Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to cut, sew and fit or fill loose and fitted cushions for upholstered furniture.

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 concerning design, fabrics, accessories and finish for the cushions are confirmed with designer/customer/client, as required

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

1.3. Fabrics, filling medium, work method and sequence are determined

1.4. Suitable work area is selected, prepared and cleaned of any contaminants

1.5. Appropriate equipment and tools are selected and checked for safe operation

1.6. Material and filling medium is selected and checked in terms of quantity, quality, contaminants, size, pattern and consistency in accordance with workplace procedures

2. Cut and sew cushion covers

2.1. Material is laid out on cutting table and nap/pile, direction of pattern, pattern repeat and finished side of fabric are identified

2.2. Patterns are laid out using registration points on the pattern and other instructions to match required fabric pattern, ensuring maximum use of the fabric

2.3. Fabric is cut and work inspected to ensure accuracy/tolerance in accordance with workplace procedures

2.4. Sewing machine set up requirements and adjustments are identified and followed

2.5. Machine maintains required product quality and output

2.6. Finished cushion covers are checked for required quality and reprocessed if required

3. Fit and fill cushions

3.1. Cushion covers are checked for fit and amount of filling determined for each application

3.2. Cushions are filled to the appropriate size using appropriate methods

3.3. Final sewing of cushion is performed in accordance with workplace procedures

3.4. Completed cushions are inspected for quality and fit with those not conforming to the requirement being reprocessed or disposed of in conformance with workplace practices

4. Complete work

4.1. Workplace documentation is completed in accordance with procedures

4.2. Waste and scrap are collected for disposal/recycling in accordance with workplace procedures

4.3. Machines and tools used are cleaned, inspected for serviceability and stored in accordance with workplace procedures

4.4. Equipment is maintained and work area is cleaned in accordance with 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 cutting, sewing and fitting or filling of cushions

Required knowledge 

• work requirements including workplace standards and inspection procedures
• workflow in relation to the cutting, sewing and fitting or filling of cushions
• fabric types and characteristics, common faults and inspection procedures
• design features of the finished furnishing items in relation to laying out the pattern and cutting the fabric

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 fabric, matching pattern/nap/pile/direction
• 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, cut, sew and fit or fill the following cushions:

• piped border cushion
• wrap around cushion
• T-cushion

• Work effectively with others
• Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment

Resource implications 

Cutting table, material, filling medium, sewing machines, cushion filling machine, work order/furniture to be fitted, 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 may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency which together 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 

This unit addresses the requirement to cut, sew and fit or fill loose or fitted cushions for upholstered furniture

Unit context 

• OHS requirements include 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 cutting, sewing and fitting or filling of cushions
• Work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, environmental legislation, relevant health regulations, manual handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements

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

• cutting table
• cutting machines
• scissors
• sewing machines and cushion filling machines

Sewing machines may include :

• flat bed
• walking foot and overlocker

Sewing machine set up and adjustments include :

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

Materials may include :

• fabric and filling material

Filling material may include , but is not limited to :

• foam
• dacron
• flock
• crumbed foam
• springs
• wadding fibre
• linters and feathers/down

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 

• Workflow in relation to the cutting, sewing, and fitting or filling of cushions
• Workplace procedures relating to the setting and operation of machines
• Work instructions, including job sheets, plans, drawings and designs
• Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication

Unit sector 

Upholstery

Competency field 

Co-requisite units