Woven fabrics, knitted fabrics and non-woven fabrics are three common types of fabrics in the textile industry, and they are significantly different in structure, performance and use.
Woven fabrics are made by interlacing warp and weft yarns. They have a tight structure, a flat surface, strong dimensional stability, are not easy to deform, and have good durability. Common ones include plain weave, twill, satin, etc., which are widely used in uniforms, shirts, suits, bags and curtains. Although this type of fabric has poor elasticity, it performs well in appearance and crispness, and is suitable for clothing or home textile products that require a sense of shape.
Knitted fabrics are formed by winding yarns into coils and tying them together, and are divided into weft knitting and warp knitting. It is characterized by softness, good elasticity and fit, comfortable to wear, and strong breathability. T-shirts, underwear, sportswear and socks are mostly made of knitted fabrics. Compared with woven fabrics, knitted structures are looser. Although they are more comfortable, they are more prone to pilling and have slightly poor stability.
Non-woven fabrics are different from traditional textile methods. They are not woven, but the fibers are bonded into cloth by physical or chemical methods. Due to the simple manufacturing process, fast speed and low cost, they are often used in disposable products such as masks, surgical gowns, eco-friendly bags, wet wipes and filter materials. This type of fabric is light, breathable, dustproof, and some are also waterproof or antibacterial, but the overall strength and durability are not as good as woven and knitted.
In general, woven fabrics are stable and crisp, knitted fabrics are soft and comfortable, and non-woven fabrics focus on practicality and low cost. Choosing the right type of fabric according to different uses is a key step in fabric design and development.