2026/27 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

DESN1182 Introduction to Creative Textiles for Fashion

20 Credits Class Size: 60

Module manager: Sonja Andrew
Email: s.m.andrew@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2026/27

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module introduces students to contemporary and emerging ideas in textile practice that inform fashion design. Students will explore established, alternative, and experimental techniques in knit, print, and other forms of pattern development, developing practical skills for the creation of textiles for fashion. The module will challenge students to apply creative problem solving to develop forward-thinking and purpose-driven design concepts that consider both innovation and addressing challenges in the fashion industry, such as sustainability. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.

Objectives

The module focuses on skills and practices in textile development for fashion. Through hands-on exploration and experimentation using industry standard equipment and technologies, students will develop creative textile approaches that inform contemporary fashion concepts, integrating their textile ideas within fashion design solutions. This may include approaches to knit, knitwear, print and other textile processes.

The objectives are to:
1. Support students to build knowledge of textile and fashion innovation, addressing current challenges in fashion.
2. Enable students to build technical skills in specific processes for textile and pattern development, through focused experimentation.
3. Connect specific areas of textile practice with fashion design, enabling students to explore how the shape, structure, weight and scale of textiles can inform fashion silhouette.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Use visual evidence with supporting written information to describe how research underpins the development of textile and fashion ideas and informs design decisions.
2. Explore creative practical methods to progress initial textile experiments through to viable outcomes suitable for contemporary fashion concepts.
3. Build practical technical knowledge through the application of selected processes and techniques to support the creation of textiles for fashion.
4. Explore how digital, industrial and cultural contexts impact on fashion and textiles, applying this understanding through project-based design work.

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
5. Apply effective visual and written communication skills to document, explain and present creative practice.
6. Reflect critically on the strengths and weaknesses of their own work

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Lectures 5 1 5
Practicals 5 2 10
Practicals 6 3 18
Private study hours 167
Total Contact hours 33
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

In addition to on-going feedback as part of the learning in practical sessions, there will be opportunities for peer-led formative feedback and verbal formative feedback from staff at a mid-point in the module.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Coursework Portfolio 100
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list

Last updated: 30/04/2026

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team