Skip to main content

Textiles Technology Programme

Course information

Duration
5 Days
Format
On-Campus
Level
Introductory/Intermediate
Certification
University of Leeds Certificate

Upskilling your team? Enquire about group discounts

Build the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to understand textile technology and manufacturing processes from fibre to finished fabric. 

Bringing together Introduction to Textile Technology and Textile Technology in Action, this five-day programme provides a structured pathway for developing a comprehensive understanding of textile materials, manufacturing processes, testing and colouration through a combination of theory and practical experience. 

You’ll progress from the fundamental principles of textile technology to practical demonstrations and hands-on activities, building the confidence to apply your knowledge in a professional setting. Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to expand your existing expertise, this programme will help you develop the skills needed to keep pace with evolving materials, manufacturing techniques and sustainability practices. 

Structured Learning
Develop your knowledge step by step, starting with the fundamentals before progressing to practical demonstrations and hands-on activities. Each stage builds on the last, with a reduced programme fee compared with booking each course separately. 
Professional & Personal Development 
Strengthen your technical understanding of garment construction and develop practical pattern-cutting skills that support personal projects, further study or professional development within the fashion industry. 
Industry-Relevant Expertise
Learn from experienced tutors while gaining insight into the complete textile manufacturing process, from fibres and yarns to fabric production, finishing and testing. 
Practical Experience
Bring theory to life through live demonstrations and hands-on activities in our specialist laboratories and workshops, including spinning, weaving, knitting, dyeing and textile testing. 

This programme is suitable for complete beginners as well as professionals looking to refresh or broaden their knowledge of textile technology. 

  • Textile professionals, designers and industry enthusiasts seeking to expand their knowledge. 
  • Individuals looking to develop foundational or advanced skills in textile production. 
  • Participants who are looking to progress from introductory concepts to practical applications. 
  • Professionals transitioning into textile manufacturing, quality control or innovation-focused roles. 
This programme was hands-down one of the most helpful and insightful training sessions I’ve ever had for my role. Learning from the teachers in Leeds was incredibly motivating; their passion for what they do is truly inspiring!
Joseph
Trainee Fabric Technologist

Introduction to Textiles Technology

View Course

The programme’s first half explores fibre properties, yarn creation, fabric construction, dyeing and colouration. You will understand the processes behind textile manufacturing and the diverse applications of different textiles. 

What Will You Learn?

  • Fibre types, properties and applications. 
  • Yarn manufacturing and its impact on fabric performance. 
  • The fundamentals of weaving, knitting and nonwoven processes. 
  • Basics of textile coloration and dyeing methods. 

What Skills Will You Gain?

  • Master textile terminology and concepts. 
  • Build a solid foundation in fibre, yarn, and fabric production and finishing. 
  • Understand the fundamentals of textile manufacturing to make more informed decisions. 

Textiles Technology in Action

View Course

The second half moves beyond theory to practical demonstrations and hands-on learning. This experience enhances technical skills and provides real-world insights into textile manufacturing. You will deepen your understanding of textile technology and its real-world applications through hands-on practice and firsthand observation of these processes in our state-of-the-art facilities. 

What Will You Learn?

  • Practical demonstrations include spinning, weaving, knitting and textile testing. 
  • Explore industrial knitting and weaving processes firsthand by using facilities to create fabric for diverse textile applications. 
  • Understand a range of nonwoven manufacturing processes through lab-based demonstrations surrounded by specialist technologies. 
  • Conduct fabric testing to ensure quality, durability and performance. 
  • Conduct dyeing and colouration experiments in a lab-based setting. 

What Skills Will You Gain?

  • Develop hands-on expertise with advanced textile processes. 
  • Enhance your ability to innovate and solve industry challenges through a practical understanding. 
  • Build confidence by underpinning theoretical understanding with practical knowledge of real-world applications. 

All materials and equipment required for the course are provided and included in the Programme fee. 

Participants will also receive complimentary refreshments, including snacks, hot drinks and light breakfast pastries, along with a food voucher redeemable at the University Union refectory. 

