Waffle fabric

An example of waffle fabric

Waffle fabric, also known as honeycomb fabric, has raised threads that form small rectangles. It can be made by either weaving or knitting. Waffle weave is a further exploitation of plain weave and twill weave which produces a three-dimensional effect. The combination of warp and weft floats creates the structure. It is woven partly on tabby areas surrounded by ridges of long floats. The weave consists of warp and weft floats arranged around a plain weave center. The warp and weft threads are interlaced and floating in a way that creates small square ridges and hollows in the fabric in a regular pattern. ^[1]

The surface of the fabric has a texture that looks like a waffle, hence the name. ^{[2] [3]}

An example of waffle fabric

Waffle fabric can also be made on a double jersey knitting machine by selecting the needle position for knitting and tucking the loops for the formation of the structure similar to floating warps and weft in weaving. The knitted waffle can be produced in two variants: big waffle and mini waffle; it is also known as thermal fabric. ^[4]

Characteristics

The "face" is a weaver's term that refers to whether the warp or weft dominates the fabric. ^[5] The three-dimensional face/texture of waffle make it more absorbent and a useful fabric. Waffle fabric is usually made of cotton or microfibre and is woven in a way that makes it very absorbent. The waffle weave also allows air to flow through the fabric so that it dries quickly. Waffle fabrics are made in a range of weights.

Uses

The texture of waffle fabric makes it more absorbent than other weaves, making it suitable as an alternative to terry towelling for bathrobes, towels, and wipes for cleaning surfaces. It is also used for apparel. ^[6]

Citations

1. Phyllis G. Tortora, Ingrid Johnson (2013). The Fairchild Books Dictionary of Textiles. A&C Black. p. 292. ISBN   9781609015350.
2. Purushothama, B. (30 June 2016). Handbook on Fabric Manufacturing. New Delhi: Woodhead. p. 153. ISBN   9789385059162.
3. Chandler, Deborah (1995). Learning to Weave. Loveland, Col.: Interweave Press. pp. 146–149. ISBN   9781883010034.
4. Zieman, Nancy (2013). Sew Knits with Confidence. Krause Publications. ISBN   9781440230332.
5. Mitchell, Syne (2015). Inventive Weaving on a Little Loom: Discover the Full Potential of the Rigid-Heddle Loom, for Beginners and Beyond. North Adams, Mass.: Storey Publishing. p. 32. ISBN   9781603429726.
6. Blizzard, Vicki (2003). Fabulous Fabric. Berne, Indiana: House of White Birches. p. 61. ISBN   9781592170173.