Twill Weave - Structure, Properties, Uses & Types - Treasurie Blog

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The twill weave is defined by its diagonal pattern created by how the weft thread is taken over two or more warp threads. Denim twill fabric is a typical example of twill weaving and it is easy to see on denim because of the two colors used in the weave. The blue or indigo and the unbleached or cream threads are used to weave the denim and create the twill weave pattern. The twill pattern adds texture to the fabric and makes it more durable. 

Twill Weave and Twill Fabric Tutorial

What is Twill Weave?

Twill is one of 3 main types of textile weaves. It is created by a weave in which the warp yarns are offset by one or more each time, thus creating a diagonal rib in the fabric. This diagonal weave creates an extremely durable fabric and stain resistance, which is why it is the leading fabric used for workwear and pants.

Denim is one of the most popular and well-known twill weave fabrics. If you are wearing a pair of jeans now, look down at the very fine diagonal ribs in the fabric that hit the light to create an interesting texture.

There are many advantages of using twill weaves, including:

• Durability - This is one of the most prized advantages of twill weave. Its strength and durability make it ideal for workwear and furniture.
• Great drape - Twill weave drapes beautifully due to the diagonal ribs. This means that many thick fabrics still hand nicely for garments that are soft to the touch.
• High thread count - This makes the fabric strong and long-lasting.
• Stain-resistant - The diagonal ribs don't attract stains and dirt easily, so it is commonly used for workwear.

What is Twill Fabric?

Twill fabric is any fabric made with a special twill weaving technique that results in diagonal ridges in the fabric. It is not specific to any particular fiber and can be made from cotton, linen, silk, or man-made fibers.

Cotton twill fabric usually does not stretch but the addition of Lycra or Elastane/Spandex can add stretch and comfort to clothing such as pants.

Twill vs. Plain Weaves

Due to the diagonal weave of the fabric, twill drapes better than plain weaves, meaning it creates clothing that hangs better on the body and is more flattering. Twill needs less ironing than plain weaves, which is a definite advantage, as who loves ironing? Not me!

The front and back of a plain fabric weave look the same, whereas twill looks different on the back. The front of the twill fabric has a diagonal weave that is more prominent than the back and generally looks nicer.

Twill Weave Types

There are different types of twills created for different uses.  Ranging from basic to heavier twills, this type of weave is very interesting and varied. Basic twills are categorized by their weight and vary from lightweight to heavyweight.

Variations of twill weave are made in synthetics like polyester.  Twills can be made in different colors and thread counts.  Twill weave fabrics have beautiful draping abilities because of their diagonal ribs and weaving patterns. 

1. Lightweight Twill

A lightweight twill is used for scarves and neckties and is made of silk or polyester.  They are also used for lingerie and linings of other garments.  The fabric may be thin, but the twill weave gives it strength and durability. 

Challis is a light to medium-weight twill that is made of wool or rayon. Challis drapes beautifully and does not wrinkle.

2. Heavyweight Twill

A heavier twill, known as serge, is smooth on the surface and used for hardy outerwear. Trench coats are made of this hard-wearing twill. It was Serge de Nimes, a town in the South of France, where serge was originally manufactured. De Nimes gave its name to the fabric that has become known as denim. 

Other twill weave fabrics are frequently made into work clothes like drill and chino. Chino was a summer-weight fabric made for army uniforms. Gaberdine is a popular twill fabric used to make smart suits. It is elegant because it is made from wool and woven in a twill design.

3. Broken Twill Weave

The name of this twill does not mean it is damaged in any way. Broken twill refers to the alternating pattern in the weave.

4. Diamond Twill Weave

Diamond twill is the weave commonly used for rugs.  The diamond design is noticeable when the whole rug or piece of fabric is viewed. The diamonds are seen by looking at the woven shapes arranged parallel to each other.

5. Diaper Twill Weave

A more complex design of diamonds was woven into the fabric to make original cloth diapers.

6. Elongated Twill Weave

The longer twill pattern is created by crossing more weft threads over the single warp thread and creating an elongated twill weave pattern.

7. Herringbone Twill Weave

The herringbone variety of twill is derived from twill and is considered to be its own fabric because of the zigzag pattern known as herringbone. The warp and weft threads are different colors, making the pattern more visible in the weave.

