Weaving and knitting are the two most important ways fabric is made, and almost everything in clothing or home textiles comes from one of these structures. Even though both use yarn, the way the yarn behaves in each method is completely different. These differences explain why woven shirts feel crisp while knit T shirts stretch, why denim holds its shape while a sweater drapes, and why the same fiber can feel totally different depending on the fabric construction. This article gives beginners a clear understanding of how weaving and knitting differ, how each structure is made, and how these differences affect real products.
The main difference between weaving and knitting
At the simplest level:
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Weaving interlaces two sets of yarns at right angles.
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Knitting forms loops from one or more yarns.
Weaving locks yarns tightly. Knitting keeps yarns flexible. This single difference creates a huge divide in how fabrics behave. If you understand this, it becomes easier to choose the right fabric type or understand why certain garments perform the way they do. My foundation level textile book explains these differences with diagrams that make these structures easy to recognise.
How weaving works
In weaving, there are two yarn systems:
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Warp yarns run lengthwise.
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Weft yarns run across the width.
The warp yarns stay under tension on the loom while the weft is inserted from side to side. The point where they cross forms the structure. Basic weave types include plain, twill, and satin. Each gives a different level of strength, smoothness, drape, and appearance.
Key features of woven fabric:
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Very stable
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Low stretch unless elastane is added
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Holds shape well
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Clear grain lines
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Often crisp unless heavily finished
These characteristics make woven fabrics ideal for shirts, trousers, jackets, dresses, outerwear, and home textiles. In my textile finishing book I show how finishing can soften, smooth, or strengthen woven fabrics after they leave the loom.
How knitting works
Knitting uses a series of interlocking loops made from one or more yarns. Instead of being held firmly like woven yarns, the loops give the fabric natural elasticity.
There are two main knitting systems:
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Weft knitting, used in T shirts, sweaters, rib fabrics, and many stretch garments
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Warp knitting, used in sportswear, mesh fabrics, lingerie, and technical textiles
Key features of knitted fabric:
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High stretch
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Excellent comfort
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Smooth recovery
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More flexible and drapey
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Less dimensional stability than wovens
Because of these characteristics, knitted fabrics work well for clothing that needs movement and comfort. My book on weaves and knits explains the most common knit structures such as jersey, rib, and interlock, with visual guides for beginners.
How weaving and knitting affect fabric performance
The structure of the fabric controls how it behaves.
Here are the most important differences beginners should remember.
Stretch
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Woven fabrics stretch very little unless elastane is added.
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Knitted fabrics stretch naturally because loops open and close.
This is why T shirts and leggings feel comfortable while woven trousers keep a clean shape.
Strength
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Woven fabrics tend to be stronger because the yarns are interlaced tightly.
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Knits may lose shape over time if they have low twist or loose loops.
This explains why woven bags and denim survive heavy wear while knitted sweaters need gentler handling.
Drape
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Satin weaves and certain twills drape smoothly.
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Most knits drape better than wovens because loops bend easily.
Drape is crucial in fashion because it controls how a garment falls on the body.
Breathability
Both structures can be breathable, but yarn thickness and finishing matter more than the construction itself.
Appearance
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Wovens often look crisp, smooth, or patterned.
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Knits have a softer appearance with visible loops.
This is why woven shirts look formal and knitted garments look more casual.
Common products made from woven and knitted fabrics
Understanding real examples helps make the differences clearer.
Woven examples:
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Denim
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Poplin and broadcloth
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Chinos and trousers
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Jackets and blazers
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Bedsheets
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Table linens
Knitted examples:
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T shirts
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Sweatshirts
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Sweaters
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Leggings
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Rib collars and cuffs
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Sportswear and stretch items
These categories rarely overlap because the fabric behavior must match the function. A crisp shirt is almost always woven. A soft flexible T shirt is almost always knitted.
How finishing changes woven and knitted fabrics
Finishing plays a large role in how both structures feel.
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Woven fabrics can be softened, compacted, calendered, or chemically treated to control shrinkage and improve handle.
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Knitted fabrics often pass through compacting and softening to make them smoother and reduce spirality.
The textile finishing book explains how different finishing routes change both types of fabrics, making them suitable for very different end uses.
Why beginners should understand both structures
Knowing the difference between weaving and knitting helps beginners:
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Choose the right fabric for a product
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Understand quality issues
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Communicate with suppliers
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Recognise faults such as loop distortion or yarn slippage
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Predict how a fabric will behave after washing or dyeing
This knowledge is essential in design, textile sourcing, and production. The foundation textile book covers these basics with diagrams that help build quick pattern recognition, which is essential for anyone working around fabrics.
Further learning
The difference between weaving and knitting is the first major step toward understanding the textile world. Once you can recognise the structures and their behavior, topics like finishing, pretreatment, dyeing, and fabric testing become much easier to understand. My textile book series follows the full journey from raw fibers to finished fabrics, helping beginners build real confidence in fabric selection and production.
Picture Prompt
Create a split educational diagram titled Weaving vs Knitting. On the left, show a simple over under interlacing between warp and weft. On the right, show basic knit loops in vertical alignment. Use a white background, rounded yarn shapes, black outlines, and optional light blue accents. No shading.
