Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

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 of the unit 

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.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

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 AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

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 GUIDE 

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.

Unit sector 

Competency field 

Visual communication - Costume

Co-requisite units