ZIMBABWE

MINISTRY OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY EDUCATION, INNOVATION,

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

HIGHER EDUCATION EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL

2015

REGULATIONS AND SYLLABUS FOR THE

NATIONAL FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE

IN

PATTERN MAKING

Course Code: 142/15/CT/0

Implementation Year: 2015

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PREAMBLE

The course is designed to produce an operative with knowledge, skills and attitudes required for
pattern making in the clothing industry. The course duration is 300 hours. The entry requirement
is a minimum of 2 years secondary education or equivalent. The course is offered on a full time,
part time, block release or Open Distance Learning (ODL) basis. Assessment is through continuous
assessment, practical and theory examinations. The course will consider gender mainstreaming,
sustainable development, physical challenges, health dispositions and the intersections between
race, class and culture.

CONSULTATIONS YEAR

1. Zimbabwe Spinners and Weavers 2015

2. Concorde Clothing (Pvt) Ltd. 2015

3. Speciss College (Highfields) 2015

4. Mupfure Self Help College 2015

5. Mufakose High 1 2015

6. National Employment Council – Clothing 2015

7. National Manpower Advisory Council (NAMACO) 2015

8. Textiles Workers Union 2015

9. Rushinga Vocational Training 2015

10. Marikopo Secondary School 2015

11. Danhiko Project 2015

12. Chinhoyi University of Technology 2015

13. Chamanhanzva Secondary School 2015

14. Ministry of Youth Development Indigenisation and Economic 2015

Empowerment

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PART I REGULATIONS

1.0 TITLE AND LEVEL OF AWARD

National Foundation Certificate in Pattern Making.

2.0 AIM

The aim of the course is to develop a pattern making operative with knowledge, skills and
attitudes required in the clothing industry.

3.0 OBJECTIVE

By the end of the course the student(s) should be able to construct patterns.

4.0 STRUCTURE

SUBJECT TITLE CODE DURATION

Pattern Making 142/15/S01 300 hours

5.0 DURATION

Course duration is 300 hours.

6.0 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of 2 years Secondary Education.

7.0 MODE OF STUDY

Full-time: 300 hours

Part-time: 300 hours
Block release: 300hours
Open Distance Learning: 300hours

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8.0 ASSESSMENT SCHEME

MODE OF ASSESSMENT WEIGHTING

SUBJECT WRITTEN COURSEWORK
AND CODE EXAMINATION ASSESSMENT
40% 60%
Pattern Making Paper 1 A minimum of
142/15/S01 2 hours theory (20%) 2 Theory
assignments (20%) 100%
Paper 2 2 Tests (10%)
7 hours practical (20%) 2 Practical
assignments (30%)

NB: Advance information is required for the practical papers. The information should reach
colleges six weeks before the date for the practical examination.

9.0 GRADING

0% to 49% - Fail
50% to 59% - Pass
60% to 79% - Credit
80% to 100% - Distinction

10.0 CONDITIONS OF AWARD

10.1 A candidate should attend at least 85% of learning sessions to qualify for
examinations.

10.2 A candidate should pass the subject to be awarded a National Foundation

Certificate in Garment Construction.

10.3 Non-submission of required coursework will result in candidates being deferred.

11.0 RE-WRITES

11.1 A candidate should pass continuous assessment to qualify for a re-write.

11.2 Re-writes should conform to current structure.
11.3 A candidate is given no time limit in which to re-writes the failed subject.
11.4 There is no aggregation for re-writes.
11.5 All re-writes should pass in the examination and maximum grading will be a pass.
11.6 If a candidate fails continuous assessment he/she repeats the subject

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12.0 EXEMPTIONS

There are no exemptions at NFC Level

13.0 IRREGULAR PRACTICES

13.1 Cheating in examinations will result in disqualification from the whole course and
all other HEXCO courses. The candidate will be suspended for two years

13.2 Plagiarism in any of the assessment will result in automatic disqualification in the
course and any other HEXCO courses and the penalty is as in 13.1

14.0 RESOURCES

14.1 Lecturer Qualifications.

A minimum qualification of a National Certificate in the relevant area or equivalent.

