We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Decor

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Pile Weave?

Malcolm Tatum
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 39,766
Share

As a common form of textile weaving, the pile weave is a favorite technique when the situation calls for a material that is plush, yet resilient. It's used to make velvet, upholstery cloth, and carpeting, among other fabrics. This textile is made up of multiple layers that give it it's soft feel.

Creating this weave actually involves a process that establishes three different layers. The first layer is referred to as the ground fabric, which is the foundation for the pile and acts as the binder for the material. The second is composed of an interwoven layer of fibers that act as a cushion, creating a soft surface. The final layer is the actual pile and is created by running the fibers over metal rods or wires that creates a loop in the yard filaments. The looped yarn creates a raised effect that can be brushed back and forth with the hand; in many textile circles, this finished product is referred to as pile yarn.

Pile weave can be used to create a number of different types of textiles. Loop yarn is trimmed to create the fabric that is commonly referred to as velvet. This material can be used for all sorts of clothing items, as well as bedspreads, pillow shams, and even the backdrop for paintings that were so popular in years past. Because it is the process that creates the soft texture and not the actual fiber itself, this weave can be made from just about any natural or synthetic fiber.

The pile weave is especially popular in the manufacture of upholstery, particularly the cloth used in automobiles. Just as with the velvet material, the warped ends are cut short, leaving a slight nap that can be brushed back and forth with the hand. Often, sturdier synthetic fibers are used when creating the upholstery material, since the synthetic fibers tend to repel stains with more efficiency than many natural fibers.

Wall-to-wall carpeting is another textile that commonly uses this weave. The short loops are ideal for creating a soft feel underneath the feet and will tend to be easier to keep clean in comparison to some other types of floor covering. Along with the wall to wall carpeting, area rugs can be made with this method. In fact, many handmade Indian and Turkish rugs still employ the hand weaving techniques that were developed centuries ago to create the loop effect.

Other textile items also employ the pile weave technique. Terry cloth towels are produced with a pile knit composition, which not only makes the towels softer, but also more absorbent. Both wide line and think line corduroy is made using a form of pile weaving. Chenille bedspreads are another example of a durable yet comfortable item that is made possible by this technique.

Share
HomeQuestionsAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Malcolm Tatum
By Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including HomeQuestionsAnswered, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.
Discussion Comments
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing...
Learn more
Share
https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-is-a-pile-weave.htm
Copy this link
HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.