You probably encounter twill without even realizing it. What is twill fabric exactly? Twill is popular by its durability and can hide stains well. In particular, it is characterized by its diagonal lines weave. Twill is used for clothing, bags, housewares, and many more.
Contents
What Is Twill and How Is It Made?
Along with satin and plain weaves, twill is one of the three major types of textiles weave. The diagonal rib pattern is its distinguishing characteristic. Especially noticeable by the diagonal lines in the individual threads or yarns.
The upper side of the twill weaves (called the wale) has a darker color. While the back side has lighter color. Moreover, it also has a high thread count. Which makes this fabric thick, opaque, and durable. For this reason, it is ideal for upholstery, bags, bedding, and drapes. Also, many kinds of clothing, and even bath towels.
Cotton and polyester are the most popular fibers used or a blend of the two. In weaving this fabric, the horizontal (weft) thread is woven over one or more vertical (warp) threads. Also, under one or more warp threads. So, the diagonal pattern is created from the offset of each row from the one above.
Types of Twill
What are twill fabric types available in the market today? Various patterns can be made by using different natural and synthetic fibers. Here are some examples as shown below:
- Natural twill. Made from natural fibers like cotton.
- Synthetic twill. Made from synthetic fibers like polyester.
- Zigzag twill. Recognized by the diagonal pattern of the weave.
- Herringbone twill. Showed the zigzag pattern made by horizontal and vertical threads with different colors.
- Diamond twill. With its multiple concentric lines, it appears like diamonds. These diamonds are placed parallel to each other throughout the fabric.
- Diaper twill. This kind of twill displays a complex diamond-shaped pattern. Originally used to make diapers.
- Broken twill. It shows an alternating pattern.
- Elongated twill. Woven by crossing more weft threads with a single thread. The result will look like an elongated appearance.
Uses of Twill Fabric
As its characteristics, twill is a versatile and durable fabric. It has uses for clothing, accessories, and even home furnishings. Now here are the popular examples as shown below:
- Jeans are the most popular example of twill fabric. Usually woven with cotton or cotton blend.
- Tweed, herringbone, and houndstooth wool. Created with several different color patterns. Usually used for outwear like winter coats.
- Made from cotton twill fabric. It is woven from lighter-weight fibers compared to jeans.
- Work clothing. Twill fabric is ideal for outdoor and industrial work clothes. Clearly because of its durability characteristic.
- Usually used for chairs, sofas, cushions, and also curtains. It is surely durable for several years even with regular use.
- Bed and bath linens. Twill weave has a high thread count which makes the fabric softer and wears well.
The Benefit of Using Twill Fabric
As mentioned above, the characteristics of twill fabric make this fabric have many benefits. As explained below:
- Twill is a quite thick fabric that can withstand a lot of wear. As such, it is great for clothing and upholstery.
- Especially good for curtains, clothing, and housewares.
- Shows few stains. The diagonal pattern helps hide or disguise dirt. Not only that, but it also helps hide spills, and stains from view.
- Does not wrinkle easily, due to its thickness characteristic.
- Drapes well. Hence, it is suitable for clothing, sheets, etc.
Care for Twill Fabric
Twill weave fabric is super easy to care for. You can use it without worries about wrinkles or stains. However, the material used will determine how you should care for it.