Woven Fabrics

Most fabrics in use today are woven. Examples of woven fabrics are muslins, poplin, and taffeta. Woven Fabrics usually fray at the edges and only stretch in the bias direction, unless stretchy fibers have been added.

The weaving process is done on a loom to hold the work in place. Two strands of yarns or threads are interlaced with each other, vertically and horizontally, to form the fabric. These two strands are known as the warp and the weft.

The three main types of weaves are plain, twill, and satin. All other types are a variation of these three.

The plain weave is also known as tabby weave or taffeta weave. The weft thread is woven over one warp thread and then under the next, alternating the weaves in each row to create a criss-cross pattern.

The plain weave is a simple and strong weave and can be used in fashion and furnishings. Examples of the plain weave fabrics are chiffon, taffeta, and organza,

A variation of the plain weave is the basketweave, in which two or more strands are used as one strand.

The satin weave can be made from satin, polyester, nylon, cotton, or other fibers.

It is made with four or more weft strands floating over at least four or more of the warp strands before an interlacing is made. This method brings the warp strands to one side while the weft is on the other side. Because there are fewer interlacings, it creates a shine and the smoothness of the fabric.

Examples of satin weave fabrics are Crepe-back, brocade, Brocatelle, Double-face Satin, Slipper Satin, and Velvet Satin.

Variations of the Satin weave are Sateen weave and Damask weave.

Twill Weave creates a pattern of diagonal ribs. The weft thread floats over one or more warp threads and then under two or more, and with progressive interlacing by the left or right, it creates a diagonal rib.

Some examples of twill fabric are denim, gabardine, tweed, and chino.

A variation of the twill weave is the Herringbone weave and the Dornik weave.