Fabrics Manufacturers

What is Plain Weave?

Plain weave is the simplest of all type of weave and is the most widely used fabric weave to produce produce, durable, flat, tight surface compatible to printing and other finishes. Plain weave is a basic style of weaves, which has the weft and warp threads interwined in an alternate way to produce a checkerboard effect. It is also known as one-up-one-down weave or over and under pattern. Plain weave is the simplest and most common interlacing of warp and weft. In this, the warp and weft are of equal tension and spacing and it is equally visible on the surface. It is also known as taffeta weave.

Characteristics of Plain Weave

• -It is snag resistant.
• -It wrinkles.
• -It has lower tear strength.
• -It does not ravel easily.
• -It has less absorbency than other weaves.

Variations in Plain Weave

There are two variations in plain weave:
Rib weave: In the rib weave, the filling yarns are larger in diameter than the warp yarns. In this weave pattern, fewer yarns per square centimeter are visible on the surface.


Matt Weave or Basket weave: In this weave, two or more yarns are used in both the warp and filling direction. These groups of yarns are woven as one, and the result is a basket effect.

Plain Weave Uses

The plain weave is the most basic of textile weaves. Since the waeve is strong and hard-wearing, it is widely used for fashion and furnishing fabrics. Plain weave finds extensive uses. It is used in blanket, canvas, cambric, muslin, dhothi, saree, shirting, suiting, etc. Rib weaves are seen in gross grain cloths, matelasse fabrics, repp cloth which is popularly used in window blinds, upholstered furniture, and cambric pocket handkerchief. Matt weave finds extensive uses for a great variety of fabrics such as dress materials, shirtings, sail cloth, duck cloth etc.

Types of Fabric Come under Plain Weave

The plain weave can be woven in various types of fabrics like as

• Chiffon
• Cendal
• Habutai
• Honan
• Mousseline de Soie
• Ninnon
• Organza
• Pongee
• Rajah (trade name) - warp yarn is 4 thread organized - filling is heavier.
• Shantung
• Sharkskin
• Sheer - Mostly plain but could be various weaves.
• Spun Rayon
• Taffeta
• Tissue Taffeta
• Warp-print Taffeta
• Tussah - Usually plain but also in twill.