Question 1

What is NCEA AS 91626 about?

Accepted Answer

In this standard, Year 13 students design and make a complete, custom-fitted paper pattern for a garment of their own design. You start by taking body measurements, use those to draft basic pattern blocks, then develop a full pattern that includes special design features (like pleats, princess seams, or yokes). You must test the pattern by making a toile or mock-up (a trial garment, usually in cheap fabric), refine the fit, and produce a pattern guide sheet that tells someone how to cut and sew the garment. It is internally assessed, meaning your teacher marks it.

Question 2

What do students need to do for AS 91626?

Accepted Answer

1. Take accurate body measurements of the person the garment is being made for 2. Draft basic pattern blocks (e.g. bodice, skirt, sleeve, or pants) using those measurements 3. Develop a full pattern from the blocks that includes at least one special design feature such as princess seams, pleats, gores, dart manipulation, or a yoke 4. Test the pattern by making a toile or mock-up in inexpensive fabric and checking the fit and style 5. Refine and adjust the pattern based on what the toile reveals 6. Create a pattern guide sheet that shows how to lay out the pattern pieces and gives a clear step-by-step order for construction, using correct symbols and language

Question 3

What's the difference between Achieved, Merit, and Excellence for AS 91626?

Accepted Answer

Achieved: You draft a pattern that goes through all the required steps — measurements, blocks, a pattern with special features, testing with a toile, and a guide sheet. The pattern works and the design is interpreted, even if there are some inaccuracies or the process needed a lot of teacher support. Merit: You work independently and with accuracy throughout the whole process. Your measurements, block drafting, and pattern development are precise, the toile shows a good fit and correct interpretation of the design, and your guide sheet is clear and well-presented. Excellence: You work in a way that is efficient — you manage your time, effort, and materials well throughout the whole project. The pattern is refined with minimal waste of time or fabric, decisions are made confidently, and the final result shows a high level of skill and planning from start to finish.

Question 4

What mistakes do students typically make in AS 91626?

Accepted Answer

1. Not taking accurate enough body measurements at the start, which causes fitting problems throughout the whole project 2. Drafting blocks that have errors and not catching or correcting them before moving on to pattern development 3. Not making a proper toile or mock-up, or making one but not actually using it to identify and fix fit or style problems 4. Failing to refine the pattern after the toile — just noting problems without making corrections to the pattern pieces 5. Producing a pattern guide sheet that is incomplete, unclear, or missing correct symbols, a layout diagram, or a logical construction order 6. Not showing enough independence — relying too heavily on teacher direction at each stage rather than making and justifying their own decisions

Pattern drafting

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