Textile design functions as the backbone of the fashion industry by cultivating raw material into that which can be utilised in fashion design. Textile design helps create mediums through fabric or fibre through which the art of fashion can be expressed. This essentially conveys the gist of what is textile design. To enter into this career, there usually is a requirement to complete a textile design course. Textile design salary in India ranges from Rs. 1.8 LPA - Rs. 4.1 LPA when starting out, but can reach Rs. 15 LPA or more for senior professionals in the job.
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There are multiple textile design career options available to candidates who manage to acquire a degree in textile design, such as Textile Print Designer, Colorist, Textile CAD Operator, Production Co-ordinator, Quality Control Manager and more. Entry level jobs in textile design may not pay much, but that can change with experience and seniority in the role.
Moving further, the question of what is textile design can be looked into even further. We can look into the textile design definition which refers to it as the creation and development of patterns, structures, and textures for woven, knitted, or printed fabrics. It involves both surface design (like print and dye techniques) and structural design (like weaving or knitting methods). The textile design definition is essentially a combination of the following:
Aesthetic appeal (color, pattern, texture)
Functional requirements (durability, comfort, purpose)
Technical precision (material science, fabrication methods)
Textile Designers work closely with fashion houses, interior decorators, and industries like sportswear or automotive industries to bring fabric concepts to life.
In an introduction to textile design we can trace back roots to old methods of textile design in India, for instance Kalamkari designs. With the growth of global market, not only is Indian textile design sought after, but so are the textile designs of several other cultures which create a fusion of multiple styles. The use of technology in the textile design process has resulted in a three-fold system of textile design:
Traditional handcraft techniques (embroidery, block printing)
Digital design and textile CAD software
Sustainable and eco-friendly material innovation
The textile design process is an iterative process that commences with a step by step process. This covers the role of textile designers in creating designs which are later used in drawing up fashion trends. The process stated below clarifies what does a textile designer do:
Designers begin by looking at trends, mood boards or take necessary inspiration from around them while keeping in mind the consumer demand and brand identity
The ideas are then sketched manually or digitally using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop or NedGraphics which directs the impact of digital tools on textile design. Depending on the textile, they then prepare the designs, motifs or patterns, the fabric structure and the colors and materials.
The sampling and prototype stage follows next with samples being generated via screen printing, digital printing or loom weaving. Communication with the client is vital in the stage to see if the approval for the design comes through.
Production follows next and is based on the volume sought by the client and is then followed by Quality check and finishing.
The different techniques of textile design that comes through is generally labelled as given below
Printed Textile Design
Block Printing (for traditional designs)
Screen Printing (Vibrant and layered options)
Digital Printing (Fast and precise)
Woven Textile process using looms
Embroidered or surface embellishment with applique or sequin work
Knitted textile designs with looping yarns
These constitute the gist of the majority of types of textile design. The use of these different techniques in textile design helps create an extensive collection of outfits that are meant for different occasions. The importance of textile design in modern fashion lies in its ability to merge creativity with functionality. When judging what is textile design in fashion, it defines fabric aesthetics, texture, and performance, influencing garment appeal and innovation.
And when considering how is textile design used in fashion, the utilisation of sustainable materials to digital prints, textile design shapes trends, and enhanced wearability, drives the evolution of contemporary fashion globally.
Entering into the textile design industry can be done with individual skill but, having an undergraduate or postgraduate degree can help open doors in the textile design world. A textile design course usually covers the following parts of study:
Fabric Construction
Design elements and principles
Basics of Garment Making
Garment Production Management
Computer applications in Fashion industry
Pattern grading and draping
Bio-textiles and textile chemistry
These make up the bulk of the initial study of a textile design course in India. This leads to our next objective where we aim to determine some of the popular colleges and institutes where candidates can apply for textile design courses.
| Textile Design Colleges in India | Textile Design Courses and Fees | |
|---|---|---|
For individuals interested in the Textile Design Admission Process 2025, the method has remained the same over the years. The process to seek admission is either done through entrance examinations or by merit.
Check application requirements and deadlines for various colleges.
Register and appear for required entrance exams (e.g., NIFT, NID, AIEED, UCEED).
Save your application details and monitor exam notifications.
Clear the entrance exam and attend the portfolio and interview round.
Shortlisted candidates attend the counselling round (if applicable).
Pay the entrance fee to confirm admission.