14.2 Facilities, tools and equipment

14.2.1 Facilities

- 2 workshops
- 1 Theory classroom
- 1 Storeroom
- 4 Offices

14.2.2 Tools and equipment

Tape measure General Utility Video and

Human Models Tables Television
White/Green/Blac Light Tables Slide Projector
k Boards Overhead Photocopier
Drawing Boards projector T-Squares
Drafting Desks Epidiascope L-Squares
Curves (French curves, hip curve, flexi-curves)
Pencils
Paint Brushes
Drawing Instruments
Rulers (30cm, 1m)
Automatic Sewing Machines (Domestic)
Industrial Sewing Machines
Over lockers
Domestic and Industrial Steam Irons
Ironing Boards

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 Sleeve Boards
Adjustable Dress Forms
Dress form Arms
Full Length Mirrors
Dress Rails and hangers
Manual Pattern Grader
Scissors (paper and cutting shears)
Tracing wheel
Puncher
Weights
Notcher
Labour saving device

14.3 SUGGESTED REFERENCES

Aldrich W. (2011) Metric Pattern Cutting for Men’s Wear, Oxford, Bed and
Hyman Ltd.

Aldrich W. (2008) Metric Pattern Cutting for Ladies Wear, Oxford, Bed and
Hyman Ltd.

Aldrich W. (2012) Metric Pattern Cutting for Children’s Wear, Oxford, Bed and
Hyman Ltd.

Armstrong H. J. (2009) Patternmaking for Fashion Design, New York, Fairchild

Bray, N and Haggart (1986) Pattern grading for Women’s Clothes, London, Blackwell.

Gerry Cooklin (2006) Pattern Grading For Women’s Clothes: Technology, For Sizing,
London, Blackwell Scientific

Hollen R and Kundel C. J.(1993) Pattern Making the Flat Method, London

Melliar M. (1986) Pattern Cutting, London, Batsford Press.

Rosen S. (2004) Patternmaking : A comprehensive reference

for Fashion Design. New York, Prentice Hall.

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PART II SYLLABUS

STRUCTURE

COURSE STRUCTURE CODE DURATION

Pattern Making 142/15/S01 300 hours

TITLE: PATTERN MAKING

CODE: 142/15/S01

DURATION: 300 HOURS

1.0 AIM

The aim of the course is to develop a pattern making operative with knowledge, skills
and attitudes required in the clothing industry

2.0 LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the course the student(s) should be able to:

2.1 state the general history of evolution of styles

2.2 use and care for pattern making tools and equipment

2.3 sketch designs of the intended pattern

2.4 draft basic blocks in relation to silhouettes

2.5 develop working and final patterns for use, in garment

construction,

2.6 apply basic managerial and marketing skills in relation to efficient use of
material, time, money and labour,

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3.0 TOPICS

o HISTORY OF CLOTHING

o TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

o PATTERN DESIGNING

o PATTERN CONSTRUCTION

o PATTERN MANIPULATION

o MANAGERIAL AND MARKETING SKILLS

4.0 CONTENT

4.1 HISTORY OF CLOTHING

4.1.1 State the history of costume in general\evolution of styles.

4.1.2 State the significance of clothing and inter disciplinary approach to the study of
clothing with reference to:

- Define clothing
- List reasons for wearing clothes.

4.1.3 List factors of fashion change/trends.

4.2 TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

(a) Choose, use and state the care of:

- cutting equipment
- measuring equipment
- marking equipment
- dress forms
- pressing equipment

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4.3 PATTERN DESIGNING

4.3.1 State the elements of design to include:

- Line
- colours
- shape/form
- texture
- light
- pattern
- space.

