Application
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge to assemble garment components using a domestic machine and operation techniques.
The unit of competency applies to selecting fabrics, laying up pattern pieces, and cutting and assembling garments in a non-commercial environment.
This unit of competency is designed for particular application in a highly supervised environment and is suitable for selection in vocational education and training (VET) in schools programs or where access to volume production and commercial machines and processes are not an option.
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 | Determine job requirements | 1.1 | Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) |
1.2 | Comply with work health and safety (WHS) requirements at all times | ||
1.3 | Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with SOPs | ||
1.4 | Identify job requirements from specifications, drawings, job sheets or work instructions | ||
2 | Prepare to produce a simple garment | 2.1 | Select pattern according to size and style required |
2.2 | Select fabric to suit purpose and design of garment | ||
2.3 | Determine sequencing of garment assembly operations according to pattern requirements | ||
2.4 | Calculate fabric amount according to fabric width, pattern size and pattern requirements and document | ||
2.5 | Prepare workstation, tools and equipment | ||
3 | Prepare components | 3.1 | Lay out pattern pieces and pin or tack to make best use of fabric length and to match fabric pattern, nap and weave |
3.2 | Cut fabric according to seam allowances and pattern markings | ||
3.3 | Check cut pattern pieces against garment requirements and fabric characteristics, and make any required corrections | ||
3.4 | Lay out garment components according to sequence of assembly operations | ||
4 | Assemble garment components | 4.1 | Sew components according to workplace procedures, garment requirements and accepted quality standards |
4.2 | Control machine speed and work handling for type of sewing operations, fabrics and garment complexity | ||
4.3 | Check garment for correct fit and assembly quality | ||
4.4 | Sew components according to workplace procedures, garment requirements and accepted quality standards | ||
5 | Complete work | 5.1 | Complete any required hand sewing according to pattern requirements and accepted standards of sewing quality |
5.2 | Inspect sewn garment, identify any faults and take appropriate action to ensure it meets quality standards and pattern requirements | ||
5.3 | Press garment according to fabric requirements and garment construction details | ||
5.4 | Record outcome |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include:
reading and following work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), safe work practices
preparing workstation, materials, tools and equipment
interpreting commercially produced patterns to select appropriate fabric length and type
laying up pattern piece and pinning or tacking to make best use of fabric length and to match fabric pattern, nap and weave
cutting fabric according to seam allowances and pattern markings
operating domestic sewing or overlocking machines to sew components to produce at least two (2) simple garments, according to workplace procedures, garment requirements and accepted quality standards
completing any required hand sewing
inspecting sewn garment, identifying any faults and taking appropriate action to ensure it meets quality standards and pattern requirements
pressing garment according to fabric requirements and garment construction details
recording outcome.
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence must be provided that demonstrates knowledge of:
safe work practices and procedures and use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
techniques in using and maintaining domestic sewing machine and overlocker
commercial pattern instructions and markings
characteristics of a range of fabrics, including lace, woven and knitted fabrics and threads, such as denim, single knits, tricot and gabardine
quality standards and practices
sizing requirements
sequence of operations for garment assembly
workplace procedures
recording and reporting practices.
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must:
satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment, as set by the VET regulator
have vocational competency in producing a simple garment, at least to the level being assessed, with relevant industry knowledge and experience.
Where possible assessment must occur in operational workplace situations. Where this is not possible, or where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment must occur in a sufficiently rigorous simulated environment reflecting realistic operational workplace conditions. This must cover all aspects of workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.
Conditions for assessment must include access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required, including relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications associated with this unit.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those required skills (language, literacy and numeracy) that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
This field allows for 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. | |
Workplace procedures include one or more of the following: | requirements prescribed by legislation, awards, agreements and conditions of employment SOPs work instructions PPE requirements 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 WHS practices |
Simple garment includes one or more of the following: | accessories straight seamed, draw string skirt t-shirt smock dress headwear other garments that require a small range of sewing techniques using domestic machines |
Prepare workstation tools and equipment includes the following: | setting up workbench and seating according to WHS practices cleaning and checking machine to ensure correct operation setting up and adjusting machine according to specifications checking needles, attachments and parts identifying, reporting and replacing worn needles or parts regularly checking performance of machine for signs of faulty operation taking required action according to defined procedures to address faults identifying and preparing other equipment for production |
Fabric includes one or more of the following: | a range of fabric types, including cottons, woollens, synthetics, velvets, lace, stretch and single knits single and multi-directional prints interfacings and linings |
Patterns include one or more of the following: | commercially available patterns stock patterns individually drafted patterns |
Pattern markings include: | notches darts |
Components include one or more of the following: | sleeves waistbands (straight or shaped) collars cuffs plackets facings (neck and armhole) binds zips (dress, skirt, trouser and invisible) buttons and buttonholes hems (double fold, rolled, blind and stitched hem) |
Machines include the following: | domestic sewing machine overlocker |
Set-up includes the following: | correct thread, needle size and type, needle guard, tension setting and attachments |
Other equipment includes one or more of the following: | pins scissors needle and thread marker or chalk |
Sewing operations include: | positioning, feeding and handling of work pieces involving contouring, stopping or handling skills required to accommodate fabric variations gathering, easing and tucking |
Hand sewing includes one or more of the following: | attaching buttons and other closures attaching embellishments, such as beading, trims and badges hemming and overstitching embroidery |
Sectors
Not applicable
Competency Field
Clothing production