Home|Courses|A Levels|Textile Design

Textile Design

Exam Board: AQA

Aims

The aims of the course are as follows:

  • awareness of the elements of textile design, such as shape, line, scale, colour, texture, pattern, contrast and/or repetition in relation to the chosen area(s) of textile design.
  • awareness of intended audience or purpose for students’ chosen area(s) of textile design.
  • ability to respond to an issue, concept or idea, working to a brief or answering a need in the chosen area(s) of textile design.
  • appreciation of the relationship of form and function and, where applicable, the constraints of working to a brief.
  • understanding of a variety of textile methods, such as: fabric printing, mono-printing, relief printing, screen printing and laser printing; tie-dye and batik; spraying and transfer; fabric construction; stitching, appliqué, patchwork, padding, quilting and embroidery.

Entry Requirements

Students should have Grade 4 or higher in GCSE English, or the equivalent grade/mark in their national system of secondary education and Grade 6 in GCSE Art or equivalent drawing and painting ability.

Course Structure

Year 1

  • Students are introduced to a wide range of textile techniques which might include: exploring stitching to enrich the surface through hand and machine embroidery, variety of print techniques, applied fabrics, appliqué, weaving, quilting, photo-reactive surfaces, devoré, batik, tie dye and space dyeing, laser cutting, felting, pleating.
  • Students explore a range of materials such as: fabrics, mixed media, recycled materials, plastics, papers, resistant materials.
  • Students are introduced to research techniques and use critical and contextual analysis to support the development of ideas.
  • Throughout the course students should learn how to use a sketchbook effectively and select and present their work.
  • Written analysis for a personal art project of between 1,000 – 3,000 words with artwork.

Year 2

  • Completed personal art work project.
  • Exam project

Assessment

  • Personal project with written work.
  • Exam project.

Careers and Opportunities

The elements of the Textile Design course give students the opportunity to decide whether they would like to pursue a career in garment and textile export houses, textile and fabric manufacturing, branded fashion showrooms, television and film industry, stylist, boutiques, retail chains and knit-wear design.

Enquiry Form
College Life
Important Announcement

Richard Lewis and Alistair Wardell were appointed as joint administrators of Padworth College Limited on 30 June 2025.

In the days prior to our appointment the directors had notified parents, guardians, agents and staff that the school was ceasing to trade.

If you are a creditor, you will shortly receive formal notification from the Joint Administrators of their appointment with details of how to claim the amounts you are owed. Please let us know if you have not heard from us by 18 July 2025.

If you have any queries, please send them via email to cmusupport@uk.gt.com.

The affairs, business and property of the Company are being managed by the Joint Administrators who act as agents of the Company and without personal liability. Richard Lewis and Alistair Wardell are authorised by the Insolvency Practitioners Association to act as insolvency practitioners.