Pattern drafting skills and men's shirt collar quality among local tailors in Kalulushi District, Zambia

Naomi Bwalya; Dube Sindiswe

doi:10.51867/ajernet.7.3.151

Authors

Naomi Bwalya Mukuba University, Zambia https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8124-0644
Sindiswe Dube Mukuba University, Zambia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.7.3.151

Keywords:

Collar Construction, Local Tailors, Kalulushi District, Men's Shirts, Pattern Drafting, Zambia

Abstract

Pattern drafting is a fundamental skill in garment construction that directly influences the quality and fit of finished products. Deficiencies in pattern drafting skills among local tailors contribute to poor collar quality, affecting consumer satisfaction and the competitiveness of locally produced garments. Methods: This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design to investigate pattern drafting skills among local tailors in Kalulushi District, Zambia, and their relationship to men's shirt collar quality. Data was collected from 50 local tailors using a structured questionnaire. The sample was selected through simple random sampling from an estimated population of 110 tailors. Data was analysed using SPSS version 26 and Microsoft Excel, computing descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, for all variables. Results: The findings revealed that 54% of respondents were neutral and 22% disagreed that pattern drafting is the art of designing the outline for sewing a cloth, indicating a limited understanding of this foundational concept. Furthermore, 66% were neutral, and 18% disagreed that drafting men's shirt collars requires strict adherence to steps. In comparison, 58% were neutral, and 26% disagreed that men's shirt collar drafting relies on basic pattern drafting as a foundation. Conclusion: The study concludes that deficiencies in pattern drafting skills among local tailors significantly contribute to poor collar quality. Recommendations include structured training in flat pattern drafting techniques, developing a resource bank of standardised patterns, and promoting cooperative approaches to pattern sharing and skills development.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Aldrich, W. (2006). Metric pattern cutting for men's wear (4th ed.). Blackwell Publishing.

Aldrich, W. (2014). Metric pattern cutting for men's wear (5th ed.). Blackwell Publishing.

Azuma, N., & Fernie, J. (2003). Fashion in the globalized world and the role of virtual networks in intrinsic fashion design. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, 7(4), 413-422.

https://doi.org/10.1108/13612020310496994

Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications.

Hollen, N. R. (1972). Pattern making by the flat-pattern method (3rd ed.). Burgess Publishing Company.

International Labour Organisation. (2017). Skills development in Sub-Saharan Africa: A review of best practices. ILO.

International Labour Organisation. (2022). The future of work and skills in the textiles and clothing sector: Anticipating skills needs and finding solutions through social dialogue. ILO.

International Labour Organisation. (2023). Quality Apprenticeships Recommendation, 2023 (No. 208). ILO.

Kombo, D. K., & Tromp, D. L. (2006). Proposal and thesis writing: An introduction. Paulines Publications Africa.

Kothari, C. R. (2004). Research methodology: Methods and techniques (2nd ed.). New Age International Publishers.

Lave, J., & Wenger, E. (1991). Situated learning: Legitimate peripheral participation. Cambridge University Press.

https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511815355

Musheno, E. (1980). The new vogue sewing book. Harper & Row.

Nwadi, C. L., & Ezanwu, A. B. (2024). Pattern drafting skill needs of informal dressmakers in Nsukka Local Government Area. Journal of Association of Vocational and Technical Educators of Nigeria (JAVTEN), 29(3), 17-38.

Okorie, J. U. (2000). Creativity and measurement in garment design. University Press.

Palmer, R. (2007). Skills development, the enabling environment and informal micro-enterprise in Ghana. Compare: A Journal of Comparative and International Education, 37(4), 565-565.

https://doi.org/10.1080/03057920701541927

Rajput, N., Kesharwani, S., & Khanna, A. (2012). Consumers' attitude towards branded apparel: A gender perspective. International Journal of Marketing Studies, 4(2), 111-120.

https://doi.org/10.5539/ijms.v4n2p111

World Bank. (2020). The skills balancing act in Sub-Saharan Africa: Investing in skills for productivity, inclusivity, and adaptability. World Bank.

World Bank. (2024). Promoting skills development for youth in Zambia: A review of the landscape of TEVET and skills development. World Bank.