Textile Design

Surface Pattern Decoration/Domestic Textiler & Wallpaper

This qualification gives you the opportunity to explore a variety of textile techniques leading to the creation of a range of decorative surfaces, fabrics or garments.  Within textile design you will explore through the use of a varied media and methods.

In this specialism students must demonstrate the decorative use of:

• surface;

• colour;

• pattern;

In your work you must show the visual and tactile use of a variety of two-dimensional surfaces and materials.

You should demonstrate this response through markmaking, use of texture, block printing, stencils, resist and collage. You should show an understanding of scale and proportion when using pattern related to function. You can demonstrate this in a variety of personal or commercial applications including wrapping paper, wallpaper, laminates and other celebratory paperware.

Printed and Dyed Fabric & Materials

Students working in the printed application of this specialism are expected to demonstrate a range of techniques for transferring image to fabric, such as:

• block printing;

• direct screen printing;

• hand-cut stencil printing;

• exposure with light sensitive emulsions;

• transfer papers

You will be expected to show understanding of a variety of different media such as commercial fabric paints and crayons, dyes and fabric printing inks. You should also demonstrate an understanding of the commercial applications of printed textiles through repeat or spot pattern. You should consider the function/role of the fabric or fibre within the commercial design process.

Constructed Textiles

Within this specialism students must show a variety of constructed techniques such as:

• knit;

• weave;

• felt;

• embroidery;

• appliqué, using hand methods;

• appliqué using machine methods

You will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of both natural and synthetic yarns and how they can be employed through stitching, knotting, looping and also how the construction process can be extended though the use of supports.

You are also expected to demonstrate the use of various types of fabric, from calico to silk, in any of the following ways – stitch, folding, slashing, pleating,
fraying, gathering and quilting.

Fashion

Students in this specialism must show how fabric and fibres are used in a fashion context by demonstrating the use of a range of processes such as:

• garment construction;

• millinery;

• accessories;

• body adornment

You should show how fabric and fibres can be used in a decorative or functional way resulting in a fashion item or design. An understanding of the design process in both personal and commercial terms is required. You must also demonstrate how context plays a key role in the fashion design process.

Final pieces, or detailed sections, must be fully illustrated in a manner appropriate to the realisation of the design. Colour and fabric swatches demonstrate your understanding of pattern, scale and drape.