Textile Design Companies

Getting Started as a Textile Designer

Have you ever wondered who comes up with sweater patterns, your bedsheets print, or maybe why there are 100s of different types of curtains out there? Well, the person who takes care of making the different patterns, colors, prints, etc. is a textile designer. They are responsible for creating the various designs for apparel, bedding, and home designs among others.

There are many different aspects to textile design. While there are some who use hand designs in their work, especially for one-of-a-kind pieces, most textile designers work with high-end software and CAD programs to create and share their designs with clients. There are also various options as to the industry niches that someone interested in textile design can choose from, and many companies, varying from freelancers to large corporations.

Does this sound like an industry for you? Our experts say that the most rewarding thing is seeing their textile designs come to life and become actual clothing or already printed pieces. Take a look at what else is important within the industry by checking out this infographic.

What Kind of Education Do I Need to Become a Textile Designer?

It is often highly recommended that you take professional studies in textile design. The reason for this is the extensive use of technology when it comes to this industry. While some hand-design is important, most companies and designers will use software to create designs, as well as to make them available to clients. This means that to be successful, you will need in-depth technological knowledge.

If you already know that textile design is the specific career you would like to get into, it is probably a good idea to earn a degree that will teach you all about it. You may also want to focus on the type of textile design you are interested in; for example, fashion versus fabrics for other industries. This being said, you have other degree options. If you are not sure that this is what you’d like to specialize in, you can take any Fine Arts degree or fashion degree.

Your other option is to apprentice with a designer after learning some of the basics on your own by using tools available online, in books and by practicing. This is a good route as well, but will take a lot of self-discipline and patience. Remember, if you complete a degree, an apprenticeship might still be a good idea, since an expert in the industry can teach you a lot more than university classes about the hands-on side of the job.