Design and Technology: Fashion and Textiles

    AQA
    A-Level

    Specification: 7562

    The AQA A-Level Design and Technology: Fashion and Textiles specification covers 53 topics with 487 learning objectives (7562). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

    Starting AQA A-Level Design and Technology: Fashion and Textiles this term? The whole specification is below, unit by unit.

    This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

    53

    Topics

    487

    Objectives

    0

    Exam Tips

    0

    Pitfalls

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    Key Features

    • Master key concepts
    • Develop exam technique
    • Apply knowledge effectively

    About AQA A-Level Design and Technology: Fashion and Textiles

    This AQA A-Level in Design and Technology: Fashion and Textiles immerses you in the creative, technical and commercial aspects of the fashion and textile industry. You will explore materials, manufacturing processes, design theory and the impact of fashion on society and the environment, developing a critical understanding of how products are designed, made and marketed.

    The specification is structured into core technical principles, designing and making principles, and an independent design and make project. You will study topics such as fibre classification, fabric construction, pattern drafting, sustainability, and the work of influential designers, all while building a portfolio that demonstrates your practical skills and design thinking.

    Assessment Structure

    The AQA A-Level Design and Technology: Fashion and Textiles is assessed through two written exams and one non-exam assessment (NEA). Paper 1 (Technical Principles) is a 2.5-hour written exam worth 30% of the A-Level, and Paper 2 (Designing and Making Principles) is a 1.5-hour written exam worth 20%. The NEA, a substantial design and make project, accounts for the remaining 50% of the qualification. All components are marked out of a total of 400 marks (Paper 1: 120 marks, Paper 2: 80 marks, NEA: 200 marks).

    Why Choose AQA?

    • AQA offers a clear and well-structured specification that balances theoretical knowledge with practical application, making it ideal for students who want to understand both the science and art of fashion and textiles.
    • The NEA provides an opportunity to pursue an independent project of personal interest, allowing you to specialise in areas such as sustainable fashion, smart textiles, or historical costume, which can be advantageous for university applications.
    • AQA's assessment is straightforward with two written papers and a single coursework component, reducing exam pressure and allowing you to showcase your skills over an extended period.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Specification Topics

    53 topics

    Technical principles 3.1.1 Materials and their applications - Methods for investigating and testing materials

    Students must understand how workshop and industrial tests are set up and what will be tested, measured and compared, including:, pilling., flammability +4 more

    7 objectives7 subtopics

    Technical principles 3.1.1 Materials and their applications - Classification of materials

    Students must know the classifications of the following fibres, and be able to name examples that belong to each category:, reactive materials, synthetic fibres: +18 more

    21 objectives21 subtopics

    Technical principles 3.1.1 Materials and their applications - Materials and applications

    product function, physical and mechanical properties and working characteristics, Students are expected to be able to name specific materials for a wide range of applications. +4 more

    7 objectives7 subtopics

    Protecting designs and intellectual property

    trademarks, copyright and design rights, Students should be aware of, and able to explain, the importance of the following to the designer: +3 more

    6 objectives6 subtopics

    Design for manufacturing, maintenance, repair and disposal Manufacture, repair, maintenance and disposal

    how the choice of materials affects the use, care and disposal of products:, maintenance: temporary and integral fixings, use of standardised parts, allowing for service and repair/ replacement of parts, ability to upgrade with software downloads, selection of fabrics and components that can be cared for without the need for special treatments, advisory labelling to encourage responsible washing and drying of textile products., reducing the number of manufacturing processes +4 more

    7 objectives7 subtopics

    Design for manufacturing, maintenance, repair and disposal Manufacture, repair, maintenance and disposal - Care and maintenance of products

    Students should be aware of, and able to explain, the different ways in which a product can be cared for and maintained, including care labels, their use and what they mean.

    1 objectives

    Feasibility studies

    Interpret statistical analyses to determine user needs and preferences., Use data related to human scale and proportion to determine product scale and dimensions., The use of feasibility studies to assess the practicality for production of proposed designs, including the testing of prototypes with potential consumers.

