31 Amazing Types of Weaving : Explore the Art of Fabric Crafting

by Shariful Alam | Mar 1, 2024

There may be hundreds of types of weaving in the world. But only a small number of them are commonly used.

Weaving is the process of making fabric with fiber by interlacing two or more fabrics in different angles and patterns. It’s fascinating how a tiny twist in fiber can drastically change fabric qualities. Every alteration of the weaving technique is a new type of weaving! 

We are Team Muslin Dhaka, a group of fabric experts and fashion marketers with 31 years of cumulative experience. This article will carry a well-arranged presentation several months of research, discussions, and experiments.

This article is a well-planned attempt to cover every type of weaving that people might need to know. This will include how every weaving is constructed, their unique characteristics, and the common fabric produced by them.

This article will go deepest of weaving types, where no one on the internet has dived before. Take a deep breath and sit tight!

Table of Contents

History of Weaving

Weaving has been around for thousands of years. In the medieval era, people used to craft grass and fibers to weave clothes. Those were very simplistic and very different from the clothes we know today.

The oldest trace of weaving is woven flax thread found in a cave in the Republic of Georgia, which is about 34,000 years old. 6500-year-old loom-printed terracotta was found in Egypt. It was one of the earliest samples of modern weaving. Modern weaving started to develop around 3400 B.C. in Egypt. Around 2600 B.C., silk was started produced from silkworms in China.

The modern manual weaving loom arrived in the 13th century. 

The most significant shift of weaving fabric started when the Industrial Revolution arrived. Due to huge demand, large-scale fabric production was required. After 100 years, the weaving machine was invented in 1803. After that, the continuous development of weaving machines shaped the fabric industry of today. 

 

Types of weaving

Here are 31 types of weaving that are commonly used :

  1. Plain weave
  2. Basketweave
  3. Twill weave
  4. Satin weave
  5. Leno weave
  6. Circular weave
  7. Saori weave
  8. Tumbling block weave
  9. Dobby weave
  10. Hopsacking weave
  11. Tapestry weave
  12. Tablet weave
  13. Rib Weave
  14. Double weave
  15. Jacquard Weave
  16. Dutch weave
  17. Pile weave
  18. Waffle/honeycomb weave
  19. Peg loom to weave
  20. Herringbone weave
  21. Percale weave
  22. Chevron weave
  23. Houndstooth weave
  24. Triaxial weave
  25. Crepe weave
  26. Huckaback weave
  27. Backed Cloth Weave
  28. Swivel weave
  29. Novelty weave
  30. Lappet weave
  31. Checkered weave

Out of these 31 types of weave. The five most popular weaving techniques are: 

Those five weaving techniques are the most basic weaving. If you have a clear idea of those weaving, you can easily understand all the other types of weaving. So, we recommend spending more time on those main weaving types.

How to get the best from this article? type of weaving

This article covers most types of weaving that are used today. No surprise the article is considerably long. But if you can, always use the table to get to your desired weaving pattern.

Also, this article provides a short and concise idea about the origin, construction, and how each weaving works and feels like. We also tried to give an idea about the end product of each weaving. 

But certainly, there is a lot to learn about each weaving, both practically and theoretically. If you are learning weaving, this article can be your guide to get initial ideas about each weaving. So you can easily find the weaving style that will suit you. 

Many weaving lack information like origin or types. We simply skipped those to keep things flowing & error-free. 

After finding the basics of weaving, you can read books, watch YouTube, or read tutorial articles to gain more knowledge. We will include helpful videos and articles so you can get the best resources in one place!

Plain weave

Plain Weaving

Plain weaving is one of the simplest and oldest forms of weaving. It creates a nice and even bond with every thread, which results in a strong, smooth, and firm fabric.

Construction

Understanding the construction of plain weaving is easy. One weft thread cross warp thread over and under throughout the fabric length. Then another weft thread cross warp thread under and over. And that’s it. 

To help you understand easily, Imagine a snake crossing a jail bar from left to right. As the snake moves, it alternates its movement between the bars. Here, the bar is weft, which stays stable, and the snake is warp, alternating between the bars at 90 degrees. This is how plain weaving works.

Characteristics

The threads are distributed evenly throughout the fabric and cross each other within a very short distance. This creates a great bond and smoothness. Plain weave is also very durable, creates a moderate drape, and is not very stretchy. 

