Analysis of Adult Female Clothing Made with Adapted Patterns and Free Hand Cutting: Constraints and Prospects

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to analyse adult female gown made with adapted patterns and free hand cutting.
The specific objectives are to determine whether bodice part of a female gown, skirt part of a female gown and a female gown
made with adapted patterns fit better than the ones made with free hand cutting. There were three research questions from
which three null hypotheses were formulated. The study utilized an experimental design. A sample of 30 students was drawn
from the target population of 550 Home Economics students of Federal College of Education (Technical) Omoku and University
of Education, Port Harcourt. A systematic sampling technique was used to select the sample. Instrument used for the study was
a 4-point likert scale questionnaire of strongly agreed, agreed, disagreed and strongly disagreed. Values were assigned as
follows: SA-4, A-3, D-2, and SD-1. The data collected was systematically analysed using mean and t-test. The three hypotheses
were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that a female gown made with adapted patterns fits better on the
shoulder, sleeve, bust, waist, and hip than a gown made with free hand cutting. Findings also revealed that the gown made with
adapted pattern look more outstanding and dressy than the one made with free hand cutting. Based on these findings, some
recommendations were made. It was recommended that : Graduates of Home Economics that specialize in Clothing and
Textiles should be encouraged to establish industries where they can make patterns according to contemporary fashion in sizes
for sale. There should be an awareness programme organized by Home Economists to dressmakers who uses free hand cutting
to make use of adapted patterns in sewing. Seminars/workshops should be organized by Home Economists on pattern making
regularly for dressmakers.