Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge to align and sew components using a minimum of two machines and operation techniques.

Application of the Unit 

The unit applies to sewing work using a minimum of two machines which may include a plain lockstitch sewing machine, a three, four or five thread overlocker, a blind hemming machine or a zigzag sewing machine.

Sewing techniques include those where the positioning, feeding and handling of work pieces involves discretionary changes, contouring or critical stopping points; or involving special handling skills to accommodate fabric variations.

Work is conducted according to defined procedures.

Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.

The application of this unit is according to OHS practices of the enterprise and workplace practices, which may include:

• requirements prescribed by legislation, awards, agreements and conditions of employment
• standard operating procedures
• work instructions
• oral, written and visual communication
• quality practices, including responsibility for maintenance of own work quality and contribution to quality improvement of team or section output
• housekeeping
• tasks related to environmental protection, waste disposal, pollution control, and recycling

This unit requires the application of skills associated with planning and organising to prepare components and machine for sewing. Problem solving skills are required to ensure work conforms to requirements and identify any production problems. Communication skills are used to refer to and complete required documentation. Self management skills are used to ensure safe use of technology and conformance of own work to quality standards.

Prerequisite 

LMTCL2001B

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Prepare Components

1.1 Work bundle is received and checked , and any follow-up action is determined.

1.2 Components  are laid out in sequence.

2 Prepare workstation

2.1 Workbench and seating are set up according to OHS practices .

2.2 Machines  are cleaned.

2.3 Records are maintained.

2.4 Machines are set up  and adjusted according to specifications for work.

2.5 Needles , attachments and parts are checked and worn needles and parts are identified and reported or replaced, according to manufacturer instructions.

3 Identify poor machine performance

3.1 Performance of machine is regularly checked for signs of faulty operation, including evidence from inspection of finished pieces.

3.2 Required action taken to address poor performance.

4 Sew components

4.1 Components are sewn according to requirements for operations .

4.2 Components are sewn according to quality standards.

4.3 Components are sewn according to requirements for speed of work.

4.4 Machine speed and work handling are controlled for type of operations, fabrics and product type.

4.5 OHS practices  are followed in operation of machine.

4.6 Action is taken according to OHS practices to prevent accidents and to eliminate risks to personal safety.

5 Complete work

5.1 Sewn components are inspected, any faults identified and appropriate action taken and finished pieces are checked against quality standards.

5.2 Results of inspection of finished components are recorded.

5.3 Action taken to either reject or correct faulty components is recorded.

5.4 Preventative action taken to avoid recurrence of defective pieces is recorded.

5.5 Production records or packing slips are completed.

5.6 Completed work is directed to next operation or packing section.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• characteristics of woven and knitted fabrics such as denim, single knits, tricot, gabardine
• quality standards and practices
• Sequence of operations
• OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures
• workplace practices
• recording and reporting practices

Demonstrates skills to:

• consistently achieve quality and production output requirements
• use and maintain three, four and five thread overlocker, zigzag, blind hemming and plain lockstitch sewing machines
• read, interpret and follow information on work specifications, standard operating procedures and work instructions, and other reference material
• maintain accurate records
• communicate within the workplace
• sequence operations
• meet specifications
• clarify and check task-related information
• carry out work according to OHS practices

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence 

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

• check work against ticket information
• prepare workstation and work before commencing sewing operations
• apply sewing techniques over a minimum of two operations
• operate at least two types of machine for operations where the positioning, feeding and handling of work pieces involves discretionary changes, contouring or critical stopping points or involving special handling skills required to accommodate fabric variations
• apply workplace OHS practices in work operations
• maintain accurate records

Consistency in performance 

Consistently applies skills and knowledge when:

• organising work
• completing tasks according to instructions
• working systematically with attention to detail
• identifying improvements and avoiding damage
• using workplace practices
• using OHS practices
• recording and reporting accidents and incidents
• assessing operational readiness of equipment
• recognising and adapting to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions

Resource implications 

Access is required to real or appropriately simulated situations, including work areas, materials and equipment, and to information on workplace practices and OHS practices.

Context for assessment 

Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment.

Interdependent assessment 

This unit may be assessed independently or in combination with other relevant units.

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. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Legislative/regulatory requirements

All work must comply with relevant Federal and State or Territory legislative or regulatory requirements.

Checked includes:

• checking that the bundle matches ticket information
• checking that previous operations have been successfully completed

Components may include:

• sleeves
• waistbands - straight or shaped
• collars
• cuffs
• plackets
• facings - neck, armhole
• binds
• zips - dress, skirt, trouser, invisible
• buttons and buttonholes
• pockets - cut away, patch, in seam

OHS practices

OHS practices include hazard identification and control, risk assessment and implementation of risk reduction measures specific to the tasks described by this unit, and may relate to:

• manual handling techniques
• standard operating procedures
• personal protective equipment
• safe materials handling
• taking of rest breaks
• ergonomic arrangement of workplaces
• following marked walkways
• safe storage of equipment
• housekeeping
• reporting accidents and incidents
• environmental practices

Machines may include

• plain lockstitch sewing machine
• three, four or five thread overlocker
• zigzag sewing machine
• blind hemming machines

Set-up includes

• correct thread, needle size and type, needle guard, tension setting and attachments

Needles may include

• a variety of size and types such standard, ball point

Operations may include

• sewing techniques where the positioning, feeding and handling of work pieces involves discretionary changes, contouring or critical stopping points or involving the special handling skills required to accommodate fabric variations
• gathering, easing, tucking, stitching curves
• hems - double fold, rolled, blind, stitched hem
• darts and pleats

Sector 

Clothing Production