To understand the scope of textile designing, we need to scour the meaning of it and the job of a textile designer. The field of textile designing entails the process of generating designs that are printed on woven, knitted, or other forms of fabric.  

Making patterns is a part of the textile pattern designer’s job description, as is overseeing the manufacturing process. Simply said, a textile designer is responsible for the characteristics of fabrics.  

Types of Textile Designing

Printed textiles always bring a different kind of beauty to the plain fabric. The application of different dyes and pigments on different kinds of fabric is part of textile design. Textile printing happens in two ways- 

• Direct- In this method, the dye is applied straight to the fabric. 
• Discharge- In discharge printing, the patterns are applied later, and the background colours are first. 

There are two types of textile design such as: 

1. Woven Textile Designing 

Woven textile designs are created using looms. They are formed by the warp and weft of two or more threads that meet at the right angles. (https://colorreflections.com) India is famous for its handlooms. There are two types of woven textiles:

• Brocade weaving is popular in Varanasi, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh

• Ikat weaving is popular in Gujarat, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh
  

2. Mixed Media Textile Designing 

Mixed media designing deals with the usage of appliques, laces, embroidery, pleating or cutting. Mixed media textile design is mostly done by hand.  

Textile Designer Qualifications 

1. Degree  

To qualify as a textile designer, you need to get a degree either in fashion, art, surface design or textiles. Most of the textile designing courses focus on some key areas, such as printed textiles or mixed media textiles. You should choose your area of interest wisely to have a successful career. Most fashion courses would let you dive into- 

• Clothing tech 
• Costume design 
• Knitwear design
• Production management 

2. Work Experience 

Network while you are studying. This will help in getting internships or job offers after you graduate. Relevant work experience gained via course placements or over vacations is critical for entering the fashion and textile industries. Be proactive in your search for opportunities, and ask course leaders to assist you in making contacts. 

Scope of Textile Designing in India 

With the fast-growing market for textile products in India, many opportunities have opened up in this sector. But, this does not mean an easy entry into the industry, you need definite degrees with proper skills. Getting an education in textile design will empower you with sound knowledge of designing different textiles and fibre. When chosen as a specialised subject, it will allow delving deeper, you can opt for graduation or a Master’s degree.  

The top textile designing colleges in India provide a B.Sc or an M.Sc degree due to the scientific and digital elements used in the subject. Over the last several years, the country has been successful in building some of the world’s most prestigious institutions in many cities that provide a variety of courses in this sector. Aside from degree programs, many Indian universities and colleges offer diploma programmes in the same field. 

Textile Designer Job Description 

Fabric printing, dyeing, stitching, and pattern development are all skills taught to textile designers. They work as graphic designers, colour specialists, hand painters, and printing managers. They understand how yarns of different sorts can be combined since they have knowledge of the history of textile fibres and competence in various methods of how textile looms operate.  

If you opt for a career in textile industry, you might get hands-on experience with the following tasks: 

• Design research 
• Research fabric according to its durability, texture, weight, etc. 
• Designing for the market 
• Design construction on 3D software like CAD 
• Sample making 
• Work with technicians and fashion designers for the production 
• Keeping up with the trends 

Textile Design Career 

You must be wondering about the career options in textile design and if there are opportunities for everyone. Well, we have great news, according to research, at least 19% of textile design students get jobs six months after their results. So, there are immense opportunities for jobs in textile industry for freshers as well.  

As this job market is competitive just like any design career, a professional course is necessary to hone your skills. Getting involved in internships during your studies is a good way to build your portfolio. Some of the typical employment opportunities for textile designers include: 

• Design studios 
• Textile mills 
• Large fashion houses 
• Fabric manufacturing companies 
• Interior designing companies for the production of soft furnishings 
• Cottage industries  
• Entrepreneurship  

A textile designer earns good bucks if you have the creativity and smarts for business. According to Glassdoor, a textile designer salary ranges from 5 LPA to 7 LPA annually. The range is average, and it increases with experience and other opportunities.  

Final Thoughts 

One of the top colleges in India, JD School of Design provides a 2-year M.Sc course in Fashion and Textile Management.  This course offers fresh insights into comprehending and creating fashion textiles while also encouraging students to recognise challenges in the current textile industry. It enables the student to scour opportunities by expanding the scope of textile designing.