Hand-Stitching Competency and Machine-Sewing Proficiency Among Garment Technology Students in Philippine Technical-Vocational Education: A Correlational Study

This study employed a quantitative correlational research design to examine the relationship between hand-stitching competency, machine-sewing proficiency, and academic performance among 102 garment technology students selected through purposive sampling at Bitoon National Vocational High School, Philippines. Students' technical competencies were assessed across key dimensions of hand- and machine-sewing skills, while academic performance was measured using teacher assessment scores. Descriptive findings indicated that the respondents demonstrated high proficiency in safety practices and basic machine operation but encountered difficulties in freehand precision and high-speed sewing. Moreover, 72.5% of the students reported having no access to sewing equipment at home, highlighting a limitation in opportunities for skills practice. Spearman's rho analysis revealed statistically significant positive relationships between hand-stitching competency and academic performance (rs = .420, p < .001), machine-sewing proficiency and academic performance (rs = .433, p < .001), and hand-stitching competency and machine-sewing proficiency, with the strongest association observed between hand-stitching tension control and machine speed control (rs = .636, p < .001). The findings indicate that stronger manual sewing skills are associated with higher machine-sewing proficiency and better academic performance. The study recommends strengthening technical-vocational garment instruction through structured hand-stitching practice, expanded access to sewing facilities, and supervised laboratory sessions to improve students' manual dexterity, machine-sewing performance, and overall learning outcomes.