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:

Basic sewing

Basic sewing is the ability to operate and adjust a simple sewing machine (straight and walking foot sewing machines) to join two or more pieces of upholstery fabric together

This unit addresses the sewing of final cover upholstery materials using simple machines and techniques

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 set up and operation of machines

Work is carried out in accordance with statutory requirements, organisation insurance requirements, OH&S legislation, environmental legislation, manual handling procedures and relevant health regulations

Job requirements may include:
materials
threads
additional work features
shape and any special requirements for the item
and any required workplace documentation to be competed

Machines may include, but are not limited to:
flat bed
walking foot
overlocker

Sewing machine set up and adjustments are to 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:
fabrics
vinyl and canvas

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

Information and procedures

Machine manufacturers' specifications and operational procedures

Workplace procedures relating to the setting and operation of machines

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 operate sewing machines
Set up sewing machine for operations, monitor quality of output and adjust as necessary
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:
join final cover materials for fitting to two items of upholstered furniture
sew piping for an item of upholstered furniture
Work effectively with others
Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment

Underpinning Knowledge
Procedure for reporting damaged or imperfect products or interruption to workflow
Workflow requirements for sewing process
Operation of work systems and sewing equipment
Characteristics of materials used and finished products
Causes of faults and repair methods
Identification of equipment, processes and procedures
Quality systems and standards
Workplace procedures

Underpinning Skills
Information. Collect, organise and understand information related to machine sewing, 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 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 problems, avoid reworking and avoid wastage
Use of technology. Use workplace technology related to the basic machine sewing of upholstery final cover materials

Resource Implications
Appropriate sewing machines, 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 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
(1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(2)

Planning and organising activities
(2)

Working with others and in teams
(2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(1)

Solving problems
(2)

Using technology
(2)