Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge to lay up, make marker and cut work for sample designs where only a couple of garments would be cut out at a time, as required by the designer to test design or pattern.

Application of the Unit 

The unit applies to situations where single garments or only a couple of layers of fabric may be cut. The marker may be developed directly on the fabric lay or planned separately and applied. Cutting tools and equipment would include dress maker's shears, electric cutting tools and rotary cutters.

Work involves some discretion, initiative and judgement.

Completion of sewing units LMTCL2007B Lay up, mark and cut uncomplicated fabrics and lays and LMTCL3005B Lay up and cut complicated fabrics and lays would result in a higher level ability and could therefore be used as evidence of competency against this unit.

Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team-related 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 skills in planning and organising to prepare and cut fabric for sample designs. Communication skills are used to interpret and apply instructions, and problem solving skills are used to identify fabric faults and quality problems. Self management skills are applied to ensure quality standards are met.

Prerequisites 

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Prepare workstation

1.1 Workstation, cutting table and seating are set up according to OHS practices  and specifications for work.

1.2 Cutting equipment  is cleaned, checked and servicing assessed according to manufacturer instructions.

1.3 Cutting table is prepared to suit correct lay length.

1.4 Lay -up and marking equipment  is set up and prepared for use.

2 Lay up fabric

2.1 Laying-up instructions are interpreted.

2.2 Fabric  is collected and checked.

2.3 Fabric width and quality are checked with laying-up instructions.

2.4 Fabric is laid up and fabric tension adjusted to match fabric performance.

2.5 Fabric is checked for faults and required action  taken.

3 Draft lay marker

3.1 Cutting order is interpreted for marking requirements such as fabric type, width, quantity and garment sizes.

3.2 Required pattern pieces are collected and checked manually or by computer.

3.3 Pattern pieces are manipulated and positioned manually on paper or by computer for most efficient fabric use.

3.4 Lay marker is drawn up manually or by computer.

3.5 Laying-up instructions are prepared according to order requirements.

4 Copy marker

4.1 Marker is checked against order requirements.

4.2 Marker is copied either manually or by computer.

5 Position marker

5.1 Marker is placed on the lay.

5.2 Marker and lay alignment are checked and adjustments made as required.

6 Cut work

6.1 Lay is cut using cutting equipment according to requirements for operation.

6.2 Cut work is inspected, any faults identified and appropriate action taken to ensure cut pieces meet quality standards.

6.3 Preventative action is taken to avoid any recurrence of defective pieces and is recorded.

6.4 Performance of cutting equipment is regularly checked for signs of faulty operation, including evidence from inspection of cut pieces, and any required action is taken.

7 Complete work

7.1 Cut work is directed to next operation and work area is cleaned and prepared for next job.

7.2 Master copy of lay marker is stored in filing drawer or computer.

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• characteristics of fabrics and other materials used in garment assembly
• fabric faults
• pattern identification
• computer operations involved in marker making, copying and storage
• quality standards and fabric/garment handling procedures
• OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures
• workplace practices
• recording and reporting practices

Demonstrates skills to:

• draft markers using either manual or computer techniques
• handle, receive and assemble 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 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 work specification or cutting order, and workplace practices
• set up manual or computer drafting equipment before commencement of marker making operations
• make markers involving patterns, fabrics and lays using manual or computer techniques
• prepare cutting table and work before commencing cutting operations
• use cutting techniques
• use lay-up techniques
• apply OHS practices in work operations
• maintain accurate records

Consistency in performance 

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

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.

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

Cutting equipment may include:

• dressmaker's shears
• electric rotary and upright cutters
• cutting mats

Lay-up and marking equipment may include:

• computers and required software
• patterns
• fabric
• marker card or paper
• weights
• clamps

Fabric may include:

• woven fabrics
• knitted fabrics
• fabrics with a variety of finishes

Required action may include:

• cutting out faults using splicing (overlap joining)
• other appropriate repair techniques

Sector 

Fashion Design and Technology