SWRI Tests Procedure for Handcrafts

Proficiency Tests

Handcraft Guild members can sit proficiency tests in over 40 crafts (see Handcrafts Committee Proficiency Test Schedule & Hints and Guidelines Booklet for list). These tests encourage high standards of workmanship and provide an opportunity for members to have their handwork evaluated.

Handcrafts Guild Secretaries of the Federations in which the Area Tests are scheduled are notified at least 6 months in advance, indicating that closing dates for the receipt of Test Entry Forms are 1st March for Autumn Tests and 1st October for Spring Tests.

The Schedule and Application Form is available from Headquarters but members must return a completed form to their Federation Handcrafts Guild Secretary with the correct fee, £5.00 per test. The Guild Secretary is responsible for forwarding these to Headquarters by the closing date.

Once applications have been received a draft Itinerary is drawn up in consultation with the National Judge. Guild Secretaries for the Federations concerned are asked to confirm suggested dates.

Once the final programme is set Guild Secretaries will be informed and issued with the candidates tags etc.

Tests in all areas are judged by the same National Judge so that there is consistency in marking, and when the adjudication is completed members are always invited to meet the Judge who as well as giving an overall criticism of the items entered in the tests, will talk to each member individually and suggest other ways of improving a test submissions or offering advice as to which test to try next.

Judges Tests
Every SWRI member who enters her work in a show or competition is entitled to have it judged by someone proficienct in that craft. To become a qualified judge a member must not only have proven expertise in a craft but must show that she can assess the work of others knowledgeably and fairly.

The tests for Judges are held nationally, normally once every three years for members. Before applying for a Handcraft Judge’s Test candididates require to hold a minimum of 3 (three) Handcraft Proficiency Test Certificates with Honour or First Class passes of 85% or over. At least 2 (two) of these Tests Certificates must be taken from the following lists. To gain a judge’s bar the candidates can only sit tests in the subjects she hold proficiency tests certificates in:

Applique, Bobbin Lace, Canvas Work, Coloured Embroidery, Contemporary Embroidery, Counted Thread, Crochet, Dressmaking, Fabric Boxes, Knitting – Hand, Knitting – Machine, Lacemaking, Metal Thread Embroidery, Patchwork – Hand, Patchwork – Machine, Plain Sewing, Quilting Hand, Smocking, Tatting, Whitework.

Candidates can apply for and sit a maximum of 4 subjects. For further details please contact Headquarters.

For these tests each technique has its own assessor, i.e. for Hand Knitting the assessor will hold a judge's certificate in Hand Knitting.

Results will be collated and recorded. Certificates prepared and issued and detailed results sent to Magazine.

A list of qualified judges, detailing their crafts, is available from Headquarters.