Carry out the sewing process for clothing and related items

This standard is about preparing and sewing materials.  This could apply to sewing clothing or related items.

This includes preparing machines and cut components, sewing components to specifications and quality standards, working in line with production targets, identifying any faults with components and equipment, and completing work records.

This standard is for those who prepare and sew materials for clothing or related items.

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1. organise work in accordance with instructions and specifications
2. prepare equipment for use according to instructions
3. set and maintain the correct position for working
4. check all cut components are present and meet quality standards
5. identify and report any deviations from product specifications
6. carry out and analyse test sews before sewing products
7. sew components in the correct sequence
8. use tools and equipment in line with manufacturers instructions and safety requirements
9. check labels and trimmings are correct before applying
10. inspect sewn products against specification and quality standards and report any defects in line with procedures
11. identify problems with materials, equipment and machinery and take required action, reporting any problems in production to the appropriate person
12. work in ways that minimise wastage at all times
13. keep the work area clean and tidy at all times
14. maintain tools and equipment in line within agreed schedules
15. report the need for maintenance, cleaning risks or hazards for areas outside your responsibility in line with agreed procedures
16. dispose of waste in designated locations in line with safety procedures
17. minimise work interruptions and downtime to maintain production timelines
18. complete and store accurate records and documentation in line with agreed procedures
19. pass on sewn work to the next stage of the process

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1. information supplied
2. how and when to provide information to others during the production cycle
3. how own work role fits in with the overall manufacturing process and the limits of your responsibility
4. the consequences of contaminants or debris being left on or around the machine and work surface, and why sewn items should be kept free of contamination
5. the effect contamination can have on products including: machine oil, dirt, blood, cosmetics, allergens, and the classification of vegan and non-vegan materials
6. how to carry out cleaning and maintenance, the safe practices to follow and the hazards likely to be encountered
7. the importance of machine, needle, foot, needle guard and spool checks
8. the equipment faults which may occur, how they are identified and how they should be dealt with
9. when to carry out test sews and the reasons for them
10. the characteristics of different materials
11. how to organise work to help meet required quality and quantity levels, production targets and methods, including piece rate and competitive rate systems
12. the effects of wastage on operations and sustainability
13. the consequences of sewing components out of sequence and how to prevent it occurring
14. the types of seams, hems, finish used and the purposes they serve, and the effect of seams or hems not being sewn to specification
15. the storage requirements for different types of sewn items and the importance of marking and segregating rejects
16. how to resolve problems within the work area and within limits of personal responsibility
17. how to work in a team and the importance of effective communication with colleagues, the lines of communication, authority and reporting procedures 
18. own organisation's rules, codes and guidelines including timekeeping and personal hygiene requirements
19. the quality and quantity standards, systems and procedures in place including compliance with specifications, and timescales
20. own organisation's ethical and sustainability policies
21. the types of records kept, how are they completed and the importance of accuracy
22. how to comply with instructions, safe working practices, equipment operating procedures and manufacturer's instructions
23. statutory responsibilities under health, safety and environmental legislation and 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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SKSMSP4

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Crafts, Creative Arts and Design, Manufacturing Technologies, Textile and Garment Trades

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5419

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Sewing; components; specifications; quality; wastage; production; targets; contamination

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