Application
This unit of competency covers using specific sewing machine techniques, with attachments, as required, to produce specialised sewn products.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Identify sewing machine equipment controls and procedures | 1.1 | Job requirements are identified from work instructions |
1.2 | Work health and safety (WHS) requirements, including ergonomic criteria and personal protection needs, are observed throughout the work | ||
1.3 | Equipment operations, components and controls are identified | ||
1.4 | Operating procedures are checked to identify approved procedures and adjustments | ||
1.5 | Inspection procedure for materials quality and equipment condition is identified | ||
1.6 | The process for obtaining materials and moving products to the next process is identified | ||
2 | Prepare for work | 2.1 | Work order or sample is checked to identify exact sewing specification |
2.2 | Materials are inspected before use and problems, including any materials or part constructed products which do not meet the job order requirements, are identified and reported | ||
2.3 | Work pieces are laid out in sequence in accordance with specifications and workplace procedures | ||
2.4 | Any required supplementary equipment is identified for routine lubrication and adjustments | ||
3 | Adjust and control sewing machine operations | 3.1 | Sewing machine (including attachments as required) set-up requirements and adjustments are identified and followed |
3.2 | Machine sewing maintains required product quality and outputs | ||
3.3 | Material which is able to be re-used is collected and stored, and waste and scrap is removed in accordance with workplace procedures | ||
3.4 | Equipment and work area clean-up are completed following workplace procedures | ||
4 | Maintain quality requirements | 4.1 | Sewing machine operations and fabrics are monitored and anything which may affect quality is reported |
4.2 | Finished products are checked for required quality and repaired, where applicable, before moving to the next process | ||
4.3 | Authorised changes in operating procedures and work requirements are implemented | ||
5 | Despatch completed work | 5.1 | Production records and/or packing slips are completed in accordance with workplace procedures |
5.2 | Completed work is directed to the next operation in accordance with workplace procedures | ||
Evidence of Performance
Interpret work order and locate and apply relevant information
Apply safe handling requirements for equipment, products and materials, including use of personal protective equipment
Identify materials used in the work process
Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection processes to:
minimise the risk of injury to self or others
prevent damage to goods, equipment and products
maintain required production output and product quality
Set up sewing machines for operations and monitor quality of output
Sew at least one (1) decorative finish with at least three (3) specialised attachments
Sew fasteners and attachments
Operate an outline sewing machine
Use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements, calculate area and estimate material requirements
Communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications and the reporting of work outcomes and problems, interpret basic plans and follow safety procedures
Avoid backtracking, work flow interruptions or wastage
Work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to optimise work flow and productivity
Evidence of Knowledge
Types, characteristics, uses and limitations of sewing machines
Characteristics of materials used and finished products
Safety and environmental aspects of sewing machine operations
Quality systems and standards
Work flow requirements for sewing process
Operation of work systems and sewing equipment
Causes of faults and repair methods
Procedure for reporting damaged or imperfect products or interruption to work flow
Workplace procedures
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must:
hold training and assessment competencies as determined by the National Skills Standards Council (NSSC) or its successors
have vocational competency in the furnishing industry at least to the level being assessed with broad industry knowledge and experience, usually combined with a relevant industry qualification
be familiar with the current skills and knowledge used and have relevant, current experience in the furnishing industry.
Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time rather than a single assessment event and in a range of workplace relevant contexts.
Assessment must be by observation of relevant tasks with questioning on underpinning knowledge and, where applicable, multimedia evidence, supervisor’s reports, projects and work samples.
Assessment is to be conducted on single units of competency or in conjunction with other related units of competency. Foundation skills are integral to competent performance in the unit and should not be assessed separately.
Assessment must occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with relevant process, equipment, materials, work instructions and deadlines.
Access is required to appropriate sewing machine, operating procedures, materials and threads.
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency. Detail on appropriate performance levels for each furnishing unit of competency in reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy utilising the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) are provided in the Furnishing Training Package Implementation Guide.
Range Statement
Specifies different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment. | |
Unit context includes: | WHS requirements, including 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 |
Sewing specifications include: | required materials threads additional work features shape and special requirements for the gathered item any required workplace documentation to be completed |
Specific and specialised techniques and products include: | sewing decorative finishes: patchwork and flatbed quilting applique and freehand embroidery top stitching invisible zips mitre corners capping sewing labels sewing with specialised attachments: rolled hems ribboning gathering embroidery hoops bias binding sewing fasteners and attachments: zips hooks rings velcro press studs buttons buttonholes tapes and attachments appropriate for the furnishing industry operating an outline sewing machine |
Machines include: | flange overlocker flat bed blind hemming gathering tape edging |
Sewing machine set-up and adjustment includes: | threading machine and winding bobbin setting required tensions selecting required machine settings lubricating and adjusting the machine, where required testing operations for work order requirements |
Materials to be machined include: | fabrics leathers |
Personal protective equipment includes: | that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise policies and practices |
Information and procedures include: | workplace procedures relating to the use of tools and equipment work instructions, including job sheets, cutting lists, plans, drawings and designs workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication manufacturer specifications and operational procedures |
Sectors
Soft Furnishing