Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:25 PM AWST
22/07/2026 8:25 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Make period costumes
Make period costumes
Unit of competency
National Code
CUECOS10B
CUECOS10B
State Code
D1636
D1636
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
19/09/2008
Field of Education
030107 - Garment Making
Original Release Date
19/09/2008
Nominal Hours
160
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to interpret costume specifications and production schedules, and to produce period costumes for any production within the cultural industries.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Conduct research for period costume
- 1.1. Undertake appropriate research to identify the historical, cultural and other factors that might influence period costume styles, construction techniques and costume development
- 1.2. Analyse designs and text for period costume requirements, and identify the relationship between costumes and character portrayal and development
- 1.3. Gather various and appropriate research materials to develop knowledge of historical clothing in a performance context
- 1.4. Use research materials to interpret and adapt clothing styles for performance
2. Interpret brief for period costume design
- 2.1. Liaise with the relevant colleagues to confirm the period costume production requirements and gain approvals where required
- 2.2. Read and correctly interpret the costume production schedule, specifications and lists
- 2.3. Interpret design into practical plans for making period costumes in accordance with production requirements
3. Prepare for period costume construction
- 3.1. Select materials and methods of costume construction in accordance with production requirements and the factors affecting garments from particular periods
- 3.2. Take and record accurate measurements of performers to ensure correct fitting of costumes
- 3.3. Identify style and fabric characteristics which influence period costume construction and clarify any queries with relevant colleagues
- 3.4. Select appropriate grade plan or grade rule table
4. Make and grade patterns for period costumes
- 4.1. Produce or adjust pattern to required specifications, ensuring that patterns comply with: character and period costume and undergarment requirements; gender and figure proportions; and performance requirements
- 4.2. Grade pattern manually or by computer, adjusting design, maintaining accuracy and shape, notches, design proportion and other design requirements
- 4.3. Check pattern for accuracy and make any necessary adjustments
- 4.4. Store patterns in accordance with workplace procedures
5. Lay up and cut work for period costume
- 5.1. Establish the required meterage of fabric and other materials to minimise wastage
- 5.2. Check materials for quality, faults, width, selvedges, dye, lot and marking requirements
- 5.3. Identify and assemble appropriate base and outer fabrics for period costume
- 5.4. Lay up base and self fabrics and check alignment as necessary to ensure conformance to specifications
- 5.5. Cut materials to meet requirements of the pattern
- 5.6. Prepare fabric base and mount fabrics, as necessary, to achieve required stiffening or support effect
6. Sew and fit period costumes
- 6.1. Pin or sew fabric pieces and linings and hang, as appropriate, in readiness for assembly
- 6.2. Conduct fittings with performers and identify, record and action required adjustments and alterations
- 6.3. Sew costume pieces together to form the whole costume and attach all required trimmings, fasteners and decorations using appropriate techniques
- 6.4. Press finished period costume in accordance with requirements
- 6.5. Identify modifications to character and period costume in consultation with performer/cast and/or designer, where necessary
- 6.6. Correctly label and code all period costumes for identification during the production
RANGE STATEMENT
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.
Research for period costume may include:
research on any aspect of period costume:
construction
design
Period costumes generally refers to costumes from past eras and must include:
male, female and child costumes
pre-production toiles
undergarments and corsetry.
Research materials may include:
coloured design illustrations
digital images
film, video
history books
original clothing from the period
paintings and illustrations of the period
photographs
sample costumes
sketches
technical drawings from other productions
the Internet
writings of the period
Adaptation of clothing styles for performance may require consideration of:
budget and time constraints
components
construction methods
context
lighting
maintenance and storage
material types/constraints
performance demands
suitability to performer's physique
Relevant colleagues may include:
designers
performers
technical and production staff
Performance requirements may relate to:
continuity
lighting
movement
quick changes
special considerations
special effects
use of body doubles/second cast
use of harness on performer during performance
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.
Research for period costume may include:
research on any aspect of period costume:
construction
design
Period costumes generally refers to costumes from past eras and must include:
male, female and child costumes
pre-production toiles
undergarments and corsetry.
Research materials may include:
coloured design illustrations
digital images
film, video
history books
original clothing from the period
paintings and illustrations of the period
photographs
sample costumes
sketches
technical drawings from other productions
the Internet
writings of the period
Adaptation of clothing styles for performance may require consideration of:
budget and time constraints
components
construction methods
context
lighting
maintenance and storage
material types/constraints
performance demands
suitability to performer's physique
Relevant colleagues may include:
designers
performers
technical and production staff
Performance requirements may relate to:
continuity
lighting
movement
quick changes
special considerations
special effects
use of body doubles/second cast
use of harness on performer during performance
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:
ability to create period costumes, including corsetry and undergarments, male costume, female costume and pre-production toiles using techniques and materials specific to period costume
knowledge of costume styles and features from a range of historical periods (these will vary depending on the job role).
Context of and specific resources for assessment
The assessment context must provide for:
practical demonstration of skills through the production of period costume for a nominated production.
Method of assessment
Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of essential underpinning knowledge, and might include:
direct observation of the candidate using techniques particular to period costume construction
evaluation of period costumes produced by the candidate in relation to quality of construction
oral questioning/interview to assess knowledge of period costume styles and techniques particular to those styles
evaluation of drawings/sketches or specifications developed by the candidate
third party reports and portfolios of evidence.
Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment of this unit requires access to:
costume designs or specifications from which the candidate can work
materials and equipment used to produce period costumes.
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.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:
ability to create period costumes, including corsetry and undergarments, male costume, female costume and pre-production toiles using techniques and materials specific to period costume
knowledge of costume styles and features from a range of historical periods (these will vary depending on the job role).
Context of and specific resources for assessment
The assessment context must provide for:
practical demonstration of skills through the production of period costume for a nominated production.
Method of assessment
Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of essential underpinning knowledge, and might include:
direct observation of the candidate using techniques particular to period costume construction
evaluation of period costumes produced by the candidate in relation to quality of construction
oral questioning/interview to assess knowledge of period costume styles and techniques particular to those styles
evaluation of drawings/sketches or specifications developed by the candidate
third party reports and portfolios of evidence.
Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment of this unit requires access to:
costume designs or specifications from which the candidate can work
materials and equipment used to produce period costumes.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C7195 | CUECOS10A | Make period costumes | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WI021 | CUACOS501 | Make period costumes | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D205 | CUF50507 | Diploma of Costume for Performance | Qualification |
| C677 | CUE40203 | Certificate IV in Costume for Performance | Qualification |