TRADE PROJECT
MACHAKOS TECHNICAL INSTITUTE FOR THE BLIND, SCHOOL OF CLOTHING
This project is presented to the Kenya National Examination Council in partial fulfillment of the
award of Diploma in Fashion design.
Presented by: Faiza Ngii Munuve
Project name: Use of knits to produce undergarments; Bras, vests at Wote Town.
Index No: …………………………….
Supervisor: …………………………..
Exam series: …………………………
i
DECLARATION
This research is my own original and authentic work and has never been presented for award of
diploma in any other college.
ii
DEDICATION
I dedicate this project to my family for supporting me financially. My dedication also goes to my
course mates and supervisors for their assistance, support and guidance in preparing this project
to completion.
iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I acknowledge the Almighty God for giving me life and strength to pursue my studies. I would
also like to thank my entire family for their support and encouragement. Special mention also
goes to my supervisor Mr. Juma Musyimi for the invaluable guidance throughout the course.
I would also like to thank the Principal, Heads of Departments and students of Machakos
Technical Institute for the Blind who were respondents in the study for providing me with the
information I very much needed. May the Almighty God bless you all.
iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
Title Page……………………………………………………………………… i
Declaration…………………………………………………………………….. ii
Dedication ………………………………………………………………………iii
Acknowledgements ……………………………………………………………. iv
Table of Contents ………………………………………………………………. v
Abstract ………………………………………………………………………… vi
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION …………………………………………1
1.1 Background of the study ………………………………………………………1
1.2 Statement of the problem ………………………………………………………1
1.3 Objectives ……………………………………………………………………… 2
1.4 Hypothesis/Research question ………………………………………………….. 2
1.5 Significance of the study …………………………………………………………2
1.6 Conceptional and theoretical framework ………………………………………… 3
1.7 Scope ……………………………………………………………………………...3
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CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW …………………………………. 4
2.1 Discussion of the existing design literature …………………………………….. 4
2.2 Critique of the existing design …………………………………………………… 4
2.3 Evaluation of proposed design literature …………………………………………. 5
2.4 Summary of gaps identified ……………………………………………………….5
CHAPTER THREE ……………………………………………………………………6
3.1 Defining the nature of activity ……………………………………………………….6
3.2 Preparation of drawings or research design ………………………………………….6
3.3 Production of components, services or data collection……………………………….9
3.4 Testing of analysis of components ……………………………………………………9
CHAPTER FOUR: FINDINGS, DATA ANALYSIS, CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS ……………………………………………………………….10
4.1 Discussions of the findings ………………………………………………………….. 10
4.2 Evidence of data analysis ……………………………………………………………… 10
4.3 Conclusions based on the research findings ……………………………………………. 10
4.4 Recommendations related to the findings and demonstrating resolutions of identified gaps..11
4.5 Suggested access for further research …………………………………………………….11
CHAPTER FIVE: REFERENCES ……………………………………………………… 12
5.1 Referencing system ……………………………………………………………………… 12
5.2 Appendices ………………………………………………………………………… 12,13,14
ABSTRACT
This project on the use of knits to produce undergarments e.g vests and bras at Wote town made
an appearance first in the middle east the spread throughout the world via various trade routes.
The aim of this study was to know; how knitted fabrics affect culture, to find out the continual
existence of knitted fabrics and also to convey a message on the importance of African culture
through knitted fabrics.
The study mainly focused on one example of undergarment i.e the bra. It also adopted a research
to collect quantitative and qualitative data which helped to find out solutions to some of the
questions and problems. The researcher formulated a data collection method. Sections were
involved during this collection; the first section (A) had the bio data, the second section (B) had
cross-ended items where the respondent collected the most appropriate answer while the third
section (C) had pended items where the respondent gave their opinion.
The researcher used simple random sampling- in the data collection procedure, the researcher
used questionnaire together with an introduction letter from the researcher was presented to the
respondents selected to participate in the study. After the research, the researcher later was to do
the summary, conclusions and recommendations from the study.
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CHAPTER ONE.
1.0 USE OF KNITS TO PRODUCE UNDERGARMENTS,BRAS AND VESTS IN
WOTE TOWN.
1.1 Background of the study.
Knitwear first made an appearance in the Middle East. The first knitted item to be discovered
was socks. Knitting then spread throughout the world via trade routes. It was done through
handcraft where those who trained in knitting would travel to other countries to learn different
techniques.
However, with the invention of industrial revolution, handcraft was threatened since steam-
powered knitting machine began to streamline the work in factories. Knitwear became
fashionable and grew into an essential talent for every family to know especially those who
couldn’t afford clothes otherwise.
