Arts & Humanities
Fashion Design and Textiles
Fashion Design and Textiles teaches you how to design, pattern, and sew clothes from scratch, plus how fabric itself is made and treated. You'll spend a lot of time at a sewing machine and a sketch pad, learning everything from measuring a body correctly to running a small fashion line as a business.
Program objectives
- 01Learn to sketch, pattern-make, and construct garments by hand and machine.
- 02Understand fabric types, dyeing, and textile production.
- 03Build skills in fashion illustration and computer-aided design (CAD).
- 04Learn the business side -- costing, branding, and selling a fashion line.
- 05Get exposure to current trends while keeping Ghanaian fabric and style traditions alive.
Why choose this program
You can start earning while still in school
Many students take in sewing and design jobs on the side before they even graduate.
Low barrier to starting your own business
A sewing machine and some fabric is often all you need to start a small fashion brand.
Ghana's fashion scene is growing fast
Local designers are getting more attention both at home and internationally, especially with African prints in demand.
Skills you'll build
- Pattern making and garment construction
- Fashion illustration and CAD software
- Textile science (fabric types, dyeing, printing)
- Garment costing and production planning
- Creativity
- Attention to detail
- Patience with repetitive, precise work
- Client communication
Tools & software
- Sewing machines and overlockers
- Pattern-cutting tools
- Design software (e.g. CorelDRAW, Adobe Illustrator)
- Fabric and dyeing equipment
Challenges to expect
Academic
- Pattern-making and garment construction take a lot of repetition to get right -- it's not something you master after one try.
Technical
- Sewing machines and cutting tools need proper handling; mistakes can ruin expensive fabric.
Financial
- Fabric, sewing machines, and design materials are an ongoing cost throughout the program, not just a one-time purchase.
Personal
- Long hours hunched over a machine or sketch pad can be physically tiring.
Tips from the field
- Start sewing and selling small items (like bags or simple outfits) early -- it builds both skill and a client base before you graduate.
- Learn at least one design software properly; more fashion houses now expect digital sketches, not just hand drawings.
- Keep a portfolio of everything you make from year one -- you'll need it for internships and after graduation.
Career paths
- Fashion designer
- Textile designer
- Pattern maker
- Costume designer
- Fashion entrepreneur / boutique owner
- Fashion buyer or merchandiser
Where you can study this
| Name | Latest cutoff | Tuition (annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyBSc | 11(2024) | — |
| Accra Technical UniversityHND, BTech, Certificate | — | — |
FAQs
Do I need to already know how to sew before applying?+
No. Most programs teach sewing and pattern-making from the basics. It helps if you've had some exposure, but it's not a requirement.
Is this course only about clothes, or does it cover other things too?+
It also covers textiles -- how fabric is made, dyed, and printed -- so you leave understanding both the design side and the material science side of fashion.
Can I start my own fashion business straight after graduating?+
Yes, many graduates do. The program includes some business and costing training, but you'll still need to learn marketing and finance as you grow.
What's the difference between a Diploma/HND and a full degree in this field?+
The Diploma or HND gets you working faster with strong practical skills. A BSc or BTech takes longer but goes deeper into design theory and can open doors to bigger design or teaching roles later.
Will I need to buy my own sewing machine?+
Some schools have workshops with machines you can use, but many students find it useful to own a basic machine for practice at home.
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