Category: Garments, Textiles and Materials Development

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Garments, Textiles and Materials Development

Quality Assurance and Control

Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) ensures that a product provided is fit for purpose, meeting the required standards and customer expectations. QA looks at the processes behind product development to prevent issues from occurring, while QC focuses on identifying and correcting any defects in the finished product before it reaches the customer. These roles involve checking materials, construction methods, and manufacturing standards, and may include tasks like writing reports, analysing data, and communicating with suppliers to maintain high-quality production.

Professionals in QA/QC work closely with design, production, and technical teams to ensure clothing and products are safe, consistent, and well-made. Roles can lead to freelancing and Consultancy, or positions such as Technical Manager, Quality Consultant, or Director, and may expand into areas like health and safety or business analysis.

examples of roles within Quality Assurance and Control:
  • QA Technologist
  • Quality Controller
  • Technical Manager
  • Materials Testing Technologist
  • Clothing Production Manager
  • Product Testing
  • Control Rework Operative
Day 2, February 2016, LCF, Photographer: Alys Tomlinson, UAL, UAL student recruitment, UAL. LCF
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Quality Assurance and Control:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

Alys Tomlinson, February 2016, Photographer: Alys Tomlinson, UAL, Wimbledon College of Art, Wimbledon. February 2016
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Garments, Textiles and Materials Development

Technical Sewing Specialisms

Technical sewing specialisms are vital roles within the fashion and creative industries that focus on the hands-on construction and fine craftsmanship of garments and textiles. These professionals, often called makers, include tailors, dressmakers, embroidery designers, industrial sewing machine operators, and even upholsterers.

Often freelancers or business owners, they bring designs to life by using precise sewing, cutting, fitting, and finishing techniques. Typical tasks include taking measurements, making toiles, fittings and alterations. Whether creating bespoke fashion pieces or maintaining high-volume production standards, these roles require attention to detail, technical skill, and a deep understanding of fabrics and garment construction. Technical sewing experts are also found in costume departments, bridal boutiques, and luxury fashion houses.

As the industry evolves, there are growing opportunities in digital embroidery, sustainable garment production, and teaching. Students interested in these paths should focus on building sewing proficiency, pattern-cutting knowledge, and an eye for both design and function, opening doors to creative and highly valued career routes within fashion. With experience, you could supervise a workshop team of cutters and tailors, become a Head or Master Tailor with a company or set up your own business or work freelance.

examples of roles within Technical Sewing Specialisms:
  • Garment Technologist
  • Technical Designer
  • Embroiderer
  • Seamstress
  • Tailor
  • Weaver
  • Knitter
  • Consultant
  • Technical Production Coordinator
  • Clothing Technician
  • Textiles Technician
  • Dressmaker
  • Textile Operative
Sophia Meuer in the studio | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Technical Sewing Specialisms:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

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Garments, Textiles and Materials Development Theatre, Performance and Screen

Pattern Cutting and Construction

Pattern cutting and garment construction are technical careers that turn design ideas into physical garments. They shape the foundation of any well-made garment. Pattern cutters create precise templates based on a designer’s sketch, using both manual and digital (CAD) techniques. They also using draping, the process of shaping fabric directly on a mannequin, to explore fit and silhouette in three dimensions. A key concern is coding pattern parts to specification, for correct assembly at manufacture. These patterns guide the production process, ensuring correct fit, style, and material use while minimizing waste.

This field suits people who are detail-oriented, technically skilled, and creative problem-solvers. Professionals in this pathway may work in-house for fashion brands, with manufacturers, or as independent consultants. With experience, roles can lead to senior positions like Head of Pattern Cutting or Director of Product Development.

examples of roles within Pattern Cutting and Construction:
  • Junior/Assistant Pattern Cutter
  • Junior/Assistant Garment Technologist
  • Pattern Grader
  • Cutting Machine Operator
  • Creative Manual Cutter
  • Technical Designer
  • Machinist
  • Sample maker
  • Fabric cutter
  • Researcher
  • Printer
  • Production Planner
Alys Tomlinson, February 2016, Photographer: Alys Tomlinson, UAL, Wimbledon College of Art, Wimbledon. February 2016
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Pattern Cutting and Construction:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

Day 2, February 2016, LCF, Photographer: Alys Tomlinson, UAL, UAL student recruitment, UAL. LCF
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Business and Management Garments, Textiles and Materials Development

Product Innovation and Development

Product Innovation and Development in the fashion and creative industries involves creating and improving products through new ideas, materials, and technologies. This area focuses on bringing fresh, sustainable solutions to design, often by sourcing innovative fabrics, producing samples, and working closely with factories to ensure products are both high-quality and market ready. Professionals in this field need a strong understanding of the design cycle, global market trends, and materials science.

Fashion industry jobs need to adapt to the growing demand for more sustainable shopping models, particularly second-hand options. As sustainability becomes more important, roles in product innovation are growing rapidly. Experts seek to develop recycled and recyclable options for greener knitwear and woven garments, jersey materials, and more, working towards eliminating plastic altogether. Starting in support roles like sample coordination or fabric research, you can progress to become a Product Development Manager, Product Innovation Manager, or Head of Sustainability.

