Textile designer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

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

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

Entry requirements:

• 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 equivalent, for a degree

College

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.

Entry requirements:

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

Apprenticeship

If you are interested in working with specialist technical textiles for industries like healthcare, manufacturing and construction, you could do a technical textile specialist higher apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

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

Work

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

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• design skills and knowledge
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• knowledge of textiles development and technology
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• persistence and determination
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to work on your own
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• active listening skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• operations analysis skills
• complex problem-solving skills
• maths skills
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Textile designers create fabric designs and patterns for woven, knitted and printed materials for clothes and interior furnishings.

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

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

Salary:

Starter : £18,000
Experienced : £40,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

40 - 42 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

Career Path:

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.