Interlaced Beauty
A Journey Through Weaving
Essential Definitions in Woven Fabric Production
Weaving: It is the process of interlacement of warp with weft.
Warp: Longitudinal yarn in the fabric is called warp.
Weft: Lateral/crosswise yarn in the fabric is weft.
Yarn Preparation for Weaving
Reasons for Yarn Preparation
- To transfer yarn from the spinner’s bobbin to a convenient form of package which will facilitate weaving.
- To remove yarn faults.
- To improve weaving efficiency.
- To improve or maintain higher quality of fabric.
Quality of a good Warp Yarn
The warp yarn must be sufficiently and uniformly strong to withstand the stress and friction of weaving without excessive end breakage.
The warp yarn must be uniform, clean, and less hairy and form less knots as possible.
Knots should be of standard type and size so that yarn can easily pass through the healds and reed of the loom.
The warp must be uniformly sized and the amount of size must be sufficient to protect the yarn from friction at the healds and reed.
The ends of the warp must be parallel and each must be around on to the loom beam at an even and equal tension.
Each warp yarn must be of equal length.
It must be free from neps, slubs and loose fibres.
Difference/Comparison Between Weaving and Knitting/(How Weaving is Different from Knitting?)
| Key Aspects | Weaving | Knitting |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Fabric formation by interlacement of threads. | Fabric formation by intermeshing of loops. |
| Set of Threads | Two sets of threads (warp and weft) are used. | One or one set of thread(s) (either warp or weft) is used. |
| Elasticity | Very little or no elasticity. | High amount of stretch and elasticity. |
| Number of Preparatory Processes | Requires more preparatory processes. | Requires fewer preparatory processes. |
| Dimensional Stability | More stable due to tighter construction. | Poor stability due to loop structure. |
| Bending Property | Fabric does not bend easily (less comfort). | Fabric bends easily (good comfort and fitting). |
| Machine | Mostly flat machines. | Machines are flat as well as circular. |
| Durability | More durable. | Less durable. |
| Tearing Property | Easier to tear. | Difficult to tear. |
| Stretchability | Less stretchable. | More stretchable. |
| Rigidity | Comparatively more rigid. | Comparatively less rigid. |
| Clothes Prepared | Lightweight clothes. | Thick woolen clothes. |
| Production Cost | High production cost. | Low production cost. |
| Capital Investment | Higher capital investment needed. | Lower capital investment needed. |
| Modification | Less modification possible. | Design and fabric are easily modified. |
| Fabric Construction | Compact construction. | Loose construction. |
| Thermal Assistance | No thermal assistance (fabric is light). | High thermal assistance (thicker fabrics). |
| Sizing of Threads | Important for protecting weave. | No sizing needed. |
| Number of Yarns | Two sets of yarns required. | Only one set of yarn required. |
| Examples | Denim, Canvas, Chambray. | Sweaters, Terry, Dresses, Pique. |