Abstract:
The present nature of fashion calls for dressmakers to move along with
the trend of producing innovative and creative garments that are well fitting
and also appealing to their customers fashion sense. Dart which basically
introduces fit in garment also serves as an asset with which a dressmaker can
manipulate to create unique styles. However, casual observation made pointed
to the inappropriate use of this element hence, the effect that it ought to create
was rarely achieved.
This study was aimed at finding out what dressmakers know about
darts as well as how they applied dart principles in garment designing. To
reach this objective, the descriptive research design was employed for the
study. Established dressmakers with either formal or informal training in
dressmaking in some selected district in the central region were observed and
interviewed. Frequencies and proportions, and inferential statistics
(independent sample t-test at 0.05 alpha levels) were used for the analyses of
the data.
Results in this study showed that, dressmakers could not relate well
with the elements that actually defined darts when marking it out. Hence,
manipulating it to create varying effects during garment designing rarely
produced the desired effect. The results also revealed that dressmakers are
more capable when designing garments with added fullness than dart
manipulation and contouring. It is recommended that, accurately marking out
darts with special reference to dart size, length, shape and location should be
taught to dressmakers during workshops, seminars and general meetings that
are organized by the association.
