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:

Construction of unlined/coated curtains/drapes covers work involving sewing and manipulation requirements for machine sewing a range of curtain heading styles which are to include:
gathered
slotted (rod pocket)
pencil pleat and pinch pleat and may include tab top
knife pleat
goblet pleat and cartridge

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

Machines may include, but are not limited to:
industrial sewing machines and pressing equipment

Tools and equipment may include:
measuring and calculating equipment, including tapes, rulers, calculators, computers
fabric and general cutting and sewing tools, including scissors, sewing machines, hemming machines, overlockers, pleating machines

Materials to be machined may include, but are not limited to:
lining
interlining and curtain fabrics
fasteners
threads

Work order requirements are to cover:
widths and numbers of finished curtain panels, heading style, number and spacing of pleats
finishing and any filling of curtain headings

Marking out

Marking out is to cover returns, overlaps, pleats and spaces

Machine sewing operations must ensure:
straight stitching along marked pleat line from the top of the heading to the lower edge of the stiffening material or vice versa
securing of beginning and end of threads of the stitching with even and appropriate seam stitch type, length, visibility
seams are flat
the inclusion of care labels and fibre content labels where required
finished components match work requirements

Personal protective equipment

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

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
Interpret work order to manufacture the required lined curtains
Measure accurately
Identify materials used and any special sewing requirements for those materials
Construct at least four different types of pleated or gathered curtains/drapes
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
Identification of equipment, processes and procedures for the sewing operations
Fabric types, common faults and inspection procedures
Risks to health from repetitive actions and prevention strategies
Design features of the heading styles sewn in relation to work requirements
Work requirements, including workplace standards

Underpinning Skills
Information. Collect, organise and understand information related to work orders, 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, calculate area, avoid waste and estimate material requirements
Solve problems. Use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate construction problems, avoid reworking and avoid wastage
Use of technology. Use the limited workplace technology related to the construction tasks, including tools, equipment, calculators and measuring devices

Resource Implications
Appropriate sewing machine, fabrics, 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 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
(1)

Using technology
(2)