Weaving Notes
Subject Overview
Weaving builds on Introduction to Weaving with a full survey of weave structures for apparel and furnishing fabrics — plain, twill, satin, crepe, honeycomb, and pile weaves — while pushing students to develop innovative fabrics using unconventional weft materials like cord, jute, straw, leather and vegetable fibres. This is a 3-credit core practical paper across 3 units, culminating in setting up warps and weaving conventional and unconventional structures across two themes.
Subject at a glance
3
Units
13
Topics
3
Credits
3
Infographics
Unit-wise Syllabus
3 units — click WhatsApp below to get the full notes for each
Unit 1: Plain and twill weaves
- Plain weave and variations — basket weave
- warp rib
- weft rib
- regular/pointed/broken/herringbone/curved/steep/reclining twills
- sateen and satin weaves
Regular twill
Diagonal lines at about 45°
Denim, gabardine
Herringbone
Twill reversed at intervals
V-shaped zigzag
Sateen
Weft floats on the face
Smooth, weft-faced
Satin
Warp floats on the face
Lustrous, smooth
Study guide
This unit covers plain weave and its variations (basket, warp rib, weft rib), twills (regular, pointed, broken, herringbone, curved, steep, reclining) and sateen and satin. Learn to draw and weave each; twills are the second basic weave.
Unit 2: Crepe, honeycomb and Bedford cord weaves
- Crepe weave
- mock leno and huck-a-back
- warp/weft/Brighton honeycombs
- Bedford cords
Crepe
Random floats
Pebbly, matte surface
Honeycomb
Floats forming cells
Towels, absorbent fabrics
Huck-a-back
Floats on a plain ground
Towels
Bedford cord
Lengthwise cords
Riding breeches, upholstery
Study guide
You study crepe weaves, mock leno, huckaback, honeycombs and Bedford cords. Understand how floats create texture.
Unit 3: Pile weaves & warp setup
- Warp pile velvet
- weft pile velveteen and corduroy weave construction
- setting up the warp
- weaving conventional and unconventional structures across two themes using various weft materials
Velvet
Extra warp
Dense, short, lustrous pile
Velveteen
Extra weft
All-over short pile
Corduroy
Extra weft cut in lines
Lengthwise ridges (wales)
Study guide
You study pile weaves (velvet, velveteen, corduroy), warp setup and weaving conventional and unconventional structures in two themes. Plan a theme and colours before weaving.
Why Weaving Matters
Understanding weave structures is basic to fabric design, product development and quality work in textile and garment industries.
How to Prepare for Weaving
- Draw the draft and lifting plan for every weave you weave.
- Keep a sample book with a weave diagram beside each sample.
- Experiment with colour and weave effects.
Weaving: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a twill weave?
A twill weave has a diagonal rib pattern created by shifting the interlacing point by one thread each row, as in denim.