Create patterns and designs for textiles This online course is ideal for beginners in Photoshop who are textile artist's or designers, or for anyone interested in exploring digital textile design.You will need your own access to the Adobe Creative Suite on your Mac or PC before class.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This introductory course explores digital textile design using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.
You will learn how to develop motifs, experiment with colour and texture, and create repeat patterns using digital tools. The course introduces a simple practical workflow beginning with motif development and moving towards pattern design.
Students will work with both vector and raster approaches, learning how to develop hand-drawn or digital motifs, refine artwork, and transform designs into repeating textile patterns.
What will we cover?
The course covers:
• developing motifs from drawings or digital marks • vectorising and refining artwork in Illustrator • experimenting with colour palettes and composition • creating textures and brushes in Photoshop • building placement and repeat patterns • developing digital textile design projects • file organisation and preparation for printing
You will be taught step by step instructions on how to design and develop textile designs. You will work on a project of your choice, relating to your own favoured theme, with guidance from the tutor.
Experienced/returning learners will be encouraged to explore more tools to develop their textile aesthetic.
PLEASE NOTE. the last session of this course is in person at the City Lit digital studio so that you can print your design samples. if this is not possible for you, then you will have to make your own arrangements to come and collect your prints via the following email; artworkcollection@citylit.ac.uk
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Produce a portfolio of textile designs as a body of digitally saved work for future development - Produce some designs as prints on paper - Produce evidence of image and design research and design development - Work confidently in Photoshop for textile design.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Beginners are welcome on this introductory course. Working in Illustrator and Photoshop, you are encouraged to develop your own design work. Step-by-step guidance will be provided. Learners with previous experiences will be encouraged to explore additional tools and techniques within Illustrator and Photoshop.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This course will be taught online using live sessions using Zoom and Google Classroom eLearning platform. - Class discussion and critique, demonstrations and 1-2-1 tutorials. - A computer or laptop will be needed, not a tablet. A fully updated google chrome browser works best for zoom live sessions. - You will need to login into our Google Classroom before our sessions start as all course materials and tasks will be held here.You will be emailed a joining code nearer the time. You will require a good broadband connection as mobile data 3G/4G or, a mobile dongle will not provide sufficient bandwidth at times when demonstrating in Adobe.
- It is expected that you will work on projects outside of the class time to develop your work as the course progresses to improve on designs and skills - Tasks will be set to a brief by your tutor for your project and development needs, one will be issued for discussion in session one.
Online resource, inspiration and handouts with be available to download for each session. To maximize participation, learner preparation and homework outside class times is strongly encouraged. Handouts and course information can also be accessed via our Google classroom eLearning portal. Details on how you can login will be sent to you prior to the start date.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You will need a computer (not a tablet) with update-to date version of Adobe Creative Suite Photoshop and Illustrator and up to date version of Chrome as a browser. Your computer must have a camera built in as we will be sharing screens in live sessions. - Please use headphones with microphones during our sessions as this will block out all room noise - Some basic drawing materials, black pens, a sketchbook or A4 white paper, note pad to take notes - Using your phone to take images if you normally use a scanner - A task will be issued before our first session based on your mood board of ideas or designs.
When you enrol on a course at the City Lit, you are entitled to student discount on Adobe Creative Cloud. Please note: - You will need to create an Adobe account using your City Lit email address which includes your student number. (This is in the format 123456@student.citylit.ac.uk) Details will be provided in advance - You can access your City Lit email through your supplied Office 365 account. - When your course finishes and you no longer have access to your student email, the software will continue to function on the installed machine for the remainder of the annual subscription. At renewal, you will need to create another Adobe account using your personal email. The Adobe account is not accessible to City Lit and technical support is extremely limited as a result.
We run Designing Textiles online each term as a natural progression for learners to continue the development of their portfolio. There are also in-person digital craft courses offered in our purpose-built studio. Please browse the website for upcoming course dates. General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 10:30 - 12:00 then 15:00 - 17:00.
