Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v3 - Senior Secondary 3
Minimum requirements for setting up a garment making business
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Nigeria 2025 app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Minimum requirements for setting up a garment making business
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Nigeria 2025 app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Garment Making
Class: Senior Secondary 3
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 4
Theme: Setting Up A Garment Making Business
This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.
For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.
Students should beable to state the minimumrequirements for starting up a garmentmaking business. estimate the cost of the basic requirementse.g. to ols and equipment, etc.
Introduction to Garment Making Business: A garment making business involves the design, cutting, sewing, and finishing of clothing items for individuals or mass production. It can range from a small home-based tailoring service to a large-scale apparel manufacturing unit. For beginners, the focus is typically on providing bespoke (custom-made) clothing or small batch production. Minimum Requirements for Setting Up a Garment Making Business:
1. Skills and Knowledge: Core Garment Making Skills: Proficiency in pattern drafting, cutting techniques, various sewing machine operations, hand sewing, garment construction, and finishing techniques (e.g., hemming, buttonholes, zipper insertion).
Fabric Knowledge: Understanding different fabric types, their properties, suitable uses, and care instructions.
Basic Business Acumen: Understanding customer service, basic marketing, record-keeping, and financial management.
2. Tools and Equipment: These are the physical assets required for production.
Sewing Machine: Manual (Treadle)
Sewing Machine: Operated by foot pedal. Durable, requires no electricity, ideal for remote areas or initial low budget.
Estimated Cost: ₦30,000 – ₦70,000 Electric Domestic Sewing Machine: Powered by electricity, faster and more convenient for various stitches. Requires stable power supply.
Estimated Cost: ₦70,000 – ₦150,000 Industrial Straight Stitch Machine: High speed, robust, and designed for heavy-duty use. Essential for higher volume production.
Estimated Cost: ₦150,000 – ₦300,000+ Cutting Tools: Tailor's Scissors/Shears: Essential for cutting fabric. At least two pairs (one for fabric only, one for paper patterns).
Pinking Shears: For finishing seam allowances to prevent fraying (optional but recommended).
Rotary Cutter and Mat: For precise, quick cutting of multiple layers (optional for beginners).
Estimated Cost (Scissors/Shears): ₦5,000 – ₦15,000 Measuring Tools: Tape Measure: Flexible, 60 inches (150 cm) for body measurements and fabric marking.
Rulers: Straight ruler (e.g., 24-inch or 60 cm), L-square ruler, French curve for pattern drafting. Estimated Cost (Tape Measure & Basic Rulers): ₦2,000 – ₦5,000 Marking Tools: Tailor's Chalk: For marking lines on fabric.
Fabric Marker: Water-soluble or air-erasable markers.
Tracing Wheel and Tracing Paper: For transferring pattern markings.
Estimated Cost: ₦1,000 – ₦3,000 Pressing Tools: Electric Iron: For pressing seams and finishing garments.
Ironing Board: Provides a stable surface for pressing.
Pressing Cloth: Protects fabric from scorching.
Estimated Cost (Iron & Board): ₦10,000 – ₦30,000 Small Tools and Notions: Hand Sewing Needles: Various sizes.
Pins and Pin Cushion: For holding fabric pieces together.
Thimble: Protects finger during hand sewing.
Seam Ripper: For undoing stitches.
Thread Cutter/Snipper: Small scissors for cutting threads.
Estimated Cost (Assorted small tools): ₦3,000 – ₦8,000
3. Materials/Supplies (Initial Stock): Threads: Assorted colours and types (polyester, cotton) to match fabrics.
Fabrics: Small quantities of common fabrics (e.g., cotton, Ankara, plain suiting) for initial projects or samples. Zippers, Buttons, Interfacings, Elastics: Basic notions required for garment construction.
Pattern Paper/Oaktag: For drafting and storing patterns.