In plain weave, the threads cross each other at the shortest distance, which leads to a compact fabric structure. The breathability of the fabric depends on many factors, but generally, plain woven fabric is moderately breathable. Plain weave is also easy to work with. You can cut and sew it effortlessly. 

Uses

Plain woven fabric is almost everywhere. From clothing to upholstery, plain woven fabric fits with all its versatility, durability, and beauty.

Types of plain weaving

There are many types of plain weaving. The types are basically the alteration of patterns. Basket, twill, and satin are some of the names of plain weave types. We will also discuss them in the later part of the article.

Fabric made of plain weaving

Here are some of the fabrics made of plain weaving:

  1. Taffeta
  2. Poplin
  3. Muslin
  4. Organdy
  5. Chiffon
  6. Flannel
  7. Organza
  8. Crêpe
  9. Georgette
  10. Sateen
  11. Dobby
  12. Broadcloth
  13. Serge
  14. Tweed
  15. Voile
  16. Bengaline
  17. Charmeuse and more.

To get detailed information, read plain weaving fabrics.

Basket weave

Basket weave

Basketweave is a variation of plain weaves with different construction, features, and durability. It is also called Panama weave. Here, the term Panama comes from lightweight wool fabric that is made from basketweave. This type of weaving antiques was even found in the pyramids. As the name suggests, the weaving pattern is similar to the bamboo or rattan basket.

Construction

Busket weave construction is similar to plain weave. But instead of weft thread, cross every warp thread, cross every two or more weft threads throughout the fabric. If we go back to the snake and jail bar example, the snake changes its direction after every two jail bars while moving. This is how basketweave is constructed. The number can be 2-2, 3-3, or 4-4.

Characteristics 

In basketweaves, the threads are interlaced further, which results in some major changes in their characteristics. It is less durable and more prone to lose its shape than plain weave. However, it also allows the cloth to be more breathable, lightweight, and soft. The unique construction allows it to create more drapes than regular plain weaves.

Uses

Basketweave is commonly used for making shirts, suits, heavy bags, and upholstery fabric. It is also used for decoration as it has high drape properties.

Types of Basketweaves

Depending on interlacing frequency, basketweaves can be 2-2, 3-3, or 4-4 construction. But in general, there are two types of basketweaves.

  • Regular basketweave: Regular basketweave contains regular warp and weft ribs. That means if the weft goes two over and two under the warp, it continues regularly throughout the fabric.
  • Irregular basketweave: Irregular basketweave do not contain regular warp and weft ribs.

Fabric made of basketweave

Duck cloth, monk’s cloth, and canvas.

twill weave

Twill weave

Twill weave is one of the most durable types of weaving and comes with remarkable characteristics. It is mostly used to make tough, thick, and durable clothes like denim. Organic and synthetic fibers are both used to make twill weave fabric. But the cotton twill fabrics are best for clothing and fashion uses.

Construction

The construction of the twill weave has a similarity to the basketweave, with a slight variation. It’s fascinating how a slight change in pattern makes a low-durability fabric in one case and the most durable fabric in the other. 

In twill weave, the first weft of fiber goes under-under and over-over like a basket weave. The following fiber goes under-under over-over, but from one weft forward. This creates a stair-like structure that increases stability and durability. As this continues throughout the fabric, we get nice 45-degree line patterns.

Characteristics

Twill weaves are compact and tough. It has a low breathability but is not hot as it lacks direct skin contact and softness. Twill fabrics are heavy and highly wrinkle-resistant. Twill woven fabric has different colors and textures on the front and back sides. The front side is smooth and generally contains deeper color, while the back side is rougher and comes with a lighter color. As the fabric is usually very thick and tight, it takes more time to get wet and dry.

Uses

Twill weave is one of the five most popular fabrics, and it offers versatile uses. Clothing such as pants, suits, and jackets are made with twill woven fabric. Its durability and toughness make it the perfect choice for working cloth, upholstery, bed and bath linen, and more. 

Types of twill weave

Twill weaving can be divided based on the count of fiber used in the weaving, such as 2×1 or 3×1. The first number refers to the warp thread, and the second number is for the weft. That means in 2×1 twill weaving, one weft is woven over two warp fibers. 

