Textile weaves
In the world of textiles, understanding the nuances of different fabric types, their construction, and their appropriate applications is essential. This guide provides a detailed look at various textiles, from intricately patterned double knits to versatile single jerseys. Whether you are a designer, manufacturer, or simply a textile enthusiast, you will find valuable information here to expand your knowledge and make informed decisions.
Textiles have been an integral part of human civilization for centuries, evolving from simple woven fabrics to complex, high-performance materials. Each type of textile has unique properties that make it suitable for specific uses, from everyday clothing to specialized industrial applications. This guide aims to demystify the complexity of textiles by providing clear and concise information on different fabric types, their characteristics, and their best applications.
Our exploration covers a range of materials, including knitted and woven fabrics, highlighting their structural differences, strengths, and ideal applications. You will discover a wide variety of available textiles, from durable and reliable piqué to soft and insulating fleece, and learn how to choose the right fabric for your needs.
Patterned Double Knits
- Piqué
A weft-patterned knit with a raised geometric texture. The double-knit structure is complemented by an underlying thread, ensuring minimal horizontal stretch. Suitable for printing and embroidery.
Weight: 170 – 220 g/m²
Example Uses: Piqué Polo 200, Men's Cotton Heavy Polo Shirt
Woven Fabrics
A woven fabric is created by the perpendicular interlacing of two or more sets of threads. The basic weaves include plain weave, twill, and satin.
- Plain Weave
A tightly woven structure with a smooth surface and a repeating weave pattern. Suitable for printing and embroidery. Reinforced yarns can create an oxford texture.
Material: Combed or brushed cotton, polyester, polyamide
Example Uses: Hats, bags, shirts
- Twill
A twill weave with diagonal ribbing, softer, warmer, and more flexible than plain weave. Suitable for printing and embroidery.
Material: Combed or brushed cotton, cotton-polyester blends
Example Uses: Caps, hats, visors
- Terry Cloth
A looped fabric made from high-quality cotton (350 – 450 g/m²), featuring a soft texture and absorbent, durable loops on both sides.
Example Uses: Towels, bathrobes, washcloths
Single Jersey Knits
- Single Jersey
A fine weft-knitted fabric with distinctive tree-like columns on the front side and arches on the reverse. It is characterized by stretchability and softness, making it suitable for printing and embroidery.
Weight: 145 – 200 g/m²
Example Uses: Classic 160 T-shirt, V-neck 160, Heavy 200
Patterned Single Knits
- French Terry
A weft-knitted fabric with tree-like columns on the front side and arches on the reverse, supplemented with a filler thread to enhance absorbency and volume. Suitable for printing and embroidery.
Weight: 280 – 320 g/m²
Example Uses: Women's Viva Sweatshirt
- Fleece
A weft-knitted fabric with a densely brushed soft surface, excellent thermal insulation properties, moisture transport, and wind resistance. Suitable for embroidery.
Weight: 280 – 360 g/m²
Example Uses: Fleece Vest Next, Men's Fleece Jacket 280
Smooth Double Knits
- Interlock
An interlock structure made from two 1:1 double knits, offering reduced stretch, enhanced fullness, and a smooth surface suitable for printing and embroidery. It combines comfort, quality, and excellent functional properties.
Weight: 150 g/m²
Example Uses: Fantasy T-shirt