This course follows the design process for the commercial production of textiles, from design brief and concept development to sampling and final manufacture. By tracking the evolution of a textile design from sketch, design brief, concept development, colour separation and printing onto fabric, you will develop your own designs for textiles. The course covers design for weave, stitch and print processes at studio and industry level, including professional presentation, colour ways and client requirements. The course will cover social, environmental and cultural influences that impact on design trends, forecasting and contemporary design.

The topics covered include the evolution of textile design, historical and cultural techniques for patterning cloth such as block printing and tapestry weaving; techniques used commercially including screen printing, roller printing and loom weaving; and the current emphasis on digital design development and direct digital printing onto fabric.

The course includes number of industry studio visits where you will meet textile designers working in the fashion, home ware and interior design sectors who will explain concept, briefs, design development and client relationships. These designers will show you their studios, discuss current projects and share sources of inspiration and ways of working. These visits offer an excellent insight into career possibilities in textile design.

This course and industry knowledge can be incorporated into to project work so that you understand the industry requirements, and experience responding to industry standard briefs for contemporary textile ranges.