For ages, textiles have continued to influence various aspects of human life. Across the world, textiles were used to prove political supremacy through diplomatic gifts in the form of rich silks and conveyed social hierarchy through the use of various emblematic motifs as well as colours and fabrics. Moreover, textiles have represented the cultural beliefs of the societies in the form of prevailing dominant textile traditions. Narrative and thematic displays of human interaction with and involvement in art, craft and technology can be witnessed in the plethora of textiles produced so far. To a great extent, the evolution of human intellect and prosperity can be mapped based on the amalgamation of exquisite craftmanship, materials use and design repertoire. This chapter provides an overview of preliminary raw materials used in producing rich traditional textiles and attempts to provide the design evolution in traditional woven textiles, embroidered textiles, and dyed and printed fabrics by quoting examples of historic designs, materials, and techniques. It also summarizes the prevalent inspirations for deriving historic textile design motifs and patterns and ancient textile traditions in different cultures. It further discusses the impact of the Industrial Revolution on textile design.