The unit applies to digitising techniques to produce computerised embroideries at an advanced level.
Work involves some discretion, initiative and judgement on the job in own work, including liaison with specialist embroiderers and digitisers.
Work may be conducted in a variety of environments, such as operational workplace activities, or home-based activities.
Work may be undertaken on a range of machines that may include microprocessor or computer controlled. Embroidery machines used in completion of this unit may include domestic (single or multi-needle) or commercial (single or multi-head) machines.
Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.
This unit requires the application of skills associated with planning and organising to complete digitised embroidery using associated technology. Problem-solving skills are required to determine required program features to achieve specifications and identify any machining problems. Communication skills are used to refer to specifications and complete required documentation. Self-management skills are used to ensure safe use of technology and conformance of own work to quality standards.
Apply hooping and fabric handling techniques | |
Digitise artwork for computerised embroideries | |
Identify fibres and fabrics |
1 | Prepare for digitising | 1.1 | Machine format is selected and capability confirmed to meet image requirements |
1.2 | File types are manipulated and converted for digitising | ||
1.3 | Fabric type is selected | ||
1.4 | Workspace/canvas is selected and colour adjusted to meet design specifications | ||
1.5 | Thread palette is set up | ||
1.6 | Optimum digitising sequence is determined and planned |
2 | Apply advanced stitching techniques | 2.1 | A variety of gradient patterns are created and stitched |
2.2 | An embossed area is created and stitched | ||
2.3 | Texture effects are created using tatami offsets and pattern splits | ||
2.4 | A variety of single and dual motifs are created and stitched | ||
2.5 | A variety of stamp fill patterns are created and stitched | ||
2.6 | A range of decorative fills and outlines are created and stitched according to design requirements | ||
2.7 | Stitch patterns are created with carving stamps | ||
2.8 | User-defined splits are created according to design requirements | ||
2.9 | A stable underlay is created and adjusted on new or existing embroidery design | ||
2.10 | Colour blocks and colour thread changes are identified and adjusted to meet design specifications | ||
2.11 | Stitching order is manually adjusted and colour changes made to selected areas, as required |
3 | Customise thread charts | 3.1 | New thread charts are created |
3.2 | Existing thread charts are modified to meet design requirements | ||
3.3 | Thread colours are mixed according to design requirements |
4 | Create alternative stitchout options | 4.1 | Design is adapted for different colourways |
4.2 | Design is adapted for different fabrics | ||
4.3 | Design is adapted for different placements |
5 | Modify embroidery designs using advanced editing techniques | 5.1 | Outline nodes are adjusted to create different shapes |
5.2 | A range of advancedediting techniques are used to create and enhance design effects |
6 | Complete embroidery sample | 6.1 | Fabric, stabiliser, toppings and backings, needles, thread and hoop types are selected and used according to the design production requirements |
6.2 | Embroidery is completed in an efficient manner and inspected against design specifications | ||
6.3 | Waste is minimised and disposed of according to environmental guidelines | ||
6.4 | Work is conducted in accordance with workplace procedures and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices |
7 | Create and manage files and design libraries | 7.1 | Styles and properties are established for designs and fabrics |
7.2 | Thread charts are created and customised according to design requirements | ||
7.3 | Templates are created for different styles of work | ||
7.4 | Machine formats and hoops are defined for designs | ||
7.5 | Files are saved and stored according to workplace requirements | ||
7.6 | Design collections are converted, catalogued and archived according to workplace requirements |
Required skills include: |
basic computer skills applying creativity to use of colour, texture, shape, balance and composition selecting fabric, needles, thread, stabiliser and hoop to meet design specifications assembling and attaching hoop applying hooping techniques and using hooping accessories applying industry efficiency standards to work reading, interpreting and following information on work specifications, standard operating procedures and work instructions, and other reference material maintaining accurate records communicating within the workplace sequencing operations meeting specifications clarifying and checking task-related information |
Required knowledge includes: |
workplace health and safety requirements for a production environment computer navigation to access and manipulate an image suitability of images to be digitised and limitations of software software functionality basic machine embroidery techniques types and properties of fabric colour, texture, shape, balance and composition theory hoop types needle types thread types stabiliser types workplace or store policies and procedures environmental aspects related to workplace and machine or equipment operation and manual handling OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures quality practices workplace practices practices for recording and reporting |
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package. | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | It is essential that competence be demonstrated in advanced digitising techniques. The candidate must be able to: prepare, convert and edit images apply a range of advanced stitching techniques determine optimal stitch sequence and alternative stitchout options introduce texture techniques apply advanced editing techniques to manipulate design components and embroidery effects complete embroidery sample save and file images, templates and design catalogues according to the workplace filing requirements. Evidence should demonstrate ability in digitising techniques through production of a range of sample pieces. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment and requires access to work areas, materials and equipment, and to information on workplace practices and OHS practices. The resource requirements for this unit include access to: digitising software embroidery machine hoops a range of fabrics a range of threads a range of needles hooping accessories notions. |
Method of assessment | This unit may be assessed independently or in combination with other relevant units. Assessment methods may include: written and oral questioning completion of practical activities/tasks. |
Guidance information for assessment | Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed. |
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included. | |
Optimum digitising sequence | Optimum digitising sequence includes: minimising registration problems caused by fabric distortion planning colour sequence |
Gradient | Gradient may include: single colour with a variety of: density settings stitch directions dual and multi-colour with varying: density settings stitch directions stitch types |
Motifs | Motifs may include: existing (pre-programmed) individually created placement size direction repetition spacing layout managed sets |
Stamp fill patterns | Stamp fill patterns may include: existing (pre-programmed) individually created placement size direction repetition spacing layout |
Decorative fills and outlines | Decorative fills and outlines may include: backstitch stemstitch zigzag E-stitch (blanket) fills and borders contour radial cross-stitch arc spiral satin motif tatami offsets pattern splits carving stamps user-defined splits |
Stable underlay | Stable underlay may include: edge run centre run tatami grid zigzag double zigzag |
Advanced editing techniques | Advanced editing techniques may include: adding and adjusting stitch angles smoothing object outlines converting between embroidery objects reinforcing outlines removing unwanted underlying stitching creating outlines and fill holes editing stitches editing machine functions creating manual stitching digitising boring holes adding stitches feather stitching, such as: positive stitch length negative stitch length side A side B pre-programmed patterns use of customised patterns reshaping, cutting, splitting and breaking design objects |
Fabric types | Fabric types must include: woven non-woven knits lightweight heavyweight |
Stabilisers, toppings and backings | Stabilisers, toppings and backings may include: water soluble tear away iron on cut away Colours may include: black white Weights may vary |
Needle types | Needle types may include: standard metalfil embroidery eye stretch |
Threads types | Threads types may include: polyester metallic rayon cotton |
Hoop types | Hoop types may include: tubular sash screw cap square round spring |
Workplace procedures | Workplace procedures may include: requirements prescribed by legislation, awards, agreements and conditions of employment standard operating procedures work instructions oral, written and visual communication quality practices, including responsibility for maintenance of own work quality and contribution to quality improvement of team or section output housekeeping tasks related to environmental protection, waste disposal, pollution control and recycling |
OHS practices | OHS practices must include hazard identification and control, risk assessment and implementation of risk reduction measures specific to the tasks described by this unit, and may include: manual handling techniques standard operating procedures personal protective equipment safe materials handling taking of rest breaks ergonomic arrangement of workplaces following marked walkways safe storage of equipment housekeeping reporting accidents and incidents other OHS practices relevant to the job and enterprise |
Digitising and computerised embroidery
This unit contains employability skills.
Not applicable.