Different Kinds of Fabric Weaves
You know all those different kinds of fabric you can buy at the fabric store? While yes, they’re made on mechanical looms, they’re still made on looms. The different looks and feels and performance are made not only by different threads, but also by different methods of weaving.
Plain weave is the most simple and common type of construction which is inexpensive to produce, durable, flat having tight surface on which printing and other finishes can be easily applied. The examples of plain weave fabrics are crepe, taffeta, organdy, cotton calicos, cheesecloth, gingham, percale, voile and muslin.
Satin weave, although more complicated, is a flexible type of weave than the plain weave. It is called ‘satin’ when filament fibers such as silk or nylon are used and is called 'sateen’ when short-staple yarns like cotton is used to make it. The satin weave is lustrous with a smooth surface and it drapes in an excellent manner. The examples of satin weave fabrics are bocade, brocatelle, crepe-satin, satin, peau de soie, velvet satin etc.
Twill weave is somewhat similar to plain weave. Twill weave is durable, heavier, wrinkle and soil resistant, and is more flexible than plain weave. The examples of twill weave fabrics are covert cloth, drill, jean, jersey, tussah, velvet, worsted cheviot etc.
Basket weave is a variation of plain weave in which the fabrics have a loose construction and a flat look. It is more flexible and stronger but less stable than a plain weave. This weave is used in composites industry, outerwear, monk’s cloth and drapery fabrics etc.
Jacquard weave is for creating complex patterns on fabrics and is woven on jacquard loom. The fabrics made through this weave have floats, luster, and are more stable and stretchy than the basic weaves. Some of its examples are matelasse, satin Faconne etc. It is used for upholstery and drapery.
Rib weave is a basic weave which produces ribs on the fabric. Resulting fabric is abrasion and tear resistant examples of which are broadcloth, cord fabric, faille, poplin, taffeta etc.
Dobby, a decorative weave results in small designs or geometric figures all over the woven fabric. It is done through dobby machines. This weave uses various yarns from very fine to coarse and fluffy yarns to produce a variety of fabrics. The standard dobby weave fabrics are flat and comparatively fine. Some examples are moss crepe, matelasse etc. Heavy dobby fabrics are used for home furnishings and for heavy apparel.
Leno weave fabric is transparently thin, durable, strong and permits passage of both light and air through it. Examples of fabrics with leno weave are gauze, net, tulle etc. The leno weave fabrics are used for light-weight membrane, laminating fabrics, making medium weight blankets etc.
Oxford weave fabrics are made with modified plain weave or basket weave and are generally used for apparels, particularly cotton shirting materials. The fabric is fine, soft and lightweight.
Cut pile is a carpet fabric in which the surface of the carpet is made of cut ends of pile yarn. It is durable depending upon the kind of fiber used, density of the tufts and the number of twists in the yarn. Examples of cut pile are cisele velvet, velour , saxony etc.
Uncut pile, also called loop pile or rounded loops, produces fabric without cutting the ends of yarns as opposed to cut pile. The resulting fabrics are very strong with which very strong carpets are made. They are also used for making towels. Examples are terry cloth, terry velour, moquette, etc.
Double knit is a circular knit fabric having loops on both sides. It is made on circular knitting machines. The constructed fabric is very heavy. The fabrics such as cotton, wool, silk, rayon and synthetics are used for double knit and are made into pants, skirts, tunics, jackets, scarfs,hats, bandages etc.
Chenille fabric is usually a soft wool, silk, cotton, or rayon yarn with protruding pile having fur-like texture which resembles velvet. It is generally used for making sweaters, outerwear, upholstery, curtains, rugs, throws and blankets etc.
