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Establishment of Average Body Measurement and the Development of Block Patterns for Pre-School Children


CA Igbo

Abstract



There is a need for mass production of garments for pre-school children to meet their clothing needs. Clothing has been included in some of the items banned from
importation in order to save foreign exchange for provision of raw materials for the
manufacturing sector in Nigeria. The purpose of this study was to establish average body
measurements of pre-school children of ages 2 to 5 years, adapt block patterns for them
and standardize the patterns drafted. Fifteen design criteria based on comfort were
utilised to standardize the patterns drafted. The population of the study comprised all
pre-primary school children in the 180 schools in Cross River State of Nigeria. The
sample consisted of 400 pupils. Prototype garments were produced and modelled by four
pre-school children of ages 2,3,4 and 5 years. The garments were evaluated by five
judges. Results after analysis of data with mean and ANOVA provided average body
measurements and also indicated that the patterns developed were appropriate for the
target group. The results also showed that there is no significant difference in the mean
body measurement for height and backneck to waist for ages 2,3,4 and 5 years. The
average body measurements obtained are therefore recommended for drafting and
adapting patterns for the target group and the standardized block patterns are also
recommended for clothing manufacturing companies.

African Journal of Educational Studies in Mathematics and Sciences Vol. 3 2005: pp. 61-72

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eISSN: 2508-1128
print ISSN: 0855-501X