Bermuda-born and now London-based, Jenn Butterworth is a designer and educator with over 15 years’ experience in interiors and a specialist focus on textiles. She holds a Master’s degree in Interior Design from the Savannah College of Art & Design and has trained extensively in textile and surface pattern design, including digital techniques in Photoshop and Illustrator. Her classes introduce learners to experimental drawing, mark-making, and digital processes, encouraging both exploration and refinement. Jenn’s teaching centres on creativity, experimentation, and practical skills that students can apply to their own projects. She is passionate about helping learners develop confidence, creativity, and a personal design language they can carry into their practice and future work.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/designing-textiles-online302783Designing textiles onlinehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/t/student_3_finished_work_2a_.jpg369369GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Fashion & textiles/Courses/Art & design/Fashion & textiles/Textile design & software/Courses/Online courses228511321155172917311228511321155Create patterns and designs for textiles This online course is ideal for beginners in Photoshop who are textile artist's or designers, or for anyone interested in exploring digital textile design.You will need your own access to the Adobe Creative Suite on your Mac or PC before class.25https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/x/vx252_photoshop_stage_i_kk_7.pnghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/t/student_1_finished_work_1_.jpg2666925Designing textiles online369369https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/t/student_3_finished_work_2a__2.jpgInStockEveningTueOnlineAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-04-28T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allApr 2026Art & designVO713369369Designing textiles online295240369Jenn Butterworthdesigning-textiles-online/vo713-2526Create patterns and designs for textiles This online course is ideal for beginners in Photoshop who are textile artist's or designers, or for anyone interested in exploring digital textile design.You will need your own access to the Adobe Creative Suite on your Mac or PC before class.0000-Available|2026-04-28 00:00:00<p>This introductory course explores digital textile design using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.</p><p>You will learn how to develop motifs, experiment with colour and texture, and create repeat patterns using digital tools. The course introduces a simple practical workflow beginning with motif development and moving towards pattern design.</p><p>Students will work with both vector and raster approaches, learning how to develop hand-drawn or digital motifs, refine artwork, and transform designs into repeating textile patterns.</p>Create patterns and designs for textiles This online course is ideal for beginners in Photoshop who are textile artist's or designers, or for anyone interested in exploring digital textile design.You will need your own access to the Adobe Creative Suite on your Mac or PC before class.<p>The course covers:</p><p>• developing motifs from drawings or digital marks<br>• vectorising and refining artwork in Illustrator<br>• experimenting with colour palettes and composition<br>• creating textures and brushes in Photoshop<br>• building placement and repeat patterns<br>• developing digital textile design projects<br>• file organisation and preparation for printing</p><p><br>You will be taught step by step instructions on how to design and develop textile designs.<br>You will work on a project of your choice, relating to your own favoured theme, with guidance from the tutor.</p><p>Experienced/returning learners will be encouraged to explore more tools to develop their textile aesthetic.</p><p>PLEASE NOTE. the last session of this course is in person at the City Lit digital studio so that you can print your design samples. if this is not possible for you, then you will have to make your own arrangements to come and collect your prints via the following email; artworkcollection@citylit.ac.uk</p>- Produce a portfolio of textile designs as a body of digitally saved work for future development<br> - Produce some designs as prints on paper<br> - Produce evidence of image and design research and design development<br> - Work confidently in Photoshop for textile design.<p>Beginners are welcome on this introductory course.<br>Working in Illustrator and Photoshop, you are encouraged to develop your own design work. Step-by-step guidance will be provided. Learners with previous experiences will be encouraged to explore additional tools and techniques within Illustrator and Photoshop.<br></p>This course will be taught online using live sessions using Zoom and Google Classroom eLearning platform. <br> - Class discussion and critique, demonstrations and 1-2-1 tutorials.