There is also Z and S twill weave. Z twill have diagonal lines from left to right and S twill have lines from right to left. Those are also called left-handed twill and right-handed twill.

Depending on the variation in the pattern, there are also different twill weaves. Zigzag weave, warp-faced twill, weft-faced twill, balanced twill, pointed Twill, horizontal Pointed Twill, and many more.

Fabrics made of twill weave

Drill, Jersey, Gabardine, Denim, Velvet, and Flannel.

satin weave

Satin weave

Satin weave creates extra smooth and glossy fabrics that won many hearts throughout time. The history of satin fabric takes us back to the 12th century. It was produced in China and Arabia. Sateen is known as a luxury trading product. In the 14th century, it became very popular among the aristocrats. It holds its royal position even in modern days.

Construction

Satin weave is similar to twill weave. One weft crosses four or more warps, and the following weft does the opposite but just one step forward. This creates a 45-degree diagonal line.

Characteristics

As the weft fabric does not alter its direction much, the fabric gets an even and shiny texture. It also contains a feather-like softness. However, as the fabric is not tightly constructed and made with soft fibers like silk, it is not very durable. It has great breathability and comfort but requires special care.

Uses

Fabrics and clothes made of satin weave are usually luxurious items. People use it for fancy clothing, upholstery, decoration, and similar purposes.

Types of satin weave and fabric

Antique satin, Baronet satin, Charmeuse, Crepe back satin, Duchess satin, Messaline, Polysatin, and Slipper satin are some of the popular types of satin weave.

leno weave

Leno weave

Leno weaving is very different from the weaving we talked about till now. This weaving is used to make sheer and strong fabric. In ancient times, leno weaving was used to make fishing nets and similar items. Now, this weaving technique is used to make bags, clothing, and certain types of work cloth.

Construction

In leno weave, warp yearns do not stay parallel to each other like other weaving. The weft thread goes between two warp threads and creates a tight and sheer fabric. Look at the photo for a better understanding.

Characteristics

Leno weave has clear and open gaps in every raw, but the fabric is strong, and it does not lose its shape. The fabric is naturally sheer and contains a net-like structure. These fabrics are usually made with very strong fibers. The fabric is also very lightweight and, of course, breathable.

Uses

Leno-weaved fabrics are used to make sheer bags, nets, window treating fabric, mosquito nets, cloth to cover fruits and vegetables, etc. 

Types of leno weave 

There are typically three types of leno weave. They are plain leno, gauge leno & honeycomb leno.

The main type of Leno weave is plain leno. In this type, warp fibers are twisted, and the weft goes between them. The twist secures the weft fiber in place.

You will know all about Leno weave here.

Circular weave

Circular weave

The circular weave is done in a circular-shaped loom/ machine. The weaving was created by a man named Sakichi Toyoda in 1903. More advanced circular weaving machinery was invented in the 1920s.

Construction

In circular weaving, the warp threads are attached to a circular loom, and the weft fabric is filled from the center. The filling process is more like plain weaving, but it travels in a circle.

Characteristics

Circular weaving comes with different patterns depending on the weft fiber color. Thick wool or yarn is used for circular weaving by hand. While circular weaving machines can produce more regular types of fabrics.

Uses

Circular weave is used to make decoration items, door-mat, and similar items. 

Types

Circular weaving has many variations, and one can be really creative to make different patterns in a circular loom. But there is no well-defined type of circular weaving.

saori weave

Saori weave

Saori weaving is a hand-weaving technique invented in Japan. The word Sao refers to someone expressing themself freely, and Ori means weaving. Misao Jo, the inventor of the technique, wanted to create a weaving that did not follow the traditional weaving method. 

Construction

The construction of saori weaving has similarities to plain weaving. But it does not follow any basic principle, and the weaver can freestyle according to her creativity. It is usually crafted with two shafts.

Characteristics

Saori woven fabric is tightly bonded and very comfortable to wear. As the fabric requires handcrafting and creativity, it comes in many shapes, patterns, and colors.

Uses

Saori weaving is used to make scarves, dresses, and other clothing items.

Types

There are no definite types of saori weaving. But every Saori woven fabric is pretty much distinct from each other.

