Comparative study of free-hand cutting and patterns in the garment industry

Abstract

Garments are constructed by using free-hand cutting or pattern. Clients now demand better products as they have difficulties with the fit of garment made by their informal dressmakers and tailors. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of free-hand cutting and the use of pattern on perfect fit of garment. Mixed method approach was adopted. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was used for this study. The total target population was 1377 which included registered road side dressmakers and tailors, fashion designers and fashion students of public tertiary institutions at Kwadaso Municipality, Sunyani East Municipality and Asafo area in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana. A sample size of 302 respondents was selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Questionnaire, focus group interview, and observation were used to gather information from the respondents. The study found that with free-hand cutting method, garment look elegant on the body, brings out the good style in garment, and provides special features to garment. The finding also showed that garment made with pattern brings out the original style, promotes variations of styles, and fits well on the body. The results showed that garment made with pattern fits better as compared to free-hand cutting. Based on this it was concluded that garment constructed with both free-hand cutting and patterns brings out the perfect fit of garment with patterns slightly on top. It was recommended that Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association (GNTDA) should encourage and train their members on the use of pattern and this would improve and manifest in the high standard on fit of garment among the dressmakers and tailors in the informal setting in the near future. Also, the informal dressmakers and tailors should training of their apprentices to develop interest in the use of both free-hand cutting and pattern right from the onset.