What does a textile maker do?
Textile makers design and make textiles and textile products. They use a number of different methods in their work. Textile making may involve weaving, using a sewing machine or painting and dying textiles. They may also use textiles to create fine art objects or installations.
They use textiles including cotton, silk, linen and wool as well as man-made and synthetic textiles in their work. Textile makers can use a number of different techniques to add a unique quality to their work:
- They may make fabric from yarn, by weaving, knitting or felting
- Textile makers sometimes use dyes and stains to colour the textiles, or print patterns onto textile surfaces
- A worker may knit to produce a range of shapes and effects
- Silk painters use textiles to produce decorated or painted items such as scarves, cushions or panels.
Skills
You’ll need:
- know about the properties of raw materials used in this industry
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
- knowledge of physics, maths
- analytical thinking skills
- science skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
Qualifications
Degree courses
You might choose to study for a degree in:
- textile design
- textile science and technology
- materials science and engineering
You could do a postgraduate qualification in a subject like textiles technology, especially if your first degree is not related to textiles.
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels for a degree
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course