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Woven fabric is a versatile material that has been around for centuries and is still an integral part of modern closet staples from business casual suits to softly draped skirts. It’s loved for its versatility and durability – not to mention its distinctive look and feel. But why else should we choose woven fabrics over their knit counterparts? From breathability and warmth to sophistication and stability, there are many reasons why choosing this type of material can be beneficial. Let’s explore the unique beauty and benefits of woven fabrics in detail!
Woven fabric is an interlocking textile technology that results in a planar structure consisting of two sets of yarns: the warp and the weft. Woven cotton fabric is a popular choice for bedding and small upholstery woven fabrics due to its excellent drape and durability, while silk fabric is great for delicate accessories and glamorous garments.
However, not all woven fabrics are exclusively cotton or silk. There can be mixtures of other materials such as wool, cotton-synthetic, or cotton-linen blends used as either warp yarns or weft yarns. This makes for endless possibilities in terms of colors, textures, sizes, and finishing techniques! In contrast to woven fabrics, knit fabrics possess an elongated looping structure achieved through the use of just one set of threads wound in rotating motions.
Woven fabrics play an important role in upholstery and other textile applications. They are created by weaving different yarns together on a loom. The warp threads run the length of the fabric, while the weft threads traverse it horizontally. This creates a strong woven textile when these threads are interlaced together.
Different types of weaves can create different fabrics, such as satin weave fabric, knit fabric, and twill weave fabrics. Each type of weave has its distinct look, weight, comfort levels, and wear characteristics that must be considered when selecting upholstery and other textile options. Woven fabrics offer design versatility for upholsterers to craft unique pieces for clients with style.
Plain weave woven fabric is an ideal choice for curtains and upholstery, thanks to its simple criss-cross pattern. Manufactured with resilience in mind, this fabric stands the test of time even when using a range of different thread strengths. Furthermore, you can form striped patterns by changing the hue of the warp materials — offering plenty of customization options!
Herringbone weave fabric is unmistakable due to its striking chevron shapes, adding a distinct visual flair to any space. This approach often infuses wool yarns into the weave, making herringbone an optimal selection for cozy upholstery. The incredible Aspen Upholstery Fabric exemplifies this style with its intricate weaving and captivating blend of colors in the yarns used, creating a timelessly sophisticated look that will elevate your interior design.
Opting for twill-woven fabric when it comes to upholstery projects is a smart decision. Instead of being organized horizontally and vertically, the threads are rearranged into an angled pattern, making this weaving remarkably resilient! For curtains specifically, Manhattan drape fabric with its twill weave is ideal because not only can you admire the slub qualities that result in added texture, but also having concentrated yarns yield a reliably structured hanging effect.
Through the pile weave technique, extra yarns are inserted into fabrics during weaving to create a raised texture. To achieve this tactile effect, these threads and yarns must be cut; one of the most iconic examples is velvet! This upholstery fabric brilliantly uses heavy chenille yarns to give off an opulent crushed velour look that instantly elevates any space it adorns.
Satin woven fabric is a more intricate type of weaving, producing fabrics that have a luster and shimmer. The yarns in this weave reflect light, contributing to its luxurious appearance. Unfortunately, it's not as long-lasting, making it better suited for draperies rather than upholstery pieces. The exquisite Elixir satin woven fabric from Edmund Bell perfectly exemplifies this craftsmanship with its 15 gorgeous colors and iridescent sparkles adding depth to any interior design scheme!
Woven fabrics are formed on looms to craft sturdy and non-stretchable clothing. While making a high-quality garment, it does incur higher production costs, especially when compared to fabrics made by machines (such as knits).
Knits can have better form-fitting qualities due to the stretchable nature of the fibers, achieved with steam machines. Although this provides an advantage in comfort and convenience, the fabric is not nearly as durable as woven fabrics. This explains why an average pair of jeans will usually outlast a T-shirt, despite its inherent costliness within the manufacturing process.
Upholstery woven fabric and sheer lightweight fabric use a looming process to create a solid tight weave that maintains its shape. Compared to other fabrics, these are much more sturdy and long-lasting. A medium-weight twill weave is made up of vertical and horizontal threads. It has slightly more give than upholstery woven fabric and can be used in upholstery, but the tightly woven structure makes it quite durable too.
The stronger the weave, the longer it will last, so investing in clothing made with upholstery or twill-woven fabric may be costly upfront, but will keep costs low in the long run as it'll be less likely to require repair or replacement.
Woven fabrics are perfect for rugged, hard-wearing clothes like jeans and coveralls. This rigidity comes at a cost, however, as woven fabric textures can be less soft than those of knit fabric. On the other hand, knit fabrics offer exceptional comfort due to their flexibility: they effortlessly move with the body while stretching as needed. The only downside to having this level of comfort is that knit fabrics may become clingy in undesired areas.
Cotton weave fabrics, such as denim and other twills, are extremely easy to launder and don't often shrink or wrinkle. While this material can easily be thrown in the wash, it's important to note that linen, rayon, and silk tend to require extra care. This usually means hand-washing and/or dry cleaning instead of a conventional machine wash.
If laundering at home, always read the fabric care instructions that come with it since the instructions vary from one fabric blend to another. Pressing or steaming should also be done cautiously, sometimes by an experienced professional. When in doubt about laundering any type of fabric, consulting a certified cleaner is often the best option for prolonged garment longevity.
From its versatility to durability, woven fabric is more warm, breathable, and sophisticated than knit patterns. Great for many projects you may have!
