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Explore UAL Short Courses in London or online

Textiles and materials short courses

Our range of short courses in textiles and materials cover everything from concept to catwalk – textile design, fabrics and fibres, surface design, textile print, portfolio development, and more.

Located at UAL's world-renowned colleges, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts and London College of Fashion, courses are available in a range from formats; from workshops and week-long, intensives, to those spanning several weeks.

UAL Short Courses are suitable for every level, all designed with appropriate class sizes, so tutors can help each individual improve their knowledge and get to the next level.

Our courses offer the opportunity to:

  • Work in state-of-the-art textile studios
  • Learn to use specialist tools and techniques relevant to the textile industry
  • Handle industry-standard equipment with guidance and demonstrations
  • Create a strong body of work to enhance your portfolio
  • Gain friendly tutor feedback and helpful critiques to guide your progress

Featured short courses

Textiles and materials
Crochet for Fashion Beginners Short Course

Crochet for Fashion Beginners Short Course

£500

Gain a practical introduction to the art of crochet in this inspiring short course. Learn to create and read crochet patterns through practical exercises and workshops. Develop fundamental crochet skills and explore creative design possibilities.

  • Dates - 7 September 2026 to 8 September 2026
  • Schedule - Monday to Tuesday
Textiles and materials
Textiles for Beginners Short Course

Textiles for Beginners Short Course

£540

Learn to create textile print designs through classroom discussions and practical exercises. Develop paint techniques for textiles, and explore digital development.

  • Dates - 3 November 2026 to 1 December 2026
  • Schedule - Tuesdays
Textiles and materials
Contemporary Textile Collage Embroidery Short Course

Contemporary Textile Collage Embroidery Short Course

£350

Learn contemporary textile collage and embroidery. Create unique and textured textile art.

  • Dates - 24 August 2026 to 25 August 2026
  • Schedule - Monday to Tuesday
Textiles and materials
Introduction to Textiles Online Short Course

Introduction to Textiles Online Short Course

£490

Examine fabric types and their manufacturing methods. Understand weaving, knitting, and dyeing processes. Essential knowledge for the fashion industry.

  • Dates - 3 August 2026 to 6 August 2026
  • Schedule - Monday to Thursday

Fashion business
Understanding Knitwear Short Course

Understanding Knitwear Short Course

£320

Gain a better understanding of the knitwear yarns and machinery used in bulk production.

  • Dates - 22 July 2026 to 22 July 2026
  • Schedule - Wednesday
Textiles and materials
Digital Print On Textiles Short Course

Digital Print On Textiles Short Course

£940

Learn how to design and print using a large format digital printer. Photoshop and Illustrator will be used to manipulate images and the resulting designs will be printed on both digital and sublimation printers.

  • Dates - 17 August 2026 to 21 August 2026
  • Schedule - Monday to Friday
Textiles and materials
Drawing And Painting For Textile Design Short Course

Drawing And Painting For Textile Design Short Course

£810

Learn core drawing and painting skills for textile design. Explore techniques and strategies to refine your ideas and create textile prints.

  • Dates - 12 July 2027 to 16 July 2027
  • Schedule - Monday to Friday
Textiles and materials
Introduction to Bioinspired Textile Design Theory and Practice Online Short Course

Introduction to Bioinspired Textile Design Theory and Practice Online Short Course

£540

Combine theory and practice in bioinspired textile design. Learn to create sustainable textiles inspired by nature.

  • Dates - 18 August 2026 to 22 September 2026
  • Schedule - Tuesdays

Read what our students have to say

  • Student work by Elisa Borrat
    Student work by Elisa Borrat

    From a short course to a tailoring business

    Since graduating from London College of Communication in 2020, Elisa Borrat has completed three short courses at Central Saint Martins and gone on to launch her own womenswear tailoring brand, Nancaua.

  • Student work by Jen Place
    Student work by Jen Place

    Develop your textiles practice with a short course

    Jen Place’s passion for textiles and knitwear recently brought her to Central Saint Martins to join our Patternmaking Level 1 Short Course. We caught up with Jen to find out more about her work and experience on the course.

  • Image of a selection of different fabrics on a table

    How to start sewing for beginners

    Sewing is one of the oldest textile arts. In this guide, we discuss why it continues to be a popular and valuable skill, and offer some practical tips for anyone looking to start sewing.