4.3.2 State the principles of design to include:-

- proportion
- balance
- rhythm
- harmony
- emphasis, etc

4.3.3 State figure types to include figure problems and methods of camouflaging
them.
- Body measurements

4.4 PATTERN CONSTRUCTION

4.4.1 Basic Blocks

(a) State steps in:

- taking of individual measurement

- sizing/size charts for women
- bodice
- skirt
- sleeve

4.4.3 Draft and construct patterns using standard measurement of the loose and close
fitting bodice blocks.

4.4.4 Adapt standard blocks to fit individual figures.

4.4.5 Make toiles for individual figures and adjustments

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4.5 PATTERN MANIPULATION

4.5.1 Manipulate darts.

- State methods used in changing positions of darts and creating princess

lines.
- Neckline adaption – V- Shaped, Square shaped, Round shaped and other
types.

4.5.2 List facings

- Single breasted facing

- Neckline facings
- Armhole facings
- waistline facings
4.5.3 List groups of sleeves and their example:

- set-in sleeves
- raglan sleeve
- dolman sleeve

4.5.4 List groups of collars and their example:

- flat collars
- roll collar
- stand collar

4.5.5 List groups of cuffs and their example:

- shaped cuff
- Straight cuff

4.5.6 State types of skirts

(a) panelled skirts

(b) Straight/pencil skirt with vent or pleat
(c) Basic A- line skirt
- slightly gathered
- fully gathered.

4.5.7 Waistline finishes for skirts

- Straight waistbands.

4.5.8 State types of pockets

- Patch, in-seam.

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 4.5.9 State procedures of pattern marking.

- Industrial procedure
- Domestic procedure

4.6 MANAGERIAL AND MARKETING SKILLS

4.6.1 Planning

4.6.1.1 Factors influencing viability of business

- demand
- capital
- efficiency
- purchase of equipment and materials

4.6.2 Implementation

- in-service training
- Ordering
- Receiving
- Storage
- Manufacturing
- Quality control
- Care labelling
- Costing
- Advertising and marketing
- Human relations

4.6.3 Simple book-keeping and analysis of production.

- purchasing records
- calculating costs
- pricing
- Loss
- cataloguing

4.6.4 Management of resources

- Personnel
- Committee duties and responsibilities
- Time
- Money
- Energy
- Equipment – to include labour saving devices
- Accommodation
- Materials

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4.6.5 Business

- vacancies
- advertising
- application
- interviews
- correspondence
- business laws and regulations relating to clothing production

5.0 ASSESSMENTSCHEME

MODE OF ASSESSMENT
SUBJECT AND WRITTEN COURSEWORK WEIGHTING
CODE EXAMINATION ASSESSMENT
40% 60%
Pattern Making A minimum of
142/15/S01 Paper 1 2 Theory assignments
2 hours theory (20%) (20%) 100%
2 Tests (10%)
Paper 2 2 Practical assignments
7 hours practical (20%)
(30%)

6.0 ASSESSMENT SPECIFICATION GRID

TOPIC WEIGHTING NUMBER OF QUESTIONS

HISTORY OF CLOTHING 10% 1

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT 10% 1
PATTERN DESIGNING 10% 1
PATTERN CONSTRUCTION 30% 3
PATTERN MANIPULATION 30% 3
MANAGERIAL AND
10% 1
MARKETING SKILLS

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7.0 SUGGESTED REFERENCES

Aldrich W. (2008) Metric Pattern Cutting for Ladies Wear, Oxford, Bed and
Hyman Ltd.

Aldrich W. (2011) Metric Pattern Cutting for Men’s Wear, Oxford, Bed and
Hyman Ltd.

Aldrich W. (2012) Metric Pattern Cutting for Children’s Wear, Oxford, Bed and
Hyman Ltd.

Armstrong H. J. (2009) Patternmaking for Fashion Design, New York, Fairchild

Bray, N and Haggart (1986) Pattern Grading for Women’s Clothes, London, Blackwell.

Gerry Cooklin (2006) Pattern Grading for Women’s Clothes: Technology, For Sizing,
London, Blackwell Scientific

Hollen R and Kundel C. J.(1993) Pattern Making the Flat Method, London

Melliar M. (1986) Pattern Cutting, London, Batsford Press.

