Textile Design for Fashion and Interiors

Textile Design for Fashion and Interiors is a dynamic and demanding course, aiming to create the designers and innovators of the future.

Work placements have included: Alexander McQueen, Bristol Old Vic Wardrobe Department, Nicole Farhi, Ted Baker, Karen Millen, Ben de Lisi, Museum of Costume Bath, Calvin Klein, Milena, Clarissa Hulse, Stella McCartney, Whiston and Wright, Karen Nicol, Chloe, Nina Ricci, Jessica Ogden and Dewhurst.

Specialist equipment includes: Laser cutting, computer print onto fabrics and wallpaper, industrial washing, dyeing and steaming equipment and a new dye lab.

Why study Textile Design for Fashion and Interiors?

The course allows you to develop as an individual. We are interested in all students developing their own interests for a career either as a designer, maker or textile artist.  

There is a strong emphasis on creativity underpinned by computer aided technologies, textile craft processes and professional practise.

Course structure

Year 1 of the course introduces you to the area of fashion and textiles through studio/workshop practise and theoretical study – you’ll learn techniques and skills in drawing, digital media, fabric dyeing, knit, print, weave or embroidery, fabric manipulation and sewing skills. You’ll also explore historical and critical studies.

Progressing into Year 2 you will be asked to specialise in a textile area – knit, print, weave or embroidery. You may choose to work in more than one area if you wish. You also choose whether to follow Surface Textile Design or Textile with Fashion modules.

Following the Surface Design modules you are able to develop your textiles designs for any area including fashion garments, accessories, furnishings, wallpaper, interior products, wall hangings, craft objects and art.

Following the Textiles with Fashion modules allows you to focus your textile designs for fashion. Workshops and taught sessions are also provided in the area of fashion design, pattern cutting, draping and construction.

During this year you have the opportunity to engage in live and industry projects, enter competitions where appropriate, exhibit your work both in a local gallery and undertake work placements.

In Year 3 you are encouraged to develop independently, and to think about and explore your future direction possibly with experience of exhibiting or work placement to further your individual direction. The final year culminates in a public exhibition. Students may also be selected to exhibit at the New Designers show in London.

Live Industry projects have been set by design houses such as Sam Pickard, New Look, Paperclip, Lewis and Lewis and Nicole Farhi and work placements undertaken at Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Calvin Klein, Ted Baker, Clarissa Hulse, Whiston and Wright, Karen Nicol, Milenaa, Chloé, Nicole Frhi, Jessica Ogden, Zandra Rhodes, Dewhurst, Tracy Kendall, Paperclip and the Fashion Museum, Bath.

Modules

Year 1

• Drawing
• Visual Research
• Digital Media
• Basic Materials
• Contextual Studies: Design Theory
• Design
• Introduction to Fashion and Pattern Cutting
• Introduction to Printed, Woven, Knitted, Felted and Embroidered Textiles
• Visiting Lecture Series

Year 2

• Drawing
• Visual Research
• Presentation Skills
• Fashion Design and Construction
• Contextual Studies
• Industry Projects

Year 3

Surface Design Route:

• Printed, Knitted, Woven or Embroidered Surface Design
• Professional Practice and Business Skills
• Dissertation
• Links with Industry
• Digital Media

Fashion Design Route:

• Fashion Design
• Fashion Presentation
• Production of Pre-Collection and Final Collection
• Dissertation

Course assessment

The course is delivered in a series of modules varying in length that are continuously assessed.

Facilities are superb, and include a purpose built digital textile workshop with equipment for inkjet printing, digital embroidery and laser and vinyl cutting. You will be taught by departmental staff who have strong reputations as practising professional designers or researchers, as well as an extensive range of visiting lecturers and a lively programme of visiting speakers and international visits.

Specialist equipment includes: Laser cutting, computer print onto fabrics and wallpaper, industrial washing, dyeing and steaming equipment and a new dye lab.

Teaching methods

• Visiting lecture programme: A lively programme of national and international speakers from a wide range of surface design interests is planned over the three year course. This is supported by a team of visiting lecturers for project based work representing all surface design skills.  Visiting speakers also represent the Contextual Studies course, providing a rich mix of knowledge across the course as a whole.
• Workshops: Throughout the course there is a strong emphasis on the importance of skills. Workshops are planned in all areas, in particular digital media.
• Seminars: Discussion groups are formed to discuss and debate issues of interest and to ensure students are well informed about current practice. Contextual Studies further supports this debate.
• Tutorials: You are given regular personal tutorials both in Main Studies and in Contextual Studies.
• Visits and links with industry: Throughout the course there are organised visits to exhibitions, industry and museums, both nationally and internationally.
• Work experience: Students will gain work experience where appropriate both nationally and internationally. Work placements have included: Alexander McQueen, Bristol Old Vic Wardrobe Department, Nicole Farhi, Ted Baker, Karen Millen, Ben de Lisi, Museum of Costume Bath, Calvin Klein, Milena, Clarissa Hulse, Stella McCartney, Whiston and Wright, Karen Nicol, Chloe, Nina Ricci, Jessica Ogden and Dewhurst.
• Exchange: International exchanges will be made where appropriate.

Application method

All full time applications are through UCAS

Course enquiries

For further information please contact Course Leader John Miles on j.miles@bathspa.ac.uk

Entry requirements

Satisfactory completion of A-levels and a Foundation Studies course in Art and Design or appropriate BTEC course.

All candidates are interviewed and selected primarily on their creative ability.

Career opportunities

• Surface design
• Textile design
• Knitwear
• Designer makers
• Textile artistFreelance design
• Buying, merchandising, production
• Promotion

What students say...

“I’m working as a self-employed designer, for example on commissions, exhibitions and trade shows. I thoroughly enjoyed my course. I really felt that we were allowed to develop in our own way, well supported – and pushed – by the tutors (who were fantastic, nothing was too much trouble), but free to develop individually. The course prepared me
very well for my career and the steep learning curve I’m on at the moment!”

Anna Glasbrook, graduated 2010