Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to interpret design and pattern specifications and perform sewing operations to complete sample bespoke garments to specifications.

Application of the Unit 

This unit applies to sample machining of bespoke garments such as suits, commercially tailored garments and evening wear involving all operations in the assembly of complete garments to design specifications. Design and construction specifications may include multiple interfacings, tailored collars, cut-in pockets, vents, linings and a wide range of commonly used and specialised fabrics. Machines used may include plain lockstitch sewing machine, a three, four or five thread overlocker, a zigzag sewing machine, blind hemmers, buttonholers, button sewers, pocket and collaring machines, elasticators and binders. All sewing operations required to sew a complete design sample must be performed.

Work may be self-directed and unsupervised.

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 communication to accurately interpret design and pattern information and communicate feedback to designers. Planning and organising is required for safe and effective use of sewing technology and operations. This unit also requires an ability to check the quality of outcomes and identify and address problems relating to own work, design or pattern. Initiative and enterprise and problem solving will be used to evaluate and assess production efficiencies to achieve desired design outcomes.

Prerequisites 

LMTCL3002B

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Determine garment construction requirements

1.1 Design specifications  are analysed to determine construction requirements

1.2 Pattern is analysed to determine machining and assembly requirements

1.3 Fabrics, trims and accessories are examined and prepared for attachment

1.4 Construction or design details are clarified with the designer or pattern maker as required

1.5 Plan for garment  construction and sequence of operations is developed

2 Prepare workstation

2.1 Workbench and seating are set up according to OHS practices 

2.2 Machines  are cleaned, set up and adjusted according to specifications for work

2.3 Needles, attachments and parts are checked and worn needles and parts are identified and reported or replaced, according to manufacturer instructions

2.4 Garment components are examined to ensure that they comply with pattern specifications and any adjustments made as required

2.5 Additional tools and equipment are prepared

3 Sew garment

3.1 Sewing operations are conducted according to requirements of pattern, component detail and design

3.2 Machine speed and work handling are controlled for type of operations, fabrics and product

3.3 Garment construction problems are identified and documented to provide as feedback to the designer or patternmaker

3.4 Performance of machine is regularly checked for signs of faulty operation

4 Complete and assess garment

4.1 Garment embellishment  is performed where necessary to meet design specifications

4.2 Garment is finished  and inspected against design and pattern specifications

4.3 Results of inspection of finished garment are recorded

4.4 Production processes are reviewed to assess timing and task requirements to complete garment construction

4.5 Alternative processes are identified to achieve more efficient or effective outcomes

5 Communicate information on sample garment

5.1 Required information and feedback for designers and patternmakers are identified and reasons established

5.2 Appropriate communication tools are used to convey feedback

5.3 Information on sample garment and production are discussed with appropriate personnel 

5.4 Outcomes of communication and information received are documented as required and records are maintained

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• characteristics of a variety of fabrics, threads and other materials used in garment assembly
• sequence of operations to produce a completed sample product
• sewing techniques for operations required to complete garment
• OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures
• quality practices
• workplace practices
• recording and reporting practices

Demonstrates skills to:

• plan garment construction
• use and maintain a variety of production machines such as plain lockstitch sewing machine, a three, four or five thread overlocker, a zigzag sewing machine, blind hemmers, buttonholers, button sewers, pocket and collaring machines, elasticators and binders
• conduct quality checks of own work
• identify hazards and control measures associated with assembly and sewing of garments
• 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 our 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 for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

• prepare for construction of product sample
• prepare workstation and work pieces before commencing sewing operations
• apply a range of sewing techniques required to construct whole garments
• operate machines required for complete operations
• apply OHS practices in work operations
• communicate information to designer and patternmaker
• maintain accurate records

Consistently applies skills and knowledge when:

• organising work
• completing tasks
• identifying improvements
• using workplace practices
• using OHS practices
• recording and reporting accidents and incidents
• assessing operational readiness of equipment used and work processes
• recognising and adapting to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions
• completing work systematically with attention to detail without damage to goods and equipment

Context and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment and requires access to work areas, materials and equipment, and to information on workplace practices and OHS practices.

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.

Design specifications may include:

• type of garment
• style requirements
• fit model specifications
• sizing
• design restrictions or conditions
• trims and accessories
• fabric

Garment may include:

• commercially tailored garments such as suits, coats, jackets trousers, skirts and dresses
• evening wear

OHS practices

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

• 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
• other OHS practices relevant to the job and enterprise

Machines must include:

• a full range of machines required to complete whole garment construction, which may include a combination of the following:
• plain lockstitch sewing machine, a three, four or five thread overlocker, a zigzag sewing machine
• blind hemmers, buttonholers, button sewers, pocket and collaring machines, elasticators and binders
• specialist machines such as binding, moulding, embroidery etc.

Embellishment may include:

• hand embellishing such as:
• beading
• smocking
• embroidery stitches
• fabric manipulation
• machine embellishment such as:
• quilting
• pintucking
• shirring
• machine embroidery
• appliqué
• lace insertion

Finished may include:

• trimming loose threads
• checking
• spotting
• sorting
• hand or machine sewing buttons or fasteners
• hand or machine sewing hems
• securing lining
• sewing and cutting buttonholes
• attaching accessories or trims
• attaching tickets and labels
• bundling

Appropriate personnel may include

• managers
• colleagues
• specialist staff
• designers
• patternmakers
• production supervisors

Sector 

Clothing Production