See what this programme offers

The Textile Design Programme at IVS provides students with a broad orientation to program specialization, development of skills and a comprehensive understanding of materials and processes keeping in mind the socio-cultural and historical context of textile; in relation to craft, trends, consumers and market. The program aims to nurture creative thinkers, motivate innovation and foster an inspiring, student-centred learning and research environment. Working over the course of three years in the department on assignments of increasing complexity, students develop a strong and diverse portfolio, take a professional direction, and work toward a final project. Students are also required to work in the industry as interns to gain real-life experience. The thesis project is the culmination of a 4-year degree program that develops capabilities to induce creative design perspectives carving their path toward the professional world of the Textile and Design industry.

 

Third Semester
Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Hours
TD366Drawing3
TD321Textile Design I
Print Design
Weaving
Design Intervention
6
TD346Workshops
Dyeing
Methods of Printing
1
TD304Computer/Digital tools1.5
TD3XXDesign ThinkingSeminar
LA354Histories of Art, Design and Architecture III3
LA308Islamic and Pakistan Studies3
Total Credits: 17.5  

 

Fourth Semester
Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Hours
TD466Drawing3
TD421Textile Design II
Print Design
Weaving
Design Intervention
6
TD446Workshops
Ornamentation
Off loom Weaving
1
TD403History of Textile I3
TD404Computer/Digital tools1.5
TD3XXDesign ThinkingSeminar
LAArt History/ Visual Culture Elective3
   
 Total Credits17.5

 

Fifth Semester
Course Code Course TitleCredit Hours
TD547Design Studio
I Print Design
Weaving
Design Intervention
6
TD559
TD560
Studio Electives (Choice of 1)
Apparel Design
Fiber Art

 
3
TD503History of Textile II3
TD504Computer/Digital tools1.5
LAGeneral Elective
 
3
LAArt History/ Visual Culture Elective
 
3
  Total Credits19.5

 

Sixth Semester
Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Hours
TD667Design Studio II
Print Design
Weaving
Design Intervention
6
TD661
TD662
Studio Electives (Choice of 1)
Fabric Manipulation
Recycled Textiles
3
D630Craft Documentation3
TD604Computer/Digital tools1.5
LA612Research Methodologies
(Prerequisite for Final Research Paper)
3
LAGeneral Elective3
 Total Credits19.5

 

Seventh Semester
Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Hours
TD754Design Studio III9
TD727Introduction to Merchandising3
LA768Final Research Paper3
  Total Credits15

 

Eighth Semester
Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Hours
TD834Thesis12
TD835Internship3
  Total Credits15

 

Total Credits Semesters 1-2: 36
Total Credits Semesters 3-8: 104
Total Credits for B.Des Textile Design Degree 140

Print Design

In the third semester, an introduction to basic print design provides a grammar of different repeats such as straight, half drop, three-point, mirror, ogee and non-directional. Emphasis is placed on hands-on learning where the motif is evolved from a source of inspiration and translated into different printing repeats. In the fourth semester students are introduced to print design for the textile industry, keeping in mind technical aspects of industrial printing such as repeat and colour limitations. In the third year the complexity of print design courses increases as students learn to work with coordinates, larger scales of repeats, and develop an under – standing of how to design a product acknowledging market demands. Digital technology has a significant impact on print practice and figures prominently in strategies of practical application of theory. Students work with Adobe Design Suite to design and create artworks, which are ready for manual printing, rotary/flatbed machine printing, and digital printing. The objective is for students to achieve confidence when designing materials for display and print.

Weaving

This course focuses on the basic principles of fabric construction. In the third and fourth semesters, students are introduced to loom functionality, starting from warping, heddling, reeding, and weaving. The recognition of diverse thread counts and basic to advanced weave structures are taught through graphs and wrappings. In the fifth semester, students work with existing woven fabric collected from the market and analyse weave structures. This fabric analysis helps construct variations of the weave patterns. Woven fabric samples are produced for either apparel or upholstery, ready to be adapted for industrial use. They apply acquired skills and further develop their weaving portfolio, with emphasis on colour and construction. Products are made according to market specifications. Digital technology has a significant impact on practice and is seen prominently in strategies of practical application of theory. Students work with Adobe Design Suite to design and create artworks with technical specifications. The objective is for students to achieve confidence when designing woven materials for home and apparel.

Design Intervention

This course aims to revive and create awareness for an existing or a dying craft. The objective of the course is to teach students to meet challenges involving the making and marketing of a craft. Emphasis is placed upon making the product functional and maintaining quality without taking away the identity of the indigenous craft. Students learn to respect and value tradition along with humility towards the craftsperson. Diversity of product range, which is marketable and economically feasible, is emphasized. The course is supported by research and documentation of the chosen traditional craft, for example ralli, namdas, susi, khes, pattu weaving, mud resist block printing and regional embroideries. Linkage with craft organizations is maintained to ensure sustainability.

