A study of patternmaking and the contributing factors making it a scarce and critical skill

Abstract

Patternmaking skills have been identified as being scarce and critical by the Fibre-Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (FP&MSETA 2015) and this presents a potential threat to the South African clothing industry. Exploratory discussion with clothing industry stakeholders and subject matter experts indicated that the need for patternmaking knowledge and skills is increasing, while the availability of these skills is decreasing. The purpose of this research was to identify education and training areas of development with respect to patternmaking. The research was informed by an extensive literature study covering three critical areas, namely, the identification of the diverse patternmaking skills required, the expectations of the clothing industry in relation to these skills, and how the education and training of patternmakers’ skills can be improved. Primary data was collected from a focus group comprised of subject matter experts in the patternmaking field and then from an online survey questionnaire to clothing industry stakeholders. Finally, an analysis of current teaching approaches and learning practices was undertaken. This was to establish what changes needed to be implemented to address the new requirements for patternmaking skills in the changing manufacturing landscape.