In fabrics, radial and weft directions represent the two main yarn directions of the fabric. Simply put, radial (also called warp) is the yarn along the length of the fabric, while weft is the yarn arranged horizontally along the width. The difference between these two directions affects the structure, ductility and strength of the fabric.
There are several common ways to distinguish:
1. Judging from the edge of the cloth
There are fixed edges on both sides of the cloth (commonly known as the edge of the cloth), and the direction between these two sides is the radial direction, which is the length direction when the cloth roll is unfolded; the direction perpendicular to the edge of the cloth is the weft direction.
2. Judging from the arrangement of yarns
During the weaving process, radial yarns are arranged neatly and tightly, and generally have stronger tension than the weft direction and are not easy to deform. Gently pull the cloth with your hand, which direction has weaker elasticity is usually radial; the direction with greater elasticity is the weft direction.
3. Identify from the direction of cloth roll-up
The direction of the cloth roll is often consistent with the radial direction, and the direction of the whole cloth when it is unfolded from the reel is radial.
Roll unwinding direction --> ←←←←←←←←←←←←←←← (radial)
Cloth edge ──────────────────────────────
↑
(weft)
↓
In short, although the radial and weft directions appear to be parallel and interlaced on the surface of the fabric, they have their own division of labor in terms of performance and use. In the process of material selection and production, correctly identifying these two directions will help improve the use effect of the fabric and the stability of the finished product.
