A-level Textile Design

Course Overview

AQA A Level Textiles is a two-year program designed for students who want to explore creativity and craftsmanship in textile-based art and design. Students experiment with surface design, fabric manipulation, stitch, print, embroidery, fashion, and textile construction. The course encourages personal expression, conceptual thinking, and the development of technical skills, while exploring both traditional and contemporary textile practices.

Course Structure

Component 1: Personal Investigation (60% of A Level)

A sustained project exploring a personal theme, concept, or design problem in textiles.

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (40% of A Level)

Response to an AQA-set theme released in February of Year 13.

Preparation Period: 8–12 weeks of research, experimentation, and development.

Timed Examination: 15-hour practical session creating final textile outcomes.

Assessment Focus:

AO1: Develop ideas through research into textile designers, artists, and cultural contexts.

AO2: Refine ideas through experimentation with materials, techniques, and processes.

AO3: Record ideas, observations, experiments, and reflections in sketchbooks or journals.

AO4: Produce a resolved final textile piece or series of outcomes.

Key Skills Developed

Practical Textile Techniques: Stitch, embroidery, weaving, fabric manipulation, print, appliqué, digital textile design, surface design, fashion and textile construction.

Creative Thinking: Conceptual development, visual problem-solving, and experimentation.

Research & Analysis: Studying historical and contemporary textile designers and artists.

Recording & Presentation: Developing sketchbooks, design journals, prototypes, and portfolios.

Personal Expression: Establishing a unique creative voice within textile design.

Five grade 5s in your GCSEs.

Next Steps:

AQA Textiles A Level prepares students for:

Higher Education: Degrees in Textile Design, Fashion, Surface Design, Costume Design, Fine Art, or Mixed Media.

Creative Careers: Textile designer, fashion designer, surface pattern designer, costume designer, upholsterer, textile artist, or craft professional.

Freelance Opportunities: Commissions, exhibitions, fashion collections, or surface design projects.

Higher Education – Textiles & Creative Degrees

Textile Design – Fashion textiles, interior fabrics, surface design

Fashion Design / Costume Design – Garment and costume creation

Surface Pattern / Mixed Media Design – Print, embroidery, experimental textiles

Fine Art / 3D Art – Installation, sculptural textiles, mixed media

Art & Design / Graphic Design – Combining textile work with visual communication

A portfolio showing experimentation, technical skill, and personal creative development is crucial for university applications.

Vocational or Further Education

Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3) – One-year course to strengthen a textile portfolio.

BTEC / NVQ in Textile or Fashion Design – Practical, career-focused courses.

Creative Apprenticeships – Studios, fashion houses, textile manufacturers, or galleries.

Employment in Creative Industries

Professional textile designer, fashion designer, or surface pattern designer

Costume or set designer

Upholstery, craft, or textile artist

Freelance work in fashion, design, or craft commissions

Developing Skills Independently

Freelance commissions or personal textile projects

Social media and online portfolio promotion

Short courses in digital textile design, embroidery, weaving, or printing techniques

Combining Textiles With Other Fields

Textiles + Fashion → Fashion Design or Costume

Textiles + Art → Mixed Media or Fine Art Installations

Textiles + Business → Textile Entrepreneurship or Design Management