Tumbling block weave

Tumbling block weave

Tumbling block weaving is a technique of weaving using ribbons instead of thread. This creates vibrant patterns suitable for ornamental items. Tumbling blocks are not a new technique. These patterns were found in the ancient Greek Mosaic Floor.

Construction

The tumbling block weave 2 different color weft ribbons cross each other like X over the warp ribbons. The weft goes like an over-over and under-under pattern, creating attractive patterns.

Characteristics

Tumbling block items are not like the usual fabric. The ribbons are not strongly bonded, but sewing the patterns can fix the ribbons in place.

Uses

Tumbling block items are usually used for ornamental purposes.

Dobby weave

Dobby weave

A Dobby weave is a type of plain weave that contains geometric patterns. The technique was invented in the 1940s, and it is one of the popular types of weaving for creating patterns in fabric.

Construction

Dobby loom is used for making dobby weaving. This specialized loom allows the warp individually so complex patterns can be crafted. Fundamentally, the techniques are similar to plain weave.

Characteristics

Dobby Fabrics come with small patterns and contain extra texture because of those patterns. Its durability and breathability resemble plain weaving.

Uses

Different types of shirts, polos, and designed clothes are made with dobby weaving.

Hopsacking weave

Hopsacking weave

Hopsaking weave is a type of plain weaving. With its lightweight character and distinct feel, it has uses for different clothing purposes. Let’s get to the details about the weaving.

Construction

Understanding the construction of hopsaking weave is easy. One weft fiber goes over and under two or more warp fibers. This pattern is repeated all over the fabric. Generally, wool is used for this weaving. The characteristics of the weaving depend a lot on how tightly or loosely it is woven.

Characteristics

Hopsaking woven fabric is thick and has a bit of a rough texture. The texture and feel are unique, making it perfect for overcoats, suits, and similar clothes. The fabric is often loosely weaved, which makes it light and breathable. Other suits may not be a great option for summer. But it’s a different story for the hopsacking fabric.  

Uses

Hopsaking weaving is used to make suits, jackets, overcoats, etc.

Tapestry weave

Tapestry weave

Tapestry weaving is a handloom technique and is no short of a form of art. You can craft very detailed and artistic patterns and pictures if you can invest your time and passion in it. However, you can also make simple patterns and designs instead of complicated artwork. The history of tapestry weaving is quite old. There are many astonishing, beautiful old tapestry artworks that will surely inspire you.

Construction

The principle of tapestry weaving is similar to plain weaving. The warp fibers work like a canvas and always have mono color. The weft fibers are colorful and help to create art and patterns. This weaving is very slow, and the process gets slower with complicated artwork. But art always takes the time to fill our hearts with joy.

Characteristics

As mentioned, Tapestry weaving creates colorful, detailed art in the fabric. Its characteristics depend on what material you used and how you weaved the fabric. Wool, linen, and cotton are the common types of material used for tapestry weaving. It inherits most of the characteristics of plain weaving. 

Uses

This type of fabric is often used for wall hangings and decorations. Scarves and mufflers are also some of the clothes you can make with tapestry weaving.

Tablet weave

Tablet weave

Tablet weaving is a unique hand-weaving style where a tablet card is used for making straps or belt-like fabric. This type of weaving is very low-cost and popular among weaving hobbyists. Tablet weaving history can be dated back in the 8th century in Europe. This weaving used to make decorating straps for existing clothes.

Construction

A set of a card or tablet is used to hold the warp fibers. The card can vary in shape, but the most common one is square shaped card. The square card has four holes in four corners and one in the center. The warp fibers go through the holes. The card creates gaps between the warps where the weft fibers can pass. By rotating the cards, a weaver can also create small patterns. Wool, silk, cotton, and linen fibers are often used for tablet weaving.

Characteristics

Tablet-wrapped straps are strong and may come with different patterns. 

Uses

Tablet weaving is used to make narrow straps that can be attached to other clothes. You can also use it for decorative purposes.

Rib weave

Rib Weave

Rib weave is another variation of plain weaving with distinct characteristics and texture. The weaving creates parallel ribs all over the fabric. The ribs do not only add aesthetic texture to the fabric. It also has great functionalities too (explained next). The rib weave is a bit thicker than the usual fabric.

