Opportunities to use a needle and thread have decreased because the use of ready-made clothes has increased in popularity. Additionary, there is not a sufficient opportunity to study in clothing construction in homemaking courses. The fundamental sewing skills is meaningful in order to understand clothing structures. Thus, a new teaching method based on students' actual skills is required. Finger movement for straight hand stitching was analyzed, and the teaching method of needlework was investigated. Subjects were four students attending Shizuoka University who were tested on straight handstitching five times. Their techniques were evaluated from the viewpoint of thumb and index finger, seams made, and time required for the task. Results showed that methods of handling a needle and a cloth were not fully understood through reading printed information. On the other hand, handstitching skill was improved through individual guidance. Motion analysis showed that the placement of stitches was consistent after being given such an instruction.

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In this report, we clarified the structure and the characteristics of Life-Design Study that is being offered as a high school technical education. We also explained the content of a Life-Design Study. Our findings are summarized as follows; 1. Large differences in the number of credits earned in each course or type are noted among various high schools. In particular, credits on welfare, and home and life courses have decreased. 2. Differences in credits in each area in the technical subject are due to the variation of the subjects selected by each school. These subjects reflect the specialty and characteristics of the course. 3. A Life-Design Study contains the basic subjects that are taken by 1st to 3rd-year high school students. 4. Both the common subjects and the common fundamental subjects are included as basic subjects in Home-Economics, Life-Design Study and other related courses. 5. A Life-Design Study included mainly the basics of the fashion design as well as food, clothes, and home designing.

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