A survey of the colour understanding and practice of respondents undertaking a postgraduate programme in textile design is reported. Colour use and knowledge within creative practices was explored, with a view to providing a platform for the field to reflect on assumptions about preference, harmony and colour selectivity in design. Respondents reported on their acquisition of colour mixing knowledge and described their colour palette. Language terms used tended towards basic colour terms and descriptive references. The study confirmed the challenge for specification and variability in perception among this fairly expert group, who will enter a professional arena working with clients, customers and manufacturers on the design for goods that will be inherently coloured.