Textile A Level

A Level Textile Design is a dynamic and creative course that explores both traditional and contemporary textile practices. Students investigate surface pattern, fabric manipulation, fashion design, and textile art through a wide range of techniques including embroidery, printmaking, digital design, and mixed media.

The course encourages independent thinking, experimental making, and conceptual development, allowing each student to pursue their own personal direction within textiles—whether that be fashion, interiors, costume, or fine art-based work. The course is ideal for those interested in progressing to fashion design, textile design, costume, surface pattern, or applied arts at university or through creative apprenticeships

Induction Project: Students begin with an introductory unit that builds confidence in essential textile processes. This includes both digital tools (such as Photoshop for pattern design) and practical techniques like mark-making, hand embroidery, appliqué, and collage. The focus is on developing problem-solving skills and confidence through experimentation. Students respond to a design brief to create a mini collection or concept piece, incorporating research, sketching, and sampling.

Mixed Media Project: This project blends traditional textile techniques with digital processes. Students work in both the art studio and on-screen, exploring surface design through fabric manipulation, screen printing, stitching, and digital layering. Artist and designer research is used to inspire personal outcomes. Students are introduced to creative software and encouraged to combine methods to produce experimental and unique textile pieces.

Component 1: Personal Investigation: Spanning both Year 1 and Year 2, this major coursework project makes up 60% of the overall A Level grade. Students select a personal theme and develop it through research, sampling, and refinement, culminating in a final textile outcome and a written Critical and Contextual Study (1000–3000 words). Outcomes can include fashion design, installation work, textile art, costume, or interiors. Work is submitted in a digital and physical portfolio, with a strong emphasis on process, presentation, and originality.

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment: This unit is based on a list of starting points provided by AQA. Students select one and develop their own creative response, mirroring the structure of Component 1. The project concludes with a 15-hour timed practical exam, during which students produce a final outcome using the techniques and ideas developed in their preparatory work. This component contributes 40% to the overall A Level grade.

Coursework: 60%
Externally Set Assignment: 40%

This course is perfect for students who enjoy drawing, painting, or experimenting with mixed media. You don’t need to be an expert, but you should be curious about fabrics, garments, surface design, or costume—whether inspired by modern fashion, historical dress, or textile art. Above all, you should be visually curious and excited to explore materials hands-on.

By the end of the course, you’ll have built a rich and versatile portfolio that showcases both your technical skill and creative voice. This will support progression to fashion or textile-related degrees, foundation diplomas, or design apprenticeships. Many students use the course as a launchpad into careers in fashion, costume, interiors, or wider design industries, where originality and creative confidence are key to success.