What is the difference between woven fabric and knit fabric?
Knitting is the art and science of constructing fabric by inter-looping yarn loops by the use of needles, a “loop within a loop.” A vertical row of stitches is called a “wale” and the horizontal row of stitches is known as a “course”. There are two basic types of knitted fabrics that are of interest to the fashion industry.
Circular knits which are made on circular needle-bed knitting machines which produce fabric in a tubular form.
Warp knits which are made on flat open width knitting machines.
Main classes of warp knit fabrics are tricots and Raschel. Another type of warp knit is called Simplex which is in reality nothing more than a double knit tricot. Main types of circular knits are single jerseys, and double knits. Double knits can further be subdivided into five basic types: interlock, narrow and broad rib, double jerseys, intermediate jacquard double jersey, and rib-jacquard double jersey.
Weaving is the process of forming a fabric on a loom by interlacing the warp (lengthwise yarns) and the filling (crosswise yarns) with each other. Filling is fed into the goods from cones, filling bobbins or quills which carry the filling picks through the shed of the loom. Filling may also be inserted in the the material with the use of a shuttle, as in the case of a shuttleless loom. The three basic weaves for woven fabric are Plain, Twill, and Satin. All other weaves, no matter how intricate, employ one or more of these basic weaves in their composition. There are many variations on the basic principles which make different types of fabric surfaces and fabric strengths. Possibly, we will write an Apparel Search blog post about the variations in the future.
Learn more about fabric and fabric mills on the Apparel Search clothing and textile industry directory.
When you purchase clothing how important to you is the fabric construction. Are you more likely to buy a shirt that is made from a woven fabric or a knit fabric? My personal preference is typically knit because it has more stretch. However, it really depends on the garment that I plan to purchase. If I am buying a dress shirt, it would be woven. When buying a t-shirt, I am going with a knit for sure.
If you have questions or additional knowledge about woven fabric or knit fabrics, please share your thoughts in the discussion area below.
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