Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement provides advice to interpret the scope and context of this unit of competency, allowing for differences between enterprises and workplaces. It relates to the unit as a whole and facilitates holistic assessment. The following variables may be present for this particular unit:

Cut, sew and fit or fill cushions

Addresses the requirement to cut, sew and fit or fill loose or fitted cushions for upholstered furniture

Unit context
OH&S requirements include legislation, material safety management systems, hazardous substances and dangerous goods codes and safe operating procedures
Work requires individuals to demonstrate discretion, judgement and problem solving skills in the cutting, sewing and fitting or filling of cushions
Work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, environmental legislation, relevant health regulations, manual handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements

Tools and equipment may include, but are not limited to:
cutting table
cutting machines
scissors
sewing machines and cushion filling machines

Sewing machines may include:
flat bed
walking foot and overlocker

Sewing machine set up and adjustments include:
threading machine and winding bobbin
setting required tensions
setting required machine settings
lubricating and adjusting the machine
and testing operation for work order requirements

Materials may include:
fabric and filling material

Filling material may include, but is not limited to:
foam
dacron
flock
crumbed foam
springs
wadding fibre
linters and feathers/down

Personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise practices and procedures. It may include:
safety glasses/goggles
hair nets
ear muffs/plugs
gloves
footwear and protective clothing

Information and procedures

Workflow in relation to the cutting, sewing, and fitting or filling of cushions

Workplace procedures relating to the setting and operation of machines

Work instructions, including job sheets, plans, drawings and designs

Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication

The Evidence Guide identifies the critical aspects, knowledge and skills to be demonstrated to confirm competency for this unit. This is an integral part of the assessment of competency and should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement.
Critical Aspects of Evidence
Interpret work order and locate and apply relevant information
Identify and select fabric, matching pattern/nap/pile/direction
Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection practices to:
prevent damage to goods, equipment or products
maintain required production output and product quality
minimise the risk of injury to self or others
As a minimum, cut, sew and fit or fill the following cushions:
piped border cushion
wrap around cushion
T-cushion
Work effectively with others
Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment

Underpinning Knowledge
Work requirements including workplace standards and inspection procedures
Workflow in relation to the cutting, sewing and fitting or filling of cushions
Fabric types and characteristics, common faults and inspection procedures
Design features of the finished furnishing items in relation to laying out the pattern and cutting the fabric

Underpinning Skills
Information. Collect, organise and understand information related to work orders, basic plans, and safety procedures
Communication. Communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications, coordination of work with work supervisor, other workers and customers, and the reporting of work outcomes and problems
Planning. Plan and organise activities including the preparation and layout of the work area and the obtaining of equipment and materials to avoid any back tracking, workflow interruptions or wastage
Teamwork. Work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to optimise workflow and productivity
Mathematical ideas and techniques. Use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements, calculate work requirements, optimise component and material sizes for economical cutting and assemble required materials
Solve problems. Use pre-checking and inspection techniques to plan work, avoiding reworking and wastage
Use of technology. Use the workplace technology related to the cutting, sewing and fitting or filling of cushions

Resource Implications
Cutting table, material, filling medium, sewing machines, cushion filling machine, work order/furniture to be fitted, workplace information including work procedures and/or equipment instructions.

Method of Assessment
Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts.
Assessment should be by direct observation of tasks and questioning on underpinning knowledge.
Assessment should be conducted over time and may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency which together form a part of the job role.

Context of Assessment
Assessment may occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with relevant process equipment, materials, work instructions and deadlines.

Key Competency Levels
NB:These levels do not relate to the Australian Qualifications Framework. They relate to the seven areas of generic competency that underpin effective workplace practices.
There are three levels available:
Level 1 where work is within set conditions and process
Level 2 where the management or facilitation of conditions or process is exercised; and
Level 3 where the design and/or development of conditions or process is required
Communicating ideas and information
(1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(2)

Planning and organising activities
(2)

Working with others and in teams
(2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(2)

Solving problems
(2)

Using technology
(2)