Why textiles matters in design and technology

Published 14th May 2026

Weaving impact in classrooms

As the Textiles Skills Centre marks its tenth anniversary, it celebrates a decade of supporting high-quality textiles education within design and technology. Founded to strengthen teacher confidence, subject knowledge and safe practice, it has grown into a national network shaping classroom practice across the UK and beyond.

Over the past decade, thousands of teachers have accessed CPD workshops, mentoring and online learning, reaching tens of thousands of students. More than 2,000 teachers have attended face-to-face training, while the BAGTT programme has supported over 400 teachers and a mentoring scheme has paired more than 200 educators. The impact is stronger teaching, improved outcomes and increased student engagement.

A future-focused discipline for D&T

Textiles is sometimes still misunderstood as “just sewing”, yet within design and technology it is a dynamic, interdisciplinary material area. Students analyse fast-fashion garments to understand sustainability, prototype in calico to explore iteration, and investigate biomimicry such as Velcro inspired by burrs. They also engage with e-textiles, digital embroidery and upcycling, combining creativity with technical understanding while developing problem-solving, resilience and critical thinking skills essential for modern design practice.

Textiles links directly to a UK industry worth over £60 billion, supporting 1.3 million jobs. It opens pathways into sustainable fashion, material science, wearable technology and creative careers across design and engineering.

Safety, confidence and the future are central. The Textiles Skills Centre provides training, guidance and risk assessment resources, helping teachers deliver safe, ambitious projects using sewing machines, heat presses and digital tools. Looking ahead, textiles continues to evolve through AI, biomaterials and circular design. At the D&T Association Excellence Awards, Founder Dawn Foxall received the IET Excellence Award for Outstanding Contribution to design and technology, recognising a decade of impact, collaboration and mentoring.

Celebrating excellence in design and technology

The Design & Technology Association Excellence Awards celebrate individuals who make a real impact in design and technology. Founded in 1999 by the Design & Technology Association Trustees, the awards recognise teachers, pupils and industry partners who go above and beyond to inspire and shape learning in the subject.

One such example of impact is Dawn Foxall, whose leadership and commitment to professional development have helped to strengthen textiles education nationally, supporting teachers and pupils to achieve greater confidence and creativity in the classroom.

Know someone who deserves recognition? Whether it is a colleague, a pupil or an industry partner, submit your nomination and help give them the recognition they truly deserve. Submission deadline: 8th June 2026.

Nominate online today →

Teachers can access the PDF version of this article, featured in Practice 1 2026 below and download their digital copy of the magazine here.