Plain Weave

 

History 

One of the most popular weave which was identified in the 5000bc was the flax weave and this was discovered in Egypt. Later in 200bc wool then replaced the flax weave and required one or two people to work the looms. Years later there was the introduction of the vertical and horizontal loom which was found in Asia.
Over time weaving by hand began to reduce through the introduction of the weaving machine. This was created by John Kay in 1733 and was called the flying shuttle as it enabled wider fabrics to be weaved at one time and also it was incredibly faster.These  machines were slowly presented into the industry.  History of Clothing (2018).

As of today, the constructional method is used regular because it is simple to create, more cost effectively and adaptable. Woven fabrics are used in clothing and house hold products  .Also, plain weaving can be woven with different colours to create a fabrics which displays stripes, and these can be printed or have finishing applied. The most popular fabrics which are produced through the plain weaved consists of Taffeta, organza, Chiffon, Canvas, Tweed and Muslin.

 

 

 

Manufacturing Processes of a Plain Weave

 

Fabrics are mainly made through weaving or knitting yarn. On occasions some fabrics are bonded together or felted. Depending on which way a fabric is constructed it can appear and drape differently.
Woven fabrics are made up of a weft and this is the yarn going across the width. The yarn that runs up and down the length of the loom is called the warp. Down the side of the fabric were the wefts double back the way this is called the selvage. Through this technique the fabric is protected from fraying. Understanding Textiles (26/07/10)

Plain Weave Production Method

 

The most popular weave is the plain technique as its basic structure consists of threads passing over and under the warp and it has a repeated pattern making this easier to learn. Once the pattern starts to occur it represents a chequer boards surface and this is usually a balanced weave where yarn weights are identical. The threads tend to remain secure however it can wrinkle and have less absorbency than other weaves. This type of plain weave is known as Tabby or Calico. Most woven fabrics are made of yarn interlaced and are called the binding system. Textile School (20/03/18)

The Plain Weaves Process

Stage 1
Warp threads spaced out evenly up and down the way securely on the loom.

Stage 2

The weft yarn is then interwoven between these warp yarns.

Stage 3

To create plain weaving the weave starts by one under and one over process. This mean the weft goes under the warp yarn and then under the next.

Stage 4

This process is repeated until the complete fabric has been used.
Catwalk yourself (2018)

The Physical Properties

Regarding the plain weave physical properties, the firmness can depend on the frequency of the interlacing which runs between the warp and the weft threads. The more interlocking sections has tensity  to resist stress. However this  can also depend on the different type of origins, thickness, twist and weight. The weave is recognised for its durability no matter how much rubbing or friction there is no damaging effects which increases its usage. Encyclopaedia Britannia (2018)

Other benefits within the plain weave is it is versatile as there are no wrong sides and there is no stretch as the stitch runs across the length. Also there a strong elasticity and through  bending  repeatedly there is no breaks and return to it original size.

When laundering this weave there is no creasing resistance there more time is required when ironing. However some designers could see this as a benefit as a crushed affect could be attractive .Kelly Michelle (2018)

The Aesthetic Properties
Plain weaving fabrics have good stability however porosity where there are tiny holes in the fabric. Through these holes in the fabric designers can create a translucence effect where they light shining the garments. The weave can feel textured to touch however drape well on the body and create a nice relaxed look.

 

 

The type of products Created by Plain Weaving

Regarding the fabric organza which are used by the plain weave in fashion there are beautiful silk organza wedding dressed created for that special occasion. Some dresses have different styles creating different features. Jenifer Lungs (2015)
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References
Encyclopaedia Britannia, (2018) Plain Weaving Textile. https://www.britannica.com/technology/plain-weave (09/11/18)
History of Clothing, (2018)The History of Weaving.http://www.historyofclothing.com/making-clothing/history-of-weaving/ (05/11/18)
Jennifer (Lunuss), (2015) Organza Fabric Knowledge. https://www.lunss.com/blog/organza-fabric-knowledge-6.html (09/11/18)
Kelly Michelle, (2018) Catwalk Yourself.http://www.catwalkyourself.com/fashion-dictionary/normalplain-weave/ (09/11/18)
Textile School, (20/03/18) Plain Weaves- Pattern. https://www.textileschool.com/123/plain-weaves/ (05/11/18)
Understanding Textiles, (26/07/18) Plain weave. http://understanding-textiles.blogspot.com/2010/07/plain-weave.html (23/10/18)