Career outlook for textile designer
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
£27,040
Currently employed in Scotland
5,500
Average UK salary
£27,040
Currently employed in Scotland
5,500
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures.
Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would create designs and patterns for woven, knitted and printed fabrics used to make products such as clothes and furniture.
You would:
- Make sketches by hand or on computer, using computer aided design (CAD) software
- Adjust designs until they meet customers' requirements
- Make up samples or have them made by technicians
- Research design trends to decide what is likely to sell
- Work closely with colleagues as part of a design team
- Meet with clients and technical, marketing and buying staff
- Keep up to date with developments in manufacturing technology
You could work for a manufacturing, retail or design company. You could also choose to freelance.
As a freelance designer you would normally split your time between designing and marketing your work. You may also need to supplement your income with other types of work, such as teaching.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
52%
Part-time
13%
Self employed
35%
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Discover my routeTop skills
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- Cooperating
- Verbal communication
- Working with technology
- Creative
- Designing
- Evaluating
- Researching
- Attention to detail
- Taking initiative
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Qualifications
Most textile designers have a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in textiles, fashion or art and design.
Some have a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) in this area.
You can enter a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
To enter a degree (SCFQ level 9/10) requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
Useful subjects
- English (required by many courses)
- Art and design (required by many courses)
- Maths
- Fashion and textile technologies.
- Other design-centred subjects
- Social studies subjects
You will also need
A portfolio of your work when applying to courses and to jobs.
Helpful to have
Qualifications that show creative and practical craft skills and industry knowledge such as Skills for Work Creative Industries (SCFQ level 5)
Work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Fashion & Textiles (SVQ levels 1 to 3) may also be of value.
It is possible to progress from a textile operative or textile design assistant role, usually after entering with a relevant National Certificate or Higher National Certificate.
Related industries
