Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to calculate fabric quantities for window coverings.

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. Prepare for calculations

1.1. Measuring and calculating equipment are collected

1.2. Mathematical processes and guide charts required are identified

1.3. Drape requirements, fabric types and lining/interlining requirements are noted from work order

2. Calculate drape fabric requirements

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

2.2. Fabric repeats are measured for customer selected fabrics and recorded

2.3. Fabric width is checked taking note of any wider than usual selvages

2.4. Finished length of window covering is identified from order

2.5. Heading type is identified from order and fullness ratio is identified

2.6. Number of fabric drops per curtain is calculated

2.7. Length of each fabric drop is calculated based on finished length plus hem and heading allowances and pattern repeats

2.8. Allowances for seams, hems, headings, drape fullness or heading type are noted on the work order

3. Calculate lining and interlining quantities

3.1. Width of lining (and, where required, interlining fabrics) is noted

3.2. Number of lining/interlining widths is calculated based on required number of drape drops

3.3. Length of lining/interlining drops is calculated, including hem allowances

3.4. Amount of lining/interlining fabric is calculated and marked on work order

3.5. Procedures for minimising waste fabric are identified and used

4. Complete documentation

4.1. Work orders for cutting and machining are completed following workplace procedures

4.2. Documentation is forwarded to appropriate work areas and filed as required

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 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
• use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements and estimate material requirements
• use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate calculation problems, avoid re-working and wastage
• use workplace technology related to the task, including calculators and measuring devices

Required knowledge 

• fabric types, common faults and inspection procedures
• design features of the fabrics and finished curtains in relation to attractive draping requirements
• work requirements, including workplace standards

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 

• Identify materials used and any special handling requirements for those materials
• Apply safe handling practices for equipment, products and materials
• Interpret work order and locate and apply relevant information
• Measure and accurately calculate fabric quantities to minimise waste and produce consistent quality drapes for at least five different types of window coverings
• Identify materials used and any special marking out requirements
• Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection practices to:

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

• Work effectively with others
• Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment
• Report process or materials faults, damaged products or equipment

Resource implications 

Work orders, fabrics, including linings and interlinings, calculator and, where available, workplace pleat calculating charts.

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 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 some discretion, judgement and problem solving skills in the measurement and calculation of fabric quantities

Window covering calculations 

Window covering calculations cover work involved in the calculations for fabric and lining quantities for all curtains, Austrians, Romans and festoon blinds

Calculation of the number of drops is based on :

• useable drapery fabric width
• fullness requirements for heading type
• size of returns and overlaps
• track width identified in customer order

Tools and equipment may include :

• measuring and calculating equipment
• including tapes
• rulers
• calculators and computers

Materials may include :

• all forms of curtaining and other window covering material

Personal protective equipment 

Personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise policies and practices

Information and procedures 

• Manufacturer specifications and operational procedures
• Workplace procedures relating to measuring and cutting of fabric
• 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