Difference Between Weft and Warp

Weft vs Warp

Weft and warp are terms that come with knitting. Weft and warp are knitting terms that relate to the widths and lengths of threads.

“Warp” is a series of threads that run from the front to the back, and “weft” is a series of threads that run in a pattern through the warp. Weft is a yarn that runs back and forth whereas a warp is that which run up and down.

Continuous yarn is used in weft knitting for forming courses and rows of loops. Weft knitting comes in three fundamental stitches like: plain knit, rib knit, and purl knit. Weft knitting produces both circular as well as flat fabrics.

The warp knitting comes in six stitches like: Tricot Knit, Milanese Knit, Simplex Knit, Raschel Knit, Ketten Raschel Knit, and Crochet Knit.

Most of the weft knitting is done by hand, and the machine is rarely used. On the other hand, warp knitting is mainly done by machine and not by hand. Unlike weft knitting, each needle loops into its thread. With this loop, the weft knitting produces parallel rows, and the loops are also interlocked.

When comparing the two, the fabrics having weft knitting are highly drapeable and elastic. The weft knitted fabric, which is produced in tubular or flat form, is not that easy to unravel.

In warp knitting, the needles knit concurrently for all yams, and in weft knitting, the needles just knit in a series for each yam.

Warp knitting only produces yardage whereas weft knitting produces yardage as well as shaped garments. When comparing the two, warp knitting is considered to be the fastest.

Summary:

1.“Warp” is a series of threads that run from front to back, and “weft” is a series of threads that run in a pattern through the warp.
2.In warp knitting, the needles knit concurrently for all yarns, and in weft knitting, the needles just knit in a series for each yarn.
3.“Weft” is a yarn that runs back and forth whereas “warp” is that which runs up and down.
4.Weft knitting comes in three fundamental stitches like: plain knit, rib knit, and purl knit. The warp knitting comes in six stitches like: Tricot Knit, Milanese Knit, Simplex Knit, Raschel Knit, Ketten Raschel Knit, and Crochet Knit.
5.Weft knitting produces both circular as well as flat fabrics.
6.Most of the weft knitting is done by hand and the machine is rarely used. On the other hand, warp knitting is mainly done by machine and not by hand.