Miscellaneous Fabrics - PDF

Textile Institute of Pakistan, Karachi. TEXT202 (Fabric Technology) Classification/Types of Fabrics Miscellaneous Fabrics Tufted Fabrics Tufted fabrics are made by the combination of: o Foundation cloth o Tuft...

Textile Institute of Pakistan, Karachi. TEXT202 (Fabric Technology) Classification/Types of Fabrics Miscellaneous Fabrics Tufted Fabrics Tufted fabrics are made by the combination of: o Foundation cloth o Tufts The foundation cloth is normally a woven fabric generally a plain weave or any open structure made up of cotton, wool, or jute can be used as a foundation. On the foundation cloth, tufts are inserted. Tufts of the fibres are inserted into the open spaces of the foundation cloth. For tuft formation, a special tuft-forming machine can be used, or tufts can be made by hand. Characteristics of Tufted Fabrics Tufted fabrics are soft with low tensile strength. Production of tufted fabrics takes more time as compared to woven fabrics because first woven fabric is made and then tufts are inserted. They are bulky. Only limited designs can be made on tufted fabrics. Their dyeing and printing are very difficult. Generally, tufts are first dyed and then inserted into the foundation cloth to give coloured effects. Tuft, once removed from the fabric, are hard to repair. Uses of Tufted Fabrics They are mostly used as carpets, rugs, mats, etc. They are also used in bed covers and table cloths. Decorative fabrics are also made of them. Tufted fabrics are also used as a furnishing material. Dresses are rarely made of them. Prepared By: Shakeel Ahmad Paracha Page 1 of 3  Textile Institute of Pakistan, Karachi. TEXT202 (Fabric Technology) Laced Fabrics Lace is an openwork fabric made from intermeshing yarns into a fabric. The intermeshing of yarns can be carried out by the following methods: o Using knitting needles (Needle point) o Using bobbins (Pillow) o Using shuttles (Tatting) o Using crochet needles (Crotchet) Laced fabrics could only be produced by hands until the invention of the first automatic lace machine in the early 1800 s. The laced fabric produced by hands is called as the “Real Lace.” Real laces take plenty of time, and their cost is high. However, various patterns of laces can be produced on the modern lace looms at huge quantities and at a very low cost. Characteristics of Laced Fabrics Since it is an openwork fabric, it gives a very low cover. Its properties are very similar to knitted fabrics. Their dyeing is possible, but printing cannot be done. They have high elasticity so they can be stretched without damaging the fabric. Uses of Laced Fabrics Laced fabrics are used as shawls and scarves. Laces are stitched on the woven fabrics to give various designs. Fine laces are used as curtains. Different decorative textiles are made from them. Fishing nets are also made from laced fabrics. Braided Fabrics Braided fabrics are produced by a special method of interlacement known as braiding or plaiting. In braiding or plaiting, three or more yarns over and under one another are interwoven to form a flat or tubular cloth known as a braided fabric. In braiding, instead of yarns, cut strips of cloths or straws can also be used for braiding. The braided fabrics have a relatively narrow width as compared to the woven fabrics. The process of braiding or plaiting is very much similar to the process of weaving. Following are the differences in braiding and weaving. o In weaving, only two yarns are used, i.e., warp and weft, but in braiding three or more than three yarns are used. o In weaving yarns always interlace at right angles, while in braiding yarns can interlace at any angle. o In weaving only yarns can be used, while in braiding apart from yarns straws, strips of fabric, etc. can be used to produce a fabric. Prepared By: Shakeel Ahmad Paracha Page 2 of 3  Textile Institute of Pakistan, Karachi. TEXT202 (Fabric Technology) Characteristics of Braided Fabrics Structure of braided fabrics is very much similar to woven fabrics. They give a good covering effect. Braided fabrics have a narrow width. They can be dyed and printed easily. They can be produced cheaply and on a large scale. Uses of Braided Fabrics They are used as belts, cords, shoelaces, etc. Different kinds of ribbons are also made from braided fabrics. Plastic or straw braids can be sewn together to form hats. Braided fabrics can also be sewn together to form braided rugs. Trimming and tapes for dresses can be made from them. Tubular braided fabrics are used as hose pipes, ropes, sacks, etc. Prepared By: Shakeel Ahmad Paracha Page 3 of 3