More recently, hand-knitting has become less a necessary skill and more of a hobby since people
can make garments of their own such as gloves, scarfs, sweaters. It was also often associated
with sports e.g white sweaters often with colored stripes in the collar became common for cricket
and tennis.
Before 1920s, the majority of commercial knitting in the western world had centered around
production of underwear such as vests and bras. This expanded as the public taste for fashion did
also. Both hand and machine knitting were commercially active on a large scale; companies
started to meet the demands of home knitters, producing patterns, yarns and tools.
1.2 Statement of the problem.
Over the past years, people have not been viewing underwear garments produced through
knitting as a fashion style. Knitwears are comfortable to wear, easy to mend since they can be
done through hand and machine and they are cheap and less skill required. 1
This research therefore aims at investigating why knitwear is yet to be fully know as a fashion
style in the production of underwear. Qualitative methods will be used to find solutions to this.
People will also need to be enhanced and provided with skills on knitwear.
1.3 Objectives.
• To know the way creativity and technology has enhanced knitwear.
• To convey message on the importance of African culture through knitted fabrics.
• To find out the continual existence of knitted fabrics’
• To examine how knitted fabrics affect culture.
1.4 Hypothesis/Research question.
This project aims to explore knitwear production of underwears such as bras and vests. Knitwear
should be introduced in the market and ensuring optimum circulation of its products in the
market as a fashion style trend and also why knitwear is at its lower level in fashion.
1.5 Significance of the study.
Discovering whether knitwear production of underwear affects gender or age may lead to the
following; mass production of the knitwear and production of different styles with different
colors depending on the gender. This research will have a lot of contribution to the existing
literature in the field since people have known that knits are only used to produce gloves, scarfs,
or sweaters thus production of underwear will be a major exploration hence adding a value to the
field.
Through this research, the society will have their own skills in producing underwear garments
using knits instead of buying them for those who are financially unstable hence promoting the
use of knits in producing underwear garments. Generally, all people of any age, gender or class
or those engaged in fashion will benefit from this production to prevent its gap in the market.
Through qualitative methods, future researchers may explore various garments to be produced
through knits. 2
1.6 Conceptional and theoretical framework.
This project aims to produce undergarments through knits from Wote town to the western
regions targeting Busia and Kakamega over a three-year period. Steps for market entry have to
be considered e.g cultural difference regulatory compliance and distribution strategies.
Establishing strong local partnership will reduce market entry barriers and increase customer
acquisition by 10%.
1.7 Scope
This study will be conducted at Wote town to investigate how the use of knits to produce
undergarments will be of impact to the people. The area is limited to recruiting two hundred
volunteers in knitting departments with ages between 22 and 28 years who will be contacted via
email addresses.
The volunteers in the study will be asked to complete a short questionnaire in order to evaluate
any changes in the use of knits in production of undergarments.
3
CHAPTER TWO.
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW.
2.1 Discussion of existing design literature.
Underwear garments produced through knitting exist in both handmade and mass produced
versions. Extensive collections reveals the many shapes and styles the knitted underwear has
taken. During sewing process, researchers use guidance of underwear’s patterns to be sewed and
the different shapes that suit most body types.
There are also some problems associated with this knitwear production that still remain unsolved
which affect the underwear quality such as size, aesthetics, shape, thread tension, blend
composition and fabric thickness. Knits occur in different colors and are blended to give the best
look depending on the garment being produced.
Underwear garments produced through knits provide warmth to the body and also comfort and
they are more flexible. They can be more readily constructed into smaller pieces, making it ideal
also for socks and hats. Knitting is believed to have been developed for garments that must be
elastic or stretch in response to wearer’s motion.
2.2 Critique of existing design literature.
Underwear are items of clothing usually worn beneath outer clothes which are in direct contact
with the skin. They serve to keep the outer clothing from being soiled or damaged by body
excretions, or lessen the friction of outwear against the skin. Underwear garments can serve as
swimwear or nightwear if made of suitable material or textile.
Different styles of underwear are generally worn by male and female, which are produced
through knits e.g bras for women and vests for men. Knitted undergarments are liked by people
because of their good stretchability, softness and absorbency of sweat. Cotton can also be used in
production of knitted undergarments through a follow-up of the manufacturing process. Knitted
undergarments provide an aesthetic look. 4
2.3 Evaluation of proposed design literature.
Evaluation of knitted garments helps to measure the product properties and forecast its
performance throughout its use. Knitted undergarments are evaluated by the number of stitches
or loops. Knitted fabrics are also affected by the quality of needle used. The appearance, texture,
and performance of the knitted fabric vary according to them.
