How to tell the difference between knitted and woven fabrics?

When we're working with textiles, we often come across two terms: knitted fabrics and woven fabrics.

Most fabrics are broadly categorized into woven and knitted textiles. But what exactly are the characteristics and differences between these two types? In this article, our editor will take you on a fascinating exploration to uncover the answers.

01

Knitted fabric

First, let’s talk about knitted fabrics—these are fabrics created by using knitting needles to form loops of yarn, which are then interlocked to create the final textile.

This process can be carried out either horizontally or vertically—horizontal weaving is known as weft knitting, while vertical weaving is called warp knitting.

The simplest way to distinguish between warp-knitted and weft-knitted fabrics is to see whether they can be easily taken apart.

Most weft-knitted fabrics are reversible, while most warp-knitted fabrics are not.

Fabric characteristics

Advantages: Knitted fabrics have a soft texture, excellent moisture absorption and breathability, as well as superior elasticity and stretch. Clothing made from knitted fabrics is incredibly comfortable to wear, fits the body snugly without feeling tight, and beautifully accentuates natural human curves.

Drawbacks: It tends to snag easily, and its size can be difficult to control.

Application

Knitted fabrics have a soft, plush texture and, in addition to excellent wrinkle resistance and breathability, also offer significant stretch and elasticity—making them ideal for items like lingerie, tight-fitting garments, and sportswear.

Knitted fabrics, after undergoing structural modification and enhanced dimensional stability, can also be used for outerwear, mattresses, and more.

Knitted fabrics can first be woven into plain fabric, which is then cut and sewn into various knitted products; alternatively, they can be directly knitted into fully or partially shaped items, such as socks and gloves.

Additionally, knitted fabrics are also widely used in industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare.

02

Woven fabric

Woven fabric, also known as "machine-made fabric," is created by interlacing two or more sets of yarns that are perpendicular to each other at a 90-degree angle.

It’s also easy to distinguish literally. Traditional ancient looms used shuttles to weave fabric, allowing threads to be woven only in horizontal or vertical directions on a single plane—hence the term "shuttle weaving."

The yarn running vertically is called the warp, while the yarn running horizontally is called the weft.

Fabric features:

Advantages: The primary benefits of woven fabrics are their stable structure, smooth surface, and minimal distortion when draped.

Woven fabrics are lightweight and thin, and their shaping effect is significantly better than that of knitted fabrics.

Drawback: Woven fabrics have significantly less elasticity than knitted fabrics—most of them are virtually non-elastic at all.

Application

Woven fabrics are commonly used in garments such as work jackets, uniforms, promotional wear, and professional suits!