Textiles encompass many sub-sectors such as the knitting and weaving industry, embroidery, printing and textile finishing. It is a domain interspersed with aesthetics, technology, cultural roots and symbolism, making it a unique opportunity to explore diverse career options. Through textiles, we express the realms of cultural identity and solve practical problems that require scientific/scientific solutions.
What is included in a textile design course?
When students participate in a textile design course, they learn the technical aspects of textiles, including the basics of weaving and knitting structures. During the course, they will learn more complex structures such as dobby and jacquard weaving which can be used for design development in traditional handloom weaving industry such as Banarasi weaving, Kani scarf weaving, Paithani, etc or which can be used in home furnishing industry in upholstery fabric design . ‘
They also learn about the different finishes applied to the fabrics for performance enhancement, and the chemistry of textiles and dyes that find application in the development of performance enhancing fabrics used in sportswear, children’s wear, dyeing and printing. In the course they are introduced to innovation in materials and major technological developments in textiles.
The textile industry and courses surrounding it offer young people the opportunity to learn about the finer nuances of textile design development, including market research and understanding customer insights, forecasting and trend research, and the development of structures, prints and embroidery. Students must combine design and innovation to create new designs, while taking into account the commercial aspect of their ideas and creations.
What are the different textile sectors?
Textiles is a very diverse industry and offers multiple opportunities for disciplinary mergers, making it a truly dynamic and constantly evolving field. One entering the textile industry can steer his career towards social intervention through traditional textiles by collaborating with local artisans, or he can also join hands with the informal sector or work in industrial design with textile mills and labels. The aspirant could also explore innovation in prints and embroideries.
Fashion industry: Textiles are the backbone of fashion and design houses, as well as companies and brands that want to use unconventional textile materials, unique prints and embroideries to represent their work. Most of the renowned designers showcasing their work at International Fashion Week have used Indian textiles as the blueprint for their labels. Hand embroidery, a long-standing and popular art form in India, also makes a significant contribution to the international fashion industry.
Tech innovation companies: Like everything else in our society, textiles are also making progress by adopting more environmentally friendly production and logistics. This area has seen active collaborations between textile engineers and designers who have come together to create technologically and aesthetically driven textiles.
Traditional textiles: Local weaving, printing and embroidery techniques have been revived and have returned to mainstream consciousness as popular art forms. Formerly a task traditionally taken up by social sector NGOs, today brands and designers are embracing their roots using traditional textiles and techniques in their creations. This has given a great boost to the informal sector and has helped semi-skilled and skilled workers make a living while adding a unique flavor to the designer’s work.
Home Furnishing Industry: The home furnishing industry, which includes designs for upholstery, bed and bath linen, and carpets, has witnessed a boom in customers looking to create unique homes and office spaces and customize their furnishings. A textile graduate student could work as a print or weaving designer or merchandiser helping to create personalized upholstery in current trends and assist with design consultancy for home and office spaces.
— Written by Gauri K Purohit Associate Professor of the School of Fashion, Pearl Academy, Jaipur
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