Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Identify sewing machine equipment controls and procedures

1.1

Job requirements are identified from work instructions

1.2

Work health and safety (WHS) 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 despatch work

5.1

Completed work is checked for required quality, finished as required, and repaired, where applicable, before moving to the next process

5.2

Material which is able to be re-used 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

Specifies different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Unit context includes: 

• WHS requirements, including 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

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
• quality requirements

Sewing products include: 

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

Sewing processes include: 

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

Machines include: 

• 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
• test operations for work order requirements

Materials to be machined include: 

• plain fabrics
• patterned fabrics

Personal protective equipment includes: 

• that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise policies and practices

Information and procedures include: 

• workplace procedures relating to the use of tools and equipment
• work instructions, including job sheets, cutting lists, plans, drawings and designs
• workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication
• manufacturer specifications and operational procedures