Estimated Cost (Initial stock): ₦20,000 – ₦50,000 (highly dependent on scale)
4. Work Space/Location: Home-Based: Utilizing a dedicated space within one's home. Low overhead, but may lack professional appeal.
Shared Space: Renting a section of a larger workshop or fashion hub. Cost-effective, offers networking opportunities.
Dedicated Shop/Studio: A rented commercial space. Provides professionalism, visibility, but higher overhead costs. Estimated Rent (Small shop/shared space, monthly): ₦10,000 – ₦50,000 (highly variable by location in Nigeria, e.g., urban vs. rural, market area)
5. Capital/Funding: Startup Capital: Funds required to purchase tools, equipment, initial materials, and pay rent/deposits.
Working Capital: Funds for day-to-day operations (e.g., purchasing new materials, transportation, minor repairs, salaries if applicable) until the business generates consistent income. Total Initial Estimated Capital (for a very basic start-up): ₦150,000 – ₦500,000 (this includes initial tools, materials, and a few months' operational costs, depending on equipment choice and rent).
6. Legal and Administrative Requirements: Business Registration: Registering the business name with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is crucial for legitimacy and accessing financial services.
Local Government Permits/Licenses: May be required depending on the local council for operating a business within their jurisdiction. * Bank Account: A separate business bank account salaries if applicable) until the business generates consistent income. Total Initial Estimated Capital (for a very basic start-up): ₦150,000 – ₦500,000 (this includes initial tools, materials, and a few months' operational costs, depending on equipment choice and rent).
6. Legal and Administrative Requirements: Business Registration: Registering the business name with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is crucial for legitimacy and accessing financial services.
Local Government Permits/Licenses: May be required depending on the local council for operating a business within their jurisdiction.
Bank Account: A separate business bank account for financial transactions. Estimated Cost (CAC Business Name Registration): ₦20,000 – ₦50,000 (can vary based on agent fees).
7. Marketing and Clientele: Word-of-Mouth: Satisfied customers recommending the business.
Social Media Presence: Using platforms like Instagram, Facebook to showcase designs.
Local Networking: Attending local markets, community events to connect with potential clients.
Samples/Portfolio: Having finished garments or designs to show potential customers. Example Cost Estimation Breakdown (for a basic home-based startup in a moderate Nigerian city): Manual Sewing Machine: ₦50,000 Tailor's Shears (2 pairs): ₦10,000 Tape Measure & Basic Rulers: ₦3,000 Tailor's Chalk & Markers: ₦2,000 Electric Iron & Ironing Board: ₦20,000 Assorted Small Tools (pins, needles, seam ripper, etc.): ₦5,000 Initial Stock of Threads, Zippers, Buttons, Fabric scraps: ₦30,000 CAC Business Name Registration: ₦30,000 Total Estimated Initial Capital: ₦150,000
Note: This does not include rent if home-based, or working capital for subsequent material purchases or unforeseen expenses. Emphasize that costs are estimates and vary significantly based on location, brand, new vs. fairly used, and market conditions in Nigeria.
Phase 1: Introduction and Brainstorming (15 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Engage students by asking what they think someone needs to start any business, then narrow down to a tailoring/garment business.
Introduce the topic: "Minimum requirements for setting up a garment making business." Write student suggestions on the board, categorizing them as they come.
Student Activity: Participate in a whole-class brainstorming session, listing items they believe are essential to start a garment making business. Students may mention tools, space, money, skills, etc.
Phase 2: Detailed Explanation of Requirements (25 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Systematically explain each category of minimum requirements (Skills, Tools, Materials, Space, Capital, Legal, Marketing) as outlined in the "Key Concepts and Explanations" section. For each category, provide specific examples relevant to garment making. Show images or actual samples of basic tools and equipment (e.g., different types of sewing machines, cutting shears, tailor's chalk, tape measure) if available. Emphasize the minimum aspect – starting small and scaling up. Introduce the concept of cost estimation for each item, explaining that prices vary.
