🧵 Types of Yarns Used in Knit vs Woven Fabrics

✨ Learn Easy Textile – Your Guide to Smart Fabric Knowledge

In the textile industry, understanding the difference between knit and woven fabrics is fundamental — but what truly defines their character is the type of yarn used in their construction. Yarns are the backbone of any fabric, and their properties—such as twist, count, strength, and elasticity—directly influence the texture, durability, and performance of the finished garment.

Whether you’re a textile student, merchandiser, fabric technologist, or apparel designer, knowing which yarn suits knit or woven production will help you achieve better quality, comfort, and cost efficiency.

In this article from Learn Easy Textile, we’ll explore the major types of yarns used in knit and woven fabrics, their characteristics, and how to select the right yarn for each application.

 

🧶 1. The Basic Difference Between Knit and Woven Fabrics

Before diving into yarn types, it’s essential to understand how these two fabric structures differ:

🪡 Knit Fabrics

• Formed by interlooping yarns using knitting needles.
• Naturally stretchy, elastic, and comfortable.
• Commonly used for t-shirts, sweatshirts, sportswear, and underwear.

🧵 Woven Fabrics

• Produced by interlacing warp and weft yarns at right angles.
• More stable, durable, and structured than knits.
• Widely used for shirts, trousers, denim, formal wear, and home textiles.

The type of yarn used must match the production method — because the tension, elasticity, and surface finish required for knitting and weaving are very different.

 

🧵 2. Types of Yarns Used in Knit Fabrics

Knitted fabrics need yarns that are soft, flexible, and capable of stretching without breaking. Here are the most commonly used yarn types for knitting:

🧶 a) Carded Cotton Yarn

• Made by cleaning and carding cotton fibers, without removing short fibers.
• Has a slightly rough surface but good moisture absorbency.
• Ideal for basic t-shirt jersey, rib, or pique fabrics.
• Economical and widely used in mass production of knitwear.

🧶 b) Combed Cotton Yarn

• Produced by an additional combing process that removes short fibers.
• Smoother, stronger, and finer than carded yarns.
• Used for premium-quality knitwear, like babywear, underwear, and branded t-shirts.

🧶 c) Compact Yarn

• A modern high-performance cotton yarn made through compact spinning.
• Offers less hairiness, better pilling resistance, and clearer fabric surface.
• Ideal for fine knit garments and export-quality production.

🧶 d) Blended Yarns (Cotton/Polyester, Cotton/Viscose, etc.)

• Combine natural and synthetic fibers to balance softness, durability, and strength.
• For example:
• Cotton/Polyester: less shrinkage, quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant.
• Cotton/Viscose: softer feel with better drape.
• Commonly used in sportswear, casualwear, and fashion knits.

🧶 e) Synthetic Yarns (Polyester, Nylon, Spandex, etc.)

• Known for elasticity, durability, and fast-drying nature.
• Spandex or Lycra is blended with cotton or polyester to create stretch fabrics.
• Suitable for activewear, leggings, swimwear, and athleisure clothing.

🧶 f) Melange, Slub, and Fancy Yarns

• Melange Yarn: Made by mixing different shades of fibers for a heathered look.
• Slub Yarn: Irregular thickness creates textured, fashionable effects.
• Fancy Yarns: Include flame, neppy, or boucle yarns used for stylish designs.
• Mostly used in fashion t-shirts, sweaters, and trend-based knitwear.

 

🧵 3. Types of Yarns Used in Woven Fabrics

Woven fabrics need yarns that are strong, stable, and smooth, because they must handle tension during the weaving process. Here are the most popular yarn types used in woven production:

🧶 a) Combed Cotton Yarn

• Provides a smooth surface and good tensile strength.
• Used in high-quality woven fabrics like poplin, twill, oxford, and satin.
• Perfect for formal shirts, dresses, and high-end garments.

🧶 b) Compact Cotton Yarn

• Minimizes pilling and enhances yarn strength.
• Produces clean, glossy woven fabrics with better uniformity.
• Ideal for premium shirting and suiting materials.

🧶 c) Polyester and Polyester-Cotton (PC) Yarn

• Offers high strength, wrinkle resistance, and easy-care properties.
• Polyester yarn is durable and ideal for denim, uniform, and workwear fabrics.
• PC yarns are cost-effective and have good dimensional stability.

🧶 d) Viscose and Rayon Yarns

• Made from regenerated cellulose fibers.
• Provide excellent drape, luster, and softness.
• Commonly used in dresses, blouses, linings, and lightweight woven fabrics.

🧶 e) Linen and Flax Yarns

• Natural plant fibers known for coolness and breathability.
• Produce crisp, lightweight fabrics ideal for summer wear and home textiles.
• Linen yarns are slightly irregular, giving a unique natural texture.

🧶 f) Filament Yarns (Silk, Polyester, Nylon)

• Continuous fibers that create smooth and shiny woven surfaces.
• Used for luxury fabrics, sarees, lining materials, and fashion wear.
• Synthetic filaments like polyester or nylon are durable and easy to maintain.

 

🧵 4. Technical Comparison Between Knit and Woven Yarn Requirements

Property	Knit Fabric Yarn	Woven Fabric Yarn
Yarn Type	Soft, flexible, elastic	Strong, stable, smooth
Yarn Twist	Low twist (to allow stretch)	High twist (for strength)
Yarn Count (Ne)	Coarser, e.g., 20s–40s	Finer, e.g., 40s–100s
Yarn Structure	Mostly single yarns	Single or plied yarns
Main Objective	Comfort and elasticity	Strength and shape retention
Examples	Cotton single jersey yarn	Cotton poplin yarn

 

🧶 5. How to Select the Right Yarn for Knit or Woven Fabric

Choosing the right yarn depends on several factors such as end use, cost, and comfort requirements.
Here are some key selection tips:

1. Consider Fabric End Use:
• For activewear → use polyester/spandex blends.
• For casual t-shirts → use combed cotton.
• For formal shirts → use combed or compact cotton yarns.
2. Focus on Yarn Strength and Elasticity:
• Knit fabrics require elastic and soft yarns.
• Woven fabrics need firm and durable yarns.
3. Evaluate Cost vs Quality:
• Blended yarns can reduce cost while maintaining decent performance.
• For export-quality production, compact or combed yarns are preferred.
4. Think About Comfort and Hand Feel:
• Cotton and viscose yarns provide softness and breathability.
• Polyester and nylon offer strength and longevity.

 

🧵 6. Conclusion

The type of yarn used in knit vs woven fabrics is more than just a technical choice—it defines the comfort, quality, and look of the final garment.

• Knit fabrics require soft, elastic, and low-twist yarns that enhance flexibility.
• Woven fabrics need strong, smooth, and high-twist yarns to maintain structure.

By understanding yarn behavior and choosing the right type for your fabric, you can achieve better product performance, durability, and market value.

At Learn Easy Textile, our goal is to help you understand the science behind fabrics and make smarter decisions in textile production and merchandising.