Rosen S. (2004) Patternmaking : A Comprehensive Reference

for Fashion Design. New York, Prentice Hall.

13
 CODE
MINISTRY OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY
EDUCATION, INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
SKILLS PROFICIENCY SCHEDULE

INDUSTRY: CLOTHING TRADE/ OCCUPATION: PATTERN

MAKER
CLASS/ LEVEL: NATIONAL FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE

DUTY A: PATTERN DESIGNING

Pre-requisites: 2 years of secondary education Approval Date:

Review Date:
TASK STEPS PROFICIENCY RELATED WORKPLACE
INDICATORS KNOWLEDGE ESSENTIAL
SKILLS
1.1.1 Select o Appropriate o Body Drawing
appropriate stationery analysis Measuring
stationery selected o Design Calculation
1.1 Make 1.1.2 Draw o Sketches selection Sewing
sketches preliminary drawn o Pattern Manipulation
sketches should be layout Artistic
1.1.3 Make a functional o Types of
collection of o A collection fabrics
at least five of five o Wardrobe
sketches sketches planning
1.1.4 Select a drawn o Design
design of o The centre interpretation
your choice sketch from o Use of
from collection is sewing
collection selected machine
1.1.5 Draw the o Front and o Sewing
front and back view process
back views diagrams o Elements
of the labeled and
selected o Diagrams principles of
design to drawn to design
scale scale o Pattern
alteration
1.2.1 Make a o Appropriate
1.2 Make sample tools and
adjustments garment equipment
on design 1.2.2 Fit the selected
sample on a o Proper
dress form positioning

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 1.2.3 Check for of style
irregularities features
on the o Appropriate
sample use of seams
garment o Proper
1.2.4 Manipulate pressing
the fabric to done
improve fit o Loose
1.2.5 Make threads
specific trimmed
changes on o Size tag
the pattern attached
o Irregularities
noted down
o Sample
garment fit
comfortably
o Specific
changes
done
1.3.1 Identify o Amount of
1.3 Select design of fabric
suitable fabric garment required
being made noted
1.3.2 Identify age o Design of
of wearer garment
1.3.3 Identify the identified
occasion o Age of
1.3.4 Identify the wearer
appropriate noted
fabric o Occasion
1.3.5 Rate the noted
pattern o Texture
,colour and
weight
fabric of f
chosen is
suitable for
the design
o Amount of
fabric
required
noted.

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TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THIS DUTY:

Stationery Pencil Drafting table

Templates French curves Table
Working table Pattern master Glue
Drawing Board Paper cutting scissors Any other relevant
Tape measure Set square stationery
Meter rule Flexi curve
Rubber Arm curve

SAFETY, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES RELATED TO THIS DUTY:

Protective clothing First Aid Kit

SPECIFIC WORKER TRAITS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THIS DUTY:

Creativity Reliable Target oriented
Detail oriented Sober minded
Team player Punctual
Hard-worker Presentable
Honest

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 CODE
MINISTRY OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY
EDUCATION, INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
SKILLS PROFICIENCY SCHEDULE

INDUSTRY: CLOTHING TRADE/ OCCUPATION: PATTERN MAKER

CLASS/ LEVEL: NATIONAL FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE

DUTY B: PATTERN DRAFTING

Pre-requisites: 2 years of secondary education Approval Date:

Review Date:
TASK STEPS PROFICIENCY RELATED WORKPLACE
INDICATORS KNOWLEDGE ESSENTIAL
SKILLS
o Appropriate o Pattern Accuracy
2.1 ➢ Select tools and construction Calculation
Construct suitable tools equipment o Use of Communication
basic and selected measuring Cutting
block equipment to o Accurate and marking Drawing
be used body tools Estimation
➢ Take body measurements o Style Interpretation
measurements taken features Laying
➢ Calculate o Calculation of o Elements of Literacy
body body design Measuring
measurements measurements o Principles of Pressing
of a specified done design Sewing
block accurately o Construction Sketching
➢ Square up, o Angles drawn lines
down and at 90 degrees o Types of
across using o Drawn lines fabrics
calculations are straight o Body
from step 3 o Points joined analysis
➢ Join points correctly
➢ Cut out block o Cut edge of
the basic
block smooth
➢ Identify style o Style features
2.2 features listed
Interpret ➢ Describe style o Description
design of garment(s) of style of
➢ Identify the garment
principles and noted
elements of o Principles and
design. elements of

