How To Distinguish Woven, Knitted, And Nonwoven Fabrics?

Currently, China's fabric market is primarily dominated by knitted and woven fabrics, while nonwoven fabrics are increasingly used in medical, industrial, and other fields. These three types of fabrics differ significantly in structure, performance, and application due to their distinct production processes. Understanding their differences can help in making more informed choices for clothing design, home product purchases, or industrial applications.

Woven Fabric

Woven fabric is created by interlacing warp (longitudinal) and weft (latitudinal) yarns perpendicularly, also known as machine-woven fabric. Its weaving method ensures high structural stability and strength. Characteristics of woven fabrics include:

1.Clear Organizational Structure. Common woven weaves include plain (e.g., poplin, muslin), twill (e.g., denim, khaki), and satin (e.g., sateen). Plain weaves are tightly structured, twill weaves are durable with diagonal lines, and satin weaves are smooth and soft.

2.Stiff and Resistant to Deformation. Due to the tight interlacing of yarns, woven fabrics are typically stiff and ideal for garments like suits, shirts, and jackets that require shape retention.

3.Low Elasticity. Woven fabrics generally lack elasticity (unless blended with elastic fibers like spandex), but their hand feel can be improved through finishing processes.

Applications

Woven fabrics are widely used in formal wear, jeans, bed sheets, curtains, and other products that demand durability and stability.

Knitted Fabric

Knitted fabric is formed by bending yarns into loops and interlocking them with needles. Its characteristics include:

1.High Elasticity and Stretchability. The loop structure allows knitted fabrics to stretch, making them suitable for close-fitting garments like T-shirts, underwear, and activewear such as yoga pants.

2.Soft and Breathable. Knitted fabrics are generally lighter and more breathable than woven fabrics, making them ideal for summer or casual wear.

3.Prone to Deformation. If the yarn strength is insufficient or the knitting is loose, knitted fabrics may unravel or curl at the edges.

Common Types

Weft Knitting (e.g., jersey, fleece). Good horizontal stretch, often used for T-shirts and sweaters.

Warp Knitting (e.g., lace, mesh). More stable structure, commonly used for lingerie and sportswear mesh.

Applications

Knitted fabrics are mainly used in casual wear, sportswear, socks, sweaters, and other areas requiring elasticity and comfort.

Nonwoven Fabric

Nonwoven fabric is produced without traditional spinning or weaving. Instead, fibers are directly bonded into fabric through physical (e.g., needle punching, hydroentanglement), chemical (e.g., adhesives), or thermal (e.g., meltblown) methods. Its characteristics include:

1.High Production Efficiency and Low Cost. The short manufacturing process makes nonwoven fabrics suitable for mass production, often used in disposable products.

2.Diverse Performance

- Breathability: E.g., meltblown nonwoven for medical protective clothing and masks.

- Loftiness: E.g., insulation materials.

- Waterproofing: E.g., shopping bags, agricultural coverings.

3.Low Strength. Most nonwoven fabrics are not washable or durable, typically designed for single-use or short-term applications.

Applications

- Medical supplies (masks, surgical gowns).

- Household items (wipes, wall coverings).

- Industrial materials (filter fabrics, geotextiles).

Quick Methods to Distinguish the Three Fabrics

1. Observe the Structure

- Woven fabric: Visible interlaced warp and weft yarns.

- Knitted fabric: Visible loop structure; loops expand when stretched.

- Nonwoven fabric: Random fiber distribution with no regular texture.

2. Test Elasticity. Knitted fabric has the best elasticity, woven fabric has little to none (unless blended with elastic fibers), and nonwoven fabric has poor elasticity.

3. Tearing Test. Nonwoven fabric tears easily, woven fabric tears with neat edges, and knitted fabric may unravel.

Conclusion

Woven, knitted, and nonwoven fabrics each have their advantages and limitations. The choice depends on the intended use: woven fabrics are suitable for stiff and durable products, knitted fabrics for comfortable and elastic clothing, and nonwoven fabrics for convenience and functionality. With technological advancements, composite fabrics (e.g., woven-knitted hybrids) are becoming increasingly popular, offering even more possibilities for fabric applications.