Following on from our fabric series, we now take a brief look at the types of weaves the fabrics are made up of. This gives you a good indication of the properties of the fabrics for your upholstery, soft furnishings, curtains and blinds.
Weave type: Plain
Plain weave is the simplest weave pattern. To Make this weave, weave one warp thread under one weft thread until the fabric is completed. The warp and weft threads just alternate until the piece is large enough. Lots of fibres use plain weave to create fabric including cotton, chintz, linen and rayon. It creates a quality fabric that is durable and versatile.
Weave type: Basket
Basket weave is a slight variation on plain weave. Basket weave uses two or more warp threads and equal amount of weft threads. There is sill an over and under pattern but it is woven under two threads and over two threads. This creates a matt finish and a loser weave than plain weave, it may shrink if washed and it can be difficult to sew. I have used basket weave on my upholstered box and it was a nice fabric to work with. Canvas and Laura Ashley Dalton is an example of basket weave.
Weave type: Twill
Twill weave is easy to identify as it creates diagonal lines. Instead of weaving one warp and one weft thread, two warp threads are used and alternate with one weft thread. To create a twill weave, the ratio is kept at 2:1. This is a popular weave, it is durable, creates a nice pattern and has been associated with wool fabric. Denim and Velvet are examples of twill weaves.
Weave type: Herringbone
Herringbone is a broken twill weave. This is what gives the weave its zig zag patterns. Its is left and right twill weaves, appearing alternatively side by side, which create the herringbone pattern. Both sides of the herringbone twill have the same width.
The herringbone weave is also called feather twill or arrowhead twill. Other than the attractiveness of its design it has all the qualities of a twill weave. This is similar to other broken-twill designs like the chevron pattern
Weave type: Jacquard
Jacquard weave is produced on a jacquard loom which creates intricate and colourful designs woven into fabric. A jacquard loom produces storng fabric and because of its intricacy, it has a luxurious look and feel. Simple and complex patterns can be created by using the jacquard weave. One colour can be used or many, depending on the fabric you would like.
Fabrics with this weave are brocade, damask, matelassé and others. A jacquard fabric is good for upholstery fabrics
Weave type: Satin
Satin weave is a variation on twill weave. The difference is the warp thread is continuous and the weft yarns are floated over the warp to create that smooth and shiny look. Generally, the fibres used with this weave are silk or silk substitute like nylon. It has a flexible structure because of the long floating wefts and a greater sheen the length of the fabric. This weave is not as durable as others and easily snags due to its long floats, making it both an advantage and a disadvantage.
Weave type: Sateen
Sateen weave is a satin weave using yarns like cotton, slightly different to satin weave with the weft thread being the continuous thread. There will be few interruptions of the warp thread as possible. The fabric created is not as luxurious as a satin weave but has more durability and is better suited to upholstery.
Shop for Fabrics
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Velvet fabric with a plush finish, Tropical, animal fabric, Royal Palm Midnight, Digitally printed, soft & durable
£8.00 – £24.00Select options -
100% Cotton, Christmas characters. Jolly robins, snowflakes, reindeer. Placemats, stockings, cushions and gift bags
£2.95 – £8.95Select options
