Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to stitch canvas and sail products by hand.

Application of the Unit 

This unit applies to the hand stitching of canvas and sail products it may involve standard stitching of damaged seams, gussets, reinforcements, general repairs or modifications, and new work. Work may be conducted in a variety of environments, such as:

• operational indoor workplaces
• operational outdoor workplaces
• hazardous or exposed conditions
• confined spaces

Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities. Work is performed within defined procedures under direct supervision.

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 for safe and effective use of hand sewing technology and operations. This unit also requires an ability to interpret and communicate job related information, check the quality of outcomes and identify and address problems relating to own work. Self management skills are applied to ensure workplace and quality standards are achieved.

Prerequisites 

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Plan work and prepare work area

1.1 Work is organised to maximise safety and productivity

1.2 Work area is cleared and cleaned and safe working environment is established

1.3 Assistance to move and position work piece is obtained if necessary

1.4 Workplace procedures and instructions are read and interpreted

2 Select thread and needle

2.1 Advice is obtained regarding appropriate thread to be used with regard to thread material, diameter of thread, tensile strength and colour

2.2 Advice is obtained regarding appropriate needle to suit type of thread, type of stitch and material to be sewn

2.3 Condition of needle is checked to ensure it is sharp, clean and free from rust and dirt

3 Perform hand stitching

3.1 Material is laid out on working table or other suitable surface or supported in situ in preparation for stitching process

3.2 Appropriate type of stitch is chosen to suit the particular application

3.3 Stitching is properly started

3.4 Hand stitching is performed

3.5 Last stitch is properly tied off and thread is cut

3.6 Finished work is inspected to ensure it conforms to specification

3.7 Knowledge of stitching processes are applied to perform required tasks

4 Inspection, quality, labelling and documentation

4.1 Completed work is inspected to verify that it meets job specifications and relevant workplace and industry quality standards

4.2 Any areas in need of rework or rectification are identified and marked

4.3 Rework is performed or other appropriate action arranged

4.4 Completed product is labelled or tagged and any necessary documentation completed in accordance with workplace procedures

5 Store needles and threads and clean up

5.1 Needles and threads are stored in a dry and safe place in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations and workplace procedures

5.2 Worn or damaged needles are disposed of in accordance with OHS practices 

5.3 Work area is cleaned and tools are placed back in storage

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• hazards associated with hand stitching process
• standard hand stitching principles and techniques including various types of stitches used
• the normal range of needles, threads and associated tools used in hand stitching and their appropriateness for particular applications
• materials specifications and material sewing characteristics
• quality standards applicable to hand stitching
• safety and environmental requirements of relevant industry and workplace procedures
• general housekeeping policies and procedures
• OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures
• quality practices
• workplace practices
• recording and reporting practices

Demonstrates skills to:

• locate and interpret technical information about needles, threads and materials
• perform various standard stitches
• use relevant hand and power tools
• use relevant chemicals and cleaning agents and dispose of waste products
• maintain work area
• 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 for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

• comply with all relevant safety requirements including safe use needles and associated tools
• interpret work orders
• interpret standard specifications of needles, threads and materials used in the hand stitching process
• prepare and set up material for hand stitching
• perform standard hand stitching processes
• inspect completed work and determine any rectification necessary
• perform normal operator maintenance of work area to enable work to be conducted safely and efficiently
• document and communicate work related information, including reporting of faults and other problems

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

Context and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment and requires access to work areas, materials and equipment, and to information on workplace practices and OHS practices.

Guidance information for 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.

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 

Textile Fabrication