Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to produce patterns for costumes for screen and live entertainment productions using 2D and 3D methods.
It applies to individuals adept at interpreting sketches from costume designers, proportioning, and developing patterns through a combination of flat pattern making and construction, and pattern draping (moulage) of fabric onto a 3D dress form over corsetry and undergarments or underpinnings. They usually work with some supervision and guidance, but have scope to be creative as they work on designs.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare for pattern cutting | 1.1 Confirm costume design and production requirements in consultation with relevant personnel 1.2 Prepare tools and equipment 1.3 Research and record relevant historical aspects of costume designs 1.4 Take and record performers’ measurements 1.5 Identify special costume requirements of performers and performances 1.6 Contribute ideas about the most effective way to achieve creative requirements 1.7 Document costume specifications 1.8 Produce a plan of action for developing patterns to meet production deadlines |
2. Develop patterns for costumes | 2.1 Select appropriate method of pattern development 2.2 Proportion costume designs on dress stands 2.3 Use pattern blocks or muslin on dress forms to develop or drape patterns 2.4 Engineer costume patterns 2.5 Conduct test toile trials and fittings and make adjustments as required 2.6 Seek approvals from costume supervisors or designers 2.7 Modify patterns according to toile 2.8 Finalise and label costume patterns |
3. Compile costume components | 3.1 Use patterns and design specifications to calculate accurate quantities of fabric and notions 3.2 Record requirements and quantities 3.3 Source fabric, accessories and other requirements for costume components 3.4 Plan lay marker according to fabric dimensions 3.5 Spread fabrics according to plans 3.6 Place patterns on fabrics and cut according to cutting instructions and safety procedures 3.7 Compile cut pieces and components ready for construction in accordance with production schedules |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
interpret costume designs
apply research findings to the process of developing costume patterns
use flat pattern cutting and draping methods to develop costume patterns that meet design, production and performers’ requirements
use toiles or fittings with performers to test patterns
use patterns to cut fabric for costume components in readiness for construction phase
plan work to meet deadlines.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
outline roles and responsibilities of personnel involved in constructing costumes
explain the relationship between costume designs and final patterns
describe key features and properties of a range of fabrics and their suitability for different designs
describe techniques for cutting patterns
explain the principles and techniques of costume construction
identify typical problems that may arise in the context of cutting and draping costumes and briefly describe solutions
describe work health and safety procedures that apply to pattern development work.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:
fabric, tools and equipment to produce blocks and patterns
information sources about historical costume designs.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.3 | Interprets textual information to determine costume design requirements |
Writing | 1.3, 1.4, 1.7, 1.8, 2.8, 3.2 | Records findings and required information accurately using industry terminology, conventions and formats |
Numeracy | 1.4, 3.1, 3.2 | Records measurements and performs basic calculations to determine amount of fabric and quantity of notions required |
Oral Communication | 1.1, 1.5, 1.6, 2.6 | Uses clear and relevant language to contribute information and ideas and seek approval Uses listening and questioning to confirm costume requirements |
Navigate the world of work | 1.3, 2.6, 3.6 | Performs tasks with an understanding of levels of own authority Follows work health and safety procedures Develops knowledge of historical styles to inform development and construction of patterns that meet requirements |
Interact with others | 1.1, 1.5, 1.6, 2.6 | Collaborates with others to achieve shared objectives and outcomes Selects and uses appropriate communication methods and practices to discuss requirements, share ideas and elicit approval for patterns |
Get the work done | 1.2, 1.4-1.6, 1.8, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 2.5, 2.7, 2.8, 3.3-3.7 | Plans and sequences tasks for efficient and effective outcomes Makes decisions about suitable methods, techniques, tools and equipment to meet costume design and functionality requirements |
Sectors
Visual Communication – Costume