The University of Leeds is a globally recognised institution for textiles and fashion, offering access to outstanding specialist facilities in the heart of campus. Our facilities include advanced materials testing laboratories, fibre-spinning, wet- and melt-spinning facilities, a dedicated Nonwovens Lab, and fully equipped knit and weave studios, providing practical demonstrations of a wide range of textile processes. 

On-campus courses provide a collaborative learning environment where you’ll learn from experts using industry-standard equipment and techniques. From fibre and fabric development to nonwoven manufacturing and materials testing, you’ll gain practical skills and insights that you can apply immediately to your practice. 

Dr. Eleanor Scott
Dr. Eleanor Scott

Lecturer in Fashion Design: Creative Knit and Innovation

Dr Eleanor Scott specialises in sustainable fashion, knitted textiles and textile innovation. Her expertise spans knitwear design, knit programming, design for disassembly, design for durability and user-personalised clothing, with a particular focus on sustainable product development and circular design.

Drawing on experience as both a fashion brand owner and researcher, Dr Scott combines industry insight with innovative research into waste reduction, seamless knitwear technologies and circular economy principles. Her work explores how design strategies, including Design for Disassembly and product durability, can support more sustainable approaches to textile and fashion production.

Course Contributor

Dr Abdul Jabbar-Research Fellow in Sustainable Textile Manufacturing
Dr. Abdul Jabbar

Research Fellow in Sustainable Textile Manufacturing

Dr Abdul Jabbar specialises in sustainable textile manufacturing, with expertise in textile technology, sustainable production, textile durability, recycling and microplastic pollution. With over 15 years of experience across academia, research and industry, his work focuses on advancing sustainable practices and collaborating with industry partners to address key challenges facing the global textiles sector.

Drawing on experience in textile manufacturing alongside his research career, Dr Jabbar investigates topics including fibre fragmentation and microplastic release, textile wear and durability, spun yarn performance, woven textile technologies, and textile and fibre-reinforced composites. His research supports the development of more sustainable materials and manufacturing processes for the future of the textile industry.

Dr. Ioana Taylor-Research Fellow in Textile Engineering
Dr. Ioana Taylor

Research Fellow in Textile Engineering

Dr Ioana Taylor specialises in textile engineering, technical textiles and sustainable materials innovation. Her expertise spans nonwoven manufacturing, fibre extrusion, fabric characterisation and technical textiles for sports and protective clothing, with a particular focus on sustainable fashion, circularity, and the development of innovative textile materials and processes.

Drawing on more than a decade of teaching and research experience, Dr Taylor combines academic expertise with industry-focused innovation. Her work includes collaborative projects through the Future Fashion Factory and Innovate UK, as well as research into microplastic pollution that has contributed to the development of industry standards for reducing microfibre shedding.

Dr Mark Taylor-Lecturer in Performance Clothing
Dr. Mark Taylor

Lecturer in Performance Clothing

Dr Mark Taylor is a specialist in performance and protective apparel, with expertise spanning sustainability, waterproof technologies, impact protection and technical product development. His research focuses on commercially relevant innovation, including recyclable waterproof membranes, microfibre reduction and sustainable alternatives to water-repellent chemical treatments.

Working closely with organisations including INDITEX and the European Outdoor Group, Dr Taylor combines academic research with industry application to support innovation across the apparel and outdoor sectors. His work has been recognised through the Innovative Smart Grant and the Journal of the Textile Institute Best Research Article Award (2021).

Dr Muriel Rigout-Associate Professor in Textile Printing and Design
Dr. Muriel Rigout

Associate Professor in Textile Printing and Design

Dr Muriel Rigout specialises in textile printing, colour science and textile chemistry, with expertise in digital print technologies, textile colouration and sustainable textile processing. Her work combines scientific research with commercial textile innovation, including advanced surface effects, functional finishes and security ink technology.

Through international research collaborations and industry engagement, Dr Rigout supports the development of commercially relevant innovation across textile design and manufacturing. She is also an active contributor to the wider textile sector through her involvement with the Society of Dyers and Colourists and international research journals.

By continuing to use our service, you agree to our cookies policy.