What are fabric weaves?

Fabric weaves are different methods wherein the various types of fabric are manufactured. There are actually a lot of different fabric weaves that are initially made due to various purposes. Also they can help in determining exactly how durable a particular clothing is. Figuring out which type of weave works best for a specific type of clothing can prevent having an end product that easily becomes frayed.

History of weaving

Weaving of clothes started back in the Stone Age. Although those weaves in the early years of the world did not look or feel as sophisticated as the ones that are weaved today, the principles are the same and were only developed through the next years. In fact most of the fabric weaves of today are actually inventions form the eleventh century.

Functions

Fabric weaves are regarded as the structural pattern of different fabrics. Without the fabric weave, fabric may never be constructed. How loose, decorative, tight, nubby or soft a certain fabric is depends largely on the fabric weave. They can also cause a huge variance regarding the fabric’s durability or strength.

Types of weaves

There are many kinds of fabric weaves. The most common ones are twill, rib, plain, Oxford, basket, satin, Uncut Pile, Chenille Weave, dobby, Cut Pile, Double Knit, leno, and jacquard.

How to identify the weave

For most of the fabric weave types, identifying the kind of fabric weave used is quite difficult. It is easier to study the patterns that can be found in the fibers or the yarn when it comes to completely identifying exactly which kind of weave is used. The most obvious differences are those that can be identified between twill and satin. However, when the fabrics talked about are plain and twill, the differences are not entirely observable. Since consumers are oftentimes left with such problems, manufacturers always mark their products with both the type of weave and the type of fabric that was used.

Buying the right one

The best way to find the right fabric is to base the decision on the type of weave and also on the type of fabric that were used. This is due to the fact that some weaves that are usually used for upholstery are not appropriate for a construction or design of a dress.

Plain weaves

The plain weaves are the ones that are most common and the simplest ones too. People oftentimes opt to purchase the plain weave because they are inexpensive. It is a joy to be able to produce an end product that is durable and flat with a tight surface which makes it easier to print on. Examples of plain weaves are organdy, cotton calicos, crepe, gingham, cheesecloth, taffeta, muslin, voile, and percale.

Satin weaves

Many say that satin weaves are much more complicated to handle. But still, they are more flexible than the plain type. It is referred to as satin if the filament fibers used are related to nylon or silk, but it is called sateen if the yarns used are shortly stapled like those of cotton.