    3 objectives3 subtopics

    Enterprise and marketing in the development of products Enterprise and marketing

    packaging, The importance of marketing and brand identity, including:, customer identification +11 more

    14 objectives14 subtopics

    Enterprise and marketing in the development of products Enterprise and marketing - Fashion cycles

    The impact of fashion on trend and the development of design products, including:, predictions, The influence of trend and changes in lifestyle on fashion, clothing and textile products. +12 more

    15 objectives15 subtopics

    Design communication

    Use of datum points and geometry when setting out design drawings., Presentation of market data, user preferences and outcomes of market research., the use of graphs +8 more

    11 objectives11 subtopics

    Performance characteristics of materials Performance characteristics of fibres - Smart materials

    changes in temperature, changes in pressure (force)., changes in light levels +3 more

    6 objectives6 subtopics

    Performance characteristics of materials Performance characteristics of fibres

    yarns made from mixes of staple fibres and filament fibres cut down to staple form, Students should know of the need to blend fibres to create aesthetic effects, performance fabrics, improved care and maintenance of fabrics., absorbency +47 more

    50 objectives50 subtopics

    Performance characteristics of materials Performance characteristics of fibres - Performance characteristics of fabrics

    formability, rip-proof., non-woven fabrics lack strength and have no grain +28 more

    31 objectives31 subtopics

    Performance characteristics of materials Performance characteristics of fibres - Performance characteristics of yarns

    Students should be able to describe the main yarn types, including:, Students should know that fibres need to be made into yarns before they can be manufactured into woven and knitted fabrics., Students should be able to explain the performance characteristics of yarns, including: +4 more

    7 objectives7 subtopics

    Performance characteristics of materials Performance characteristics of fibres - Commercial names of fibres and fabrics

    Polar fleece., Lyocell®, Modal® +4 more

    7 objectives7 subtopics

    Performance characteristics of materials Performance characteristics of fibres - Technical textiles

    Students should be able to explain the suitability of technical textiles for given applications., Students should know and understand the term technical textiles., ceramic and carbon fibres used in the production of nano-fibres +3 more

    6 objectives6 subtopics

    Performance characteristics of materials Performance characteristics of fibres - Performance characteristics of woven fabrics

    Students should be able to explain the main fabric structures of woven fabrics and be able to recognise these structures and typical end uses for a range of woven fabrics, including:, satin weave fabrics: satin, sateen, duchesse satin, heavy bridal satins, lighter weight satins for linings and lingerie, brocades and Jacquard +3 more

    6 objectives6 subtopics

    Performance characteristics of materials Performance characteristics of fibres - Performance characteristics of non-woven fabrics

    Students should be able to understand and explain that non-woven fabrics are produced directly from fibres and have knowledge of typical end uses of non-woven fabrics.

    1 objectives

    Performance characteristics of materials Performance characteristics of fibres - Performance characteristics of knitted fabrics

    warp knits: net and lace structures., Students should be able to explain the two main structures of knitted fabrics and be able to recognise these structures and typical end uses for a range of knitted fabrics, including:, weft knits: hand and machine knits, plain knit, single jersey, double jersey, rib knits, jacquard knits

    3 objectives3 subtopics

    Methods of joining and use of components Seams - Threads

    and special effect threads:, sewing threads: eg polyester and cotton machine thread, buttonhole thread, special effect threads: eg metallic, glow- in-the-dark, multicoloured. +1 more

    4 objectives4 subtopics

    Methods of joining and use of components Seams - Trims

    Lace., Ribbons., Beads. +6 more

    9 objectives9 subtopics

    Methods of joining and use of components Seams - Interfacings, underlinings, linings, interlinings

    Students should have knowledge of the different fabrics used and the reasons for choice in relation to specific products., Types and applications in relation to fabric weight and construction, and end use of product.