Digital technology has a significant impact on print practice and figure prominently in strate-gies of practical application of theory. Students work with Adobe Design Suite to design and create artworks that will be mapped as their designs on various products

Drawing

Drawing is an essential component of the textile design programme as it supports all the elements of design. In the third semester, students are trained in observation, proportion, perspective, and nature-drawing in pencil and watercolor. The fourth semester course focuses on detailed and realistic replications rendered in pencil, pen, ink, water colour, and various other mediums and techniques. Fifth semester onwards, drawing is incorporated in all studio courses. Here, the emphasis is on numerous rendering techniques such as cut colour, dry brush and simplification of compositions through different mediums (acrylics, poster colour, and oil and chalk pastels). Combining these mediums in one composition helps explore its diverse possibilities. Further, as the course advances, students turn to conceptual thinking and mind-challenging exercises, along with realistic still-life.

Introduction to Merchandising

This course is a survey of the field of merchandising and the principles of retailing. It provides students with a basic understanding of marketing, merchandising, sourcing, production, and related functions within the framework of textile and fashion apparel industries.

Craft Documentation

Craft Documentation has been introduced in an effort to document the existing crafts of Pakistan. It requires research in the craftsperson’s environment. Students carry out field research in urban and rural sectors and then record the origin, system, and status of the craft through written and visual tools (such as notes, drawings, photographs and film). This compilation adds to the department’s resources and can be disseminated to collectors, institutions, students, and NGOs in a book form or as craft maps.

History of Textiles

History of Textiles is focused towards the knowledge of our rich cultural heritage, and regional and global contemporary textiles. This course encourages research on different textiles, supported by audio and visual aids. Dialogue and research are encouraged and information is gained through books, magazines, dissertations and other resource material.

Electives

Apparel Design

This course comprises a skill and design-oriented path and answers the continual demand from the fashion industry for trained talent to design garments. The course creates an interface between the student and the apparel, textile, and craft industry, which revitalises the latter and in turn benefits the designers by incorporating indigenous methods of weaving, printing, and ornamentation in apparels. This includes composing of mood boards, research boards and trend pages. The second stage of this course deals with the understanding of garment construction, finishing and placements.

Recycled Textiles

This course teaches recycling and reprocessing of used or leftover textile materials. Research in recycled textiles is conducted in a local context. Through this students are expected to gain new insight in innovation, creativity, experimentation, and contemporary demands on the craft and industrial sector. Various techniques of off-loom weaving are introduced to achieve desired results.

Fabric Manipulation

Fabric Manipulation invites students to be as experimental as possible with a variety of fabrics. The focus is on sampling, material manipulation, and experiencing how different textiles and fibres interact with their environment. Students explore useful ways of identifying creative applications for fabric by creating 2-D and 3-D surfaces using techniques like folding, pleating, burning, cutting, and many others to reshape the surface of fabrics.

Fiber Arts

The Fibre Arts course takes a conceptual approach to 2-D and 3-D forms. It utilises materials such as fabric, yarn, and natural/synthetic fibres and prioritises aesthetic value over utility. Students study techniques complementing textile fibres such as stitching, weaving, and dyeing, or by any other non-conventional method. Study of works from contemporary national and international artists and designers is an import-ant part of this course.

Workshops

Dyeing

Students are familiarized with both natural and chemical dyes through lectures and hands-on practice. Emphasis is laid on colour matching and fastness.

Natural Dyes

This workshop focuses on the knowledge of traditional methods of dyeing. Students are introduced to the indigenous roots and herbs that are locally available. Preparation of the dye bath in the traditional manner is demonstrated and a sample book, showcasing a variety of dyes, is compiled. A complete colour range is developed in cotton, silk and wool threads.

Chemical Dyes

Students are also introduced to different types of chemical dyes and their properties. Various techniques of tie-and-dye such as chunri, and stitch and clamp resist, are explored, which are then made into fabric samples.

Methods of Printing

Block Printing

This workshop aims to teach the techniques associated with the preparation of colours used in block printing. Students are taught the technicalities, preparation of the printing table, and the actual printing process. Visits to block printing studios and workshops are facilitated to see the crafts persons at work.

Screen Printing

Students are introduced to various techniques of screen printing. An understanding is developed of the procedures involved such as the making and stretching of frames, exposing of negatives, colour-mixing, and the actual printing process. Field trips to various screen printing units are arranged. Experimental printing is encouraged to keep the students updated with new trends and processes.

