Textile Design BA
Study of fabric design, surface pattern, materials, and processes, combining creativity, technical skill, and visual research to design textiles for fashion, interiors, and products.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Enjoy working with fabrics and materials
Are creative and detail-oriented
Like patterns, textures, and colour
Want a career in textiles or fashion
Enjoy practical design work
Popular Career Fields
Fashion & Textiles
Creative & Design Industries
Manufacturing & Production
Retail & Commercial Design
Your Personality Might Be:
Pattern thinker
Creative & Design Industries
Colour-sensitive
Innovation-focused
What is it?
What is Textile Design?
Textile Design focuses on the creation and development of fabrics and surface designs for a wide range of applications, including fashion, interiors, upholstery, and product design.
You’ll explore colour, pattern, texture, and material innovation, learning how textiles are designed, constructed, printed, woven, knitted, embroidered, and digitally produced.
The degree balances creative experimentation with technical understanding and industry awareness.
It is ideal for students who enjoy hands-on making, visual research, and working with materials.
Why study Textile Design?
If you are interested in fabric, pattern, and material innovation, this degree offers both creative freedom and practical skills.
It helps you understand:
How textiles are designed for aesthetic and functional purposes
Traditional and digital textile techniques
The role of textiles in fashion, interiors, and product design
Sustainability, ethical production, and material sourcing
How creative ideas are developed into professional outcomes
Textile Design graduates are well prepared for creative industries and self-employed practice.
Course Summary
Study of fabric design, surface pattern, materials, and processes, combining creativity, technical skill, and visual research to design textiles for fashion, interiors, and products.
What you'll study
Most Textile Design degrees cover topics such as:
Surface pattern and colour design
Weaving, knitting, and embroidery techniques
Printmaking and digital textile printing
Material experimentation and fabric development
Design research and concept development
Sustainable and ethical textile practices
Skills You'll Gain
A Textile Design degree helps you build both technical and creative skills, including:
Creative and material exploration – enabling you to experiment confidently with colour, pattern, and texture.
Technical textile skills – helping you use traditional and digital textile processes effectively.
Visual research and concept development – supporting strong, original design ideas.
Professional presentation and portfolio skills – preparing work for industry or freelance practice.
Project planning and independent working – equipping you to manage creative projects from concept to completion.
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Graduates pursue careers in:
Textile design for fashion or interiors
Surface pattern or print design
Fabric development and material innovation
Product and homeware design
Sustainable and ethical textile consultancy
Freelance or self-employed design practice
Work Experiences & Placements
Many Textile Design degrees encourage students to gain industry experience during their studies.
Some courses offer optional placement years, live industry briefs, or short internships, while others support students in securing experience independently.
Typical opportunities include:
Textile studios or design houses
Fashion, interiors, or homeware brands
Print studios and digital textile companies
Craft, heritage, or artisan workshops
Freelance assisting or studio support roles
Universities often support placements through careers services, industry partnerships, and alumni networks.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels (or equivalent) in any subjects - Art, Design, or Textiles at A-level or BTEC is helpful but not always required.
Personal Statement Tips
Show enthusiasm for textiles, materials, and design.
Discuss your creative interests and influences.
Mention any relevant making, craft, or design experience.
Highlight curiosity, experimentation, and visual thinking.
What to do Next
Build a portfolio showing textile experimentation and design ideas.
Explore traditional and digital textile techniques.
Visit exhibitions, fabric shows, or design museums.
Research universities with strong studio facilities and industry links.
Wider Reading
Textiles: The Whole Story – Beverly Gordon
A comprehensive exploration of textiles across history, culture, and design.The Textile Reader – Jessica Hemmings
An insightful collection of essays on contemporary textile practice.Pattern Design – Lewis F. Day
A classic text on creating effective and enduring patterns.Designing Textiles for Interiors – Emily Baines
A practical guide to designing textiles for interior and product contexts.Sustainable Textiles – Richard Blackburn
An essential read on ethical and sustainable textile design and production.