Textile Design

You need Grade 4 or above in an arts or design based subject, OR

Bring a portfolio to enrolment that shows you have the skills and potential to succeed.

Portfolio checklist

You must bring 5 images showing your strongest work. Choose one of the following:

Your best work from the last year

Work from your GCSE Art & Design course

Your 5 best images from the summer task

These images should show creativity, skill, and how you explore ideas. Your portfolio can be digital or physical.

What You Could Include: Textile Design examples

Textile Design

Stitching or fabric manipulation

Printing, dyeing or batik

Textile illustrations or embroidery

Material or fibre experiments

Photos of finished textile or fashion outcomes

If you forget to bring a portfolio, you will need to complete a 45‑minute creative task during enrolment to secure your place on the course.

Year1

You’ll take part in a series of projects that introduce a wide range of textile techniques, including:

Collage

Screen and lino printing

Fabric dyeing

Appliqué

Machine and hand stitch

You’ll also use computer software to support the design process and develop ideas through research and sampling.

Year 2

You’ll choose your own area of study and set personal design briefs, building on the skills and experience gained in Year 1. You’ll work more independently to prepare for higher education or employment, with staff providing guidance and support as needed.

Students are also required to produce a written study about an artist or designer as part of their Personal Investigation.

Skills Developed

Creative and independent working

Textile experimentation and sampling

Research and idea development

Use of digital design tools

Evaluation and reflective thinking

The course is taught by specialist practitioners. Practical sessions are supported by demonstrations, theoretical background and critical studies to help you understand design decisions and contextual influences.

Assessment is entirely coursework‑based and completed over two units by the end of Year 2. Your work includes practical outcomes, development work and a written study.

Feedback is provided throughout the course to help refine ideas, improve technical skills and support creative development.

Specialist textile teaching spaces

Screen printing and printmaking facilities

Sewing machines and hand stitching equipment

Access to digital design software

Studio kit fee of £167.84 year 12, £63.85 year 13 - this kit has all the essentials needed to complete the course and must be purchased before the start of the course.

Bursary support covers the cost of this kit

Students may be required to cover the cost of materials and resources depending on the nature of their individual projects. Any additional costs will be discussed in advance to help students plan effectively.

Textile Design may be taken alongside Photography, Fine Art and Graphic Communication.

As creative subjects are practical and coursework‑intensive, workload should be carefully considered. Studying two creative subjects is permitted. Tutors will support students in choosing a balanced programme of study.

Textile Design A Level supports progression into:

Textile, Fashion or Design‑related degrees

Art Foundation courses

Creative apprenticeships

Pathways within fashion, interiors or applied textile industries

The portfolio developed during the course supports progression beyond college.

Enrichment opportunities support creative exploration and independent development. Students are encouraged to broaden their understanding of textile design through wider research, experimentation and personal projects.