Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to use sewing machines for production of soft furnishings, mattresses and bases, and upholstered furniture.

Application of the unit 

Prerequisite units 

Nil

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 

1. Identify sewing machine equipment controls and procedures

1.1. Job requirements are identified from work instructions

1.2. OHS requirements, including ergonomic criteria and personal protection needs, are observed throughout the work

1.3. Equipment components, equipment condition and controls are identified

1.4. Operating procedures are checked to identify any approved adjustments

1.5. Equipment operations and production procedures are 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 sewing specifications

2.2. Required materials, tools and equipment are assembled

2.3. Materials and equipment are inspected and any faults are identified and reported

2.4. Work sequence is planned to suit job, and materials are laid out

2.5. If required, naps, pattern direction and face side of materials are identified

2.6. Components are matched and secured with tacking, pins or adhesives as required

2.7. Any required supplementary equipment is identified for routine lubrication and adjustments

3. Set up and control sewing machine operations

3.1. Sewing machine is set up and adjusted

3.2. Sewing operation is according to workplace procedures and material characteristics

3.3. Required product quality and outputs are maintained

4. Maintain quality requirements

4.1. Machining process is monitored and conditions which may affect work quality are reported

4.2. Authorised changes in operating procedures are implemented

5. Finish and dispatch work

5.1. Completed work is:

5.1.1. checked for required quality

5.1.2. finished as required

5.1.3. repaired (where applicable)

5.1.4. moved to the next process

5.2. Material which is able to be reused is collected and stored

5.3. Equipment and work area clean up and waste management are completed following workplace procedures

5.4. Workplace records are completed as required

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• collect, organise and understand information related to work orders, basic plans and safety procedures
• communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications, co-ordination of work with site supervisor, other workers and customers, and the reporting of work outcomes and problems
• plan and organise activities, including the preparation and layout of the worksite and the obtaining of equipment and materials to avoid any back tracking, workflow interruptions or wastage
• work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using co-operative approaches to optimise workflow and productivity
• use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements and estimate material requirements
• use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate sewing problems, avoid re-working and wastage
• use the workplace technology related to the sewing of materials, including tools, equipment and measuring devices

Required knowledge 

• the 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
• workflow requirements for sewing process
• operation of work systems and industrial sewing equipment
• causes of faults and repair methods
• procedure for reporting damaged or imperfect products or interruptions to workflow

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.

Critical aspects of evidence 

• Apply safe handling practices for equipment, products and materials, including personal protective equipment
• Identify and operate three types of industrial sewing machines as identified in the Range of Variables
• Set up sewing machine for operations and monitor quality of output
• Interpret work order and locate and apply relevant information
• Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection practices to:

• minimise the risk of injury to self and others
• prevent damage to goods, equipment and products
• maintain required production output and product quality

• Work effectively with others
• Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment
• Identify safe handling of equipment, products and materials

Resource implications 

Appropriate industrial sewing machines, work orders, operating procedures, materials and threads.

Method of assessment 

Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts.

Assessment should be by direct observation of tasks and questioning on underpinning knowledge.

Assessment should be conducted over time and will generally be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency.

Context of assessment 

Assessment may occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with relevant process equipment, materials, work instructions and deadlines.

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.

Unit context 

• OHS requirements may include 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 skills in the set up and operation of machines. This may be demonstrated either individually or in a team environment

Sewing specifications include :

• required materials
• threads and additional work features
• seam and stitch specifications
• any special stitch requirements and allowances
• shape characteristics and special requirements
• needles
• attachments and ancillary equipment and quality requirements

Sewing products include :

• top stitching
• gathering
• piping
• braid
• fringe
• flange cords
• straight fabric lengths
• padded material
• loose covers

Sewing processes may include :

• hemming
• seams
• machine tacking
• gathering
• multiple-layer sewing and straight or zig zag sewing

Machines may include , but are not limited to :

• single or multi-needle flat bed
• overlocker
• blind hemming
• gathering
• flange
• bar tacking
• tape edging

Sewing machine set up and adjustment includes :

• thread machine and wind bobbin as required
• set required tensions
• select required machine settings
• and test operations for work order requirements

Materials to be machined may include but are not limited to :

• plain and patterned fabrics

Personal protective equipment 

Personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise policies and practices

Information and procedures 

• Machine manufacturer specifications and operational procedures
• Workplace procedures relating to the setting and operation of machinery
• Work instructions, including job sheets, plans, drawings and designs
• Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication
• The employee completes quality inspection of own work

Unit sector 

Soft Furnishing

Competency field 

Co-requisite units