Types
of Weaves
Types of weaves have often been mistaken for types of fabrics. Each
different fiber content advances towards the hand and drape of the
fabric. The most common type of weaves have been described in this
section.
Plain
|
Common
Fabrics: Cotton calicos, cheesecloth, gingham, percale, voile
Common Uses: Draperies, tablecloths, upholstery
Basket
|
Method of
Construction: Two or more warps simultaneously interlaced with
one or more fillings
Common Fabrics: Monks cloth, oxford
Common Uses: Wall hangings, pillows
Twill
|
Method of
Construction: Three or more shafts; warp or filling floats over
two or more counterpart yarns in progressive steps right or left.
Common Fabrics: Denim, gabardine, serge, tweed
Common Uses: Upholstery, comforters, pillows
Satin
|
Method of
Construction: Floats one warp yarn over four or more weft yarns,
then tied down with one thread, resulting in a smooth face
Common Fabrics: Satin, satin-weave fabrics out of fabrics
such as cotton.
Common Uses: Draperies, quilts
Jacquard
|
Method of
Construction: Warp is individually controlled with each pick
passage creating intricate design.
Common Fabrics: Brocade, damask, tapestry
Common Uses: Upholstery, wall hangings
Leno
|
Method of
Construction: A pair of warp threads are passed over and under
the filling yarns in a figure 8 or an hourglass twist, creating a
geometric pattern
Common Uses: Thermal Blankets, curtains
Knit
|
Method of
Construction:
Interlooping yarns
- In weft knitting, loops are formed by hand or machine as yarn is
added in crosswise direction.
- In warp knitting, loops are formed vertically by machine, one row
at a time
Common Fabrics: Raschel warp knits
Common Uses: Not used extensively in design with the
exception of raschel warp knits which are used in making curtains
and draperies
Uncut pile
|
Method of
Construction: Generally, a plain or twill weave with a third
dimension--additional warp yarn or filling yarn is introduced into
the basic structure and forms a loop at regular intervals.
Common Fabrics: Frieze, terry cloth
Common Uses: Upholstery, towels, carpet, area rugs
Cut Pile
|
Method of
Construction: Similar to uncut pile, but loops have been cut
Common Fabrics: Corduroy, velvet, velveteen
Common Uses: Upholstery, stage draperies
Non-woven
|
Common
Fabrics: Pelon
Common Uses: Bedding, backing for quilts, dust cloths for box
springs, carpet backing, and upholstered furniture
Felt
|
Method of
Construction: Felting occurs when heat, moisture, agitation, and
pressure are applied to wool fibers, causing the fibers to interlock
permanently.
Common Fabrics: Felt
Uses: Padding, sound-proofing, insulation, filtering, and
polishing, wall hangings and other decorative items
Film
|
Method of
Construction: Made from synthetic solutions formed into thin
sheets
Common Fabrics: Vinyl
Uses: Tablecloths, shower curtains, draperies, upholstery,
and wall coverings
Foam
|
Method of
Construction: Rubber or polyurethane substance with air
incorporated causing foaming, quite inexpensive, rots
Common Fabrics: Sponges
Common Uses: Carpet backing, padding, pillows and cushions,
laminates to other fabrics