    2 objectives2 subtopics

    Methods of joining and use of components Seams - The use of fastenings

    Selection and application of fastenings for a range of fashion, clothing and textile products taking account of the intended use, fabric type, the effect to be achieved, efficiency of manufacture and after care of product., Students should have an awareness of the different types of fastening within each category, eg open-ended and invisible zips, flat and domed buttons., The use of fastenings including buttons and buttonholes and loops, zips, poppers, clips, buckles, clasps, Velcro, D-rings, hooks and eyes, fabric and ribbon ties.

    3 objectives3 subtopics

    Methods of joining and use of components Seams

    Different seam types and their selection and use on different products taking into account the fabric type, effect to be achieved, efficiency of manufacture and after care of product., Students should have knowledge of the specific techniques required when working with different fabric types, eg knitted, checked, stretch, directional, sheer and patterned fabrics.

    2 objectives2 subtopics

    Methods of joining and use of components Seams - Fusible fleece

    The use of heat-sensitive fleece such as Bondaweb ® when joining layers of fabric, eg in applique work.

    1 objectives

    Methods of joining and use of components Seams - Components and their appropriateness for a range of products

    Selection of the most appropriate component for a product taking into consideration the style, effect, fabric used, manufacturing considerations, safety in relation to user, availability and cost implications.

    1 objectives

    The use of finishes Fabric finishes - Laminating as a finishing process

    Students should be able to describe a range of laminated fabrics, including:, Gore-Tex®, Bonded fabrics, eg fake leather backed by a woven fabric to give stability. +2 more

    5 objectives5 subtopics

    The use of finishes Fabric finishes - Chemical finishes

    moth proofing, hygienic (sanitised)., Detailed knowledge of the chemicals involved and methods of application is not expected. +7 more

    10 objectives10 subtopics

    The use of finishes Fabric finishes

    end use of the product., The effects of finishes and the reasons they are needed in relation to:, the fibre/fabric properties

    3 objectives3 subtopics

    The use of finishes Fabric finishes - Mechanical finishes

    A range of mechanical finishes, including:, heat setting using thermoplastic fibres to give permanent pleats or crinkles and make fabric non-crease and non-shrink, calendaring +3 more

    6 objectives6 subtopics

    Enhancement of materials

    Surface decoration – dyeing., Surface decoration – printing., discharge +23 more

    26 objectives26 subtopics

    Modern industrial and commercial practice

    Students should be able to explain the use of standardised and bought-in components made by specialist manufacturers., mass/line production, The use of computer systems. +18 more

    21 objectives21 subtopics

    Digital design and manufacture Computer aided design (CAD) - Virtual modelling

    Students should be aware of, and be able to describe, how virtual modelling/testing is used in industry prior to product production., simulation, computer controlled printing to produce sample fabric lengths. +1 more

    4 objectives4 subtopics

    Digital design and manufacture Computer aided design (CAD)

    How CAD is used in industrial applications., The use of CAD to develop and present ideas for products., The advantages and disadvantages of using CAD compared to manually generated alternative.

    3 objectives3 subtopics

    Digital design and manufacture Computer aided design (CAD) - Computer aided manufacturing (CAM)

    computer controlled decorative processes, seam stitching, pressing +7 more

    10 objectives10 subtopics

    Digital design and manufacture Computer aided design (CAD) - Production, planning and control (PPC) networking

    Students should be aware of, and able to describe, the role of PPC systems in the planning and controlling of all aspects of manufacturing, including:, coordinating suppliers and customers., availability of materials +1 more

    4 objectives4 subtopics

    Digital design and manufacture Computer aided design (CAD) - Electronic data interchange

    Students should be aware of, and able to describe, the use of electronic point of sales (EPOS) for marketing purposes and the collection of market research data.