Construction

The rib weave follows a similar principle to plain weave, but the warp yarn is raised in regular intervals to create that high and low pattern. Usually, heavy-weight yarn is used to make rib weaves. 

Characteristics

There are many different variations of rib weave, and they all have slightly different characteristics. But in general, the core is the same. Rib woven fabric has high and low lines that create a distinct texture like no other fabric. It is soft, light and breathable. The lines make it less prone to wrinkle. Unlike regular plain weave, it has stretching characteristics on one side, and the other side is non-stretchy. 

Uses

Rib weave fabric is especially popular for different clothing purposes for its unique texture and comfort. Shirts, coats, suits, pants, tops and many other dresses can be made with rib weaving.

Types

Depending on the weaving pattern, there are several types of rib weaving. Firstly there are warp rib and weft rib. 

Warp rib: The warp yarn rises to create a pattern.

Weft rib: The weft yarns rises to create patterns.

There are also different types of ribs depending on how often the warp is rised. There are 1×1, 2×2, 3×1 rib weave. The first number refers to rised warp and the second number indicates the lowered warp yarns.

double weave

Double weave

As the name suggests, double weaving is a technique of creating a cloth that has two different layers in top and bottom. The top and the bottom layer are attached with each other several ways. It also requires a different loom setting and different skill sets to weave. 

Construction

The fabric is constructed with two sets of warps, one over another. Weft fibers are used to weave the wefts alternatively. By changing the color of warp or using a different colored weft fabric you can get color variations in the top and bottom sides of the fabric. 

Characteristics

Unsurprisingly, the double cloth is thick, warm, and heavy. It has a nice and smooth texture, and both sides are technically the right side.  

Uses

Double weaving is usually done with wool, and you can make nice and cozy sweaters with it. It also has been used to make blankets, upholstery, and clothes.

Jacquard Weave

Jacquard Weave

Jacquard weave was named after its inventor Joseph Marie Jacquard. It was invented in 1901 in France. At that time, the process was manual, but a lot of the process was getting automated. Jacquard fabric is usually woven in a Jacquard weave. This fabric is a popular choice for many types of clothing for its versatility and convenience. Jacquard weave fabrics are called Brocade, damask or matelassé.

Construction

Jacquard weave is constructed in jacquard loom where the weft interlaces warp fabric with complicated patterns and creates a smooth and durable cloth. The weft crosses over and under each warp yarn. Natural or synthetic fibers are used for weaving. 

Characteristics

As the threads cross each other very frequently, this fabric is very durable. But it has medium durability and low stretch. Although the fabric is not very thick and has decent workability. 

Uses

Clothes made by jacquard weaving can be used for various purposes. Tapestries, table linens, drapery, curtains, upholstery, bedspreads, coverlets, pillowcases, dresses, jackets, pants, outfits, formal attire, neckties, ribbons and so on.

Fabrics made of Jacquard Weave

Brocade, Brocatelle, Damask, Matelassé, Cotton jacquard, Silk jacquard, Wool jacquard, Synthetic jacquard and Jacquard knit.

Dutch weave

Dutch weave

Dutch weave is a type of weaving, but it is not usually related to clothing. It has uses in wire cloth and metallic nets and filters. However, if you are hand-weaving, this weaving technique may help you get a curtain type of cloth. 

Construction

Dutch weave consists of thick warp and thin wefts. As a result, less warp material and more weft material are required. The weaving is similar to plain weaving, and it produces strong and heavy-duty clothing. 

Characteristics

This is usually not used for clothing, but from my fabric and weaving expertise, I can say the woven fabric will be very strong and breathable.

Uses

This weaving has uses in making wire clothes, filters, and other heavy-duty industrial clothing. If you take warp and weft of different thicknesses, practically you can also make Dutch weave fabric and use it for different purposes.

pile weave

Pile weave

Pile weave is a unique weaving technique that creates fluffy and fuzzy fabric. They come with a variety of looks and textures depending on the weaving pattern. This is a very old weaving technique and the earliest trace is about 3500 years ago. After thousands of years, this weaving is still very popular for making home decor and beautiful clothes.

Construction

Pile weaving involves a loop of extra weft that adds extra thickness and texture. The loop often circles around warp yarns. The loops can be cut, uncut, or a combination of both. Wool, cotton, linen, and synthetic yarns are used to make pile fabrics.