Ornamentation

This workshop entails a compilation of different ornamentation techniques in the form of a sample book. It includes the derivation of different stitches from traditional textiles, as well as finishing and edging details. Students are introduced to a variety of decorative materials such as beads, tassels, sequins, and metal thread used in combination with basic stitches and their variations. Students are also required to make a product that incorporates the techniques mentioned above. Visiting the local market is important for sourcing raw material as well as embroidery studios for an in-depth understanding.

Basketry

The art of basketry is the oldest off-loom textile technique. Students are encouraged to use indigenous palm leaves and reeds. Extensive sampling is carried out in two and three dimensional techniques for a variety of products. A master craftsperson is invited to demonstrate and teach the traditional basketry techniques.

Design Thesis

In the eighth semester students are required to undertake a final thesis project. Students have the option to design a collection/range of apparel, furnishing fabrics, home textile and textile craft. All designs are developed from a theme or source. Students must have the ability to meet the requirements for the composite mill in print, woven and apparel design, and for the craft sector. Thesis assessment is carried out by internal and external jurors at the end of the studio course. The evaluation criteria include the ability to develop design, composition, use of colour, level of skill, exploration of medium, and understanding of technical and production aspects.

Internship

During the summer break of the final year (between the seventh and eight semesters) students are required to go for a six-week intern-ship at textile mills, NGOs working with textile crafts, weaving units (mechanical and hand loom), or fashion and design houses. Through on-the-job training, students gain valuable insight in both theory and practice. Career options are explored in fields of employment related to their course of study. This is mandatory for all students in order to fulfill the graduation requirement.

Study Visits

Local, provincial, national and International study trips are undertaken to promote better understanding of techniques and environments of traditional and contemporary textiles. These trips are self-financed or enabled by sponsor-ships.

Message from the Head of Department

Asiah Seemab
Head, Department of Textile Design

As a department we aim to foster a highly motivated, student-centric learning environment, providing maximum exposure to the creative processes for the textile medium, through hands-on experience and comprehensive research, that leads to the development of concepts carrying a conscience to make informed and responsible choices that impacts the global environment. 
 
The Textile department of IVS has a reputation for producing some of the country’s leading designers. Our Alumni are engaged in steering the industry to not just meet local and international quality targets but creating new standards of excellence in contemporary design practice. Our crafts heritage is carefully and responsibly preserved and promoted through collaborative projects between Faculty, students and artisans.

Department Faculty & Staff

Swad Chishtie
Assistant Professor
  • MA in Design Merchandising and Marketing, Asian Institute of Fashion Design, Karachi, Pakistan
  • BFD, Asian Institute of Fashion Design, Karachi, Pakistan
Sadia Kausar
Assistant Professor
  • BFD, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi, Pakistan
Asiah Seemab
Associate Professor and Head of Department
  • MA Design for the Environment, Chelsea College of Art and Design, University of Arts London
  • B. Des, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi, Pakistan
Fatima Siddiqi
Assistant Professor
  • MSc. Strategic Innovation Management, University of Sussex United Kingdom BDes, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi
Asim Amjad
  • B.F.A, Fashion Design, Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design, Lahore, Pakistan
Ehtesham Ansari
  • MA Fashion Textile Surface Design, BIAD – BCU – Birmingham, UK
  • B. Design, Indus Valley School of Arts and Architecture, Pak
Manal Jayad Dar
  • BFD, Honors, AIFD, Pak
Nausheen Faiz
  • B. Des, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi
Shehnaz Ismail
  • PGD Textile, Hornsey College of Art, London, UK
  • B. Des, NCA, Pak
Mehwish Fahad Khoso
  • BFD, AIFD, Pak
Zaid Hameed
  • B. Des, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi, Pakistan
Sana Maqbool
  • B. Des, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi
Muhammad Umer Rehman
  • MFA, Savannah College of Art and Design, USA
  • BDes, Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design, Lahore, Pakistan
Madiha Raza
  • B. Des, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi
Sana Sami
  • B. Des, IVS, Karachi, Pakistan
Syeda Urmia Ashar
  • Bachelors in Textile Design, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Sana Naqvi
  • MPhil in Art & Design, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
  • MPhil in Art & Design,
  • Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
  • Bachelor in Design, University of Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Humera Zaman Tareen
  • B.Des, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi, Pakistan
Ali Javaid Vastani
  • MBA, Majors in Advertising and Communication Design Management,
  • Institute of Business Management, Pak
  • B.Sc (Hons) in Textile Design Technology, Textile Institute of Pakistan, Pak
Umaima Masood
Academic Programme Officer
Anees ur Rehman
  • Weaver
Dev Immu
  • Dyeing Assistant
Jevan Viba
  • Printing Assistant
Mohammad Altaf Ansari
  • Master Weaver