Introduction

Textile fabrics are relatively thin and flexible sheet materials. They range from very sheer constructions to fleeces and thick insulating materials. Generally textile fabrics bend or fold easily, others are less flexible but usually they are not as rigid as metal sheets or moulded plastics.

There are several different ways of producing textile fabrics. The different methods of production normally involve the interlacing or interlooping of yarn, although some fabrics are constructed directly from fibres.

Fabrics may be classified according to the method of manufacture as:

• Woven
• Knitted,
• Lace
• Non-woven.

The main classes may be divided into sub-classes such as warp knitted and weft knitted. These classes of fabric have different characteristics and properties which may be exploited along with the basic fibre and yarn properties.