CHAPTER 13: An Introduction to Textile Design

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
When discussing textiles, one wonders about the meaning and its origin; the word ‘textile’ comes from the Latin adjective textilis, meaning ‘woven’ which itself from textus, the past participle of the verb textre, to weave. Its origin is as old as the existence of man's creation, probably made of animals’ skin and help to protect early humans from the elements. In textile manufacturing, design is an 
integral part.  
Design is a composition of various elements into patterns either in two-dimensional or three-dimensional forms. The design elements are line, shape, texture, value, space, form, colour, light and possibly time and motion. 
Getlein (2002) describes the elements as satisfying the artist’s expressive intent. Ogumor (2007) defined design as the art of organizing or arranging lines, shapes, motifs, symbols and images to communicate an idea. This chapter focuses on various aspects and techniques of textile design and production.