Abstract
This study examined the skills needed for utilization of fabric scraps for patch-
work articles by Home Economics students in Colleges of Education in Anambra
State. Specifically, the study determined skills needed for: sourcing of fabric scraps
for patchwork production, preparing materials for patchwork production, stitching
patchwork articles, and finishing patchwork articles. Four research questions were
answered. The study adopted descriptive survey research. Population for the study
comprised of 22 Home Economics lecturers in two Colleges of Education in
Anambra State that offer Home Economics. Questionnaire was used for data
collection. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviations. Results reveal
10 needed skills for sourcing fabric scraps. These include, among others, ability to
keep containers/bags for the tailors in their workshop, collect the scraps
personally, collect the scraps. Other findings are 16 skills for fabric scraps
preparation, including ability to determine the design, cut pattern piece correctly,
place pattern piece correctly and others. Further findings are 21 stitching skills.
These include ability to, match stripes well before stitching, thread the machine
properly, use tailors chalk when needed and others, other findings are skills for
finishing patchwork articles. These include ability to tack the patchwork and lining
together, iron the patchwork on the wrong side, stitch smoothly on the wrong side
among others. Based on the findings five recommendations were made for
improving the students’ skills in patchwork. These include, Home Economics
teachers should lay more emphasis on entrepreneurship skills development,
adequate exposure to skills, knowledge and attitude essential for them to acquire
self-reliance, the basic skills in garment making should be stressed as the students
engage in such task, and others.