Fabric Construction

Question 1

What are woven fabrics?

Answer 1

Fabrics made up of a weft and a warp

Question 2

What are some properties of woven fabrics?

Answer 2

Good strength
Fray easily
Strongest along the weft
Made by a loom

Question 3

What are the three types of weave?

Answer 3

Plain weave
Twill weave
Satin weave

Question 4

What are some features of plain weave?

Answer 4

Simplest weave therefore the cheapest.
Simple criss-cross pattern of the weft and weave
Strong and hard wearing.
Used for fashion and fabrics.

Question 5

What is plain weave used in?

Answer 5

Polyester
Cotton
Calico
Gingham

Question 6

What are some features of twill weave?

Answer 6

They use diagonal lines which means it is more expensive.
There is a definite front and back to the fabric
They are more likely to fray as the warp and the weft interlace less often.
The strongest weave and can drape very well.
Disguises dirt better due to uneven surface.

Question 7

What fabrics is twill used in?

Answer 7

Denim, drill, herringbone, twills.

Question 8

What are some features of satin?

Answer 8

Smooth and lustrous
Weft yarns are almost hidden by the warp and appear to float over the warp.
Has a definite front.
More likely to fray as the weft and warp do not interlace often.
Can snag easily due to floating weft.

Question 9

What are some examples of satin weave fabrics?

Answer 9

Duchess satin, satin, damask.

Question 10

What is the three yarn system?

Answer 10

They have a warp, weft and one other pile yarn which forms a loop and interlocks with the warp and weft to secure itself.

Question 11

What is a warp pile weave?

Answer 11

Warp pile weaves have cut loops such as velvet.
A method of production is:
1. Weave 2 cloths with the third warp alternating between 2 fabrics.
2. A knife moves back and forth at the front of the loom and cuts the pile warp as the fabric moves forward. This produces 2 separate pieces of velvet.

Question 12

How is velvet made?

Answer 12

Using a face to face method of weaving two fabrics at the same time.
After the cloth is woven a blade cuts the warp pile yarn, creating a cut pile surface.

Question 13

What type of weave is corduroy?

Answer 13

Weft pile weave

Question 14

What is a weft pile weave?

Answer 14

They have cut loops that are produced after weaving.

Question 15

What weave is terry towelling?

Answer 15

Weft pile weave. However it features uncut loops from an extra set of warp yarns.

Question 16

What is the difference between pile and nap?

Answer 16

A napped fabric is woven in the regular manner and the surface is then brushed or teased to raise it.
Piled fabric are woven with extra yarns which are made into lots of little loops that are either cut open or left intact.