Textile Designer

Typical Salary

£15,000 To £40,000

Typical Hours

40 to 42 a week

evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

How To Become a Textile Designer

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role

College / University

You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in textile design. Other useful subjects include:

fashion and textiles
art and design
textiles and surface design

a foundation diploma in art and design

1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

2 to 3 A levels, or equiva

You may be able to get into this career by studying for a college qualification like the Level 3 Diploma in Textile Design and Manufacture.

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You could specialise in technical textiles through a higher apprenticeship.

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

You could start work as a textile operative or design assistant, get relevant work experience and qualifications, and then move into textile design.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

design skills and knowledge
knowledge of engineering science and technology
the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
analytical thinking skills
persistence and determination
the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

In your day-to-day duties you may:

work with customers to understand what they want
produce sketches by hand or on a computer, using design software
make up samples for the customer
research design trends to decide what will sell
investigate new textiles made from sustainable materials
work with technical staff, marketing teams and retail buyers
keep up-to-date with developments in manufacturing technology

Working Environment

You could work at a manufacturing plant, in a creative studio or in an office.

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you could progress to a senior design position or work as a textiles production manager.

You could also move into part-time teaching, university research or set up your own business.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Career tips

You'll need to present a design portfolio when you're looking for work. You can also use your portfolio to make job applications to companies whose products match your style.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join The Textile Institute and The Textile Society for professional development training.

Further information

You can find out more about careers and training in textile design through the Crafts Council.

You can explore creative careers through Discover Creative Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.