Application
This unit of competency covers calculating and documenting fabric quantities for a variety of window coverings, including curtains and blinds.
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 | Prepare for calculations | 1.1 | Measuring and calculating equipment are collected | ||
1.2 | Mathematical processes and guide charts required are identified | ||||
1.3 | Drape requirements, fabric types and lining/interlining requirements are noted from work order | ||||
2 | Calculate drape fabric requirements | 2.1 | Work health and safety (WHS) requirements, including ergonomic criteria and personal protection needs, are observed throughout the work | ||
2.2 | Fabric repeats are measured for customer selected fabrics and recorded | ||||
2.3 | Fabric width is checked taking note of any wider than usual selvages | ||||
2.4 | Finished length of window covering is identified from order | ||||
2.5 | Heading type is identified from order and fullness ratio is identified | ||||
2.6 | Number of fabric drops per curtain is calculated | ||||
2.7 | Length of each fabric drop is calculated based on finished length plus hem and heading allowances and pattern repeats | ||||
2.8 | Allowances for seams, hems, headings, drape fullness or heading type are noted on the work order | ||||
3 | Calculate lining and interlining quantities | 3.1 | Width of lining and, where required, interlining fabrics, is noted | ||
3.2 | Number of lining/interlining widths is calculated based on required number of drape drops | ||||
3.3 | Length of lining/interlining drops is calculated, including hem allowances | ||||
3.4 | Amount of lining/interlining fabric is calculated and marked on work order | ||||
3.5 | Procedures for minimising waste fabric are identified and used | ||||
4 | Complete documentation | 4.1 | Work orders for cutting and machining are completed following workplace procedures | ||
4.2 | Documentation is forwarded to appropriate work areas and filed as required | ||||
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
Interpret work order and locate and apply relevant information and measure and accurately calculate fabric quantities to minimise waste and produce consistent quality drapes for at least five (5) different types of window coverings
Identify materials used and any special marking out requirements and document calculations accurately
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
Fabric types, common faults and inspection procedures
Design features of the fabrics and finished curtains in relation to attractive draping requirements
Work requirements, including workplace standards
Measurement and calculation techniques for soft furnishing materials
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 work orders, fabrics, including linings and interlinings, calculator and, where available, workplace pleat calculating charts.
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 |
Window covering calculations include: | calculations for fabric and lining quantities for all: curtains Austrian, Roman and festoon blinds |
Calculation of the number of drops is based on: | useable drapery fabric width fullness requirements for heading type size of returns and overlaps track width identified in customer order |
Tools and equipment include: | measuring and calculating equipment including tapes rulers calculators and computers |
Materials include: | all forms of curtaining and other window covering material |
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