Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to lay out patterns and cut fabrics for construction of soft furnishing, upholstery products and mattresses and bases.

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. Plan work operations

1.1. Specifications, patterns and/or plans are read and interpreted to identify required fabrics, number of items to be cut and required equipment

1.2. Cutting requirements, including bias or other instructions are noted and required guides on the cutting table are identified

1.3. Suitable work area is selected, tidied and cleaned of any contaminants

1.4. Appropriate equipment and tools are selected for the fabrics and type of materials

1.5. Suitable scissors and/or blades are selected for the fabrics to be cut

1.6. Scissors and any other cutting equipment are checked prior to use for appropriate sharpness, set operation and safe condition

1.7. Fabrics are selected in accordance with work order and laid out smooth and square

2. Prepare materials for cutting

2.1. Fabrics are inspected for flaws and appropriate finish

2.2. Naps, direction of pattern, pattern repeat and finished side of the materials are identified

2.3. Fabrics are squared up to the edges or guide markings on the cutting table

2.4. Patterns are laid out following work procedures and instructions using registration points on the pattern and other instructions to match required fabric pattern

2.5. Measurements are made and appropriate adjustments are made

2.6. Tools and equipment are checked for operation

3. Complete cutting operations

3.1. Required cutting operations are completed to cut out materials following work instructions

3.2. Fabrics are wrapped using appropriate protective covers and care label information is attached

3.3. Unused materials are stored as required

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

3.5. Cut fabrics are folded, protected and dispatched to next process following workplace procedures

3.6. Stock usage is reported as required by workplace procedures

3.7. Work area is cleaned and damaged tools tagged as required

3.8. Waste is collected and bundled for recycling/reuse 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, 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 co-operative approaches to optimise workflow and productivity
• use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements, calculate area and estimate material requirements
• use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate cutting problems, avoid re-working and wastage
• use workplace technology related to the layout out of pattern and cutting fabrics, including tools, equipment, materials and measuring devices

Required knowledge 

• fabric types, common faults and inspection procedures
• design features of the finished furnishing items in relation to laying out the pattern and cutting the fabrics
• 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 handling requirements for those materials
• Interpret work order and locate and apply relevant information
• Apply safe handling practices for equipment, products and materials
• Lay out patterns and cut out at least five different fabric types or pattern styles
• Identify materials used and any special cutting requirements
• Measure accurately and cut fabrics to required size and accuracy covering at least five different fabric types or pattern styles
• 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 scissors and tools, 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 covers work involving cutting single or double layer fabrics by hand or automatic method according to required shape or pattern
• The unit applies to plain fabrics as well as those which involve matching stripes, checks and pattern repeats

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 cutting of material. This may be demonstrated either individually or in a team environment.

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

• scissors
• cutting blades
• automatic cutting machines

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

• plain and patterned fabric
• vinyl and velvet

Personal protective equipment 

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

Information and procedures 

• Workplace procedures relating to the setting and operation of machinery
• Work instructions, including job sheets, patterns, drawings and designs
• Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication

Unit sector 

Soft Furnishing

Competency field 

Co-requisite units