BA (Hons) Textiles & Surface Design students are taking part in The Bradford Textiles Society Competition 2026. Established in 1925, the annual competition has been running for over 100 years, and is unique in its breadth of awards across a wide spectrum of textile specialties, including weave, knit, print, embroidery, combined textile process, mixed media and new technologies. The competition aims to bridge the gap between UK textile design education and industry, celebrating emerging talent including students and independent designers. The competition launches every spring and is judged by a team of leading industry professionals, prize winners and commendations receive awards and certificates.

Previous students have won several of the categories in the past, as well as runner up and commendation awards. This year our second and third year students are entering a number of categories Including The Worshipful Co. of Dyers Fashion Fabrics, Prestigious Textiles Ltd Interiors, The CIWMT Award  Design for Children’s Interiors on Cotton, and The Clothworkers Award Mixed Media textiles.

Lecturer Jayne Hemmins-Dunning said “The Bradford Textile Society competition is a brilliant opportunity for our students to raise their profile and have their work viewed by industry in this long established and highly respected competition, based in the historical heartland of the textiles industry. Prizes are really exciting, including work placements, sponsorship and cash awards. Several of our previous students have used the competition as a launchpad to successful careers within the industry.”

Textiles student Alice Shilton-Hart said “I first found out about the Bradford Textiles Society Competition through my tutors. Being selected to enter the competition felt like a huge achievement and gave me a real sense of confidence in my work and creative abilities, I felt both excited and nervous when submitting my work. It is such a respected competition within the textile industry, so having the opportunity to take part is incredibly motivating and it made me feel recognised for all the hard work, time, and dedication I have put into developing my practice throughout my degree so far. Entering the competition is a wonderful experience because it has pushed me creatively and professionally, it has also given me the chance to share my work with a wider audience and gain valuable exposure within the industry. Overall, I feel very grateful and proud to have been selected to enter.”

Alice entered the CIWEM Award category, “my project strongly connects with children’s interior design and reflects my personal creative style, the collection was created with the intention of bringing positivity, imagination, and comfort into interior spaces for children. I felt this category was the best fit for my work because it combines creativity, interiors, and storytelling, which are all important parts of my design practice.”

“The concept behind my submission focuses on morning routines and the everyday objects connected to comfort, wellbeing, and personal habits” Explains Alice. “I explored how routines can provide feelings of calmness, familiarity, and emotional security, while also highlighting how everyone’s routines and experiences are different. Mental wellbeing was an important influence throughout the project, as I wanted the designs to feel playful, uplifting, and comforting. My work began through observational drawings of everyday objects linked to morning routines, I then developed these drawings into repeat patterns and textile designs using hand rendered repeats, bold colour palettes, and playful compositions. A major inspiration for this project came from the live brief with Lust Home, which encouraged me to think about interiors in a more creative and commercial way. I particularly enjoyed exploring how surface pattern can transform spaces and create emotional connections through design.”

Fellow textiles student Kirsty Greer entered was The Clothworkers company award as it “includes mixed media as textile art for techniques such as machine embroidery and beading.”

creative work by Kirsty.

The project she submitted is “a piece called An Embroidered Country Diary which is a series of four textile art pieces each representing the seasons, my experiences and the animals and flowers featured in the seasons. The piece is inspired by the iconic book by Edith Holden called The Country Diary Of an Edwardian Lady. The piece is mixed media using a range of different textile based practices such as, embroidery (hand and machine) as well as mixed media practices such as, beading, image transfer, screen-print, ribbon embroidery, fabric dyeing, water-soluble fabric stitching and applique. My work is aimed at nature lovers and those who have an appreciation for the time-consuming beauty of embroidery! I want people to feel enchanted with my work and feel as if all the wee animals are chatting and have a story.”

Reflecting on her time on the course Kirsty said “I’ve loved my time on the textiles course, so many new and exciting techniques to try out and develop my practice as an artist!”

“My time studying Textiles and Surface Design has been an amazing experience so far” said Alice. “The course has given me so many opportunities to develop both creatively and professionally, while allowing me to explore a wide range of textile techniques and processes. The course has encouraged me to experiment with different skills through workshops, volunteering opportunities, and practical learning experiences. I have developed skills in printing, tufting, repeat pattern design, and textile development, while also improving my confidence as a designer, the staff and support throughout the course have been incredible.”

“As a dyslexic student, I have especially appreciated the understanding, encouragement, and support available to help me succeed, the tutors create such a welcoming and positive environment, and I have always felt encouraged to challenge myself creatively and make the most of every opportunity. Overall, my degree has been a wonderful journey.”

When asked what their advice would be for students starting out Kirsty offered a practical tip, “start taking photos of inspiration wherever you go- inspiration in everything e.g books, plants, coloured tiles, movies, pretty sunsets etc. so when you start studying you have a vast selection of primary imagery to get you kick started!”

Alice replied “take every opportunity that comes your way, whether it is workshops, live briefs, competitions, volunteering, exhibitions, or trips, every experience helps you grow your skills, confidence, and portfolio. I would also recommend learning as many techniques and processes as possible, trying new things can really help you discover your own style and strengths as a designer.”

“Don’t be afraid to experiment or make mistakes, as this is all part of the creative process, It is also really important to document your work and processes throughout projects. Keeping sketchbooks, photographs, samples, and development work organised will help when building portfolios and preparing for future career opportunities. Talking to your peers and tutors is another important part of the course, collaboration, feedback, and sharing ideas can help you improve and stay motivated, most importantly, stay patient with yourself and believe in your ability’s confidence takes time to build, hard work and persistence really do pay off, give every project your best effort and enjoy the creative journey.”

Keep up to date with Poppy and Alice’s work on Instagram: @poppystitchcrafts @ash_wild.illustrates

The Northern School of Art’s exciting and innovative degree BA (Hons) Textiles & Surface Design degree offers students exceptional studios, workshops and resources. Find out more HERE