How to become a Textile Designer
Creates and develops patterns, prints, textures and illustrations for the production of different kinds of cloth, material and fabric for garments and soft furnishings.
Main tasks
- Researches and prepares textile design concepts based on current trends, client needs and artistic insights
- Develops colour palettes that resonate with fabric design themes, and creates original patterns, prints, textures and illustrations for various types of cloth and fabric
- Chooses the appropriate fabric and yarn types based on specific designs
- Provides detailed specifications for production, such as yarn counts and weave structures, to ensure consistent output
- Creates prototype designs or samples using manual and digital techniques
- Tests and evaluates textile designs for quality, durability and functionality
- Collaborates with clients, design teams, manufacturers and suppliers to understand design requirements and specifications
Ways in
- University: Creative Arts & Design degrees, Offered by 38 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Apparel, Fashion and Textiles (MST60122); Diploma of Apparel, Fashion and Textiles (MST50122); Certificate IV in Textile Design and Technology (MST40122); Diploma of Visual Arts (CUA51120)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- About 14,600 people work in this job group now, and about 17,700 are projected by 2035. (+20.9%)
- AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Textile Designer?
Ways in include: Creative Arts & Design degrees; Advanced Diploma of Apparel, Fashion and Textiles; Diploma of Apparel, Fashion and Textiles.
Is a Textile Designer a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 21% by 2035, from about 14,600 to about 17,700 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Textile Designer?
Usually. 69% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of a Textile Designer?
AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04