Interfacing fabrics awareness and usage among small scale garment producers in Lapaz-Accra

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the selection and application of interfacings among small scale garment producers at Lapaz in Accra to ascertain their competency levels and proffer strategies for improvement if necessary. The objectives were to assess the level of awareness of varieties of interfacing fabrics on the market among small scale garment producers in Lapaz, Accra; identify factors they considered in the selection of interfacing fabrics; describe methods used by them to apply interfacings and evaluate the interfaced garments produced by them. A hypothesis ―There is no significant association between educational qualification and the factors considered in selecting interfacings‖ was also tested in this study. The target population for the study was small-scale garment producers in Lapaz-Accra. Convenience and snow ball sampling techniques were employed in selecting the garment producers in the area. Observation guides and interview schedule were used to collect data. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and Microsoft Excel to generate frequencies and percentages and presented in pie chart, bar charts and tables. The result of the study revealed that all the respondents had a high level of awareness of self-fabric interfacing and vilene; majority (more than 70%) of the respondents also had a high level awareness of calico and grey-baft interfacing fabrics. Vilene was used by all the respondents of this study because it was less expensive, readily available, comes in different weight, easy to use and give desired results the respondents needed. Factors which mostly influenced the selection of interfacing fabrics among the respondents were: weight of the fashion fabric, area of the garment to be interfaced, application method, and colour of the fashion fabric. Fabrication method and care requirements of the fashion fabrics were not considered by the respondents. Lapped seam of joining interfacings and lapped dart method of reducing bulk were the main interfacing application methods used by the respondents. The mean of means score for quality of interfaced garments of the respondents was 2.59 which is quite high. A hypothesis tested to determine relationship between educational qualification and factors considered in selecting interfacing indicated a moderate positive correlation (r = .552, p<.05) with the aggregate factors for selecting interfacings. Based on the findings it is recommended that the findings be made available to the respondents and Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (COTVET) so that respondents would be educated on the; varieties of interfacings, factors considered in selecting interfacings, methods of applying interfacings and also develop standards on interfaced garments made in Ghana.