Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to cut and sew canvas and acrylics for application to fixtures and fittings requiring upholstery.

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. Specifications, patterns and/or plans are read and interpreted to identify required material, number and nature of items to be cut and the equipment to be used

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

1.3. Machines, attachments, tools (including scissors and blades), materials, work method and sequence are determined

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

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

1.6. Scissors and any other cutting equipment, such as a hot knife, are selected for the material to be cut and checked for appropriate sharpness, operation and safe condition

1.7. Materials to be cut and sewn are identified and inspected and problems, including any materials which do not meet the job order requirements, are identified and reported in accordance with workplace procedures

2. Develop cutting plan

2.1. Cutting requirements are identified

2.2. Measurements for item are confirmed, noting locations of high wear/chafing, fittings/attachments and fixing devices

2.3. If appropriate, cutting list is developed using appropriate format, abbreviations and terminology for cut sizes and number of pieces in accordance with workplace procedures

2.4. Cutting plan is developed in accordance with workplace procedures

3. Prepare materials for cutting

3.1. Material is selected in accordance with work order and laid out and inspected for flaws

3.2. Finished side of the materials is identified and positioned on cutting table for marking/pattern lay out

3.3. Material is marked out/patterns are laid out following work procedures and instructions

4. Cut material

4.1. Measurements are confirmed and appropriate adjustments to the positioning of fabric are made

4.2. Tools and equipment are checked for operation

4.3. Required cutting operations are completed to cut material following work instructions

4.4. Cut material is inspected for quality and unsatisfactory items are processed in accordance with workplace instructions

4.5. Cut materials are labelled and despatched to next process in accordance with workplace procedures

5. Conduct sewing operation

5.1. Items to be sewn are inspected for quality and dimensions

5.2. Sewing machine (including attachments as required) is set up in accordance with workplace instructions

5.3. Machine is operated in accordance with manufacturers' instructions and workplace procedures to maintain required product quality and output

5.4. Reinforcing/protective measures, fittings/attachments and fixing devices are attached in accordance with workplace procedures

5.5. Finished items are inspected for quality with unacceptable items being reprocessed in accordance with workplace procedures

6. Complete work

6.1. Workplace documentation, including stock usage, is completed and processed following workplace procedures

6.2. Equipment maintenance and work area clean up are completed following workplace procedures

6.3. Waste is collected and bundled for recycling/reuse as required by 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 measuring, cutting and sewing of canvas and acrylics

Required knowledge 

• procedure for reporting damaged or imperfect products or interruption to workflow
• workflow requirements for cutting and sewing process
• operation of work systems and cutting and sewing equipment
• characteristics of the materials used and the application of the 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,:

• measure, cut and sew one canvas product and one acrylic product
• apply binding as an edge finish to a curve and three corners, 2 metres in length

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

Resource implications 

Appropriate measuring tapes, cutting table, scissors, blades and cutting machines, sewing machine, 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 

• This unit addresses the measuring, cutting and sewing of canvas and acrylic materials for upholstery application and for other uses such as automotive and marine application
• Materials include but are not limited to:

• cloths
• canvases
• acrylics
• carpets
• foam-backed fusion bonded and needle punched materials

• Fittings/attachments and fixing devices include:

• clips
• press studs
• buckles
• eyelets
• shackles
• zips
• reinforcing patches
• straps

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 machines
• Work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, environmental legislation, relevant health regulations, manual handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements

Machines may include , but are not limited to :

• overlocker
• flat bed
• walking foot

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

• fabrics
• cotton canvas
• acrylics and thread

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 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