A well textile designers is creative vision of what a finished textile will look like with a deep knowledge of the technical facets of production and the properties of fiber, yarn, and dyes. Designs for both woven and broadcast textiles regularly start with a drawing or watercolor sketch of the completed design. Historically , drawings of woven textile patterns were interpreted onto special kinds of graph paper called point papers which were employed by the weavers in setting up their looms.

Textile Design is an enjoyable and challenging area which includes a good range of creative disciplines from furnishing fabric design, interior artefacts, wall coverings, fashion fabrics and accessories through present wrap and card design. The program is staffed by practising designers, all with a wide spread of expertise in Textile and Surface Decoration.Working in both business and non-industrial locations, they regularly specialise, or work in a consultant context, inside the textile industry.

The 2 major fields are :

* interiors ( upholstery, soft furniture and carpets )
* fabrics for clothing ( fashion or specialist, e.g. Fire-proof ).

Textile designers might also work in associated industry functions, as an example, planning wrapping paper, packing, greetings cards and ceramics. Many textile designers are self employed, while others work as a part of a design team.

Classic work activities Everyday work activities include :

* liaising with clients and technical, selling and purchasing staff to plan and develop designs
* producing sketches, worked-up designs and samples for display to consumers
* making up sets of sample designs
* working out design formulae for a bunch of samples
* considering and approving completed items and production standards
* working independently, if self employed, or liaising closely with co-workers as an element of a little team
* using consultant software and computer-aided design ( CAD ) programs to develop a selection of designs
* messing with color, fabric and texture
* maintaining recent understanding of new design and production methodologies and textile technology
* developing new design ideas
* making certain that projects are finished on time
* visiting sites and alternative sources of concepts for designs
* sourcing fabrics and other materials at trade carnivals, markets and antique shops
* keeping recent and spotting fashion trends in fabric design by reading forecasts in trade magazines and using net resources
* developing a net of business contacts
* if self-employed, handling promoting and PR, finances and everyday business activities and maintaining web sites.