Textile Designer

OFO No:

What is a Textile Designer?

Textile Designers create 2-D designs (often as a repeat design) for the production of printed fabrics, knits, weaves, carpets and or other textile products.

Most Textile Designers specialise in a particular industry.

The two major fields are:

• interiors (upholstery, soft furnishings, carpets, wall papers etc)
• fabrics for clothing (fashion etc)

What does a Textile Designer do?

• researches and keeps up-to-date with fashion and market trends
• talks with clients and technical staff to discuss design trends
• understands clients’ ideas
• plans and develops new designs
• produces sketches and mock-ups to present to clients
• works with software and computer-aided design (CAD) programs
• experiments with colour, fabric and texture
• researches new production techniques and textile technology
• meets deadlines
• attends trade fairs
• represents the company at a trade show

Are you … ?

• creative and confident?
• a passion for fashion?
• excited by colour and pattern?
• a person with good drawing skills?
• neat?
• able to work on a team?
• a person with good communicative skills?
• hard working?
• able to work under pressure and meet deadlines?

How do I become a Textile Designer?

PATH 1

At most universities of technology you can study a:

National Diploma in Textile Design & Technology

National Diploma in Surface Design

PATH 2

After you have completed your National Diploma you can further your studies with a

Bachelor of Technology (BTech) 

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Fashion Designer … or … Interior Designer

Is becoming a Textile Designer the right career choice for me?