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:

Manufacture loose covers

This unit addresses the development of a pattern to meet a requirement, the cutting from that pattern and the fitting of loose covers to items of upholstered furniture

Unit context

Workplace health and safety includes OH&S 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 manufacturing and fitting of loose covers

Work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, environmental legislation, relevant health regulations, manual handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements

Machines may include, but are not limited to:
single or multi-needle flat bed
walking foot
overlocker and gatherer

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

Materials to be machined may include but are not limited to:
plain and pattern fabric
velvet

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

Information and procedures

Machine manufacturers' specifications and operational procedures

Workplace procedures relating to the development of patterns and setting and operation of machinery

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 materials used and any special handling requirements for those materials
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:
develop two patterns for loose covers for given items of furniture (one plain and one patterned)
measure and cut fabrics to required size and accuracy, matching any patterns
sew fabric and fit to items of furniture
Work effectively with others
Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment

Underpinning Knowledge
Work requirements including workplace standards and workflow
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 fabrics

Underpinning Skills
Information. Collect, organise and understand information related to hand and power tools, work orders, maintenance systems 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 to avoid any back tracking, workflow interruptions or wastage
Teamwork. Work with others 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 and estimate material requirements
Solve problems. Use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate problems, avoid reworking and avoid wastage
Use of technology. Use the limited workplace technology related to the manufacture and fitting of loose covers to upholstered furniture

Resource Implications
Appropriate tools and equipment, plain and patterned fabrics, sewing machines, furniture to be upholstered, work order, 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 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
(2)

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
(1)