Basket Weave

Basket Weave Manufacture

Basket weave is a variation of the basic Plain Weave construction. It used a Warp and a Weft yarn like in all types of weaving. The Warp yarn is anchored at both ends of where the fabric will be and the weft yarn is interwoven through these yarns. Like plain weave, Basket weave follows the same pattern of the Weft yarn going under one warp yarn and over the next, creating a checkerboard effect.

The difference between basket weave and plain weave is that adjacent yarns are grouped together. They are usually grouped in pairs, but sometimes more yarns can be grouped together. These are woven as if they are one yarn. This results in a fabric that resembles a woven basket; this is where the name originates.

Basket Weave was first used around 12000 years ago to weave baskets out of Rattan and similar fabrics. It was then realise that this type of weave could be used on fabrics to create an interesting surface texture.

Properties of Basket Woven Fabrics

• Interesting pattern created
• Different coloured yarns can be used to create a contrast
• More pliable and stronger than plain weave
• Loose
• Not as stable as plain weave
• Frays easily
• No Crosswise of lengthwise stretch
• Flatter than plain weave
• Less of a crimp
• Drapes Well
• Fibres and yarns used dictate the properties of the finished fabric

End Uses of Basket Woven Fabrics

• Outerwear
• Monks Clothing
• Draperies
• Garments