Repair footwear and leathergoods using stitching methods

This standard is about carrying out repairs to footwear or leathergoods using stitching methods.   This standard can apply in a retail or manufacturing environment.  Repairs could be carried out by hand or machine. This can include hand sewing when re-welting or piece welting repairs are required. 

This standard includes identifying required repairs, agreeing options, schedules and costs, setting up and adjusting machines, preparing for and carrying out repairs and polishing and buffing repaired articles.

 This standard is for those who carry out repairs on footwear or leathergoods using stitching methods in a retail or manufacturing environment.

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1. make sure the work area is free from hazards at all times
2. identify the type of repair that is best suited to the article and the type of damage
3. agree repair activities, timescales and expected costs with appropriate people
4. remove worn or damaged parts that are being repaired or replaced
5. check the availability of sufficient quantities of materials and components to complete repairs
6. make sure that materials and components are free of faults and compatible with article's materials and components
7. use repair materials in a way that minimises wastage
8. select machines, tools and equipment that are appropriate for repairs
9. set up machines and equipment prior to making the repairs
10. carry out repairs to the expected quality
11. adjust machines and equipment during use so stitching remains smooth
12. remove excess materials in ways that maintain original contours
13. make sure repairs are completed within agreed timescales
14. polish or buff repaired articles when required
15. comply with written instructions relating to repairs
16. complete required forms, records and other documentation
17. work to legal requirements, standards and regulations, policies, procedures and professional codes at all times

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1. the features and characteristics of worn and damaged footwear or leathergoods
2. construction methods and compatible materials and components for articles being repaired 
3. repair options available and most suited to different types of footwear and leathergoods' construction
4. common factors affecting repairs by hand or machine stitching
5. how to communicate with appropriate people about repair options, timescales and costs including customers and managers
6. the main pieces of equipment and their capabilities
7. the characteristics of materials and how they differ
8. problems associated with stitching different constructions
9. how to set up equipment including selecting controls and attachments and changing needles, threads and awls
10. how to adjust tension and stitch length so that machines run smoothly
11. how to maintain and replace worn parts on machines
12. how to remove excess materials by hand-held knife and machine
13. the organisation's policies about ethical production and sustainability
14. the effects of wastage on operations and sustainability
15. how to groove by machine and by hand
16. adhesive use, storage and application methods
17. different types of polishing and buffing materials and equipment
18. the organisation's rules, codes, guidelines and standards
19. statutory responsibilities under health and safety and environmental legislation and regulations
20. common hazards in the work area and workplace procedures for dealing with them
21. manufacturer's specifications and instructions for setting up, adjusting, operating and maintaining equipment
22. safe working practices recommended by manufacturers and the organisation's safety regulations

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5

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30 Mar 2025

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Current

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Original

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Creative Skillset

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SKSFS6

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Crafts, Creative Arts and Design, Footwear Officer, Footwear Specialist, Manufacturing Technologies, Textile and Garment Trades, Repairs Assistant

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5419

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Footwear; leathergoods; repairs; stitching; welting; components; damage

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