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 design of a
given design
listed

2.3 ➢ Trace out the o Tracing of

Construct basic block basic block
pattern ➢ Draw done
construction o Construction
lines lines drawn
according to according to
the given design
design o Tracing of
➢ Trace out working
working patterns done
pattern o Net pattern
➢ Trace out produced
final pattern o Final pattern
➢ Net pattern produced
➢ Label pattern o Pattern
markings markings
labelled

2.4 o Appropriate
Produce ➢ Select tools and
sample appropriate equipment
tools and selected
equipment o Laying of
➢ Lay out pattern done
pattern according to
➢ Cut out pattern
pattern markings
➢ Construct the o Cut edges of
garment/toile the
➢ Press the pattern
garment /toile smooth
➢ Fit the toile o Pattern pieces
on a dress assembled
form or properly
dummy

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 ➢ Make o Garment has
adjustments proper hang
where o Necessary
necessary adjustments
done

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THIS DUTY:

Tape measure Tracing wheel Table

Meter rule Paper weights Notcher
Rubber Khaki paper Pattern record card
Pencil Manilla Glue
French curves Flexi curve Any other relevant
Pattern master Cutting shears stationery
Paper cutting scissors Puncher
Set square Pattern hook

SAFETY, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES RELATED TO THIS DUTY:

Protective clothing
First Aid Kit
Housekeeping
Safety precautions

SPECIFIC WORKER TRAITS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THIS DUTY:

Target oriented Smart
Sober minded Presentable
Accurate Honest

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 CODE
MINISTRY OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY
EDUCATION, INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
SKILLS PROFICIENCY SCHEDULE

INDUSTRY: CLOTHING TRADE/ OCCUPATION: PATTERN

MAKER
CLASS/ LEVEL: NATIONAL FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE

DUTY C: PATTERN GRADING

Pre-requisites: 2 years of secondary education Approval Date:

Review Date:
TASK STEPS PROFICIENCY RELATED WORKPLACE
INDICATORS KNOWLEDGE ESSENTIAL
SKILLS
➢ Identify the o Basic grading o Grading Communication
3.1 basic grading points noted techniques Measuring skills
Increase points o Horizontal o Use of Calculation
or reduce ➢ Draw and vertical measuring Literacy
size horizontal lines drawn of tools Accuracy
and vertical o Grading o Marking Drawing
lines on the measurements points Assembling of
identified calculated o Pattern patterns
points accurately grading Pattern
➢ Calculate the o Calculated irregularities alteration
grading measurements o Assembling
measurements used of pattern
➢ Measure accurately sections
horizontally o Points
and vertically marked
the calculated o Marked
measurements points
➢ Mark points connected
➢ Connect the
marked
points
➢ Select o Appropriate
3.2 Test appropriate tools selected
final tools o Specifications
pattern ➢ Check noted
specifications o Irregularities
➢ Take note of noted
irregularities

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 where o Pattern pieces
necessary assembled
➢ Assemble properly
pattern o Garment
sections hanging
➢ Fit the properly
dummy o Necessary
➢ Make adjustments
adjustments made
where
necessary

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THIS DUTY:

Tape measure
Ruler
French curve
Set square
Coloured felt pens
Working table
Rubber
Tracing wheel
Pencil
Khaki paper
Manila
Weights
Paper cutting scissors
Notcher
Pattern pieces

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SAFETY, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES RELATED TO THIS DUTY:

First aid kit

Protective clothing
House keeping

SPECIFIC WORKER TRAITS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THIS DUTY:

Team player
Sober minded
Target oriented
Honest
Confident
Accurate
Reliable

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