SSCE Past Questions – Theory SS3 Fashion and Garment Making Lesson Note

Subject: Fashion and Garment Making 

Class: SS3 

Lesson Focus: How to break down and answer past exam questions.

Mastering the “Keyword” Questions

In the SSCE, the examiners often ask you to “Define” or “Explain.” Many students lose marks because they write too much but don’t use the “keywords.”

Question 1: Define “Bespoke Tailoring” and give two advantages.

• The Wrong Way to Answer: “It is when you sew for somebody.” (Too simple).
• The Professional Way (Worked Solution):
  1. Definition: Bespoke tailoring is the process of creating custom-made garments based on a specific individual’s measurements and style preferences.
  2. Advantages: 1. Perfect Fit: The garment is shaped exactly to the person’s body. 2. Unique Style: The customer can choose their own fabric and design details that aren’t found in shops.

Teacher’s Tip: Whenever you see “Define,” try to use technical words like measurements, custom-made, or individual specifications.

The “Tools and Equipment” Section

Examiners love asking about tools. They want to know if you can tell the difference between similar items.

Question 2: State the difference between “Pinking Shears” and “Fabric Shears.”

• Worked Solution:
  1. Fabric Shears: These are heavy-duty scissors with long blades used strictly for cutting cloth in a straight, clean line.
  2. Pinking Shears: These have zigzag (saw-toothed) blades. They are used to finish raw edges of fabric to prevent fraying.

Question 3: List three uses of the “Seam Ripper.”

• Worked Solution:
  1. To open up mistakes in a seam.
  2. To cut open machine-made buttonholes.
  3. To remove unwanted basting (temporary) stitches.

Handling Process Questions (Step-by-Step)

When a question asks you to “Describe the process,” you must use numbers. It makes your answer easy for the examiner to mark.

Question 4: Describe the steps for applying a “Flat Collar” to a neckline.

• Worked Solution:
  1. Prepare the collar: Interline and sew the collar pieces together, then turn and press.
  2. Pinning: Place the collar on the right side of the garment neckline, matching the center back and notches.
  3. Basting: Tack the collar in place to ensure it doesn’t shift.
  4. Apply Facing: Place the neck facing over the collar and sew through all layers.
  5. Finishing: Clip the curves, turn the facing to the inside, and press it flat.

Teacher’s Tip: Always mention “Pressing” or “Ironing” in your steps. Examiners give extra marks for it!

Solving Business and Costing Problems

In the new SSCE syllabus, there is a lot of focus on the “Business” of fashion.

Question 5: A tailor sews a skirt. The fabric cost ₦3,000, thread and zip cost ₦500, and transport was ₦500. If the tailor wants to make a ₦2,000 profit, what is the final price?

• Worked Solution:
  1. Step 1: Calculate Total Cost. ₦3,000 (Fabric) + ₦500 (Notions) + ₦500 (Transport) = ₦4,000.
  2. Step 2: Add Profit. ₦4,000 (Cost) + ₦2,000 (Profit) = ₦6,000.
  3. Final Answer: The selling price is ₦6,000.

Teacher’s Tip: Show your workings! Even if your final math is a bit off, the examiner will give you marks for knowing the formula.

The “Why” Questions (Troubleshooting)

These questions test if you actually know how to use a sewing machine.

Question 6: Give three reasons why the upper thread might be breaking constantly.

• Worked Solution:
  1. The needle is inserted incorrectly (the flat side is facing the wrong way).
  2. The tension is too tight.
  3. The needle is blunt or bent.

Question 7: Why is it important to “stay-stitch” a curved neckline?

• Worked Solution: Stay-stitching is done to prevent the curved edge from stretching or losing its shape during the sewing process.

Summary for the Student: To pass the SSCE Theory, you don’t need to write long essays. You need to be accurate, use bullet points, and show that you understand the practical side of tailoring.