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The Difference Between Woven And Knitted Fabrics

Update:26 May
If you want to know the difference between woven and knitted fabrics, read on. Knitted fabric is made from multiple loops that are closely spaced apart. Because of this, it is highly breathable. The knitted loops allow for a good amount of air circulation, so the fabric feels comfortable next to your skin. It is also easy to maintain its shape and color. Here are some reasons why knitted fabric is a better choice than woven fabrics.


Knitted fabrics are made by knitting thin yarn or thread with tiny needles, making the material similar to the material used to knit sweaters. Knitted fabrics are more durable and stretchy than woven fabrics because the edges will not unravel as easily. This is due to the fact that the loops in knitted fabrics allow them to stretch naturally, without losing their elasticity. If you plan to sew a knitted fabric, you should choose needles that are 2.5 mm long. Also, use light tension while sewing to avoid stretching.


Another important consideration is the type of yarn that you choose for the fabric. A wide range of yarns can be used in knitted fabrics. Single filaments make up the largest portion of knitted fabric. These fibers can be made of polymeric or single wire. The use of single filaments is more common in industrial knitted fabrics. The types of yarn used for knitted fabric are discussed later in this handbook. In Chapter 5 we briefly touch on single filament knitting.



Another benefit of knitted fabrics is their crease-resistant properties. Since they contain reversible loops, they distribute stress throughout the fabric, resulting in a soft drape. The stiffness of a fabric is directly related to its feel, and knits tend to have a lower flexural rigidity than woven fabrics. However, a knitted fabric still retains some wrinkles and can be slightly crumpled.


The difference between woven and knitted fabrics can be attributed to the way the yarns are manufactured. Woven fabrics have a selvedge, while knitted fabrics do not. The selvedge on knitted fabric is more compact, while the stitching on woven fabric is loose. Both types of fabrics are popular for garments, hats, socks, and other types of outerwear. And because of their elastic properties, knitted clothing is often made with synthetic materials.

Another characteristic of knitted fabric is its unique structure. Some knit fabrics are double-woven, and some are made using a special loop transfer technique. The wales in cable fabric are formed through the transfer of loops to neighboring wales. This is one reason why cable fabric is widely used in sweaters. Another characteristic of knitted fabric that has gained popularity is the bird's eye fabric. This type of knit fabric features multi-colored threads and is popular for women's wear.


Interlock knits are double-layered. They are made with knit and purl stitches and resemble jersey knit in front and back. Interlock knits have greater dimensional stability than single jersey. They do not curl on the edges and stretch more along the lengthwise direction. In addition, they have a soft, supple feel. Unlike single-faced jersey knits, interlocks are generally thicker. The most popular type of interlock knit is used in table mats and other similar applications.