Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge to use a single sewing machine to align and sew work pieces.

Application of the Unit 

The unit applies to sewing work using a plain lockstitch machine, zigzag sewing machine or a three thread overlocker to sew straight seams or join flat pieces of stable fabric together.

Sewing techniques may include those where the positioning of the work is controlled by guide bars, sensor lights or other such guiding devices or where there is uncomplicated feeding of the fabric.

Work is conducted according to defined procedures.

Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.

The application of this unit is according to OHS practices of the enterprise and workplace practices, which may include:

• requirements prescribed by legislation, awards, agreements and conditions of employment
• standard operating procedures
• work instructions
• 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

This unit requires the application of skills associated with planning and organising to use a sewing machine. Problem solving skills are required to ensure machine is functioning properly and identify any performance problems. Communication skills are used to refer to and complete required documentation and report any quality issues. Self management skills are used to ensure safe use of technology and conformance of own work to quality standards.

Prerequisite 

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Prepare work pieces

1.1 Work pieces are received and checked , and any follow-up action is determined.

1.2 Work pieces are laid out in sequence.

2 Prepare for machine use

2.1 Workbench and seating are set up according to OHS practices .

2.2 Machines  are cleaned and checked.

2.3 Records are maintained.

2.4 Machines are set up  and adjusted  according to specifications for work.

2.5 Worn or damaged parts are identified and reported or replaced according to manufacturer specifications.

3 Identify poor machine performance

3.1 Tension faults are identified.

3.2 Poor thread performance or incorrect thread selection is identified.

3.3 Incorrect foot or needle for sewing is identified.

3.4 Impact of poor machine performance on sewing is identified.

4 Sew work pieces

4.1 Machine is used for sewing operations .

4.2 Pieces are sewn according to product requirements and quality standards.

4.3 Machine is used according to requirements for speed of work.

4.4 Machine speed and work handling are controlled according to type of operations, fabrics and product type.

4.5 OHS practices are followed in operation of machine.

4.6 Action is taken according to OHS practices to prevent accidents and to eliminate risks to personal safety.

5 Assess quality of sewn pieces

5.1 Quality standards are identified.

5.2 Sewn pieces are inspected against quality standards.

5.3 Any faults or pieces that do not meet quality standards are identified and reported.

5.4 Results of quality inspection are recorded.

5.5 Production records or packing slips are completed as required.

5.6 Work is directed to next operation or packing section.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• garment assembly processes and machines where the positioning of the work may be controlled by guide bars, sensor lights or other such guiding devices or where there is uncomplicated feeding of the fabric
• techniques in using and maintaining a three thread overlocker, zigzag or plain lockstitch sewing machine
• characteristics of stable woven and knitted fabrics and threads such as cotton drill, calico, double knit, rugby knit, poplin
• quality standards and practices
• OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures
• workplace practices
• recording and reporting practices

Demonstrates skills to:

• handle, receive and assemble work pieces
• consistently achieve quality and production output requirements
• read, interpret and follow information on work specifications, standard operating procedures and work instructions, and other reference material
• maintain accurate records
• communicate within the workplace
• sequence operations
• meet specifications
• clarify and check task-related information
• carry out work according to OHS practices

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence 

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

• check work against ticket information or specification sheets
• prepare workstation and work before commencing sewing operations
• apply sewing techniques over a limited range of operations
• operate at least one type of machine for operations where the positioning of the work may be controlled by guide bars, sensor lights or other such guiding devices or where there is uncomplicated feeding of the fabric
• apply OHS practices in work operations
• maintain accurate records

Consistency in performance 

Consistently applies skills and knowledge when:

• organising work
• completing tasks according to instructions
• working systematically with attention to detail
• identifying improvements and avoiding damage
• using workplace practices
• using OHS practices
• recording and reporting accidents and incidents
• assessing operational readiness of equipment
• recognising and adapting to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions

Resource implications 

Access is required to real or appropriately simulated situations, including work areas, materials and equipment, and to information on workplace practices and OHS practices.

Context for assessment 

Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment.

Interdependent assessment 

This unit may be assessed independently or in combination with other relevant units.

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. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Legislative/regulatory requirements

All work must comply with relevant Federal and State or Territory legislative or regulatory requirements.

Checked may include

• checking that the work pieces match ticket information
• checking that relevant previous operations such as pressing and cutting have been successfully completed

OHS practices

OHS practices include hazard identification and control, risk assessment and implementation of risk reduction measures specific to the tasks described by this unit, and may relate to:

• manual handling techniques
• standard operating procedures
• personal protective equipment
• safe materials handling
• taking of rest breaks
• ergonomic arrangement of workplaces
• following marked walkways
• safe storage of equipment
• housekeeping
• reporting accidents and incidents
• environmental practices

Machines must include one of the following

• plain lockstitch machine
• three thread overlocker
• zigzag sewing machine

Set-up includes

• ensuring correct thread, needle size and type, needle guard, tension setting and attachments

Adjusted may include

• checking and replacing worn or damaged needles and attachments (feet)

Sewing operations may include

• aligning and sewing straight seams or joining flat pieces of stable fabric together, for example top stitch, edge stitch, open seams, closed seams, lapped seams

Sector 

Clothing Production