    1 objectives

    The requirements for textile and fashion design and development

    the design, development and manufacture of fashion clothing and textiles products to meet specification criteria, Students should develop the skills to critically assess products and develop new design proposals., Inclusive design. +8 more

    11 objectives11 subtopics

    Health and safety

    Safety in products and services to the customer., the concept of risk assessment and its application to given manufacturing processes., advice to consumers: +12 more

    15 objectives15 subtopics

    Designing and making principles 3.2.1 Design methods and processes

    Representation of data used to inform design decisions and evaluation of outcomes., The use of ergonomic and anthropometric data when designing products for humans and specific applications., the development of a design proposal +7 more

    10 objectives10 subtopics

    National and international standards in product design

    the four areas to be considered when labelling a garment: fibre content, country of origin, care instructions, flammability, Students should be aware of, and able to discuss, the importance of national and international standards in product design, including:, British Standards Institute (BSI): performance codes in relation to the selection of materials for a range of end users +4 more

    7 objectives7 subtopics

    Design theory

    Punk., Paul Poiret, Pop-art +16 more

    19 objectives19 subtopics

    How technology and cultural changes can impact on the work of designers - Product life cycle

    evolution, replacement., Students should be able illustrate their understanding with examples of how, with reference to specific products, designers have refined and redeveloped products. +5 more

    8 objectives8 subtopics

    How technology and cultural changes can impact on the work of designers - Major developments in technology

    the development of fabric finishes, e- textiles and smart materials, development in the care of textiles., the introduction of regenerated and synthetic fibres during the 20th century +3 more

    6 objectives6 subtopics

    How technology and cultural changes can impact on the work of designers - Socioeconomic influences

    the rise of youth culture and anti- authoritarian attitudes, sport and leisure, the role of women in society +7 more

    10 objectives10 subtopics

    How technology and cultural changes can impact on the work of designers - Social, moral and ethical issues

    The responsibilities of designers and manufacturers, including:, the concept of upcycling., the impact of Fairtrade on design and consumer demand +5 more

    8 objectives8 subtopics

    Design processes

    basic block, Prototype development., How different design methodologies are used by designers in the corporate world when designing products including collaborative working and the cyclic nature of commercial design and manufacture. +25 more

    28 objectives28 subtopics

    Critical analysis and evaluation

    How the use of feedback and testing informs the evaluation process, including:, Critical analysis and evaluation., Testing and evaluating products in commercial products. +5 more

    8 objectives8 subtopics

    Selecting appropriate tools, equipment and processes

    how to select the most appropriate manufacturing process to be able to realise theirs, or others’ design proposals, the importance of health and safety in a commercial setting including workforce training and national safety standards., the importance of using the correct tools and equipment for specific tasks +4 more

    7 objectives7 subtopics

    Accuracy in design and manufacture

    The importance of accuracy in manufacturing, whatever the scale of production, including:, how testing can eliminate errors, the value in the use of measuring aids, eg templates, in ensuring consistency of accuracy and the reduction of possible human error. +1 more

    4 objectives4 subtopics

    Responsible design Environmental issues - Conservation of energy and resources

    the impact of waste, surplus and by- products created in the process of manufacture including reuse of material off-cuts, chemicals, heat and water, sustainable manufacturing including the use of alternative energy and methods to minimise waste, the design of fashion, clothing and textiles for minimum impact on the environment including raw material extraction, consumption, ease of repair, maintenance and end of life +4 more

    7 objectives7 subtopics

    Responsible design Environmental issues

    The importance of environmental issues in design and manufacture, including:, the responsibilities of designers and manufacturers in ensuring products are made from sustainable materials and components, the environmental impact of packaging textile products, eg use of excessive packaging and plastic. +1 more

    4 objectives4 subtopics

    Design for manufacture and project management

    The importance of planning for accuracy when making prototypes and making recommendations for small, medium and large scale production., Labelling and quality assurance symbols, eg wool mark, 100% cotton logo, Tencel® logo, Teflon® fabric finish logo., The monitoring, checking and testing of materials, components, equipment and products throughout production to ensure they conform to acceptable tolerances. +8 more

    11 objectives11 subtopics

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