Characteristics

Pile weaving has a soft and velvety raised texture. The characteristics vary depending on the construction methods. Cut-loop pile fabrics are more fluffy, while uncut ones have more of soft and thicker qualities.

Uses

Fabric made of pile weave is often used for home decor items. It works great as a comfortable furniture cover. You can also use it as carpets and wall hangings. Some of the fancy dresses are also made with pile weaving.

Types

 There are two common types of pile weaving: rya knots and looped piles. The looped pile can be divided into cut loop piles and uncut loop piles.

Fabrics made of pile weaving

Velvet, corduroy, chenille, and wool are some of the fabrics that are made with pile weaving.

waffle or Honeycomb Weave

Waffle/honeycomb weave

Waffle or honeycomb weave is one of the most unique and fancy weaving techniques. It is a hybrid of plain weave and twill weave and involves applying different tensions to create a comb or waffle-like 3D effect. This weaving technique was developed in France in the 19th century.

Construction

Complex patterns and techniques are involved in honeycomb weaving. In the process, some warp and weft have more tension than others which creates rised lines that fold like a honeycomb or waffle. There are different types of honeycombs, and they come with different features.

Characteristics

Waffle or honeycomb weave is very rough and contains uneven texture. The pattern of the weaving looks very satisfying and aesthetic. This fabric is very warm and has moderate breathability. It fits nicely for winter clothes. 

Uses

Clothes made of honeycomb weaving are used to make sweaters, winter clothes, towels, glass towels, blankets, and upholstery clothes.

Types

There are two main types of honeycomb weaving: honeycomb weaving and brightened honeycomb weaving.

Peg loom weave

Peg loom weave

Peg loom is a hand-weaving technique with more ease of weaving. It involves sticks and stands for weaving, which makes the process less subtle. It is also called stick weaving. This weaving is easy and a great starting option for beginner weaving hobbyists.

Construction

The construction is a bit hard to describe but easy to understand once you watch it. Even sized removable sticks are stranded on a platform. The stick has a hole in which the warp yarn is tied. You need to twist the weft yarn around the sticks and pull the sticks to attach the series of weft with the warp yarn. By repeating the process, you can make nice and handy clothes. Usually, wool is used to make peg loom clothes.

https://youtu.be/oEkORVXsVjg?si=BIjIlHHkQ1C6Ui3o

Characteristics

The clothes made from peg looms are thick, squishy, and chunky. They can easily get out of shape if you pull it in the wrong way.

Uses

Peg loom weaving is used to make thick scarfs, mufflers, covers, mats, etc.

herringbone weave

Herringbone weave

Herringbone weave is a variation of twill weave. It is called herringbone because the pattern is similar to the herringfish’s bone. The design also resembles a feather. This pattern is pretty old and can be traced back to ancient Roman times.

Construction

Herringbone weave is similar to twill weave, but it does not go all the way. Instead after some warp, it starts the opposite weaving that provides a V-like pattern.

Characteristics

Like twill weave, herringbone weave is very durable and compact. It provides moderate breathability and an excellent drape.

Uses

Jackets, dresses, suits, and upholstery clothes are made with Herringbone weave.

Types

There are two types of Herringbone weave- horizontal Herringbone weave and vertical Herringbone weave.

percale weave

Percale weave

Percale is a type of plain weaving usually made from cotton yarn. Its origin is India. Percale was imported to France in the 18th century. Nowadays, it is often used for clothing for its unique feel and breathability.

Construction

Percale weave follows the plain weave principles. But the fabric is woven tightly with flat fibers, which result in a crisp and matt fabric. 

Characteristics

Paracale woven fabrics have a bit of a matt feel and it has a natural crisp character. The fabric is quite breathable and perfect for summer clothes. It’s nonstretchy and has a low drape.

Uses

Percale fabrics are very popular for shirts and tops, especially in the summer as they are soft and breathable. People also use them as bed sheets and pillow cases.

Chevron weave

Chevron weave

If you already learnt twill weaving, chevron weave is the next weaving you should learn. Both are quite similar, but chevron weave requires a slightly complex pattern consistency. 

