The unit applies to the interpretation of design specifications, and use of knitting machine to produce fabrics or knitted product samples such as garments, bags or shawls.

Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team-related activities.

The application of this unit is according to OHS practices of the enterprise and workplace practices, which may include:

requirements prescribed by legislation, awards agreements and conditions of employment

standard operating procedures

work instructions

oral, written and visual communication

quality practices, including responsibility for maintenance of own work quality and contribution to quality improvement of team or section output

housekeeping

tasks related to environmental protection, waste disposal, pollution control, and recycling

This unit requires the application of communications skills associated with interpreting patterns and specifications, and planning and organising skills for the safe and effective use of knitting technology and operations. This unit also requires an ability to check the quality of outcomes and identify and address problems relating to production. Initiative and enterprise and problem solving will be used to combine yarns and processes to achieve desired design outcomes.

Prerequisites

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Interpret production requirements

1.1 Pattern requirements are analysed and design specifications discussed with appropriate personnel to confirm production requirements

1.2 Desired effects of knitting are identified and appropriate knitting structure and technique selected to match required outcome

1.3 Materials and yarns, quantities and knitting techniques are selected according to design requirements

2 Produce knitted design sample

2.1 Workstation, tools and equipment are set up according to specifications for work

2.2 Yarns to be knitted are checked against quality standards

2.3 Knitting techniques are undertaken to meet design specifications for sample and according to OHS practices

2.4 Knitting techniques and outcomes are monitored throughout to identify production faults

3 Check quality of sample

3.1 Completed sample is checked against design specifications and pattern to ensure quality standards are met

3.2 Knit faults and production problems are identified and causes determined

3.3 Knitting process, technique and materials used are analysed to determine necessary modifications to knitting techniques, processes or patterns

4 Complete production process

4.1 Knit faults and production problems are rectified or sample is reproduced according to modifications

4.2 Knitted sample is finished according to design specifications

4.3 Modifications and processes are documented

4.4 Outcomes are examined with appropriate personnel and possible modifications to design are discussed and documented

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Demonstrates knowledge of:

knit modification techniques

knitting machine techniques

yarn characteristics

typical fault conditions

fault-finding procedures

types and styles of knitted fabrics

simple equipment maintenance techniques

OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures

quality practices

workplace practices

recording and reporting practices

workplace practices

recording and reporting practices

Demonstrates skill to:

check operational readiness of equipment

prepare yarn and thread for production

start and stop equipment

monitor production

recognise and rectify faults or problems as required

read, interpret and follow information on work specifications, standard operating procedures and work instructions and other reference material

maintain accurate records

communicate within the workplace

sequence operations

meet specifications

clarify and check task-related information

carry out work according to OHS practices

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

analyse design specifications and interpret production requirements

identify and address faults

make minor adjustments to equipment

produce knitted sample according to design specifications

monitor own work and conduct quality check of sample outcome

Consistency in performance

Consistently applies skills and knowledge when:

organising work

completing tasks

identifying improvements

using workplace practices

using OHS practices

recording and reporting accidents and incidents

assessing operational readiness of equipment used and work processes

recognising and adapting to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions

completing work systematically with attention to detail without damage to goods and equipment

Resource implications

Access is required to real or appropriately simulated situations, including work areas, materials and equipment, and to information on workplace practices and OHS practices.

Context for assessment

Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment.

Interdependent assessment

This unit may be assessed independently or in combination with other relevant units.

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. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Legislative/regulatory requirements

All work must comply with relevant Federal and State or Territory legislative or regulatory requirements.

Production requirements may include

shaping

hems

tension

stitches

patterning

striping

weaving

tuck and slip

colour

pattern

size

stitch gauge

tension

Appropriate personnel may include

trainers

colleagues

mentors

designers

pattern makers

members of the design team

Knitting techniques may include

flat knitting

circular knitting

sock knitting

weft knits

warp knits

plain, purl, double, tricot knit

jacquard

Materials and yarns may include

cotton

buttons, components

wool

nylon

acrylic

polypropylene

polyester cotton

viscose

blends

Sample may include

complete garment

sample fabrics

Tools and equipment may include

knitting machines

punch card

blocking board

double bed colour changer

sewing machine

overlocker

garter bar and deco

OHS practices

OHS practices must include hazard identification and control, risk assessment and implementation of risk reduction measures specific to the tasks described by this unit and may include:

manual handling techniques

standard operating procedures

personal protective equipment

safe materials handling

taking of rest breaks

ergonomic arrangement of workplaces

following marked walkways

safe storage of equipment

housekeeping

reporting accidents and incidents

other OHS practices relevant to the job and enterprise

Knit faults and production problems may include

holes

foreign matter

creasing

lines

runs

machine or equipment faults

Sector

Textile Design and Development

This unit contains employability skills.