Knitted fabric properties such as appearance, feel, handle, comfort, pilling, strength and
extension are highly desirable that are specific to knitted garments. Although there are many
parameters affecting fabric behavior, one of the most important factors that determine the fiber
properties is the fiber type and its characteristics.
2.4 Summary of gaps identified.
The volume of material wasted during knitwear garment production sector and the knowledge
gap of knitwear. Spreading defects in garment not enough plies to cover quantity of garments
required; this will result into parts not fitting in sewing and finished garments not meeting size
tolerances.
Failure to follow the marker lines resulting in distorted garment parts can lead to cutting defects
in garments. In production of undergarments through knits there occur various defects such as
color defects, sizing defects and stitch defects. Negative approach to knitwear undergarments
also creates another gap in its production.
5
3.0 CHAPTER THREE.
3.1 Defining the nature of activity.
Use of knits to produce undergarments is a research activity which the researcher intends to
investigate the relationship between fabric property and clothing pressure of knitted
undergarments. Knitting has been as important as to what we wear under our clothes as clothes
themselves. This collection or research reveals the evolution of knitted undergarments.
Studies designed to understand the fashion industry often presume the knitwear sector to follow
the linear product development process of the woven garment sector. This research activity looks
also forward on how to bridge the gap in knowledge of using knits to produce undergarments.
The study also reveals several areas where environmental impact can be reduced and aims to
inform future studies within knitwear industry focused on material use, product life cycle
analysis, waste reduction and digital technology adoption.
3.2 Preparation of drawings or research design.
The undergarment being produced here through knits is bra; one of the women’s undergarments.
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Parts
a. Cups – Part of the brassiere that holds the breasts.
b. Strap – Part of the bra that joins the top of the cup to the back of the band by going over
each shoulder.
c. Wing – Side part of the band that wraps the outer edge of the cup.
d. Hook and eye – Closure of the bra that is situated either in front or back.
e. Bridge – Centre front area between the cups.
f. Band – Part of the bra that wraps around the body.
Things you need
• Measuring tape
• 100% cotton yarn
• Knitting needles
• Sewing pins
Procedure.
STEP I.
Measure around your ribs just under the breasts to the nearest half inch to determine your size
then add one and multiply by six. This is the number of stitches you will need to cast on your bra
band.
STEP II.
Beginning with a purl row, knit five rows in alternating row of knit and purl.
STEP III.
Take the number of stitches you cast on, subtract 20 and divide by 2. This is the number of
stitches that you need to bind off. 7
STEP IV.
Continue stitching in alternating stitch, decreasing one stitch at the beginning of each row.
Repeat until there are no stitches remaining.
STEP V.
Begin knitting the left cup of the bra by casting on 18 stitches.
STEP VI.
Knit the next two rows; for the first row, knit one stitch, make one stitch and then knit to the end.
Purl all stitches on the second row. Repeat until you have 35 stitches on your needle.
STEP VII.
Knit the next row by knitting the first stitch, make one and knit to the end.
STEP VIII.
Continue knitting by repeating the following pattern five times.
STEP IX.
Bind off the remaining six stitches on your needle.
STEP X.
Repeat steps 5 through to 9 to make the right cup but instead of making one stitch at the
beginning of the row, make one stitch at the end (reverse shaping).
STEP XI.
Make the straps by casting on four stitches and working in alternative until you have reached the
desired weave in any end.
STEP XII.
Block each piece of the bra by pinning to a flat surface and spraying liberally with water, allow
to dry naturally. 8
STEP XIII.
With yarn and tapestry needle, sew the left and the right cup to the bra band and the sew each
strap in place.
STEP XIV.
Thread satin ribbon through each of the bra band and tie in a bow to secure in place.
3.3 Production of components, services or data collection or model.
This project profile is for the setting up of a unit for the manufacture of knitted undergarments
such as bra and vests. In knit production unit, finished knitwear is folded and packed into
individual polybags, then packed garments are placed into carton boxes. In involvement of the
use of machines, various steps are followed in producing finished garments.
The first step in the production process is inspecting the yarn so as to ensure that it meets quality
standards and are in good condition. Secondly, there is yarn waxing; it reduces the friction with
the machine, patterning, knitting programming, knitting for shaped knitwear, panel inspection,
linking, waste yarn cleaning, hand stitching, seam and defect checking, washing, drying, label
sewing, pressing, inspection, packing and finally delivering.
