Tapestries and Weaving

Different weave patterns, using one type of yarn can make the whole fabric look totally different, and there are an endless amount of patterns. No matter how complicated they are, all woven fabrics are variations on one of three basic weave types- Plain, Twill, or Satin Weave.

Plain weave- (Tabby) The simplest type of weave has an even surface without any pattern.

Twill weave- This creates diagonal lines on the surface that run in one direction only, or crisscross in various ways to form patterns, such as herringbone. A weaver can create many patterns using this diagonal twill weave, such as denims, gabardines and some tweeds.

Satin weave- This gives a smooth sleek surface, and if shiny yarns are used, the fabric becomes very lustrous. Brocades and damasks are done this way and they stand out because the glossy stain weave of the pattern stands out against the dull, plain-weave background.

Nonwoven fabrics- Felt is not woven, but is loose fibers are matte together tightly by the applications of heat, moisture, and pressure. Felt my be made of wool or other hair fibers, and often contains cotton and other fibers.

Greater variety of designs can be done by combining different weaves, the most complicated being on a jacquard loom. This loom can combine plain, twill and satin weaves all on one fabric.

1. Figured weaves- Produce birds eye, waffle diamond, and many others. Double Weave- gives fabric a different color on either side. Leno Weave- an open, netlike structure. Special looms weave a puckered surface like a seersucker. Pile weave- Loops are produced continuously and uncut for terry cloth and cut for velvets, corduroys, and many carpets.

To get a rippled wavy effect, you roll material between engraved heated cylinders, which press their design into the fabric. Some parts of the fabric are crushed, leaving others untouched. A watered effect can be done the same way for moire, taffeta, voile, and organdy.

Dyes- Dipping a carved wooden block in the dye and pressing it on the cloth. Fabric FinishesSpinning, weaving and printing are not the only prosesses, some fabrics must be bleached, others must be made waterproof or absorbant, and others must be dyed.