Embroidery and Needle Work

ITI Embroidery and Needle Work Trade Syllabus

The ITI "Embroidery and Needle Work" trade is a one-year vocational training program under the Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS), governed by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT). This course equips trainees with skills in hand and machine embroidery, needlework, and decorative stitching to enhance garments, home furnishings, and textile products. The syllabus integrates theoretical knowledge, practical embroidery techniques, and employability training to prepare students for roles such as embroiderers, needlework artisans, or textile decorators in boutiques, garment industries, or as self-employed professionals.

Course Overview

• Duration: 1 year (2 semesters, each 6 months)
• NSQF Level: Level 4
• Eligibility: Minimum 10th grade pass (or equivalent)
• Objective: To train individuals in embroidery and needlework techniques, design creation, and textile embellishment to produce high-quality decorative products that meet market and client demands.

Detailed Syllabus Breakdown 

1. Trade Theory (Theoretical Knowledge)

Covers foundational concepts in embroidery and needlework.

• Semester 1
  
  • Introduction to Embroidery and Needle Work
    
    • Overview of the embroidery industry: scope, trends, opportunities.
    • Role of an embroiderer: enhancing textiles, creating decorative patterns.
    • Types of embroidery: hand, machine, traditional, contemporary.
  • Tools and Equipment
    
    • Hand tools: needles, embroidery hoops, scissors, thimbles, tracing paper.
    • Machine tools: domestic and industrial embroidery machines, attachments.
    • Maintenance: cleaning, threading, and troubleshooting embroidery machines.
  • Materials and Fabrics
    
    • Types of fabrics: cotton, silk, velvet, linen – suitability for embroidery.
    • Threads: cotton, silk, metallic, wool – properties and uses.
    • Accessories: beads, sequins, mirrors, zari for embellishment.
  • Basic Embroidery Techniques
    
    • Hand embroidery stitches: running, backstitch, chain, satin, cross-stitch.
    • Machine embroidery: straight, zigzag, satin stitch for patterns.
    • Traditional embroidery: phulkari, chikankari, kantha, zardozi basics.
  • Design and Pattern Making
    
    • Design principles: balance, symmetry, color coordination.
    • Tracing and transferring patterns: carbon paper, pouncing, freehand.
    • Creating motifs: floral, geometric, traditional patterns.
  • Safety and Hygiene
    
    • Workplace safety: handling needles, scissors, machines.
    • Personal hygiene: clean hands, attire for embroidery tasks.
    • Ergonomics: correct posture for prolonged needlework.
• Semester 2
  
  • Advanced Embroidery Techniques
    
    • Complex hand stitches: French knot, bullion, feather, herringbone.
    • Advanced machine embroidery: applique, cutwork, 3D embroidery.
    • Traditional embroidery: kashida, gota work, mirror work, kasuti.
  • Textile Embellishment
    
    • Surface ornamentation: beadwork, sequin work, ribbon embroidery.
    • Combining techniques: embroidery with crochet, lace, patchwork.
    • Embroidering on diverse textiles: sarees, cushions, curtains, dresses.
  • Quality Control
    
    • Inspecting embroidery: checking stitch consistency, pattern alignment.
    • Correcting defects: loose threads, uneven stitches, fabric puckering.
    • Ensuring durability: thread strength, fabric compatibility.
  • Textile Knowledge
    
    • Fabric preparation: washing, ironing, stretching for embroidery.
    • Fabric defects: stains, tears, shrinkage affecting embroidery.
    • Dyeing basics: matching thread and fabric colors.
  • Professional Skills
    
    • Client consultation: understanding design preferences, budgets.
    • Entrepreneurship: starting an embroidery business or home studio.
    • Market trends: demand for ethnic, customized, and eco-friendly textiles.

2. Trade Practical (Hands-On Skills)

Focuses on practical embroidery and needlework techniques.

