Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:56 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.

Hand sew soft furnishings

Hand sew soft furnishings

Unit of competency
National Code
LMFSF2004B
State Code
W8760
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
11/05/2009
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
30/09/2008
Field of Education
030199 - Manufacturing Engineering And Technology, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
30/09/2008
Nominal Hours
16
Description
This unit covers the competency to hand sew hems and shaped components, and hand finish work for soft furnishings.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify materials and sewing requirements
  • 1.1. Required materials are identified from work order
  • 1.2. Special requirements for the stitching, including stitch type, length and end finishing requirements are identified from work order
2. Assemble and organise materials to be sewn
  • 2.1. OHS requirements, including ergonomic criteria and personal protection needs, are observed throughout the work
  • 2.2. Materials to be sewn are collected and inspected for appropriate quality
  • 2.3. Naps, direction of pattern and face side of the materials are identified
  • 2.4. Required shape or form of the finished item is made and secured using tacking stitches, pins, adhesives or fixtures to assist in sewing operations
  • 2.5. Appropriate needle types are selected and threaded
3. Sew by hand
  • 3.1. Materials are held to allow for sewing in the required direction
  • 3.2. Hand sewing operations are completed to ensure finished components match work requirements
4. Finish work
  • 4.1. Finished stitching, including sewn area, seam width, stitch length, end finishing, allowances, shape and finish are checked
  • 4.2. Top stitching or other decorative features are checked for required finish
  • 4.3. Where required, stitching or seams are eased and work is pressed for the next stage
  • 4.4. Raw edges are trimmed and any loose or untrimmed threads are removed
  • 4.5. Any part of the work which does not comply with work order is repaired
  • 4.6. Problems are notified following workplace procedures
5. Complete work for next process
  • 5.1. Finished work is folded, protected and dispatched to the next process following workplace procedures
  • 5.2. Any required documentation is completed and stored following workplace procedures
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.
Unit context
OHS 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
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
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- 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 manufacturer 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








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.

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:
minimise the risk of injury to self and others
prevent damage to goods, equipment and products
maintain required production output and product quality
Work effectively with others
Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment
Report process or materials faults, damaged products or equipment

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.


Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
W0374 LMFSF2004A Hand sew soft furnishings Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
WI619 MSFSF2004 Hand sew soft furnishings Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
W027 LMF20702 Certificate II in Soft Furnishing Qualification