellery.

Module 6- explores shape, symmetrical and asymmetrical, negative and positive images repeating and spot patterns, burning and slashing. Edging techniques. First assessment piece, set of three experimental samples.

Module 7- form, 3D structures using a variety of methods, innovations, decorative stitch techniques, new fabrics and products, to make machine embroidery even more exciting. Second assessment piece wall hanging.

Module 8- indigo dyeing, use of decorative edges, historical precedence. Third assessment piece a functional 3D item or items

Module 9- decorative stitches, drawn thread, drawn fabric, creating templates for shapes, slippers, gloves, and boxes. Fourth assessment piece, an accessory.

Module 10- soft doll creation, capturing images, recalling course, overlooking techniques used. Fifth assessment piece, item of free choice