In RMIT's screen and digital print studios and weave and knit workshops, you’ll undertake hands-on work with fabrics and textiles.
You’ll learn traditional skills and use new technologies to create experimental textile samples using a range of materials and processes, including dye technologies, digital printing, laser cutting and fabric manipulation. You will build your skills and knowledge through practical hands-on studio time, lectures, workshops, presentation and group discussions, and use computer programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
Your studies will focus on different subjects including:
- colour studies
- computer-aided design (CAD)
- design and production (textiles)
- drawing
- experimental textiles
- fibres and fabrics
- machine knitting
- marketing
- screen printing
- specifications
- weaving.
Throughout your studies, you will complete design briefs, which will introduce you to industry practice and market viability. You’ll also learn about production and manufacturing processes in textiles, including the development of end products from your own textile creations.
In addition to learning from practising textile designers with up-to-date knowledge of the latest industry techniques and trends, you will undertake work experience, projects and learning with bespoke and major Australian textile companies. Past students have worked with Kip and Co, Etiko, Warwick Fabrics, Silk Trader, Timorous Beasties (UK) and Kova Textiles (New York).
You will be assessed throughout each semester via design folios, textile samples, reports, verbal presentations, group projects, research and practical assignments.
You have the option to study the Certificate IV full-time during business hours or part-time with classes held two evenings per week.
Learning at RMIT
The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.
Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.