Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to produce soft furnishing accessories such as cushions, tie backs, bolsters and other decorative items, following the requirements of patterns.

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 work requirements

1.1. Job requirements are identified from work instructions and patterns

1.2. Pattern is interpreted to determine work specifications

1.3. Instructions for sequencing of work, particular measurements or adjustments are interpreted

1.4. Work sequence is planned, including quality checkpoints

2. Prepare for work

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

2.2. Suitable work area is selected for the tasks

2.3. Materials are selected to match customer requirements, suitability for the purpose and the work instructions

2.4. Potential hazards are identified from observation of the tools, equipment, materials and workplace reference material

2.5. Tools, equipment and materials are selected and checked prior to use to ensure that they are appropriate for the work, serviceable and in a safe condition

3. Complete production

3.1. Soft furnishing accessories are produced following work instructions

3.2. Work is checked against patterns and work sheets at the identified checkpoints

3.3. Non-conformity with the required quality standards is rectified

4. Finalise operations

4.1. Completed work is checked against required quality standard

4.2. Documentation or reporting is completed following workplace procedures

4.3. Work area is cleaned, tools and equipment are returned to storage

4.4. Unused materials are returned to storage and waste and scrap is dealt with following workplace procedures

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, plans and safety procedures
• communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications, coordination 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, calculate area and estimate material requirements
• use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate production problems, avoid re-working and wastage
• use the limited workplace technology related to the production of accessories, including tools, equipment, materials and measuring devices

Required knowledge 

• the types, characteristics and production requirements for soft furnishing accessories
• the process for the interpretation of patterns
• identification of equipment, processes and procedures
• workflow in relation to soft furnishing accessory production

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 

• Identify materials used and any special sewing or handling requirements for those materials
• Interpret work order and patterns and locate and apply relevant information
• Apply safe handling practices for equipment, products and materials
• Produce at least three different types of soft furniture accessories, which are to include a padded, piped and shaped tie back, a piped cushion and a bolster.
• Select and use tools and equipment appropriate to the task
• 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
• Report process or materials faults, damaged products or equipment

Resource implications 

Patterns, materials, tools and equipment.

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 scope 

• This unit covers work involving the production of soft furnishing accessories by reading and interpreting patterns, plans and work instructions
• Soft furnishings may include:

• cushions
• tie-backs
• bolsters
• soft tableware and slip-on covers

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 discretion, judgement and problem solving skills in the reading and interpreting of patterns, plans and instructions. This may be demonstrated either individually or in a team environment

Tools and equipment may include :

• measuring and calculating equipment, including tapes, rulers, calculators, computers
• fabric and general cutting and sewing tools, including scissors, saws, drills, staplers, sewing machines, hemming machines, overlockers, glue guns

Materials may include :

• plain and patterned fabric
• velvet
• vinyl
• piping cords
• wadding
• foam
• zips and fasteners

Personal protective equipment 

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

Information and procedures 

• Workplace procedures relating to the production of soft furnishing items
• Work instructions, including job sheets, patterns, plans, drawings and designs
• Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication

Pattern interpretation is to identify or determine :

• type of material specified
• required tools and equipment for the task
• number and type of soft furnishing accessories to be produced
• and quality requirements

Unit sector 

Soft Furnishing

Competency field 

Co-requisite units