Woven Fabrics

All woven fabrics have the same basic structure, consisting of two sets of parallel threads interlacing at right angles. There are many different ways in which the threads may interlace, the simplest called "plain weave" has the maximum degree of interlacing, every thread goes over and then under the adjacent threads. The properties of the fabric are also influenced by the sett, that is the thread density; usually measured in threads per cm. The woven fabrics used for sportswear tend to relatively simple, often plain weave, but ribs, cords, hopsacks, twills and satins may be useful for certain purposes. A fabric of particular interest is "rip stop" which relies on the periodic insertion of coarser ends and picks to produce a grid of stronger yarns to increase tear resistance.

In order to produce fabric on a weaving machine, or loom, three operations are necessary: