Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to use specific sewing machine techniques, with attachments as required, to sew upholstery final cover materials.

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 work

1.1. Job requirements are identified from work instructions

1.2. Workplace health and safety requirements, including personal protection needs, are observed throughout the work

1.3. Machines, attachments, materials, work method and sequence are determined

1.4. Equipment, including any supplementary equipment, is identified and checked for safe operation, components and controls

1.5. Materials are identified and inspected and problems, including any materials or part-constructed products which do not meet the job order requirements, are identified and reported in accordance with workplace procedures

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

2. Conduct sewing operation

2.1. Sewing machine, including attachments, is set up and adjusted for the work requirements

2.2. Machine is operated to maintain required product quality and outputs

2.3. Finished products are checked for required quality, repaired, and moved to the next process

3. Complete work

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

3.2. Documentation, including production and/or stock records and/or packing slips are completed in accordance with workplace procedures

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

3.4. Equipment maintenance and work area clean up are completed 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, basic plans, and safety procedures
• communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications, coordination of work with work supervisor, other workers and customers, and the reporting of work outcomes and problems
• plan and organise activities including the preparation and layout of the work area and the obtaining of equipment and materials to avoid any backtracking, 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, calculate work requirements, optimise component and material sizes for economical cutting and assemble required materials
• use pre-checking and inspection techniques to plan work, avoiding re-working and wastage
• use the workplace technology related to the complex machine sewing of upholstery final cover materials

Required knowledge 

• procedure for reporting damaged or imperfect products or interruption to workflow
• workflow requirements for sewing process
• operation of work systems and sewing equipment
• characteristics of materials used and finished products
• causes of faults, and repair methods
• identification of equipment, processes and procedures
• quality systems and standards
• 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 

• Interpret work order and locate and apply relevant information
• Identify and select materials used and any special handling requirements for those materials
• 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

• As a minimum, complete a double sided square stool top with double stitched quartering of different materials
• Work effectively with others
• Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment

Resource implications 

Appropriate sewing machines, 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 may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency which form a part of the job role.

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 

• Complex sewing involves the operation of industrial sewing machines to produce specialised products in the application of upholstery to furniture. It embraces a range of decorative methods and finishes
• Specific and specialised techniques and products include:

• sewing twin needle decorative finishes, including: single and double piping, blind hemming, balloon seam and gathering
• sewing with specialised attachments, including: gathering
• sewing fasteners and attachments, including sewing of: zips, velcro

Unit context 

• Workplace health and safety includes OHS legislation, material safety management systems, hazardous substances and dangerous goods codes and safe operating procedures
• Work requires individuals to demonstrate discretion, judgement and problem solving skills in the set up and operation of specialised sewing machines
• Work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, environmental legislation, relevant health regulations, manual handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements

Job requirements include :

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

Machines may include , but are not limited to :

• flat bed
• walking foot
• overlocker
• post and/or flatbed twin needle

Sewing machine set up and adjustments include :

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

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

• fabrics
• vinyl
• canvas
• acrylics and leather

Personal protective equipment 

Personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise practices and procedures. It may include:

• safety glasses/goggles
• hair nets
• ear muffs/plugs
• gloves
• footwear and protective clothing

Information and procedures 

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

Unit sector 

Upholstery

Competency field 

Co-requisite units