<br> - A computer or laptop will be needed, not a tablet. A fully updated google chrome browser works best for zoom live sessions. <br> - You will need to login into our Google Classroom before our sessions start as all course materials and tasks will be held here.You will be emailed a joining code nearer the time. <br>You will require a good broadband connection as mobile data 3G/4G or, a mobile dongle will not provide sufficient bandwidth at times when demonstrating in Adobe. <br><br> - It is expected that you will work on projects outside of the class time to develop your work as the course progresses to improve on designs and skills <br> - Tasks will be set to a brief by your tutor for your project and development needs, one will be issued for discussion in session one.<br><br> Online resource, inspiration and handouts with be available to download for each session. To maximize participation, learner preparation and homework outside class times is strongly encouraged. Handouts and course information can also be accessed via our Google classroom eLearning portal. Details on how you can login will be sent to you prior to the start date.<p><br>You will need a computer (not a tablet) with update-to date version of Adobe Creative Suite Photoshop and Illustrator and up to date version of Chrome as a browser. Your computer must have a camera built in as we will be sharing screens in live sessions.<br>- Please use headphones with microphones during our sessions as this will block out all room noise<br>- Some basic drawing materials, black pens, a sketchbook or A4 white paper, note pad to take notes<br>- Using your phone to take images if you normally use a scanner<br>- A task will be issued before our first session based on your mood board of ideas or designs.<br><br>When you enrol on a course at the City Lit, you are entitled to student discount on Adobe Creative Cloud.<br>Please note:<br>- You will need to create an Adobe account using your City Lit email address which includes your student number.<br>(This is in the format 123456@student.citylit.ac.uk) Details will be provided in advance<br>- You can access your City Lit email through your supplied Office 365 account.<br>- When your course finishes and you no longer have access to your student email, the software will continue to function on the installed machine for the remainder of the annual subscription. At renewal, you will need to create another Adobe account using your personal email.<br>The Adobe account is not accessible to City Lit and technical support is extremely limited as a result.<br><br>Please see here: <a href="https://www.adobe.com/uk/creativecloud/buy/students.html?mv=search&mv2=paidsearch&sdid=D4P81NYZ&ef_id=EAIaIQobChMIof2Q3-H5kQMVno9QBh3WWgLzEAAYASADEgLIKfD_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!3085!3!763734635985!e!!g!!adobe%20creative%20cloud!22787824035!180268875057&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22787824035&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIof2Q3-H5kQMVno9QBh3WWgLzEAAYASADEgLIKfD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Creative Cloud for Students</a><br></p>We run Designing Textiles online each term as a natural progression for learners to continue the development of their portfolio.<br>There are also in-person digital craft courses offered in our purpose-built studio. Please browse the website for upcoming course dates.<br> General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 10:30 - 12:00 then 15:00 - 17:00.Fashion & textilesTextile design & softwarevirtual295369240VO713NONETue28/04/26 - 30/06/2618:00 - 21:0018:0021:0010 sessions (over 10 weeks)105-10 weeksEveningWeekdayOnlineOnlineJenn ButterworthBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-04-28T00:00:00+00:00Apr 2026Art & design369369Designing textiles onlinedesigning-textiles-online/vo713-2526Create patterns and designs for textiles This online course is ideal for beginners in Photoshop who are textile artist's or designers, or for anyone interested in exploring digital textile design.You will need your own access to the Adobe Creative Suite on your Mac or PC before class.0000-Available|2026-04-28 00:00:00<p>This introductory course explores digital textile design using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.</p><p>You will learn how to develop motifs, experiment with colour and texture, and create repeat patterns using digital tools. The course introduces a simple practical workflow beginning with motif development and moving towards pattern design.</p><p>Students will work with both vector and raster approaches, learning how to develop hand-drawn or digital motifs, refine artwork, and transform designs into repeating textile patterns.</p>Create patterns and designs for textiles This online course is ideal for beginners in Photoshop who are textile artist's or designers, or for anyone interested in exploring digital textile design.You will need your own access to the Adobe Creative Suite on your Mac or PC before class.