ASSESSMENT OF DRESSMAKERS KNOWLEDGE BASE ON DARTS AND THEIR APPLICATION IN GARMENT DESIGNING IN THE CENTRAL REGION

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.