Fabric Construction

• Plain is the most common type and is considered strong and stable
• Twill is identified by diagonal lines and is considered a stronger weave, making it ideal for workwear.
• Satin has characteristics of a shiny side caused by the warp yarns floating over the weft yarns. It drapes well but snags easily
• Non-woven fabrics are made directly from fibres. They are cheap to manufacture, cheaper to use as there is no grain, they do not fray when cut but they are weaker than knitted or woven fabrics
• Uses of non-woven fabrics include: disposable products, interfacings, liners and insulation. Non-woven carbon fibres are used to make fabrics for military use and in filtration systems
• There are two types of knitted construction; Weft knitting is continues rows of loops interlocking horizontally across the fabric. Warp knitting yarns interlocking vertically along the length of fabric
• Characteristics of weft; unravels easily and ladders if cut. Stretches easily but can also lose shape it also has an obvious right or wrong side
• Characteristics of warp; does not ravel or ladder. Does not stretch much but retains its shape. Has a smooth surface on both sides
• Weft knitting can be achieved by hand or machine whereas warp knitting can only be done on an industrial machine