Vol. 10 Types of fabrics.

In the last blogs we have talked about different procedures that are done to obtain a fabric. Precisely the fabric is one of them and the type with which a fabric is made is very important, since it determines the function and use that will be given to it.

You could say that there are two main types of fabric:

• Knitted and flat fabric.
• Dobby.

Each one has particular characteristics, uses, rigidity or elasticity. You can identify these by means of the weft (width of the fabric, horizontal weave), the warp (length of the fabric, vertical weave) or the type of machine with which it is manufactured, if it is by hand, machine, backstrap loom. , pedals or industrial loom . Let's tell you a little more about each one.

Knitted fabric is formed by interlacing a thread with itself through needles forming interwoven meshes, either by machine or by hand. Generally this type of fabric is much more elastic than the rest.
This can be warp (interlaced mesh in the longitudinal direction of the fabric) , weft (interlaced mesh across the width of the fabric) and circular (circular machine formed by a cylinder or a plate).

Illustration 1: Circular machine.

Within knitting there are different categories better known as weave. First we will mention warp weaves, such as rashel and tricot. They are easy to identify, since their appearance or structure generally looks like a net and they are mainly found in fabrics such as tulle, lace, some velvets, plush or tricot.
Then there are weft weaves such as jersey, interlock, spring, reverse, moss, braid, among others.

They are quite thick and the weft threads are more noticeable than the warp threads. They are mainly used for clothing, collars, sleeves, underwear, socks, stuffed animals, belts and sometimes interior decoration accessories .

Illustration 2: Jersey fabric.

Illustration 3: Spring.

Unlike this fabric, the flat or dobby is much more rigid, structured and is made with looms, whether artisanal such as waist and pedal looms, semi-artisanal frames or industrial looms, which also have frames, but digitized and It is through an established programming.

This fabric is the result of the orderly interweaving of a series of warp threads together with another series of weft threads in a specific technique. It is important to mention that the warp is what gives structure and the weft gives texture. You can identify them very quickly, since you can perfectly see a grid of straight, vertical and horizontal lines that intertwine.

These also have different weaves such as taffeta, twill, satin and jacquard. In addition to the ligaments mentioned above, there are others within these that are much more particular such as the mat, tassel, Roman twill, etc. But for now we will talk about the most important and general ones.

You can find these textiles in furniture fabric, interior decorations, table runners, cushions, curtains, rugs, kitchen towels and even clothing items like a pair of jeans or jackets.

Author | Jimena Chavez

"This information is for reference only, to obtain precise details about the use, qualities and care of our products, it is necessary to consult directly with your seller before making a purchase or receiving recommendations."