GCSE Textile Design at Crawshaw Academy is a highly creative and practical course that encourages students to explore fashion, textiles and surface design through experimentation, making and personal expression. Students investigate the work of influential textile artists, fashion designers and craftspeople, using their research to inspire the development of their own unique ideas and outcomes.
The course offers students the opportunity to work with a wide range of materials, fabrics and processes, developing both traditional hand-crafted techniques and contemporary textile practices. Students are encouraged to take creative risks, experiment with materials and develop a personal style while building a portfolio of exciting and ambitious work.
What Will Students Study?
Students explore a range of textile disciplines, including:
- Fashion Design and Illustration
- Art Textiles
- Constructed Textiles
- Surface Pattern Design
- Printed and Dyed Textiles
- Stitched and Embellished Textiles
- Costume Design
- Interior and Decorative Textiles
- Digital Textiles
Throughout the course, students investigate natural forms, colour, pattern, texture and contemporary design trends to develop imaginative and personal responses.
Projects at Crawshaw Academy
Under the Sea Project
Students explore marine life, coral reefs, ocean textures and underwater environments as sources of inspiration. They develop a collection of textile samples and outcomes using a wide range of techniques including:
- Fabric dyeing
- Fabric painting
- Machine and hand embroidery
- Layering and fabric manipulation
- Appliqué techniques
- Beading, sequins and embellishment
- Heat-distressing and texture creation
- Mixed-media textile experimentation
The project encourages students to create highly textured and visually striking outcomes inspired by the colours, patterns and structures found beneath the sea.
Natural Forms Project
Students investigate plants, flowers, insects and organic structures, exploring the work of textile artists and fashion designers who draw inspiration from nature. Through the project students experiment with:
- Observational drawing
- Pattern development
- Mono-printing and fabric printing
- Batik and resist techniques
- Fabric dyeing and colour blending
- Free-motion machine embroidery
- 3D textile construction
- Decorative stitching and embellishment
Students develop a final textile piece that showcases both technical skill and creative individuality.
Textile Techniques and Processes
A key strength of Textile Design at Crawshaw Academy is the broad range of specialist techniques students experience throughout the course.
Students will explore:
Fabric Dyeing and Colour Work
- Tie-dye and dip-dye techniques
- Fabric painting
- Colour mixing and blending
- Experimental surface treatments
- Resist methods including batik-inspired techniques
Stitching and Embroidery
- Hand embroidery
- Machine embroidery
- Free-motion embroidery
- Decorative stitch techniques
- Layered stitching for texture and pattern
Fabric Manipulation
- Pleating
- Gathering
- Tucking
- Quilting
- Folding and distortion techniques
- Layering and relief surfaces
Appliqué and Embellishment
- Traditional and contemporary appliqué
- Reverse appliqué
- Fabric layering
- Beadwork and sequins
- Decorative embellishment
- Mixed media additions to textiles
Printing and Surface Design
- Block printing
- Mono-printing
- Pattern development
- Repeating surface designs
- Digital textile design exploration
These techniques allow students to produce highly creative textile samples and final outcomes while building confidence with a variety of materials and processes.
Assessment
Component 1: Portfolio
60% of GCSE
- Completed from September of Year 10 to January of Year 11
- Marked out of 96
- Demonstrates all four assessment objectives through sustained project work and supporting studies
Component 2: Externally Set Assignment
40% of GCSE
- Begins in January of Year 11
- Marked out of 96
- Preparatory period followed by 10 hours of supervised assessment time
- Students respond to an AQA-set theme and create a personal outcome
Why Choose GCSE Textile Design?
This course is ideal for students who enjoy creativity, fashion, making and experimentation. Students develop a wide range of artistic, practical and technical skills while producing a professional portfolio of work.
The course develops:
- Creative thinking and innovation
- Fashion and textile design skills
- Sewing and construction techniques
- Surface pattern development
- Problem-solving and independent learning
- Presentation and portfolio-building skills
Progression Opportunities
GCSE Textile Design provides an excellent foundation for further study and careers in:
- Fashion Design
- Textile Design
- Costume Design
- Surface Pattern Design
- Interior Design
- Art and Design
- Creative Media
- Theatre and Costume Production
- Fashion Marketing and Styling
At Crawshaw Academy, GCSE Textile Design provides students with the opportunity to work creatively with fabrics, colour and texture while developing specialist skills in dyeing, embroidery, appliqué and textile manipulation. Students leave the course with a strong portfolio, a broad range of practical skills and the confidence to progress into further creative education and industry pathways.
