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:

The purposes of hand sewing include:
sewing and manipulation requirements for hand sewing a range of upholstery and other furnishing fabrics
the joining of all types of fabrics, single or multi thickness, partly constructed materials, heavy materials, including leather
hemming, seams, tacking, button attachment, hand finishing of trims and decorations

Unit context

OH&S requirements may include legislation, building codes, material safety management systems, hazardous and dangerous goods codes and local safe operating procedures or equivalent

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

Work requires individuals to demonstrate some discretion, judgement and problem solving skills in the set up and operation of machines. This may be demonstrated either individually or in a team environment

Tools and equipment may include:
a range of needles and threads

Materials to be sewn may include but are not limited to:
plain and patterned fabrics for a variety of curtains
drapes and cushions
attachments
lining
interlining
webbings or padding

Sewing direction is determined by:
stitch type and location
personal right-hand or left-hand preference of the sewer
manipulation requirements for the bulk and slipperiness of the materials

Personal protective equipment

Personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise policies and practices

Hand sewing work requirements must ensure that:
beginning and end of stitching are secure
appropriate allowances (or hem and/or other allowance), stitch type, length and visibility are used
sewn area or hems are flat and/or appropriately shaped
finished components match work requirements

Information and procedures

Machine manufacturers' specifications and operational procedures

Workplace procedures relating to the 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
Apply safe handling practices for equipment, products and materials
Identify materials used and any special sewing requirements for the materials to be sewn
Hand sew at least five different soft furnishing products or using five different techniques
Interpret work order, copy samples and locate and apply relevant information
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
Work effectively with others
Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment
Report process or materials faults, damaged products or equipment

Underpinning Knowledge
Work requirements, including workplace standards
Identification of techniques and procedures for the sewing processes
Fabric types, common faults and inspection procedures
Methods to be used with different fabric types
Risks to health from repetitive actions and prevention strategies
Design features of the articles sewn in relation to the methods and stitches to be used

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, co-ordination of work with site 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 worksite 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 co-operative 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 sewing problems, avoid reworking and avoid wastage
Use of technology. Use the limited workplace technology related to the sewing, including tools, equipment and measuring devices

Resource Implications
Appropriate sewing equipment, fabrics, work order, workplace information, including work procedures.

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 will generally be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency.

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
(1)

Planning and organising activities
(2)

Working with others and in teams
(1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(1)

Solving problems
(2)

Using technology
(1)