8. Natural Twill Weave

As the name suggests, natural twill is made from natural fibers, such as cotton. In sewing, natural twill is used to make a twill tape that can be used for stabilization and labels.

9. Shaded Twill Weave

A shaded twill is created by weaving three twills in a particular cycle. The cycle moves from using a weft-faced weave through to a warp-faced weave and interchanging the warp and weft. Different bands of color appear and disappear as you repeat the pattern cycle.

10. Synthetic Twill Weave

The synthetic twill is made from polyester and other synthetic textiles. This is the most common twill fabric used for suit linings.

11. Zigzag Twill Weave

This is the most common weave, making the diagonal pattern recognizable in the twill weave.

12. Single Twill Weaves

This is the most basic form of twill weave, where the diagonal pattern is created by a single weft thread crossing over and under a fixed number of warp threads in a regular, repeated pattern.

13. Double Twill Weaves

This weave uses sequences of two or more weft yarns, which can create a more pronounced diagonal pattern. It often results in a heavier and more durable fabric.

14. Straight Twill

Straight twill, also known as regular twill or even-sided twill, is a fundamental type of twill weave. In this pattern, the diagonal rib or twill line on the fabric runs in one direction only (either right to left or left to right), which is a distinguishing feature from other twill variations where the direction may reverse.

Uses of Twill Weave

Twill weave is in demand for a wide variety of manufactured goods.  The fabric can be made with a high thread count and is used to make bed linen, including duvet covers and light blankets.  Table linen and other homeware items like curtains and towels are made of twill.  Some light carpets, rugs, and even wall hangings can be made of twill fabrics.

There is a twill weave for all seasons:

Lightweight twills like gabardine, covert, and Calvary twill are considered for country spring wear. The weather may be slightly cooler, but the cotton twill is a perfect light fabric to keep your garment at just the right body temperature.  Herringbone, or country tweed, is heavier and considered suitable for cooler weather. 

The fabric finish can appear rough and rustic for the country or more refined for the city. The weight of the cloth is the telling factor, and some herringbone cloth is lined, making it extra warm. 

Twill weave is durable and versatile and makes up for pants, jeans, and jackets. It really is an all-season type of fabric.

How to Care for Twill Weave

Twill Weave is known for its durability and easy to care for. It is popular with workers who need hard-wearing outdoor clothing. Twill weave fabrics do not crease easily; a quick steam iron or low-heat tumble dry is enough to remove the wrinkles. 

Twill is easy to spot, clean, or throw in the washing machine. This makes it the obvious choice for everyday clothing that needs to be easy to care for. The ability of twill to be an easy-care fabric is what makes it so popular for jeans and chinos.

Further Reading: How to Wash Jeans

Alternatives to Twill Weave

The other main 2 types of weaves besides twill weave are plain and satin.

• Plain weave fabric is the most common type of weave and is created by a simple up-and-down weave of the warp and weft.
• Satin weave is created when 4 or more weft fibers pass over a single weft

Twill Fabric and Twill Weave FAQs

Is Twill Expensive?

Twill fabric prices can vary enormously according to the type of fiber it is manufactured from. For example, a silk twill will always cost more than a cotton or polyester twill. Cotton twill is usually a reasonable price for the home sewer and makes great home decor sewing projects.

Is Twill Fabric Soft?

Yes, it is. This is due to the weave and the high thread count. The softness makes it a better choice for many sewing projects because it can resist creasing.

Is Twill Easy to Wash?

Whether twill will wash easily depends on which fiber it is made from. The answer is a big yes if it is a cotton twill! Cotton twill is easy to wash in a washing machine with a gentle detergent and can be machine or line-dried. You may want to keep darker colors out of the sun to prevent fading.

Twill vs Denim?

Denim is a type of heavyweight twill as it is constructed from cotton fabric with twill's distinctive diagonal lines. It is probably the most common type of twill used in clothing alongside the fabric used in Chino pants.

Twill Weave - In Conclusion

Twill weave in different natural or synthetic threads make up the majority of outdoor clothing -the types of outdoor clothing that remind us of walks in the countryside in the crisp autumn breeze or the rough and tough wear on the latest safari. 

Twill weave will keep a clean look and is perfect for holiday travel. Wrapped up or rolled into a suitcase, the well-worn pair of jeans made in twill weave denim is always ‘good to go’ and a firm favorite for all kinds of outings. Twill offers so many choices. It is a fabric that is definitely here to stay.

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