Production

The plain weave is also known as the tabby weave and is the simplest weave that can be made. It is made by threading each weft yarn under and over the warp yarn with the next row being in the opposite order of the previous yarn. It consists of one set of warp yarn and one set of weft yarn. In a plain weave fabric the warp and weft are aligned in order to create a criss cross pattern. When being made a loom is used where the odd and even needles are alternated in order to weave the warp and weft together. An example of a plain weave fabric is calico which is a cotton based textile. Weaves are made using a weaving machine and the process is made up of four main steps.

Shedding: First every second warp yarn are lifted in order to add what is called filling, this forms something known as a shed. This is performed on a rectangular frame where something known as heddles have been attached. Heddles are made from wire. As the warp yarn raises it is threaded through a small hole in the heddles this is called drawing in.

Picking: When the warp yarn lifts though shedding the weft yarn is then inserted by a electronic device. One motion of this action is known as a pick.

Beating Up/Battening: All of the warp yarns are threaded through the hole in the heddle and through a reed. A reed is a comb like device which pushes the newly formed weave line against all previous weave lines. This ensures that the weave it tight and strong.

Taking Up and Letting Off: As all of the other previous steps are in progress the newly formed weave fabric is wound onto a beam and is known as taking up. While this is happening all of the warp yarns are released from the beams they are attached to. This is known as letting off.

These steps are constantly continued until the desired length of fabric has been produced.

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Physical Properties

The plain weave is a very durable and strong weave. It is hydrophobic and has a low rate of absorbency. It has a moderate elasticity but only on the bias of the fabric.

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Atheistic properties

The plain weave due to the way it is made has both sides being identical. The weight can range from light to heavy depending on what fibre is used during production. The plan weave has a tendency to wrinkle or crease. The more weaves used in the fabric the firmer the weave will be.

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Uses

One end use of a plain weave is in blouses as they have to be made to be strong and durable a plain weave is ideal. Another reason a plain weave is commonly used is due to it being able to be woven with a sheer fibre.

Another garment in which a plain weave is commonly used is in dresses. This is an ideal weave for dresses as it can be woven from a sheer to heavy fabric which can be suited for almost any dress. it can also be adjusted how firm the weave is and this can change the drape of the garment.

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References

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