<p>The course covers:</p><p>• developing motifs from drawings or digital marks<br>• vectorising and refining artwork in Illustrator<br>• experimenting with colour palettes and composition<br>• creating textures and brushes in Photoshop<br>• building placement and repeat patterns<br>• developing digital textile design projects<br>• file organisation and preparation for printing</p><p><br>You will be taught step by step instructions on how to design and develop textile designs.<br>You will work on a project of your choice, relating to your own favoured theme, with guidance from the tutor.</p><p>Experienced/returning learners will be encouraged to explore more tools to develop their textile aesthetic.</p><p>PLEASE NOTE. the last session of this course is in person at the City Lit digital studio so that you can print your design samples. if this is not possible for you, then you will have to make your own arrangements to come and collect your prints via the following email; artworkcollection@citylit.ac.uk</p>- Produce a portfolio of textile designs as a body of digitally saved work for future development<br> - Produce some designs as prints on paper<br> - Produce evidence of image and design research and design development<br> - Work confidently in Photoshop for textile design.<p>Beginners are welcome on this introductory course.<br>Working in Illustrator and Photoshop, you are encouraged to develop your own design work. Step-by-step guidance will be provided. Learners with previous experiences will be encouraged to explore additional tools and techniques within Illustrator and Photoshop.<br></p>This course will be taught online using live sessions using Zoom and Google Classroom eLearning platform. <br> - Class discussion and critique, demonstrations and 1-2-1 tutorials.<br> - A computer or laptop will be needed, not a tablet. A fully updated google chrome browser works best for zoom live sessions. <br> - You will need to login into our Google Classroom before our sessions start as all course materials and tasks will be held here.You will be emailed a joining code nearer the time. <br>You will require a good broadband connection as mobile data 3G/4G or, a mobile dongle will not provide sufficient bandwidth at times when demonstrating in Adobe. <br><br> - It is expected that you will work on projects outside of the class time to develop your work as the course progresses to improve on designs and skills <br> - Tasks will be set to a brief by your tutor for your project and development needs, one will be issued for discussion in session one.<br><br> Online resource, inspiration and handouts with be available to download for each session. To maximize participation, learner preparation and homework outside class times is strongly encouraged. Handouts and course information can also be accessed via our Google classroom eLearning portal. Details on how you can login will be sent to you prior to the start date.<p><br>You will need a computer (not a tablet) with update-to date version of Adobe Creative Suite Photoshop and Illustrator and up to date version of Chrome as a browser. Your computer must have a camera built in as we will be sharing screens in live sessions.<br>- Please use headphones with microphones during our sessions as this will block out all room noise<br>- Some basic drawing materials, black pens, a sketchbook or A4 white paper, note pad to take notes<br>- Using your phone to take images if you normally use a scanner<br>- A task will be issued before our first session based on your mood board of ideas or designs.<br><br>When you enrol on a course at the City Lit, you are entitled to student discount on Adobe Creative Cloud.<br>Please note:<br>- You will need to create an Adobe account using your City Lit email address which includes your student number.<br>(This is in the format 123456@student.citylit.ac.uk) Details will be provided in advance<br>- You can access your City Lit email through your supplied Office 365 account.<br>- When your course finishes and you no longer have access to your student email, the software will continue to function on the installed machine for the remainder of the annual subscription. At renewal, you will need to create another Adobe account using your personal email.<br>The Adobe account is not accessible to City Lit and technical support is extremely limited as a result.<br><br>Please see here: <a href="https://www.adobe.com/uk/creativecloud/buy/students.html?mv=search&amp;mv2=paidsearch&amp;sdid=D4P81NYZ&amp;ef_id=EAIaIQobChMIof2Q3-H5kQMVno9QBh3WWgLzEAAYASADEgLIKfD_BwE:G:s&amp;s_kwcid=AL!3085!3!763734635985!e!!g!!adobe%20creative%20cloud!22787824035!180268875057&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=22787824035&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIof2Q3-H5kQMVno9QBh3WWgLzEAAYASADEgLIKfD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Creative Cloud for Students</a><br></p>We run Designing Textiles online each term as a natural progression for learners to continue the development of their portfolio.<br>There are also in-person digital craft courses offered in our purpose-built studio. Please browse the website for upcoming course dates.<br> General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 10:30 - 12:00 then 15:00 - 17:00.Fashion & textilesTextile design & softwareconfigurable
