Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to use specific sewing machine techniques, with attachments as required, to produce specialised sewn products.

Application of the unit 

Prerequisite units 

Nil

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Identify sewing machine equipment controls and procedures

1.1. Job requirements are identified from work instructions

1.2. OHS requirements, including ergonomic criteria and personal protection needs, are observed throughout the work

1.3. Equipment operations, components and controls are identified

1.4. Operating procedures are checked to identify approved procedures and adjustments

1.5. Inspection procedure for materials quality and equipment condition is 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 exact sewing specification

2.2. Materials are inspected before use and problems, including any materials or part constructed products which do not meet the job order requirements are identified and reported

2.3. Work pieces are laid out in sequence in accordance with specifications and workplace procedures

2.4. Any required supplementary equipment is identified for routine lubrication and adjustments

3. Adjust and control sewing machine operations

3.1. Sewing machine (including attachments as required) set up requirements and adjustments are identified and followed

3.2. Machine sewing maintains required product quality and outputs

3.3. Material which is able to be reused is collected and stored, and waste and scrap is removed in accordance with workplace procedures

3.4. Equipment and work area clean up are completed following workplace procedures

4. Maintain quality requirements

4.1. Sewing machine operations and fabrics are monitored and anything which may affect quality is reported

4.2. Finished products are:

4.2.1. checked for required quality

4.2.2. repaired (where applicable)

4.2.3. moved to the next process

4.3. Authorised changes in operating procedures and work requirements are implemented

5. Dispatch completed work

5.1. Production records and/or packing slips are completed in accordance with workplace procedures

5.2. Completed work in directed to the next operation in accordance with workplace procedures

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• collect, organise and understand information related to work orders, basic plans and safety procedures
• communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications, coordination of work with site supervisor, other workers and customers, and the reporting of work outcomes and problems
• plan and organise activities, including the preparation and layout of the worksite and the obtaining of equipment and materials to avoid any back tracking, workflow interruptions or wastage
• work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to optimise workflow and productivity
• use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements and estimate material requirements
• use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate sewing problems, avoid re-working and wastage
• use the workplace technology related to the sewing, including tools, equipment, and measuring devices

Required knowledge 

• types, characteristics, uses and limitations of sewing machines
• characteristics of materials used and finished products
• safety and environmental aspects of sewing machine operations
• quality systems and standards
• workflow requirements for sewing process
• operation of work systems and sewing equipment
• causes of faults and repair methods
• procedure for reporting damaged or imperfect products or interruption to workflow
• workplace procedures

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence 

• Apply safe handling practices for equipment, products and materials
• To be assessed as competent in at least one of the following:

• sewing decorative finishes (competence must be achieved in at least one finish)
• sewing with specialised attachments (competence must be achieved in at least three attachments/processes)
• sewing fasteners and attachments
• operating an outline sewing machine

• Assessment must confirm appropriate knowledge and skills to:

• identify and operate sewing machines
• set up sewing machine for operations and monitor quality of output
• interpret work order and locate and apply relevant information

• Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection practices to:

• minimise the risk of injury to self and others
• prevent damage to goods, equipment and products
• maintain required production output and product quality

• Work effectively with others
• Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment

Resource implications 

Appropriate sewing machine, work orders, operating procedures, materials and threads.

Method of assessment 

Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts.

Assessment should be by direct observation of tasks and questioning on underpinning knowledge.

Assessment should be conducted over time and will generally be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency.

Context of assessment 

Assessment may occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with relevant process equipment, materials, work instructions and deadlines.

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. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Unit scope 

This unit covers work involving the operation of industrial sewing machines to produce specialised products in soft furnishing, upholstery and mattress and base making

Unit context 

• OHS requirements may include 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 discretion, judgement and problem solving skills in the set up and operation of machines

Sewing specifications include :

• required materials
• threads
• additional work features
• shape and special requirements for the gathered item
• any required workplace documentation to be completed

Specific and specialised techniques and products include :

• sewing decorative finishes, including:

• patchwork and flat bed quilting
• applique and freehand embroidery
• top stitching
• invisible zips
• mitre corners
• capping
• sewing labels

• sewing with specialised attachments, including:

• rolled hems
• ribboning
• gathering
• embroidery hoops
• bias binding

• sewing fasteners and attachments, including:

• zips
• hooks
• rings
• velcro
• press studs
• buttons
• buttonholes
• tapes and attachments appropriate for the furnishing industry

• operating an outline sewing machine

Machines may include , but are not limited to :

• flange
• overlocker
• flat bed
• blind hemming
• gathering
• tape edging

Sewing machine set up and adjustment includes :

• threading machine and winding bobbin
• setting required tensions
• selecting required machine settings
• lubricating and adjusting the machine (where required) and testing operations for work order requirements

Materials to be machined may include but are not limited to :

• fabrics and leathers

Information and procedures 

• Machine manufacturer specifications and operational procedures
• Workplace procedures relating to the setting and operation of machinery
• Work instructions, including job sheets, plans, drawings and designs
• Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication

Unit sector 

Soft Furnishing

Competency field 

Co-requisite units