Examples of roles within Product Innovation and Development:
  • Product Sustainability Innovator
  • Creative Design Developer
  • Fabric Researcher
  • Sample Coordinator
  • Sustainability Officer
  • Circular Design Expert
  • Assistant/Executive Developer
  • Product Analyst
  • Consumer Insights Specialist
  • Development Technician
  • Product Developer
Patrik Bukovszky, 2022 BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Development, London College of Fashion, UAL | Photograph: Ben Turner
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Product Innovation and Development:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

Womenswear by Catia Silvestre
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Design and Craft Garments, Textiles and Materials Development

Print and Textile Design

Print and textile design involves designing and developing fabric patterns, textures, and materials used in clothing, interiors, and accessories. Designers in this field work with both traditional and digital techniques to create printed, woven, and experimental surfaces. They research trends, draw or digitally render designs, and often produce fabric samples using methods like screen printing, dyeing, or embroidery. A strong eye for colour, form, and texture is essential, alongside technical knowledge of materials and production processes.

Some designers specialise in areas such as knitwear, jersey, or digital printing. Working either in-house for brands or independently, textile designers contribute creatively to collections while addressing broader concerns like sustainability, identity, and innovation. Progression can vary in these roles. You could own your own company or brand, or become Head of Textiles, Woven Textile Designer or Head of Print within another brand. These brands’ products can range from interior design to accessories and apparel.

Examples of roles within Print and Textile Design:
  • Surface Pattern Textile Designer
  • Print Technician
  • Junior/Assistant Print Designer
  • Studio Assistant
  • Pattern and Print Maker
  • Print Designer
  • Circular Design Expert
Work by Nikhita Andi on display, with a visitor interacting with the installation, 2021 MA Textile Design, Chelsea College of Arts
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Print and Textile Design:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

Yifan Yang, 2021 Graduate Diploma Textile Design, Chelsea College of Arts, UAL
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Garments, Textiles and Materials Development

Materials and Product Technology

Materials and Product Technologists focus on the development, testing, and selection of textiles used in garments and other products. Professionals in this area work with both natural and synthetic fibres to evaluate qualities like durability, stretch, colour fastness, and water resistance. They advise on suitable materials for specific designs, develop innovative new fabrics, and ensure garments meet performance, sustainability, and cost standards. Increasingly, this field also includes circular design and textile recycling, as sustainability is central to industry practices.

Roles in this field require strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and technical knowledge of fabrics, fibres, and production methods. Technologists often collaborate closely with designers, pattern cutters, and manufacturers, acting as a key link between concept and production. Following this career path could lead to roles like Senior Textile Technologist or Material Innovator.

examples of roles within Materials and Product Technology:
  • Fabric/Textile/Clothing Technologist
  • Pattern Technologist
  • Sourcing Assistant
  • Dye Technologist
  • Garment Technologist
  • Creative Pattern Cutter
  • Digital Pattern Cutter
  • Product Developer
  • Colour Technician
  • Textile Recycling Operations Manager
  • Circular Design Expert
  • Textile Operative
Sydney Carty, 2023 Level 3 International: Introduction to the Study of Fashion, London College of Fashion, UAL | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Materials and Product Technology:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

Mireille Steinhage, 2022 Material Futures, Central Saint Martins, UAL | Photograph: Ben Turner
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Design and Craft Garments, Textiles and Materials Development Media, Publishing and Digital

Graphic Design and Illustration

Careers in graphic design and illustration develop visual content for branding, marketing, and product design. These roles include creating everything from clothing prints and textile patterns to promotional materials like swing tags, catalogues, websites, and social media content. Designers and illustrators may work by hand or use digital tools such as Adobe Creative Suite to bring concepts to life.

The two areas are closely connected but also have individual identities. Graphic design in fashion focuses on creating visual assets like branding, packaging, and textile prints, while illustration is more about visually interpreting and expressing fashion ideas through hand-drawn or digital artwork, often used to communicate design concepts. Fashion Illustrators often sketch designs that help communicate ideas to teams or clients, blending creative flair with industry knowledge.

Professionals in this field are expected to stay up to date with fashion trends, have strong creative and technical skills, and collaborate closely with design and marketing teams. An understanding of typography, layout, digital illustration, and trend analysis is key, as is the ability to visually communicate a brand’s identity through design. As you gain experience you could advance to roles like in-house illustrator for a fashion brand or publication or establish your own illustration studio or brand.

Examples of roles within Graphic Design and Illustration:
  • Fashion Illustrator
  • Illustrator
  • Web Designer
  • Print Designer
  • Concept Artist
  • UX/UI Designer
  • Junior/Midweight Graphic Designer
  • Artworker
  • Digital Designer
Ernestine Chua, 2021 BA (Hons) Illustration and Visual Media, London College of Communication, UAL
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Graphic Design and Illustration:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

Edward Mendoza in the Studio | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson
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