Plain Weave Fabric - Its Uses, Structure And Properties:-

Plain Weave Fabrics- Its Uses , Structure And Properties:-

Finding the right woven fabrics for the right occasion is a real struggle for attire lovers. It completely relies on the person, location, occasion, color, weather, etc. So, it's better to explore more about fabrics. 

As we know that , every fabric is made on a loom, where many distinct threads (vertical warp and horizontal weft) are woven into one giant whole. The way these threads are woven together figures out the structure and durability of the fabric. 

So, the most comfortable, soft, and common type of weave is known as a "plain weave fabric".

Introduction to Plain Weave Fabrics:-

Plain weave fabric is also well-known by the name "calico weave", "tabby weave" or "basic weave". It is basically a woven fabric in which all the threads follow a simple vertical weaving pattern. If you see the weave structure closely, you will get to know the plain weave fabric look-alike checkerboard pattern of linear interlacing threads moving under and over each other at the right angles, somewhat similar to a woven basket. Consider a few examples of plain weave fabric including chiffon, flannel, organdy, and seersucker. Since the fabric is highly durable, used in almost everything from clothing to upholstery. Also, by doing the slight modifications with plain weave fabric, we come up with some new types such as basket weave and rib weave. These are also used for clothing.

Image of a hand loom on frame showing warp (beam), heald shaft and cloth roller or beam.

Introduction to Plain Weave Fabrics, How Plain Weave Fabric is made:-

Nowadays, textile industries use weaving processes on a loom to make a plain weave instead of a personal handloom. Basically, two processes are done to make a plain weave fabric include:

Warp Yarns Are Stretched On a Loom:-

The warp yarns are placed in the longitudinal direction in the woven fabric (threads in the loom varying from top to the bottom in the loom).

Weft Yarns Are Woven Through The Warp:- The spun thread used for weaving horizontally through the warp is known as weft yarns. These weft yarns/horizontal threads are also known as filling yarns. It means fabric becomes just a little taller after each time when the yarn is woven into the warp.

Image of weft yarn are woven through the warp with simple design.

Structure for Woven Fabrics:-

Every type of woven fabric is generally made by using the below-mentioned three textile weaves. This means textile industries can use any of them to weave plain fabric.

Plain weave:-

In this plain weave fabric, the threads follow the vertical weaving pattern that runs from top to bottom, resembling a checkerboard pattern. Organza and chiffon are the best examples of plain weave fabrics.

Image of plain weve in cloth.

Twill Weave ,(twill fabric):-

 In this type of fabric, the threads follow the twill weave i.e a diagonal pattern. When weaving such types of fabrics, the horizontal thread is woven over and under more than one vertical thread on a loom. Corduroy, chevron, and Zigzag are popular examples of twill fabric.

Satin Weave:-

Such types of fabrics undergo multiple warp threads in which three or more horizontal wrap runs around the vertical weft threads. In simple, satin weaves have four or more horizontal threads floating over a vertical yarn or vice versa. For instance, you can consider the brocade and duchess.

Highly Durable:-

 The yarns are undergoing a weaving process by warp and weft way that's why the plain-woven fabric is considered highly durable. This fabric is very good at retaining its original shape which means it doesn't shrink after washing.

Well-Structured:-

As discussed earlier, plain weave fabric has three structures - plain, twill, and satin weave. The one best thing about plain weave is it doesn't lose its natural shape. Also, the fabric is comparatively rigid than knit fabric that's why it's not too stretchy.

Creases  Easily:-

Because of the fabric structure, it holds the wrinkles easily which means it needs frequent ironing before wearing this fabric clothes to look smart and squeaky-clean.

Easy to Sew:-

 Stretchable fabrics are difficult to sew. Since the plain-woven is quite unstretchable that's why it's easy to sew without getting many puckers.

Often Coarse:-

 Plain weave fabric is generally made from granulated strands like knits, resulting in a little coarse fabric.

Identical on Both side:-

 In knitted fabrics, one side is plain or printed and another side is designed in such a way to be hidden. This means it has a right and wrong side. Since the plain weave fabric follows the criss-cross pattern means both sides look completely identical. There is no right and wrong side until one side is designed or printed.

More Expensive Than Knit Fabrics 

Weaving so many fabrics together is a time-consuming process in comparison to the time taken by knitted fabric. As a result, all the woven fabrics are costly whether you buy the fabric or ready-made clothes rather than knit fabric.

Image of plain fabrics .

The Basic Uses of Plain Weaven Fabrics:-

 Among the plenty of uses, here we discuss the top usage of plain weave fabric and how often it is used for sewing structured or heavy look clothes:

Shirting :-

Most of the shirts are usually made out of stretchable or drapey fabric whereas most you see are structured or professional shirts, made from plain weave fabric. 

Suits:-

Some of the outfits such as thin suits are made from plain weave fabric because the garments need to be more structured.

Blazers:-

Like suits, plain weave fabric is also used to make thin blazers. Since the blazers need to be more structured than knitted fabric and don't need to be smooth against the skin like a casual Tee.

Coats:-

 These coats are made from twill fabrics in which the threads are moving in a diagonal way on a loom. That's why these coats look quite nice and rough. Anyone would love to wear it in marriage, the workplace, and on other occasions. In addition, the smooth coats are also made with plain weave fabric like tracks.

Upholstery:-

Because it is highly durable and more structured, plain weave fabric is used to make some pieces of furniture including chairs and couches. It is also quite less expensive than furniture made from knitted fabric or more heavy-duty fabrics (jacquard).

Ref:-https://fabriclore.com