• Semester 1
  
  • Basic Embroidery Practice
    
    • Practicing hand stitches: running, chain, satin, cross-stitch on fabric.
    • Operating embroidery machines: straight, zigzag stitches on samples.
    • Creating simple motifs: floral, geometric patterns on cloth.
  • Design and Pattern Transfer
    
    • Sketching basic designs: flowers, borders, paisleys.
    • Transferring patterns: using tracing paper, carbon, or stencils.
    • Stitching motifs: practicing symmetry and stitch consistency.
  • Fabric and Thread Handling
    
    • Selecting fabrics: cotton, silk for beginner embroidery.
    • Choosing threads: matching colors, testing thread strength.
    • Setting fabrics in hoops: ensuring tautness for even stitching.
  • Traditional Embroidery
    
    • Practicing phulkari motifs: basic geometric patterns.
    • Stitching chikankari samples: shadow work, flat stitches.
    • Creating kantha patterns: running stitch designs.
  • Project Work
    
    • Embroidering a small item: handkerchief, cushion cover with basic stitches.
    • Documenting design process, stitches used, and material selection.
• Semester 2
  
  • Advanced Embroidery
    
    • Stitching complex hand patterns: French knot, bullion, couching.
    • Performing machine embroidery: applique, cutwork on garments.
    • Creating traditional designs: zardozi, mirror work on fabric samples.
  • Textile Embellishment
    
    • Adding beads, sequins, mirrors to embroidered designs.
    • Practicing ribbon embroidery: floral patterns on dresses.
    • Combining techniques: embroidery with lace, crochet on home textiles.
  • Quality and Finishing
    
    • Inspecting embroidered pieces: checking for neatness, durability.
    • Correcting errors: restitching loose areas, trimming excess threads.
    • Pressing and packing: preparing embroidered items for delivery.
  • Product Development
    
    • Embroidering garments: saree borders, kurti yokes, kids’ dresses.
    • Decorating home textiles: curtains, tablecloths, pillow covers.
    • Creating samples: showcasing various embroidery styles.
  • Project Work
    
    • Designing and embroidering a complete textile product (e.g., dupatta or bedspread).
    • Presenting a portfolio with designs, techniques, and client suitability.

3. Workshop Calculation and Science

Provides mathematical and scientific support for embroidery tasks.

• Semester 1
  
  • Arithmetic: calculating thread quantities, fabric dimensions.
  • Measurements: estimating area for embroidery patterns.
  • Geometry: designing symmetrical motifs, calculating repeats.
• Semester 2
  
  • Calculations: costing embroidery projects, time estimation.
  • Science: fabric stretch, thread tension, dye fastness.
  • Logic: optimizing pattern layouts to minimize material waste.

4. Engineering Drawing

Focuses on technical drawing for embroidery designs.

• Semester 1: Sketching basic embroidery motifs (floral, geometric).
• Semester 2: Preparing detailed pattern diagrams for complex embroidery projects.

5. Employability Skills

Enhances job readiness and soft skills.

• Semester 1
  
  • Communication skills: discussing designs with clients, suppliers.
  • Time management: completing embroidery orders on schedule.
  • Basic IT skills: recording designs, customer orders.
• Semester 2
  
  • Entrepreneurship: planning a small embroidery business.
  • Teamwork: collaborating in textile production units.
  • Interview preparation: roles in fashion, textile decoration.

Assessment and Certification

• Examinations: Conducted semester-wise with theoretical and practical components.
• Certification: Successful candidates receive the National Trade Certificate (NTC) from NCVT, recognized nationally and internationally.
• Evaluation: Based on embroidery skills, design quality, theoretical knowledge, and project work.

Career Opportunities

• Employment: Embroiderer, needlework artisan, textile decorator in boutiques, garment factories, or fashion houses.
• Self-Employment: Starting an embroidery studio, freelance textile decoration service.
• Further Studies: Diploma in Fashion Designing, Textile Designing, or Handicraft Technology.

Note

• This syllabus aligns with the latest NCVT guidelines and may vary slightly based on institutional or state-specific requirements.
• For the most current version, refer to the Directorate General of Training (DGT) or consult your local ITI.