Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge to design and produce a simple garment.

Application of the Unit 

The unit applies to the design, planning and production of a simple garment. The production of the garment may involve the use of a domestic sewing machine and overlocker. Designs may involve modification of existing blocks or patterns.

Work is conducted according to defined procedures and would not be applied in a large scale production environment. The unit is suitable for project-related work as part of a VET in Schools program

Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team-related 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 communication and problem solving to develop storyboards, sketches and design concepts, explore design concepts with supervisors and document and interpret pattern requirements. Initiative and enterprise are required to design garment and planning and organising skills are required to complete garment. Ability to use simple technology will also be required and self management skills are required to ensure garment meets quality requirements. This units requires learning skills in order to experiment with and develop design and production skills.

Prerequisites 

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Design garment 

1.1 Influences and inspirations for design are identified and explored.

1.2 Storyboard or sketches are produced to assist in development of ideas and design concepts.

1.3 Design principles are applied to design concepts.

1.4 Production requirements for design concepts are identified.

1.5 Ideas and design concepts are discussed with appropriate people  for review and development.

1.6 Design concepts are modified and confirmed.

2 Prepare for garment production

2.1 Pattern or blocks are selected to modify for design.

2.2 Pattern is developed for garment production according to size and design requirements.

2.3 Fabric, materials , tools and equipment  are selected and prepared.

2.4 Equipment is checked to ensure correct operation.

2.5 Ability of tools and equipment to achieve plan is assessed.

2.5 Additional resources that may be required are identified.

3 Produce garment

3.1 Equipment is used to produce garment according to pattern and required OHS practices .

3.2 Garment is checked against pattern and design.

3.3 Minor process faults are identified and corrected where necessary.

3.4 Production techniques and design are continuously reviewed in an iterative manner to make improvements.

4 Complete production process

4.1 Garment is finished according to design requirements.

4.2 Garment is assessed against design and pattern.

4.3 Garment faults  are rectified.

4.4 Area and equipment is cleaned.

4.5 Tools and equipment are stored as required.

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• principles and elements of design
• block modification techniques
• techniques in using a sewing machine
• sizing requirements
• fabric suitability
• typical fault conditions and related fault-finding procedures
• types and styles of threads
• simple equipment maintenance techniques
• OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures
• quality practices
• workplace practices
• recording and reporting practices

Demonstrates skills to:

• apply design principles
• check equipment
• prepare fabric and thread
• use a sewing machine
• start and stop equipment
• monitor production
• recognise and rectify faults or problems as required
• clean equipment as required
• 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:

• design a simple garment
• use sewing machine safely and effectively
• modify blocks to make patterns
• make minor adjustments
• check garment against pattern

Consistency in performance 

Consistently applies skills and knowledge when:

• organising work
• completing tasks
• identifying improvements
• using workplace practices
• using OHS practices
• recording and reporting accidents and incidents
• assessing operational readiness of equipment used and work processes
• recognising and adapting to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions
• completing work systematically with attention to detail without damage to goods and equipment

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.

Garment may include:

• accessories
• straight seamed, draw string skirt
• T-shirt
• smock dress
• other garment requiring a small range of sewing techniques and use of a domestic machine and overlocker

Appropriate people may include:

• trainers
• colleagues
• mentors

Equipment may include:

• pins
• scissors
• domestic sewing machine
• overlocker
• needle and thread
• marker or chalk

Materials may be:

• fabric
• cotton
• buttons, components

OHS practices

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

• 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
• other OHS practices relevant to the job and enterprise

Garment faults may include:

• holes
• inconsistent sewing
• broken thread

Sector 

Fashion Design and Technology