Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to construct and machine sew lined curtains/drapes.

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. Establish work requirements and prepare for work

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

1.2. Work order requirements are checked and confirmed

1.3. Heading type is recognised to identify personal work requirements for measuring, calculating, sewing, folding and finishing

1.4. Correct side of fabric, naps, direction of pattern and pattern matches are identified

1.5. Lining attachment method is recognised to identify any attachments and fasteners, trims and sewing requirements

1.6. Drapery panels are checked for faults

1.7. Appropriate needle types for the fabric are selected and threaded

2. Lay out work to be sewn

2.1. Top fabric is folded bringing edges to be seamed together to match any pattern and to maintain an appropriate finished length following workplace quality requirements

2.2. Linings and any interlining materials are laid out and folded ready for sewing

2.3. Fabric is held together and, where required, supported with pins or other workplace approved methods

3. Stitch seams and form corners

3.1. Curtain fabrics are held to allow for personal right-hand or left-hand preference of the sewer, and manipulation requirements for the bulk and slipperiness of the materials

3.2. Linings to be bagged are sewn in place

3.3. Machine sewing operations are completed correctly

3.4. Corners are folded and formed to match work order requirements, inserting any required weight bags

3.5. Hems are completed using any required weights, stitch type and appropriate sewing method

3.6. Corners are stitched and finished, trimming any threads

4. Construct curtain headings

4.1. Curtain heading tape is attached according to workplace approved method and job instructions

4.2. Attached lining and interlinings are sewn into heading

4.3. Sewn pleat spaces are kept uniform within drops

4.4. Linings and interlinings are attached to curtain backs by sewing or using appropriate fasteners

4.5. Care labels are fixed to heading or hem of curtain according to workplace standards

4.6. Separate linings are sewn using appropriate heading tape and attached to curtain

5. Finish work

5.1. Finished curtain panels, including stitch length, end finishing and final length of finished curtain panels are checked against work requirements

5.2. Work is pressed for the next work stage

5.3. Any parts of the work which do not comply with work order are repaired

6. Complete work for next process

6.1. Workplace required documentation is completed and stored following appropriate procedures

6.2. Finished work is folded, protected and dispatched to next process following 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, plans and safety procedures
• communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications, co-ordination 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 co-operative approaches to optimise workflow and productivity
• use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements, calculate area, avoid waste and estimate material requirements
• use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate construction problems, avoid re-working and wastage
• use the limited workplace technology related to the construction tasks, including tools, equipment, calculators and measuring devices

Required knowledge 

• identification of workplace standards, equipment and procedures for the sewing operations
• fabric types, lining and interlining materials, including common faults and inspection procedures
• prevention strategies for risks to health from lifting, stretching and repetitive actions
• how the design features of the curtains effect constructing the lined curtains

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
• Interpret work order to manufacture the required lined curtains
• Identify materials used and any special sewing requirements for those materials
• Measure accurately
• Construct at least two different types of lined curtains/drapes
• 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
• Report process or materials faults, damaged products or equipment

Resource implications 

Appropriate sewing machine, fabrics, work order, workplace information, including work procedures and/or equipment instructions.

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 addresses the construction of lined curtains and drapes. It covers work involving sewing and manipulation requirements for machine sewing a range of linings which are to include:
• detached and sewn-in linings and may include interlined
• loose-lined and bag-lined products

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 set up and operation of machines. This may be demonstrated either individually or in a team environment

Machines may include , but are not limited to :

• industrial sewing machines and pressing equipment

Tools and equipment may include :

• measuring and calculating equipment, including tapes, rulers, calculators, computers
• fabric and general cutting and sewing tools, including scissors, sewing machines, hemming machines, overlockers, pleating machines

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

• lining
• interlining and curtain fabrics
• fasteners
• threads

Work order requirements are to cover :

• widths and numbers of finished curtain panels, heading style, number and spacing of pleats
• finishing and any filling of curtain headings

Marking out 

Marking out is to cover returns, overlaps, pleats and spaces

Machine sewing operations must ensure :

• straight stitching along seam lines from the top to the lower edge of the material or vice versa
• securing of beginning and end of threads of the stitching with even and appropriate seam stitch type, length, visibility
• seams are flat
• the inclusion of care labels and fibre content labels where required
• finished components match work requirements

Personal protective equipment 

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

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