Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge to repair and alter finished garments based on client needs.

Application of the Unit 

The unit applies to repairing garments that have been damaged, either during the production process or during normal wear. It also applies to the alteration of garments following production, where they do not fit an individual or group.

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 repair or alter clothing. Problem solving skills are required to identify repair or alteration requirements, determine suitable process and identify any quality problems. Communication and numeracy skills are used to take measurements 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

LMTCL2003B

LMTCL2004B

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Identify repair requirements

1.1 Type of garment damage  is identified.

1.2 Repair  requirements are determined.

1.3 Plan for repair process  is developed.

2 Identify alteration requirements

2.1 Type of alteration  needed is identified.

2.2 Measurements  are taken accurately where alteration is required.

2.3 Plan for alteration process is developed.

3 Prepare work

3.1 Work is received.

3.2 Work is checked for readiness to repair or alter.

3.3 Work is laid out in sequence according to repair or alteration plan.

4 Prepare workstation

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

4.2 Machines  are cleaned and checked.

4.3 Records are maintained.

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

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

5 Identify poor machine performance

5.1 Performance of machine is regularly checked for signs of faulty operation, including evidence from inspection of finished pieces and required action taken.

6 Sew minor alterations or repairs by machine or hand

6.1 Product is repaired or altered according to requirements for operations .

6.2 Product is repaired or altered according to product requirements and quality standards.

6.3 Product is repaired or altered according OHS practices and requirements for speed of work.

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

7 Complete work

7.1 Product is inspected and checked against quality standards, any faults are identified and appropriate action taken.

7.2 Results of inspection of finished product are recorded.

7.3 Client records are completed.

7.4 Completed work is directed to finished section.

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• garment assembly processes 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
• techniques in using and maintaining production machines
• characteristics of fabrics, threads and other materials used in garment assembly
• quality standards and practices
• sequence of operations
• OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures
• workplace practices
• recording and reporting practices

Demonstrates skills to:

• plan product repair or alteration
• use and maintain a variety of production machines such as plain lockstitch sewing machine, a three, four or five thread overlocker, a zigzag sewing machine, blind hemmers, buttonholers, button sewers, elasticators and binders
• use hand sewing techniques to repair or alter garments
• handle, receive and repair or alter garments
• conduct quality checks of own work
• identify non-compliances with quality standards
• consistently achieve quality and production output requirements
• 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:

• plan process for repairs or alterations to occur
• check work pieces against specifications for repairs or alterations
• prepare workstation and work before commencing sewing operations
• apply range of sewing techniques required to repair or alter product
• operate machines required for repairs and alterations
• apply OHS practices in work operations
• perform quality checks
• 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.

Types of garment damage may include:

• holes, tears or rips
• broken zips
• worn elastic
• broken seams or hems
• lost buttons, hooks and eyes

Repair requirements could include:

• replacing zips, buttons, or other fasteners by hand or machine
• reinserting or attaching elastic
• darning holes by hand or machine

Repair process involves:

• planning the deconstruction of the garment so the repair can be achieved

Alterations could include:

• hems
• letting out or taking in seams for fit
• reshaping garment with dart and seams

Measurements may include:

• depth of hem take-up or let-down
• sleeve length
• waist, bust or hip measurement

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

Machines must include the full range of machines required to complete repairs and alterations which may include:

• blind hemmers, buttonholers, button sewers, elasticators and binders
• plain lockstitch sewing machine, three, four or five thread overlocker, zigzag sewing machine

Set-up may include:

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

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
• all operations required to complete repair and alteration in construction

Sector 

Clothing Production