Cut, sew and fit loose upholstery covers

This standard covers the skills and knowledge required to prepare components and produce loose covers.

This involves:

1. measuring and cutting fabrics
2. sewing components
3. trimming and finishing
4. an understanding of the current Furniture & Furnishings (Fire)(Safety) Regulations

This standard is aimed at people working in the upholstery and soft furnishings industry.

1. comply with health and safety requirements and procedures at all times
2. obtain specifications and requirements of the items to be produced following standard operating procedures
3. obtain equipment and materials required to carry out the job following standard operating procedures
4. check equipment is set up and in good working order following standard operating procedures and any manufacturer's instructions
5. check all materials required are to specification and free from faults following standard operating procedures
6. measure and mark out the components within acceptable tolerance limits to meet specifications
7. cut fabric to minimise waste and take account of the design characteristics and handling implications of fabrics following standard operating procedures
8. check fabric placement, orientation and alignment meets specifications
9. assemble components to meet specifications
10. sew components to meet specifications
11. attach lining to meet specifications
12. position and attach trimmings and decorative finishes to give the required visual appearance to meet specifications
13. fit and secure components to required shape and finish to meet specifications
14. check visual appearance of loose covers meets specifications
15. process completed work to next stage following standard operating procedures

1. relevant health and safety responsibilities
2. meaning of terms used in specifications and requirements list
3. how to check equipment is set up and is in good working order
4. how to check materials and common faults that can occur
5. handling and cutting characteristics of different types of materials used
6. measurements and dimensions needed to ensure accurate cutting and fitting of components
7. markers to use for different types of fabric
8. cutting tolerances for different types of component and ways this may be influenced by fabric type
9. implications of not placing and aligning fabric before cutting
10. fabric composition of fabrics used
11. why it is important to minimise waste
12. how to take account of design characteristics such as pattern repeats and pile direction in planning cutting
13. functions and uses of different types of measuring and marking tools
14. different types of linings used
15. sewing methods used
16. how different trimmings and decorative finishes are applied
17. trimmings and decorative finishes used and why
18. difference between a fire retardant calico and a fire retardant interliner/barrier cloth
19. types of fabrics used with fire retardant interliner/barrier cloth
20. cleaning, care processes