Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Identify materials and sewing requirements

1.1

Required materials are identified from work order

1.2

Special requirements for the stitching, including stitch type, length and end finishing requirements, are identified from work order 

2

Assemble and organise materials to be sewn

2.1

Work health and safety (WHS) requirements, including ergonomic criteria and personal protection needs, are observed throughout the work

2.2

Materials to be sewn are collected and inspected for appropriate quality

2.3

Naps, direction of pattern and face side of the materials are identified

2.4

Required shape or form of the finished item is made and secured using tacking stitches, pins, adhesives or fixtures to assist in sewing operations

2.5

Appropriate needle types are selected and threaded

3

Sew by hand

3.1

Materials are held to allow for sewing in the required direction

3.2

Hand sewing operations are completed to ensure finished components match work requirements

4

Finish work

4.1

Finished stitching, including sewn area, seam width, stitch length, end finishing, allowances, shape and finish, are checked

4.2

Top stitching or other decorative features are checked for required finish

4.3

Where required, stitching or seams are eased and work is pressed for the next stage

4.4

Raw edges are trimmed and any loose or untrimmed threads are removed

4.5

Any part of the work which does not comply with work order is repaired

4.6

Problems are notified following workplace procedures

5

Complete work for next process

5.1

Finished work is folded, protected and despatched to the next process following workplace procedures

5.2

Any required documentation is completed and stored following workplace procedures

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

Purposes of hand sewing include: 

• sewing and manipulation requirements for hand sewing a range of upholstery and other furnishing fabrics
• the joining of all types of fabrics, single or multi-thickness, partly constructed materials and heavy materials, including leather
• hemming, seams, tacking, button attachment, and hand finishing of trims and decorations

Tools and equipment include: 

• needles
• threads

Materials to be sewn include: 

• plain and patterned fabrics for a variety of curtains
• drapes and cushions
• attachments
• lining
• interlining
• webbings or padding

Sewing direction is determined by: 

• stitch type and location
• personal right or left-hand preference of the sewer
• manipulation requirements for the bulk and slipperiness of the materials

Hand sewing work quality requirements include: 

• beginning and end of stitching are secure
• appropriate allowances (or hem and/or other allowance), stitch type, length and visibility are used
• sewn area or hems are flat and/or appropriately shaped
• finished components match work requirements

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