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What are the Different Types of Textile Weaving?

M. Rosario
M. Rosario

Textiles are commonly manufactured by weaving several fibers together until they form a workable material. The textile is altered through the use of different threads and textile weaving methods. Some types of weaves include the plain weave, basket weave, satin weave, twill weave, Jacquard weave, dobby weave, and pile weaves.

Knowing the two components of textile manufacturing helps one to understand how textile weaving methods differ. Warp is the fabric vertically connected to the loom. This is attached to the textile machinery in two groups, each composed of several strands. Weft, meanwhile, is the fabric that fills the warp. It is the single thread that is moved back and forth rapidly across the loom.

A closeup of satin cloth.
A closeup of satin cloth.

Among the textile weaving methods, the plain weave is the simplest and easiest to make. The weft fills the fabric by alternately going over and under the warp. The result is a flat, sturdy material with a checkerboard pattern. Fabrics that are made using this method include: chiffon, georgette, shantung, and seersucker.

There are several variations to plain weaving. One of these is the basket weave. Instead of weaving single strands, the threads are woven two at a time. This produces a wider pattern that resembles the surface of traditional baskets. Ribbed weave is another variation that is made by using threads with dissimilar thickness.

Polyester fabric.
Polyester fabric.

Twill weave is a textile weaving method that is frequently used to generate diagonal patterns. This method typically uses different colored threads for a better effect. To do the twill weave, the weft passes over two or more warp threads at a time. This creates a staggered pattern when multiple layers are woven. The ubiquitous denim is made with this weaving method.

A twill weave.
A twill weave.

Satin weave, on the other hand, is a method wherein the weft passes at least four warp threads. This leads to a shiny and smooth fabric. The intrinsic quality of fine threads is revealed with a satin weave. As such, satin and silk, are commonly woven with this method.

The type of loom used in the textile production can influence the textile weaving as well. Intricate designs are usually done using a Jacquard weave. With this method, a machine called a Jacquard loom, imbeds a design on the fabric by individually entwining the warp threads. This process results in a raised pattern. Similarly, a dobby loom creates a continuous patterns called a dobby weave.

Corduroy is a fabric made using pile weaves.
Corduroy is a fabric made using pile weaves.

Pile weaves are a group of weaving methods that use another set of warp to form a fluffy surface. By using a second warp, a new layer is created that can then be modified to adjust the surface texture. The weaves derived from this method include the cut pile, uncut pile, and double knit. Corduroy and velvet are few of the fabrics made using pile weaves.

Discussion Comments

Heavanet

@ocelot60- You should also tell your friend that twill makes a nice pattern for clothing. This is especially true when different colors of fabric are used to make the finished product, such as plaids and two-tone shades for example.

Since twill creates a nice, diagonal pattern, it looks best on solid colored pants and multicolored shirts, in my opinion.

Spotiche5

@ocelot60- When it comes to clothing, textile weaving patterns are often difficult to distinguish. However, since it uses more than one thread at a time, the basket weave technique is great for clothing. It looks especially nice when shirts and pants are made with this weaving pattern.

Ocelot60

Is basket weaving a nice pattern for clothing? I have a friend who is taking up weaving to make her own line of clothes. It sounds like basket weave patterns are durable and attractive.

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    • A closeup of satin cloth.
      By: klikk
      A closeup of satin cloth.
    • Polyester fabric.
      By: Silvia Crisman
      Polyester fabric.
    • A twill weave.
      By: ksushsh
      A twill weave.
    • Corduroy is a fabric made using pile weaves.
      By: Kitch Bain
      Corduroy is a fabric made using pile weaves.