Application
This unit of competency covers developing a pattern to meet a loose cover requirement, cutting from that pattern, and making and fitting loose covers to items of upholstered furniture.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Prepare for work | 1.1 | Specifications concerning design, fabrics, accessories and finish are confirmed with designer/customer/client, as required |
1.2 | Work health and safety (WHS) requirements, including personal protection needs, are observed throughout the work | ||
1.3 | Materials, work method and sequence are determined | ||
1.4 | Suitable work area is selected, prepared and cleaned of any contaminants | ||
1.5 | Appropriate equipment and tools are selected and checked for safe operation | ||
2 | Develop patterns | 2.1 | 3-D templates are developed from the surface of the existing furniture without undue distortion |
2.2 | Component shapes are marked out and/or cut out using appropriate technique | ||
2.3 | Standard 2-D patterns are produced in accordance with specifications and to accepted standards and construction tolerances | ||
2.4 | Patterns are reviewed against client specifications and production requirements | ||
2.5 | Consultation and clarification with client is undertaken, as required | ||
3 | Select and cut fabric | 3.1 | Fabrics are selected and inspected in accordance with work order and laid out smooth and square |
3.2 | Nap/pile, direction of pattern, pattern repeat and finished side of the materials are identified | ||
3.3 | Fabrics are squared up to the edges or guide markings on the cutting table | ||
3.4 | Patterns are laid out using registration points on the pattern and other instructions to match required fabric pattern ensuring maximum use of the fabric | ||
3.5 | Fabric is cut and cut components are inspected in accordance with workplace procedures | ||
4 | Sew panels | 4.1 | Sewing machine set-up requirements and adjustments are identified and followed |
4.2 | Machine sewing maintains required product quality and outputs | ||
4.3 | Finished loose covers are checked for required quality and reprocessed in accordance with workplace procedures | ||
5 | Fit and finish cover | 5.1 | Loose cover is applied to the upholstered furniture and checked for fit |
5.2 | Decorative accessories are applied, as required | ||
5.3 | Adjustments are made, as required, to ensure fit meets required quality standards and specifications | ||
6 | Complete work | 6.1 | Workplace documentation is completed in accordance with procedures |
6.2 | Waste and scrap are collected and disposed of/recycled in accordance with workplace procedures | ||
6.3 | Tools and equipment used are cleaned, inspected for serviceability and stored in accordance with workplace procedures | ||
6.4 | Equipment is maintained and work area is cleaned in accordance with workplace procedures |
Evidence of Performance
Interpret work order and locate and apply relevant information
Apply safe handling requirements for equipment, products and materials, including use of personal protective equipment
Identify materials used in the work process
Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection processes to:
minimise the risk of injury to self or others
prevent damage to goods, equipment and products
maintain required production output and product quality
Develop two (2) patterns for loose covers for given items of furniture (one plain and one patterned)
Measure and cut fabrics to required size and accuracy, matching any patterns, sew fabric and fit to items of furniture
Use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements, calculate area and estimate material requirements
Communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications and the reporting of work outcomes and problems, interpret basic plans and follow safety procedures
Avoid backtracking, work flow interruptions or wastage
Work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to optimise work flow and productivity
Evidence of Knowledge
Work requirements, including workplace standards and work flow
Fabric types and characteristics, common faults and inspection procedures
Design features of the finished furnishing items in relation to laying out the pattern and cutting the fabrics
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must:
hold training and assessment competencies as determined by the National Skills Standards Council (NSSC) or its successors
have vocational competency in the furnishing industry at least to the level being assessed with broad industry knowledge and experience, usually combined with a relevant industry qualification
be familiar with the current skills and knowledge used and have relevant, current experience in the furnishing industry.
Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time rather than a single assessment event and in a range of workplace relevant contexts.
Assessment must be by observation of relevant tasks with questioning on underpinning knowledge and, where applicable, multimedia evidence, supervisor’s reports, projects and work samples.
Assessment is to be conducted on single units of competency or in conjunction with other related units of competency. Foundation skills are integral to competent performance in the unit and should not be assessed separately.
Assessment must occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with relevant process, equipment, materials, work instructions and deadlines.
Access is required to plain and patterned fabrics, sewing machines, furniture to be upholstered and a work order.
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency. Detail on appropriate performance levels for each furnishing unit of competency in reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy utilising the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) are provided in the Furnishing Training Package Implementation Guide.
Range Statement
Specifies different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment. | |
Unit context includes: | WHS requirements, including legislation, building codes, material safety management systems, hazardous and dangerous goods codes, and local safe operating procedures or equivalent work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, environmental legislation, relevant health regulations, manual handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements work requires individuals to demonstrate some discretion, judgement and problem solving |
Machines include: | single or multi-needle flatbed sewing machine walking foot overlocker and gatherer |
Sewing machine set-up and adjustments include: | threading machine and winding bobbin setting required tensions selecting required machine settings lubricating and adjusting the machine testing operations for work order requirements |
Materials include: | plain and patterned fabric velvet |
Personal protective equipment includes: | that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise policies and practices: safety glasses/goggle hair nets ear muffs/plugs gloves footwear and protective clothing |
Information and procedures include: | workplace procedures relating to the use of tools and equipment work instructions, including job sheets, cutting lists, plans, drawings and designs workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication manufacturer specifications and operational procedures customer requirements |
Sectors
Upholstery