Textiles

What You Will Learn About:  

• Fabric manipulation techniques, including pleating, folding, and stitching, to create textured and dynamic designs.  

• Dyeing and printing methods to add colour, pattern, and depth to your textile creations.  

• The relationship between Textile Design and Fashion, exploring how textiles shape the fashion industry.  

• The development of a personal creative portfolio, showcasing your skills, style, and unique approach to design.  

If you’re excited by the possibilities of working with fabrics and want to push the boundaries of design, this course will help you unlock your full creative potential and prepare you for further study or a career in fashion and textile arts.  

Course Content & Assessment

Component 1: Personal Investigation 

60% of A Level – Coursework  

Key Focus: 

• This component is all about exploring your own ideas through practical work, supported by written material (1000-3000 words). 

• You will investigate a theme, issue, concept, or idea of your choice and develop your research into a finished Textiles outcome or a series of related outcomes. 

• This investigation should be a detailed, coherent study that shows how you’ve developed your ideas from the beginning to the final piece. 

• You’ll also research and explore themes and artists, attending gallery visits and studying both contemporary and traditional Textile artists to inspire your work. 

 

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment 

40% of A Level – Response to Externally Set Title (Timed, 15 hours) 

Key Focus: 

• For this component, you’ll choose a design brief set by the examination board. 

• You’ll have several weeks to research and develop your ideas in response to the chosen brief. It’s important to thoroughly investigate and refine your concept before moving forward. 

• The final part of the assessment is a 15-hour timed and supervised period, where you will create your final piece based on the research and planning you have done. 

Teaching

In Textile Design, lessons are designed to be engaging and hands-on, helping you develop both your technical and creative skills. The course is split into two key units, each with its own focus:  

• Unit 1 will expand your understanding of Materials, Components, and Manufacturing Processes. Using sketchbooks, online resources, and practical demonstrations, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to experiment with different textiles and techniques. You’ll develop a strong foundation in textile construction and production processes.  

• Unit 2 will focus on enhancing your creativity and your ability to communicate design ideas both verbally and graphically. You’ll work more independently, applying the skills you’ve learned to express your unique design vision.  

Throughout both units, you’ll be encouraged to work creatively and problem-solve independently. Whether you’re working on design sketches or experimenting with fabric manipulation, the course will support you in developing a confident, individual approach to your work. This combination of creativity and practical problem-solving is central to your progress as a designer.  

Your Future

This course is perfect for creative and innovative students with a passion for Fashion, Costume Design, Interior Design, and Textiles Art. Whether you’re interested in Digital Textiles or Constructed Textiles, this course will help you build a solid portfolio that can open doors to a variety of future opportunities.  

After completing the course, you’ll be ready to specialise on a degree course of your choice. Possible career paths include becoming a Fashion Designer, Interior Designer, or pursuing roles in related fields such as textile design, costume design, and art direction.  

With a strong foundation in creative design and practical textile skills, this course sets you up for further study or entry into the exciting world of design.  

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