Published Article

                                                                  ABSTRACT

This study explored the production of fabric from raffia fibre and the sensory evaluation of a baby’s dress constructed from the fabric. Raffia fibres were extracted, dyed, and woven into fabric, which was then used to create the baby’s dress. Sensory evaluation was conducted with 10 panelists to assess key attributes like softness, comfort, appearance, etc. The results showed that raffia fibres are strong and durable, making them suitable for structural applications. However, the woven fabric scored lower in terms of softness (5.1) and comfort (4.9). The sensory evaluation of the raffia dress revealed moderate ratings for appearance (7.1) and texture (5.9), but comfort was found lacking, indicating that raffia may be better suited for accessories or decorative items rather than garments meant for prolonged wear. Findings showed that there was no significant difference in the sensory evaluation of the baby’s dress produced from raffia fabric, was partially accepted. The study concluded that while raffia has potential in sustainable textile production, its limitations in softness and comfort suggest it is more suitable for decorative applications. It was recommended among others that raffia processors should blend raffia with softer fibres to enhance its viability in garment production. This research adds to the knowledge of eco-friendly textile alternatives in fashion.