Studying Textiles is a wonderful way to combine creative flair, technical precision and an understanding of the history, cultural and social impact of design and fashion.

Bringing a concept from the drawing board to fruition is highly satisfying and students use the well-equipped textiles studio to bring their ideas to life. CAD (Computer Aided Design) software helps to refine and develop designs and there is a full range of equipment, fabrics, dyes and threads always on hand. Inspired by the work of designers and craft specialists students use a wide vocabulary of techniques and surface decoration to embellish their imaginative designs. The iterative design process develops problem solving skills and our pupils will often surprise themselves when trying out new ideas through taking risks and by being open-minded. We are always so pleased to hear the many compliments we receive from our visitors on the high standard of work achieved by the students.

Fashion is architecture: it is a matter of proportions.”

Coco Chanel

Textiles have such a wide range of applications that they affect every aspect of our daily lives and at A level our students discover how in the ever-changing world of the 21st century, new technology is developing a wealth of smart and modern fabrics with exciting functions. They begin to consider the ethics of design and manufacture, the challenges of large-scale production and how to solve some of the design issues they encounter.

Welcome from Head of Department – Jill Lesbirel

Textiles at The Abbey as seen through the eyes of our students: