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:

Sewing specifications include:

required materials

threads

additional work features

shape and special requirements for the gathered item

and any required workplace documentation to be completed

Specific and specialised techniques

This unit covers work involving the operation of industrial sewing machines to produce specialised products in soft furnishing, upholstery and mattress and base making

Specific and specialised techniques and products include:

sewing decorative finishes, including: patchwork and flat bed quilting; applique and freehand embroidery; and top stitching, invisible zips, mitre corners, capping and sewing labels

sewing with specialised attachments, including: rolled hems, ribboning, gathering, embroidery hoops, bias binding

sewing fasteners and attachments, including sewing of: zips, hooks, rings, velcro, press studs, buttons, buttonholes, tapes and attachments appropriate for the furnishing industry

operating an outline sewing machine

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 discretion, judgement and problem solving skills in the set up and operation of machines

Machines may include, but are not limited to:

flange

overlocker

flat bed

blind hemming

gathering

tape edging

Sewing machine set up and adjustment includes:

threading machine and winding bobbin

setting required tensions

selecting required machine settings

lubricating and adjusting the machine (where required) and testing operations for work order requirements

Materials to be machined may include but are not limited to:

fabrics and leathers

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
To be assessed as competent in at least one of the following:
sewing decorative finishes (competence must be achieved in at least one finish)
sewing with specialised attachments (competence must be achieved in at least three attachments/processes)
sewing fasteners and attachments
operating an outline sewing machine
Assessment must confirm appropriate knowledge and skills to:
identify and operate sewing machines
set up sewing machine for operations and monitor quality of output
interpret work order 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

Underpinning Knowledge
Types, characteristics, uses and limitations of sewing machines
Characteristics of materials used and finished products
Safety and environmental aspects of sewing machine operations
Quality systems and standards
Workflow requirements for sewing process
Operation of work systems and sewing equipment
Causes of faults and repair methods
Procedure for reporting damaged or imperfect products or interruption to workflow
Workplace procedures

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 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 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 sewing problems, avoid reworking and avoid wastage
Use of technology. Use the workplace technology related to the sewing, including tools, equipment, and measuring devices

Resource Implications
Appropriate sewing machine, work orders, operating procedures, materials and threads.

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
(2)