Student Activity: Listen attentively, take notes, and ask clarifying questions about the different requirements. Observe samples/images of tools and equipment. Discuss the importance of each requirement for a successful start.
Phase 3: Cost Estimation Activity (25 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group). Provide each group with a list of key items (e.g., manual sewing machine, tailor's scissors, tape measure, iron, initial fabric/thread stock, business registration). Instruct groups to brainstorm and estimate a realistic cost range for each item in Naira, considering their local market context. Guide groups in summing up their estimated initial capital. Circulate among groups, providing guidance and correcting misconceptions about pricing.
Student Activity: In groups, discuss and estimate the cost for each listed item. Collaborate to calculate the total estimated minimum capital needed. Prepare to present their group's findings to the class.
Phase 4: Group Presentation and Class Discussion (15 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Invite each group to present their estimated costs and total initial capital. Facilitate a class discussion comparing the different estimates, explaining why variations might occur (e.g., brand, new vs. fairly used, location). Summarize the common findings and reinforce the idea of starting with basic, affordable options.
Student Activity: Each group presents their estimated costs. Participate in a class discussion, comparing estimates and understanding factors influencing cost.
Phase 5: Conclusion and Homework (5 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Briefly review the key minimum requirements and the importance of accurate cost estimation. Assign independent practice questions as homework.
Student Activity: Note down key takeaways. Record homework assignments. The teacher should guide students through these questions after the detailed explanation of requirements and initial cost estimations.
Question: List any three essential tools or equipment required to start a basic garment making business.
Solution: Sewing Machine (e.g., Manual or Electric) Tailor's Scissors/Shears Tape Measure
Commentary: These are fundamental for any sewing operation. Other valid answers include iron, ironing board, pins, needles.
Question: Estimate the current market cost of a new manual (treadle) sewing machine in your locality.
Solution: (Teacher provides a realistic range based on current market survey, e.g.) A new manual (treadle) sewing machine typically costs between ₦35,000 and ₦60,000, depending on the brand and vendor.
Commentary: Emphasize that prices are subject to change and vary by location and vendor. Students should aim for a reasonable estimate within this range.
Question: Besides tools and equipment, what other critical requirements must a prospective garment entrepreneur possess to succeed? Name two.
Solution: Skills and Knowledge: Proficiency in sewing, pattern drafting, fabric knowledge.
Capital/Funding: Initial startup capital for purchasing items and working capital for operations. (Other valid answers include: a dedicated workspace, business registration, marketing strategy, good customer service skills).
Commentary: Remind students that physical items alone are not enough; skills and financial backing are equally vital.
Question: If a small shop space is rented for ₦15,000 per month, what would be the total rent cost for the first three months of operation?
Solution: Total rent cost = ₦15,000/month × 3 months = ₦45,
0
0
0. Commentary: This helps students understand recurring costs and the need for working capital beyond initial setup.
Question: A beginner garment maker decides to purchase a manual sewing machine (₦50,000), a set of shears (₦8,000), a tape measure (₦2,000), and an iron with a board (₦18,000). What is the total estimated cost for these basic tools?
Solution: Total cost = ₦50,000 + ₦8,000 + ₦2,000 + ₦18,000 = ₦78,
0
0
0. Commentary: This directly assesses the ability to sum up estimated costs for basic items.
Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment: This lesson directly prepares students for potential self-employment. By understanding the minimum requirements, they can begin planning their own small businesses, reducing youth unemployment in Nigeria. This empowers them to be job creators rather than job seekers.
Local Fashion Industry Development: Knowledge of setting up a garment business enables students to contribute to the growth of Nigeria's local fashion industry. They can produce clothing for the local market, create unique Nigerian-inspired designs, and potentially reduce reliance on imported garments, thereby strengthening the national economy.
Community Service and Skill Transfer: Students can apply their knowledge to offer tailoring services within their communities, addressing local needs for clothing, repairs, and custom wear. As their businesses grow, they can also train apprentices, passing on valuable skills and creating further employment opportunities within their communities.