E-Textiles for Beginners
- Level(s) of Study: Short course; Professional
- Course Fee:
£555
- Start Date(s): 10 March 2027
- Duration: Wednesday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm, three days
- Study Mode(s):
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
Discover how textiles and technology can be combined to create innovative, interactive and functional products.
This practical introductory course explores the emerging field of electronic textiles, also known as e-textiles, where fabrics are enhanced with electronic components to sense, respond and interact with their environment. From wearable technology and smart clothing to healthcare and wellbeing applications, electronic textiles are transforming the way we think about design and functionality.
Designed for designers, makers and creative professionals, the course provides a hands-on introduction to the materials, techniques and technologies used in electronic textile development. Through a series of practical workshops, you'll learn how to incorporate conductive materials, sensors and programmable components into textiles and develop your own working electronic textile prototype.
Whether you're looking to expand your creative practice, explore new technologies, or take your first steps into this growing area of design, this course will provide you with the skills and confidence to continue experimenting beyond the classroom.
-
Learn through a series of interactive workshops in a creative studio environment that encourages discussion, collaboration and experimentation. -
Join a supportive design community where you can exchange ideas, explore new approaches and develop your practical skills. -
Benefit from small class sizes and individual guidance from an experienced specialist in electronic textiles. -
Receive a digital certificate of attendance and digital badge on successful completion of the course.
What you’ll study
Through a series of practical workshops, you will:
- learn how electronic textiles are being developed and used across industry
- explore basic circuit construction, testing and troubleshooting techniques
- incorporate conductive threads and materials into fabric
- work with textile-based sensors, including pressure and stretch sensors
- programme microcontrollers to add functionality and interactivity to electronic textile devices
- explore sustainability considerations and material choices in electronic textile design
- develop and produce a working electronic textile prototype based on the concepts and techniques introduced throughout the course.
Understanding electronic textiles
You'll explore the history and development of electronic textiles and discover how electronics can be integrated into fabrics and wearable products. Through examples of commercial products and experimental prototypes, you'll gain an understanding of how electronic textiles are being used across a range of industries.
Creating electronic textile circuits
You'll learn the fundamentals of electronic textile circuit design through a series of guided practical exercises. Working with a range of materials and techniques, you'll explore different methods for creating conductive pathways within textiles, including coating, embroidery and bonding.
Exploring electronic textile sensors
You'll be introduced to a range of textile-based sensors and learn how they can be used to create interactive and responsive textile products. Activities will focus on sensing mechanical inputs such as pressure, movement and stretch.
Developing an electronic textile prototype
Drawing on the skills developed throughout the course, you'll create your own electronic textile prototype. Practical sessions will be supported by an expert tutor who will help you overcome technical challenges and refine your ideas. The course concludes with a showcase of participant work.
Turning Fabrics into Smart Materials
How you’re taught
This course is delivered in person at Nottingham Trent University's City Campus.
Contact hours
You'll receive 15 contact hours of expert tuition through a combination of demonstrations, guided practical exercises, workshops and project-based learning.
Careers and employability
Electronic textiles sit at the intersection of design, technology and innovation. This course provides a foundation in electronic textiles and wearable technology, helping you develop practical skills that can be applied to creative practice, product development, further study or continued exploration of this rapidly evolving field.
After the course, you may be interested in progressing on to the Material and Technology Futures MSc course.
Certificate of attendance and digital badge
Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a digital certificate of attendance and a digital badge powered by Accredible.
Your digital credential is more than just a certificate. It’s secure, verifiable, and protected against fraud through encryption and blockchain technology.
They also come with detailed metadata, including an overview of the skills you have achieved on the course, evidence of completion, and assessment criteria if appropriate.
Share your achievements seamlessly with friends, customers, and potential employers online, and proudly add your badge or certificate to social media platforms such as LinkedIn, so all the right people can see it.
Campus and facilities
You'll be based in the Nottingham School of Art & Design on NTU's City Campus.
Teaching will take place in our dedicated electronic textiles laboratory, where you'll have access to specialist equipment and facilities used in electronic textile research and development.
You'll receive joining instructions by email approximately one week before the course starts, including details of where to go on your first day.
As an NTU short course student, you'll also have access to our library facilities throughout your studies. While books cannot be borrowed, you're welcome to use the library for research and reference purposes.
Entry requirements
Level: Beginner to electronic textiles
This course is suitable for designers, artists, makers, textile practitioners and anyone interested in exploring the creative possibilities of wearable technology and electronic textiles.
No specialist software experience is required, although you should be comfortable using a computer.
No previous experience of electronic textiles is required.
You must be aged 18 or over to attend this course.
Fees and funding
The fee for this course is £555.
Payment is due at the time of booking. If your employer is paying for your place, please contact us to discuss invoicing options.
Your course fee covers tuition, access to specialist facilities and materials used during teaching, as well as the use of NTU's library, IT equipment and software while attending the course.
You'll need to bring a laptop with you.
Please read our Terms and Conditions before booking your place.
How to apply
You can book your place via the NTU online store:
10 - 12 March 2027, Wednesday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm, three days
Any questions?
Contact the short course team:
Email: creativeshortcourses@ntu.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2813
