Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit identifies the requirements for constructing and sewing Austrian/festoon style blinds.

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. Work order requirements are checked and confirmed

1.2. Tools, equipment and materials are selected and checked prior to use to ensure that they are appropriate for the work, serviceable and in a safe condition

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

1.4. Fabric is checked for flaws

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

2. Lay out work to be sewn

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

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

2.3. Lining materials are matched and secured

2.4. Face fabric is folded, bringing edges to be seamed together to match any pattern and to maintain an appropriate finished length

2.5. Pattern matches are kept uniform within drops and across matching sets of blinds

2.6. 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 the personal right-hand or left-hand preference of the sewer, and manipulation requirements for the bulk and slipperiness of the materials

3.2. Machine sewing operations are completed correctly

3.3. Finished length and width of each panel is measured and checked against work order and adjusted where required

3.4. Linings and interlinings are attached to back of blind

3.5. Corners are folded and formed to match work order or workplace requirements

3.6. Hems are completed using the appropriate stitch type and sewing method

3.7. Corners are stitched and finished and threads trimmed

3.8. Ring placement positions are measured and marked

4. Sew gathering materials

4.1. Headings and any stitching or slit along vertical gather lines are completed according to the work order

4.2. Ends of stitching are secured and any required weights are attached

5. Finish work

5.1. Finished blinds are checked ensuring stitch length, end finishing and size blinds match work requirements

5.2. Work is pressed

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

5.4. Rings are attached

5.5. Gather tapes and gathering lines are pulled up maintaining even fullness in gather and even tension in gathering lines

5.6. Headboard is painted, stained or covered with fabric fixed along the board length, corners are mitred and fixed, reducing bulk and ensuring a neat finish

5.7. Blinds are fitted to headboard or track and threading completed

6. Complete work for next process

6.1. Workplace required documentation or reporting is completed

6.2. Finished work is folded, protected and dispatched 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, 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 construction problems, avoid re-working and wastage
• use workplace technology related to the construction of Austrian/festoon style blinds, including tools, equipment, materials and measuring devices

Required knowledge 

• types, characteristics, uses and limitations of Austrian/festoon style blinds
• design features of the Austrian/festoon style blinds
• fabric types, common faults and inspection procedures
• identification of equipment, processes and procedures for making the particular blind style
• work requirements, including workplace standards
• risks to health from repetitive actions and prevention strategies

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 sewing requirements for the style of blinds
• Apply safe handling practices for equipment, products and materials
• Gather fabrics evenly to meet customer requirements and fabric type
• Construct at least two types of Austrian/festoon style blinds which may be Austrian, festoon, London, balloon and cloud
• 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 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. This may be demonstrated either individually or in a team environment

Blinds to be constructed may include :

• Austrian
• festoon
• London
• balloon
• cloud and festoon-style curtain types including lace
• fabric-lined and unlined blinds

Tools and equipment may include , but are not limited to :

• industrial sewing machines
• measuring equipment
• stapler
• drill and saw

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

• lining
• interlining and curtain fabrics
• fasteners
• threads

Personal protective equipment 

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

Work order requirements include :

• widths and numbers of finished blinds
• seam allowances and types
• number and widths of panels
• lining and any interlining
• contrasting edging
• required fasteners and other materials
• mounting style headboard or track requirements

Machine sewing operations 

Machine sewing operations are to ensure:

• straight stitching along seam lines from the face to the lower edge of the material,
• securing of beginning and end of threads
• stitching is even and appropriate seam stitch type, length, visibility,
• seams are flat
• finished components match work requirements

Information and procedures 

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

Unit sector 

Soft Furnishing

Competency field 

Co-requisite units