Construction

As we already know, twill weave creates diagonal lines across the fabric, but this is often boring. To spice things up, you can weave some distance and then reverse the weaving pattern to create a zigzag pattern.

Characteristics

The characteristics of chevron weave also resonate with twill weave. The fabric comes with a nice pattern. It has a strong and compact character with minimal stretch. It has medium breathability and a decent drape. 

Uses

The clothes made of chevron weaving can be used for different purposes. You can make blankets, hats, scarves, hats, sweaters and other clothes.

Houndstooth weave

Houndstooth weave

It is often quite intimidating to make patterns on all-over woven clothes. But there is a technique that makes it easy. Houndstooth weave is a classic weaving technique that helps to make nice patterns with very simple techniques. The patterns are fashionable and suit various types of clothes. 

Construction

The construction of the houndstooth weaves isn’t hard to get. There are many different types, but let’s discuss the easiest one: 2×2 construction. This includes two colors of yarn, and they are often black and white. The more contrast you have between colors, the more defined the patterns look. 

Set the warp like this, black, black, white, white, and repeat. Follow the same pattern for the weft yarns while plain weave. This creates little shapes all over the fabric.

Characteristics

The fabric comes with a dog tooth-like pattern and looks very aesthetic in clothes. The pattern has four lines in four directions, which is very satisfying to see. The other characteristics of the clothing are similar to plain weaving.

Uses

The fabric style that houndstooth weaving makes can never go out of style. No matter what clothes you make with it, it will always attract eyes. You can make tops, courts, purses, scarves, skirts, and almost anything you want.

triaxial weave

Triaxial weave

The triaxial weave is an unconventional type of weaving. Triaxial means three axes, and unlike the regular warp and weft technique, it contains three stripes interlacing each other in 3 directions.  

Construction

Triaxial weaving is commonly made with thermoplastic polyester stripes. Three stripes interlace with 30-degree angles with each other. With stripes in multiple directions, it creates a more rigid bond. 

Characteristics

Triaxial weaving contains different patterns depending on the color of the stripes. The fabric is low-weight and shear-resistant.

Uses

Triaxial weaving is used to make handbags, pillow covers, ladies’ stockings, and underwear.

Types

There are two main types of triaxial weaving- Sparse triaxial weave and Dense triaxial weave. Sparse triaxial weave comes with hexagonal holes.

Crepe weave

Crepe weave

Crepe weaving, also known as oatmeal weaving, is a technique that includes irregular and floating weaving. The technique is very old but still very popular for making different types of clothes. 

Construction

The base of the crepe weave can be over sateen or twill weave. The wefts do not follow any certain patterns which create unique effects. The yarns used in crepe weave are usually tightly twisted.

Characteristics

Fabric made of crepe weave has a mat finish and comes with a good drape. It has a breathable and fine character. The pattern looks like small seeds spread unevenly throughout the fabric.

Uses

Crape weave can be used to make coats, gowns, tops, shirts, and most regular clothes.

Huckaback weave

Huckaback weave

Huckaback weave is also known as Swedish weaving. It comes with a honeycomb-like structure and is often used for towels.

Construction

Huckaback weaving creates loosely woven fabric. Its weft yarns are usually thin and weakly twisted. Dobby loom is used to make huckaback weaving.

Characteristics

Huckaback weaving often contains geometric patterns and shapes. As it is loosely woven, it’s very soft and breathable. 

Uses

Although this type of fabric has many clothing uses, towels made of huckaback weaving are especially popular. 

Backed Cloth Weave

Backed Cloth Weave

Backed cloth weave often can be confused with backed cloth. Backed clothes are clothes that contain other synthetic layers, such as rubber or foam. Those layers increase the durability, water resistance, etc. On the other hand, backed cloth weave includes two types of weft woven alternatively to create distinct patterns. It is also known as French back weave.

Construction

In this weaving technique, two types of weft materials are used. The wefts are used alternatively, which creates a unique texture and regular pattern.

Characteristics

Baked weaving has a mat texture and soft feel. It is usually breathable and lightweight. Most of its characteristics depend on the materials and thickness of the yarn.

Uses

Baked cloth weaving is used to make tablecloths, rugs, scarves, sweaters, and different textiles.

