When we talk about a piece of fabric, almost every fabric is either knitted or woven. Many people often get confused between knitted fabric and woven fabric. However, it is easy to identify the difference between the two by looking at some of the key features and specifications of the fabric. Let’s understand how you can identify the kind of fabric, whether knitted or woven when purchasing them from fabric suppliers in India.
What is a Woven Fabric?
A woven fabric is primarily one that is made with two threads called warp yarn and weft yarn weaved together in an interlaced pattern. This kind of fabric is tighter in look and only expands a little upon being stretched. The thread pattern on the woven fabric is closely similar to that of a checkerboard since two or more yarns cross over each other horizontally and vertically (perpendicularly).
Key features of a woven fabric
- You can sew this kind of fabric much more easily.
- It is considered to be highly durable.
- Forms easy creases and wrinkles upon being pressed and thus requires constant ironing.
- It isn’t much soft, in fact, might feel rough upon touching.
What is a Knitted Fabric?
A knitted fabric is formed using a single set of thread that is inter looped like a braided pattern to create the fabric. The fabric is very soft and stretchable and can easily retain its shape when pressed. Generally, knit fabrics are constructed using two kinds of techniques called warp knitting and weft knitting. In warp knitting, the yarn is knitted in loops running up and down meanwhile in weft knitting, the loops run back and forth.
Key features of a knitted fabric
- It is very comfortable, soft, and fluffy.
- Can be easily stretched along its length and width.
- Does not form creases easily upon being folded or pressed.
- It is more difficult to sew and might even get worn out easily.
Ways to Distinguish Between Knitted Fabric and Woven Fabric
By carrying out the following tests, you can quickly identify if the kind of fabric you’re purchasing from textile companies in India is knitted or woven.
Stretch Test
A simple way to figure out whether the fabric is knitted or woven is by stretching the fabric. Start by stretching the fabric along its length and width. If the fabric stretches both lengthwise and widthwise, it is probably a knitted fabric since a knit fabric is more stretchable. If the fabric resists to stretch or barely stretches that too only along its length, it is a woven fabric.
Look Test
You can easily examine the structure of the fabric and tell if it is a woven fabric. While purchasing a piece of fabric from the woven fabric manufacturers, look closely at the threads of the fabric. If you can see more than one thread and the pattern formed by the threads is a checkerboard type, it is a woven fabric. In case, there’s only a single yarn that is knitted to form loops giving away a chain or braid-style pattern, it is a knitted fabric.
Wrinkle Test
Another way to differentiate between a knitted and woven fabric is to conduct the wrinkle test. When you press or fold the fabric, observe if it changes its shape and if the folds are visible on the fabric or not. A knitted fabric does not easily change its shape upon being pressed meanwhile a woven fabric easily changes its shape and the wrinkles and folds are visible on the fabric.
Whether woven or knitted, if you’re looking for high-quality fabric around, you may consider reaching out to Damodar Menon International for all your fabric and yarn needs.
You can also utilize the leading online textile trading platform TEXchange Global where you can find out the best fabric suppliers and knitted fabric manufacturers across the world.