Fill out the online application form.
Pay the registration fee and additional charges (if applicable).
Shortlisted candidates attend interviews or counselling.
Submit required documents and fees to confirm admission.
Based on all the educational processes we can look at the possibility as to why pursue a Textile Design Course in the Indian industry. The reasons primary appeal to the importance of textile design in modern fashion:
Creative expression by blending art and design to create unique fabrics and patterns.
Growing demand in the fashion and interior design industries that also promises sizable income.
Versatile careers as a fashion designer, textile researcher, or product developer.
Sustainability being in focus promotes eco-friendly, sustainable textiles.
Cutting-edge technologies that lean into digital printing and CAD techniques.
Cultural heritage that explores traditional textile techniques like block printing and embroidery.
Global opportunities to work with international brands or in global fashion capitals.
Also Read: Top Graphic Design Tools for Creative Professionals
Looking for career opportunities in textile design is certainly worthwhile, given the possibility of opportunities. Individuals pursuing textile design can look towards the future of textile design in the fashion industry in the following careers.
| Career Opportunities in Textile Design | Salary Range |
|---|---|
Textile Designer | Rs. 3 LPA to Rs. 6 LPA |
Textile Research and Development | Rs. 5 LPA to Rs. 12 LPA |
Textile Production Manager | Rs. 6 LPA to Rs. 12 LPA |
Textile Printing Specialist | Rs. 2.5 LPA to Rs. 6 LPA |
Textile Sustainability Expert | Rs. 5 LPA to Rs. 12 LPA |
Having attained a degree or certification in textile design candidates can sign up for jobs in some of the textile design top recruiters:
FabIndia
Raymond Limited
Arvind Limited
Vardhman Textiles
Grasim Industries
Pantaloons (Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Ltd.)
Tata Group (Tata Textiles)
Rajasthan State Handloom Development Corporation (RSHDC)
These companies don’t merely specialise in textile designs that are related to everyday wealable fashion but also extend to textile design in home decor. Cushions, throw pillow, bedding, and upholstery forms the bulk of the category, and collaboration with furniture designers are quite likely as well.
Also Read: How to Become a Textile Designer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
As the textile industry continues to evolve, the demand for skilled textile technologists is on the rise. From eco-friendly fabrics to smart textiles, this field is buzzing with innovation.
Textile designers create original two-dimensional designs that are applied to fabrics and other surfaces. These designs are often created as repeating patterns and used in products ranging from clothing and furnishings to wallpapers, stationery, and homeware.
Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are popular for creating designs and mood boards. Specialized software like CLO 3D and Browzwear focus on 3D garment visualization and design. CAD/CAM are used for pattern making, grading, and marker making.
Textile design, also known as textile geometry, is the creative and technical process by which thread or yarn fibers are interlaced to form a piece of cloth or fabric, which is subsequently printed upon or otherwise adorned.
Textile design is the process of creating patterns, colors, and structures for fabrics. It encompasses the design of both the visual elements and the structural elements of textiles, whether they are used for clothing, home furnishings, or other applications.
On Question asked by student community
Here are top BDes (Fashion Design) colleges in Bangalore:
National Institute of Fashion Technology , Bangalore – Top choice
JD Institute of Fashion Technology
Vogue Institute of Art and Design
IIFA Multimedia
Army Institute of Fashion and Design
Taking a second drop is not an issue if you clear the required entrance exams or meet the eligibility criteria.
FLAME University Pune is a good option for B.Des if you’re looking for a creative and interdisciplinary learning environment . The university offers a well-structured design program combined with liberal arts, allowing students to explore multiple interests It has a beautiful and modern campus with strong academic support and personalized attention due to smaller batch sizes. However, it is more know liberal arts and business programs, so if you want a purely design-focused education, you might also consider institutes like MIT-WPU or Shiv Nadar University. Overall, FLAME is suitable for students who want a broad, flexible design education and can afford the higher fees.
CUET qualifies BDes Fashion Designing students.
The basis for admission is the CUET score.
Hello,
No, for B.Des Fashion Designing , CUET is not always needed.
Some colleges take admission through CUET, but many top fashion institutes like NIFT have their own entrance exam. So, it depends on the college you are applying to. Always check the admission process of that particular college.
Hope it helps !
yes, Indeed, CUET qualifies BDes Fashion Designing students.
Admission CUET score is very important.
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