Skip to main content

Introduction to Textile Testing

Course information

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

Upskilling your team? Enquire about group discounts

Discover how textile testing can help you make informed decisions about material quality, performance and compliance through a two-day course combining expert-led teaching, laboratory demonstrations and practical applications. 

Explore essential testing methods for fibres, yarns and fabrics; understand what different tests measure and when to use them; and learn to interpret results with confidence. Apply this knowledge to select appropriate tests, identify potential quality issues, compare materials and support decisions across product development, quality control, sourcing and manufacturing. 

You’ll learn in a small group of up to 14 participants, with lab demonstrations that bring key testing methods to life. Gain a practical understanding of testing terminology, test selection and result interpretation, and see how test data can support quality assurance, compliance and better textile product decisions. 

What Does the Course Cover?

  • The structure, properties and performance of textile materials and how testing assesses these characteristics. 
  • Key textile testing methods, including how they are conducted, what they measure and how results are interpreted. 
  • The role of textile testing in quality control, research and development, and compliance. 
  • Common testing methods for fibres, yarns and fabrics, and how different approaches assess textile properties. 
  • Practical demonstrations of textile testing methods that provide insight into how testing is applied in industry. 

What Skills Will You Gain?

  • A clear understanding of textile testing terminology, industry standards and how testing assesses textile materials. 
  • Increased confidence in selecting appropriate testing methods for different textile structures, properties and performance requirements. 
  • Practical skills for planning testing, comparing different test methods and choosing the most suitable approach for specific requirements. 
  • Greater confidence in interpreting test results to evaluate textile materials, identify potential issues, and support quality and compliance. 

Who Is This Course For?

No prior textile testing knowledge is required. This course suits those new to textile testing and professionals looking to strengthen their understanding of testing methods and results. 

  • Professionals working in textiles and fashion, including quality control, sourcing, manufacturing and product development, who need to make informed decisions about textile materials. 
  • Designers, buyers and technical specialists who want to understand how textile testing can support material selection, quality and compliance. 
  • Individuals looking to broaden their knowledge of textile testing and gain a practical understanding of how testing is applied across the textile production process. 

All materials and equipment required for the course are provided and included in the course 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 internationally recognised for its expertise in textiles and fashion, with world-class facilities supporting research, innovation and industry-focused teaching. 

Learn in specialist textile testing laboratories equipped to investigate and evaluate textile materials across a wide range of applications. Our facilities include a dedicated Materials Testing Lab and Rain Room, where textile and clothing performance can be explored and evaluated in controlled conditions. 

Experience testing in a professional laboratory environment, with demonstrations using specialist equipment and led by experienced academics and technical staff. 

Professor Ningtao Mao
Professor Ningtao Mao

Professor of Fibre and Textile Technology

Professor Ningtao Mao specialises in fibre and textile technology, functional textiles and sustainable material engineering. His expertise spans technical textiles, fibrous assemblies, fluid and heat transfer, particle interactions, protective textiles and the characterisation of tactile and drape properties, with a particular focus on developing innovative materials and textile systems for technical applications.

Drawing on extensive experience across academia and industry, Professor Mao combines technical expertise with research into sustainable and digitally enabled textile technologies. His work explores life cycle assessment, digitisation and digitalisation of textile materials, and the engineering of functional textiles for a range of applications.

Course Contributor(s)

Alice Hazlehurst-Materials Testing Research Technician
Alice Hazlehurst

Materials Testing Research Technician

Alice Hazlehurst specialises in textile and materials testing, with expertise in evaluating material performance, durability, quality and sustainability. Her work focuses on the application of industry-standard testing methods to assess textile performance and support materials development.

Drawing on experience in applied research and industry collaboration, Alice has contributed to projects exploring textile durability, sustainability and performance evaluation, including collaborations with organisations such as Adidas and Berghaus. Her work centres on advancing textile testing methodologies and supporting the development of innovative materials through practical evaluation and technical analysis.

Mary Glasper-Lead Technician
Mary Glasper

Lead Technician – Fashion, Textiles & Colour

Mary Glasper specialises in textile processing, nonwoven manufacturing, textile testing and sustainable materials. Her expertise spans textile manufacturing processes, material performance, product development and textile recycling, with a particular focus on nonwoven technologies and circularity.

Drawing on experience across both industry and academia in Canada, Mary has worked in fabric development, manufacturing, research and textile testing. Her career includes work on flame-resistant protective clothing, technical apparel development and textile recycling initiatives, including roles with Arc’teryx and the University of Alberta. Her work focuses on advancing sustainable textile manufacturing and supporting the development of innovative materials and production processes.

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