23 Basic Differences between Weaving and Knitting

Being a textile enthusiast, you should know the basic differences between weaving and knitting. This article will help you to differentiate between these two figures.

What Do Mean By Weaving?

Weaving technology involves the interlacement of two sets of yarns at eight angles to each other. The two sets of yarns are called warp (vertical yarn) and weft yarn (horizontal yarn). 

Design modification in weaving is a bit difficult task. Cotton, silk, hemp etc are used mainly for weaving purposes. Woven fabrics are less stretchable. But if they are made from stretchable yarns, then they will stretch. They tend to crease easily. So ironing is required at a regular interval.

Woven fabrics have a compact structure and the yarns are closely packed with each other. Weaving is done on looms. We will have some forms of weaving like-

• Plain weave
• Twill weave
• Satin weave

  Fig: Weaving process                                                          Fig: Weaving construction (Interlacemnet of yarn)

What is Knitting?

Knitting is a process where fabric is made by using one strand of yarn using two needles. Here interlocked loops are formed. Knitting can be done by hand. Often we see this example as in sweater. But commercially, different types of knitting machines are used to produce knitted fabric. Circular knitting machines, flatbed knitting machines are used for this purpose.

Two types of knitting are available-

• Warp knitting
• Weft knitting

Knitted fabrics have inherent resiliency and elasticity. For their high elasticity, dimensional stability is not properly maintained. They have unique drape abilities. With all your moves, these fabrics move so easily. They have an excellent ability to absorb moisture. 

Their stitching makes them perfect to provide thermal insulation. They are used in warm clothes. It is very easy to care for knitting fabrics. Even they need not any ironing as they show a good crease resistance. 

                                                                              Fig: Knitted fabric

Differences Between Weaving and Knitting

Weaving	Knitting
Threads run perpendicular to each other in weaving	Threads run parallel to each other in knitting
Lower stretchability	Comparatively higher stretchability
In weaving, fabric thickness is less	After knitting, the fabric becomes thick
Threads are known as Warp and Weft	A single thread is used where a horizontal row of the loop is called coarse and vertical column of needle loop is called wales
With weaving technology, we produce lightweight clothing materials	With knitting technology, thick woolen clothing is prepared
Weaved cloths can’t provide thermal assistance	Knitted materials have thermal properties thus used to make warm cloths
Woven fabric is produced by interlacing two threads	Knitted fabrics are produced by pulling the current thread through the loops of the preceding row which is again made into a loop as the basis of the next row
Sizing of warp thread is a must to resist weaving tension	No need for sizing
Two sets of yarns are required	One set of yarn is enough to form loops in knitted fabrics
Yarn is to prepared properly before weaving	Preparation plays a little role in knitting
Lower production capacity than knitting	The production capacity of knitting is high
Production cost is higher than knitting	Production cost is lower than weaving
Woven fabric has higher dimensional stability than knitted fabric	Knitted fabric has lower dimensional stability than woven fabric
In our country, woven fabric is produced in the comparatively lower manner ( almost 48% )	Most of the fabric produced in our country is knitted fabric ( almost 52% )
Capital investment is higher	Capital investment is higher than weaving
Machine set up is a bit complicated	Setting up a machine is quite easier and faster
Less modification is possible compared to knitting	The design and style of fabric can be easily modified
Less variation in the product	Product variation is more like single jersey, rib, interlock, purl
It is done by the interlacement of two sets of threads	It is done by the formation of loops
Compact construction	Loose construction
Absorb less moisture due to compactness	Absorb more moisture due to loose structure
More durable	Less durable
Example: Denim, twill, canvas, gabardine, chambray	Example: Pique, mesh, terry

If you want to be more clear about the differences between weaving and knitting, check this video

Till now, we have learned about the basic differences between weaving and knitting technology. The difference between the two technologies makes the property of woven and knitted fabric different.

Let’s have a look below!

Differences Between Woven and Knitted Fabric

Knitted fabric	Woven fabric
High crease resistance than woven fabric	Lower crease resistance property
No ironing required	Ironing is required
Less strong than woven fabric	Stronger than knitted fabric
Absorption capacity is more	Woven fabric has a low absorption capacity
More permeable to air and moisture	Less permeable to air and moisture
Highly elastic fabric	Elasticity is comparatively less
Knitted fabric has less dimensional stability	Woven fabric has more dimensional stability
Ends curling tendency is higher	End curling tendency is comparatively lower

Wrapping It Up!!

Both of them are a very ancient techniques to produce fabric. Hopefully, you all understand the differences between weaving and knitting. You can also check: The Differences Between Spinning And Weaving