PATTERN DRAFTING PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED BY GARMENT MAKERS IN IGBO-ETITI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ENUGU STATE

Abstract

The survey study assessed pattern drafting practices and challenges encountered by garment makers in IgboEtiti Local Government Area of Enugu state. Four research questions and two null hypotheses guided thestudy. The population consisted all the garment makers in Igbo-Etiti Local Government area of Enugu state.A sample of 112 garment makers from five towns out of a population of 13 Towns of the LGA responded toquestionnaire items. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics (percentages, means and standarddeviation) using Statistical Product for Service Solution (SPSS) version 22.0. Two null hypotheses weretested with Chi Square (X2). Results show that majority (70.6%) of the respondents were females, betweenages 18-35 years (54.5%), 70.5% were Igbos. Less than half (46.4%) were single. Secondary education(43%) was the highest level. Major pattern drafting technique adopted was direct on the layout-fabric locallycalled free hand cutting (63.4%). Majority (81.31%) of them have good skills for taking body measurements,blending seam line (50.0%), pattern drawing (63.4%) but poor in pattern alteration, pattern layout (58.9%),pattern set creation (70.5%) and pattern grading (63.4%). Chy Square results showed significant differences(p<0.05) in respondents’ responses on some adopted pattern drafting skills and no significant differences(P>0.05) in others at 0.05 significant levels. Eight challenges posing threats to effective pattern draftingpractices were identified. Proper sensitization and training of indigenous garment makers on pattern draftingand development, use and commercialization of locally drafted patterns for mass production of qualitygarments for both local consumption and to gain foreign reserve is timely