Definition of Fabric in Textile

Fabric is a general term for any cloth or material that is made by weaving, knitting, spreading, felting, stitching, crocheting or bonding. Fabric can be used for making clothes, covering furniture, and other purposes. Some examples of fabrics are cotton, linen, silk, wool, and polyester.

What is weaving?

Weaving involves interlacing two sets of yarns at right angles to each other. The vertical yarns are called warp and the horizontal yarns are called weft. The vertical yarns that are held stationary and tensioned on the loom.

The warp yarns provide the structure and stability of the fabric, while the weft yarns create the pattern and design of the fabric. The warp yarns are usually stronger and tauter than the weft yarns, and they require more preparation before weaving. Weaving produces a woven fabric that is usually less stretchable and more compact than a knitted fabric. It is done on a loom, which can vary in size and complexity.

What is knitting?

Knitting involves creating loops of yarn with one or more needles. The loops are called stitches and they interlock with each other. It produces a knitted fabric that is usually more elastic and more drapable than a woven fabric. Knitting can be done by hand or by a machine, depending on the desired outcome.

What is Spreading?

Spreading is a technique that involves laying out fibers or filaments on a surface to form a thin layer or web. The fibers can be natural or synthetic, and they can be bonded together by heat, pressure, or adhesive to create a fabric. Spreading is used to make fabrics such as nonwoven fabrics, which are used for medical, hygiene, and industrial purposes.

What is Felting?

Felting is a technique that involves matting wool or other animal fibers together by applying moisture, heat, and agitation. The fibers interlock and shrink to form a dense and warm fabric that does not unravel. Felting can be done by hand or by machine, and it can be used to make fabrics such as felt, which are used for hats, coats, rugs, and crafts.

What is Stitching?

Stitching is a technique that involves joining pieces of fabric or other materials together by using a needle and thread. The stitches can be decorative or functional, and they can create patterns or shapes on the fabric. Stitching can be done by hand or by machine, and it can be used to make fabrics such as embroidery, quilting, and appliqué, which are used for clothing, accessories, home décor, and art.