Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge to construct complex blocks to be used for patterns of fashion garments with advanced styling requirements.

Application of the Unit 

The unit applies to the construction of blocks for pattern development of fashion garments that require advanced styling such as label house, couture, designer label, made-to-measure, bridal or corsetry production.

Work conducted requires discretion and judgment.

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 skills associated with communication to interpret documentation relating to quality standards, specifications, measurement and sizing. Planning and organisation and problem solving skills are required to construct complex blocks according to design requirements, and size and fit specifications. Self management skills are used to confirm work meets quality requirements.

Prerequisites 

LMTFD4008B

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Analyse garment range  composition

1.1 Garments in range are confirmed

1.2 Design sketches and drawings and specifications are interpreted and clarified with designer as required

1.3 Intended purpose of design is established

1.4 Profile  of target market is obtained

1.5 Designs are evaluated and recorded in relation to specification of fit model, body movement and comfort

1.6 Fabric characteristics and performance, trims and finishing are considered in relation to the design

2 Construct the block

2.1 Blocks are selected for fashion garments

2.2 Block drafting principles and methods are selected for block construction

2.3 Measurements and characteristics of fit model  are analysed and entered into block drafting formulas and methodology

2.4 Block is constructed using pattern -making technical skills  and checked to ensure compliance with requirements, design specifications and standards

2.5 Methods and formulas  used are documented

3 Verify blocks for accuracy and suitability

3.1 Block is checked either manually, by computer or by constructing a toile

3.2 Where required, toiles are constructed from block

3.3 Correct proportion, fit and balance and suitability of garment is verified and where required, minor adjustments are made

3.4 Final blocks are completed, labelled and checked for accuracy and completeness to ensure compliance with specifications

4 Develop block portfolio for fashion label

4.1 Blocks are presented in preparation for development of style patterns according to workplace requirements

4.2 Blocks are stored on appropriate media 

4.3 Blocks are filed and stored

5 Maintain records

5.1 Records are maintained and reports prepared, where necessary

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• principles and concepts of block construction
• block construction processes
• size standards
• industry, global and local trends
• detailed knowledge of garment construction
• range of garment fabrics
• cost efficiency in relation to block construction and patternmaking
• OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures
• quality practices
• workplace practices
• recording and reporting practices

Demonstrates skills to:

• develop blocks with consideration to characteristics of fabric and trimmings
• construct garment toiles or prototypes
• develop final blocks and recommend alternative construction methods
• use manual or CAD systems
• compile information
• communicate effectively with individuals, work groups and supervisors
• select, interpret and apply procedures, processes and motor skills
• prepare and present reports and information in appropriate formats
• 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
• 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:

• interpret designs for label garment range
• understand measurement and characteristics of fit model
• construct and check blocks
• verify blocks
• develop and adjust toiles (where required)
• develop block portfolio
• communicate effectively with design team, customers, etc.
• apply OHS practices in work operations
• maintain accurate records

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 range may include:

• tailored suits
• eveningwear
• bridalwear
• couture
• stretch trousers
• corsetry
• raglans
• kimonos
• overcoats
• jackets
• capes

Profile may include:

• age
• ethnicity
• gender
• size, body characteristics
• economic and social expectations

Measurement and characteristics of fit model must include:

• accurate assessment of body measurement positions (landmark points such as nape and levels such as waist level)
• accurate taking of body measurements, including girth, vertical and horizontal measurements
• age
• sex
• ethnicity
• assessment of physical characteristics, including body characteristics and unique features as aligned with standard representation

Pattern-making technical skills may include:

• motor and drawing skills
• calculation and accuracy abilities
• interpreting and presentation skills
• dart manipulation
• contouring

Methods and formulas may include:

• deviations from standard patterns
• sources of pattern components
• pattern derivation methods and formulas
• block construction methods and formulas
• application of current industry practice

Media may include:

• cardboard
• computer file
• tissue paper

'Filed' may include:

• filing by date, category (shirts, top), label, location, gender and age

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

Sector 

Fashion Design and Technology