Swivel weave

Swivel weave

Swivel weave is a technique of creating small shapes and designs over plain and satin weave using extra weft weaving. This is an old Chinese technique, and according to sinologist Dieter Kuhn, swivel weaving was started about 2400 years ago.

Construction

The swivel weave is constructed similarly to the plain or satin weave. Extra weft fabric is used to make patterns and designs over the fabric, applying small shuttles.

Characteristics

The characteristic resembles the basic plain weave. The patterns add extra texture to the fabric. The designs are formed all over the fabric and add aesthetic appeal.

Uses

Swivel weave is used to make dresses, curtains, blouses, and decorative fabrics.

Novelty weave

Novelty weave

Novelty weaving is done with novelty yarn and is known as unconventional weaving. Novelty woven fabric is decorative and fancy. It is not suitable for making dress fabric or similar uses.

Construction

Novelty yarn is irregular in color, density, and strength. The yarn is usually made by twisting three types of yarns- core yarn, binder yarn, and fancy yarn. The core yarn provides structure and strength. The binder helps in the twist, and the fancy yarn adds color and beauty to the yarn. 

When it comes to weaving the novelty yarn, it is not strong enough for the warp thread. To weave this, you can use a strong yarn as a warp and add novelty yarn as a weft.

Characteristics

Even after weaving with other stronger yarn as weft, novelty woven fabric is not stable and suitable enough for regular use. All you can do is make some fancy cloth to cover something or simply for decorative purposes.

Uses

Novelty weaving is usually used by DIYers and weaving hobbyists to make decoration items.

Lappet weave

Lappet weave

Lappet weaving is a weaving technique that creates simple patterns throughout the fabric. The origin of this weaving is still unknown, but one of the earliest traces is found in ancient Greece. 

Construction

This fabric is made with simple weaving techniques like plain weaving. But the design is created by altering the warp fabric. For example, if you have more dense warp fabric throughout the loom, you will get a straight line in your fabric. But if you can control the density of warp fabric in the right way, you can create different patterns and designs. This is how lappet weaving works.

Characteristics

Simple shapes and designs give the fabric a decorative look. The characteristics of the fabric are similar to plain weave, but the design adds more texture and character to the fabric.

Uses

The production process of lappet woven fabric is slower than others. So, a small amount of fabric is produced. Lappet weave is used for making sarees, designer dresses, home decor items, etc.

Checkered weave

Checkered weave

The checkered weave is a type of plain weave, but it creates a checkerboard pattern in the fabric. This type of weaving is often done in handloom. 

Construction

The checkered weave is constructed similarly to a plain weave, but it uses two different colored threads. After one colored fiber crosses the loom, the other color is used similarly to plain weave. Keep in mind that the edge of the weaving is a bit tricky, so be sure to understand the technique before you start. Here is a video that can help you-

https://youtu.be/VNgf9rxFO0o?si=vMBagVbE_gnRnBC7

Characteristics

With the strength and smoothness of plain weave, checkered weave creates a nice checker-like structure.

Uses

Checkered woven clothes can be used for scarves, mufflers, clothing, upholstery, and home decor items.

FAQ

What are the main five weaving techniques?

The five main weaving techniques are plain, twill, basket, leno, and satin.

What is the strongest weaving technique?

Twill weave and different forms of twill weave are the strongest types of weaving. 

What is the easiest weaving pattern?

By theory, plain weave is the easiest to learn and understand. But in practice, it requires patience as you need to go over and under each weft for the whole fabric in the handloom.

What is a checkerboard weave pattern?

If you do plain weave with different colored warp and weft, you will get checkerboard pattern fabric. This pattern can be obtained with many different weaving techniques and patterns.

Conclusion : types of weaving

Weaving is not just about making fabric. Once you sit calm and slowly weave your fabric, you can feel this form of art is rooted deep beneath the origin of the human species. Weaving was always an act of love and care for your family and yourself. Keep the passion and take time to learn this form of loving slowly.

We sincerely hope this guide was helpful to you. You can bookmark this page if you need to return any information. Keep weaving! 

 

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Shariful Alam Pavel, A fashion lover, passionate marketer. Love to share wisdom based on real life experience to enrich knowledge.
Founder of Muslin Dhaka, a brand, speaks the truth about royal muslin and fashion. Explore the digital fashion universe with organic cotton muslin and much more!

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