Evaluation of Hand Sewing Skills for the Design of a Clothing Repair Education Program: Pilot Study

Abstract

From a sustainability perspective, individuals who practice appropriate purchasing, proper use and maintenance, and correct disposal of clothing are expected to contribute to reducing environmental impact. In Japan, students learn sewing in school; however, it cannot be said that they acquire sufficient skills. Therefore, this study aimed to develop an ergonomic educational program targeting improved finger dexterity as a long-term goal. As foundational research, it evaluated the current state of sewing skills and identified sewing techniques with potential for improvement. Furthermore, it explored the appropriate training conditions. As a pilot study, we evaluated “basic sewing” projects conducted in high-school home economics classes. Thread fineness was set at #20(n=36), #30(n=36), and #50(n=37), with lower numbers indicating thicker thread. We analyzed stitch length and coefficient of variation by analysis of variance. Additionally, for the knot, the formation of loops was assessed by calculating the proportion and performing a binary logistic regression analysis. The results showed no significant differences in stitch length for each basic stitch between thread finenesses. The proportion of loops in starting knots was 26.9%(#20,n=108), 34.3%(#30,n=108), and 52.3%(#50,n=111), which was higher for finer threads. Additionally, a regression analysis showed no significant differences in the number of strands or observer conditions; however, significant differences were observed only for thread fineness. The adjusted odds ratio for #50 was significantly higher than that for #20(AOR=3.02, 95%CI:1.71–5.34). The influence of the sectional second moment of area may have been inferred. It was suggested that material conditions also need to be considered for training purposes.

Keywords: Sustainability, Finger dexterity, Home economics class, Knots, Logistic regression analysis

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1008187