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Short answer
Woven fabric is made by interlacing two sets of threads at right angles; knitted fabric is made from interlocking loops of yarn. Wovens are stable and hold their shape, which is why most curtain and upholstery fabrics are woven. Knits stretch, drape softly and resist creasing, and a dense polyester knit can make a hard-wearing, extra-wide curtain, such as hospital cubicle curtains.
How are woven and knitted fabrics made?
- Woven: lengthwise warp threads are interlaced with crosswise weft threads on a loom. Plain weave, twill, satin, dobby and jacquard are all wovens. See What Is Twill Weave?
- Knitted: one or more yarns are looped through each other in rows, like hand knitting but on a machine. Warp knits are firm and run-resistant; weft knits are stretchier.
How do they compare?
| Woven | Knitted | |
|---|---|---|
| Stretch | Little, except on the bias | Stretches, especially across the fabric |
| Stability | Holds its shape and size | Can stretch out if not dense |
| Drape | From crisp to fluid | Soft and fluid |
| Creasing | Varies; linen and cotton crease | Resists creasing |
| Cut edges | Can fray | Rarely fray |
| Typical uses | Most curtains, upholstery, linings | Sheers, healthcare curtains, stretch covers |
How can you tell woven from knitted?
- Stretch it: a knit gives noticeably across its width; a woven barely moves.
- Look closely: a woven shows a grid of crossing threads; a knit shows rows of small loops or V shapes.
- Check the cut edge: wovens fray into loose threads; knits mostly do not.
- Read the specification: it often states "knitted" in the composition or construction.
Why are some curtains knitted?
A dense polyester knit is strong, resists creasing, does not fray, and can be made very wide, so a whole curtain panel can be cut with no joins. That suits curtains that are laundered often. In the JOTEX Medical range, BIOLOGY and CHEMISTRY are 100% polyester knitted cubicle curtain fabrics, 280 cm wide. See Hospital Cubicle Curtains.
Some sheers are also knitted or open mesh rather than woven voile. See Voile vs Organza vs Chiffon.
Which is better for sofas?
Most upholstery is woven, because a stable fabric keeps its shape when stretched over cushions and frames. Some velvets have a knitted backing, and stretch knits are used on curved or close-fitting furniture covers. For seating, check the Martindale rub count whatever the construction. See Martindale Rub Test Explained.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between woven and knitted fabric?
Woven fabric interlaces two sets of threads at right angles; knitted fabric is made from interlocking loops. Wovens are stable; knits stretch.
Are curtains woven or knitted?
Most are woven. Some sheers and many hospital cubicle curtains are knitted.
How can I tell if fabric is knitted?
Stretch it across the width: a knit gives noticeably. Close up, a knit shows rows of small loops.
Does knitted fabric fray?
Rarely. Woven fabric frays at a cut edge; knitted fabric mostly does not.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.