CUFCOS403A
Construct blocks for period costumes

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to construct period blocks as a basis for pattern development.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application

Costume cutters develop patterns using a range of methods. With flat pattern making, the basic tool is a pattern block. When cut in fabric and worn over the complementary corsetry or underpinnings, this template forms a close, body-fitting silhouette characteristic of the particular period.

Costume workrooms or studios have a library of pattern blocks of varying shapes and sizes reflecting different historical silhouettes. These are used as a starting point by pattern cutters who modify them to meet costume design and performers' requirements.

Blocks can be constructed from taken and calculated measurements using flat pattern making methods, or can be draped on a dress form using muslin or calico. The resultant shapes are then squared, aligned and transferred to pattern board. This work is usually undertaken with some supervision and guidance.

The skills acquired in this unit can be applied in the following units:

CUFCOS404A Cut and drape costumes

CUFCOS503A Cut and drape complex period costumes.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Prepare for block construction.

1. Research changing fashion silhouettes throughout Western history and identify major milestone features

2. In consultation with relevant personnel, identify the silhouettes for which blocks are to be constructed

3. Take and record measurements of dress form or performers over the relevant underpinnings or corsetry

4. Determine appropriate block construction method

Develop period blocks

5. Produce original period blocks to specified sizes

6. Test toile blocks and record adjustments

7. Transfer adjustments from toiles to construction

8. Retest patterns in toile form

Finalise blocks

9. Transfer adjustments from retest to construction and patterns

10. Finalise patterns

11. Label block patterns

12. Complete documentation according to enterprise procedures

Required Skills

Required skills

communication, literacy and teamwork skills sufficient to:

research and trace the changing silhouettes of fashion throughout Western history

communicate effectively with performers during toile fitting sessions

complete workplace documentation

initiative and flexibility in the context of:

conducting self professionally and ethically during the fitting of corsetry and undergarments and measurement taking sessions

making adjustments to toiles during fittings

problem solving skills in the context of making basic blocks that fit and are an accurate template for further pattern development for period costumes

planning and organising skills sufficient to schedule fittings with performers at times when the work will be at the appropriate stage of development

technical skills sufficient to:

use sewing machines to make toiles

use computer applications in the context of producing or adjusting period blocks

self-management skills sufficient to:

work under pressure and meet deadlines

follow manufacturer specifications and enterprise policies and procedures

seek expert advice when problems arise

numeracy skills sufficient to take and calculate measurements for block construction

Required knowledge

industry knowledge, including:

structure of the relevant industry sector

roles and responsibilities of personnel in the relevant industry sector

broad understanding of the artistic and technical elements of productions

well-developed understanding of the human figure in the context of constructing blocks for period costumes to fit different shapes and sizes

a knowledge of Australian standards measurements

an understanding of fashion silhouettes that define particular times in Western history

principles and techniques of block construction and fitting

techniques for making alterations to basic blocks

OHS procedures as they relate to the safe use of equipment and machinery to make patterns and toiles

Evidence Required

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.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

development of period blocks that meet period, size and fit requirements and demonstrate an ability to:

apply an understanding of the silhouette of a particular historical period to block construction

take accurate body measurements

select and prepare a dress form/dressmaker's dummy according to body size and measurements

construct period blocks using the taken measurements

conduct test fittings in toile form

solve fit and silhouette problems

produce a final period block pattern to fit an individual

ability to meet deadlines

collaborative approach to work

attention to accuracy.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

practical demonstration of skills through the construction of blocks that reflect the silhouettes of at least three periods in Western history

practical demonstration of skills to prepare a dress form/dressmaker's dummy to reflect the size and measurements of the person for whom the block is being constructed

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required

use of culturally appropriate processes and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of work samples and pattern library and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance

evaluation of period blocks constructed by the candidate to determine whether size and silhouette requirements have been met and correct procedures followed

observation of the candidate during measurement taking and fitting sessions with performers to assess communication and problem solving skills

written or verbal questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

LMTFD4015A Create pattern from a block to meet customer specifications.


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.

Western history may include:

periods in English, and European, history from the 10th to 20th century.

Major milestone features may include:

1920s

19th century

Elizabethan

Empire

Tudor period.

Relevant personnel may include:

costume designer

costume production staff

director

floor manager

performers

production manager

other specialist staff

stage manager

wardrobe department personnel

wardrobe supervisor/manager.

Test toile may include compliance with:

garment and undergarment requirements

gender and figure proportions

performance requirements

size and measurements.

Label block patterns may include:

cutting instructions

date of construction

grain line

name of each pattern piece

name of performer /production

number of pattern pieces in a set

size/main body measurements

style/period.

Documentation may include:

appointment scheduling book

costume production schedule

design specification sheet

size and measurement sheet.


Sectors

Unit sector


Competency Field

Visual communication - Costume


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.