3.4 Testing of analysis of components.
Testing is a significant basic tool throughout the conversion of raw material into final product.
Loop order analysis is one of the considerations and aims to determine the front to back ordering
of the overlapping loops.
There is also analysis of cut panel inspection which is done to detect any types of fabric fault
found. During testing, the variation of a fibre i.e length, color, fineness, strength, dimensions,
loops per inch and cover factor is detected properly.
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CHAPTER FOUR.
4.0 FINDINGS, DATA ANALYSIS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
4.1 Discussion of the findings.
In this research, knitted undergarments are used and liked by the people because of their good
stretchability, softness and absorbency of sweat characteristics. It can be produced through
machine or hand knitting. However, its market is not yet well established besides its early history
of existence.
Some gaps have led to its low existence and various ways have been set to fill these gaps.
Undergarments produced through knits do not have age limits, they are all suitable for women
and men both young and adults. Knitting has been as important to what we put under our clothes.
Designers prefer knitting undergarments for several reasons; the flexibility of the fabric and the
ease of making smaller garments.
There are several ways of knitting i.e jersey knit, double knit, rib knit, interlock, purl knit and
tricot.
4.2 Evidence of data analysis.
The data analysis shows that pressing knitted fabrics is essential on the finished garment
dimensions and considered integral to the product development. The adoption of sustainable
production methods and the use of fair trade raw materials also increases the value added to the
products produced through knits.
4.2.1 Undergarments produced by use of knits are highly fashionable and of high quality
and quantity.
Respondents Frequency Percentage
Disagree 10 10%
Neutral 30 30%
Agree 60 60%
10
The above table shows 10% of the respondents who disagreed, 30% were neutral and 60%
agreed.
Percentage
10%
Agree
30% Neutral
60% Disagree
4.3 Conclusions based on research findings.
The parameters of knitted undergarment structure are largely controlled by yarn count, stitch
length and finishing. This research or study revealed several areas where environmental impact
can be reduced and aims to inform future studies within the knitwear industry focused on
material use, product life-cycle analysis, waste reduction and digital technology adoption.
Among all the fashion categories, innerwear has emerged as one of the fastest growing
categories in last few decades. These foundation garments are used by the people throughout the
year under different climatic conditions.
4.4 Recommendation related to the findings and demonstrating resolutions of identified
gaps.
To bridge the gap in knowledge, a quantitative questionnaire was designed for an overview of
the key product development processes within knitwear small and medium enterprises focusing
on design, manufacture and retail. Knitting towards sustainability, circular economy and industry
helps to eliminate the time gaps between the successive knitting and assembly production phases
thus saving production time and costs. 11
4.5 Suggested access to further research.
The current study focused on the use of knits to produce undergarments e.g bra and vests. The
study did not however look into the strategies to improve design and testing for clothing
longevity. Future studies should concentrate on finding the strategies to improve design and
testing for clothing longevity.
5.0 CHAPTER FIVE
5.1 REFERENCES
Mutai, B.K (2000) how to write a quality research proposal. Shelly Publications, Wote.
Research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches.
5.2 APPENDICES
Appendix 1: Questionnaire.
This investigates the impacts of using knits to produce undergarments.
INSTRUCTIONS
Please DO NOT write your name on this questionnaire.
SECTION A:
1. Age.
18 to 24 years ___________
25 to 30 years ___________
31 to 40 years ___________
2. Gender.
Male _______
Female ______
3. Occupation.
Employed ______
Self-employed ______
Not employed ______
Student _____
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SECTION B:
Questionnaire Agree Neutral Disagree
Improvements of knitwear production can
be improved.
Financial challenges affect knitwear
production.
Undergarments produced through knits are
expensive.
Designers lack research on knitwear
production.
SECTION C:
1. Effects of competition on knitwear production of undergarments.
Give reasons______________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
2. Which genders prefer knitwear production?
Give reasons_____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
13
Appendix 2: TIME SCHEDULE.
Activities Time
Review the literature related to the study and identify the research May,2023
problem.
Formulating the research topic and writing chapter one. June,2023
Chapter two compiles the literature review, chapter three; research July,2023
methodology and prepares the data collecting instruments.
Distribution of the instruments to the respondents and collected from August,2023
respondents (the field).
Date of cleaning or coding and analysis. September,2023
Writing report September,2023
Presentation of the report October,2023
13
Appendix 3: BUDGET ESTIMATE
Item. Cost( Ksh.)
Fabric 350.00
Thread and needle 600.00
Transport 600.00
Typing questionnaire 300.00
Airtime 350.00
Electricity 1500.00
Total cost 2350.00
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