Face Down Weaving and Its Effect on Fabric Properties

A study was conducted to determine the effects of face up versus face down weaving of warp faced twills and sateens on fabric strength properties. Forty fabrics varying in weave and filling density were produced from 100% cotton yams, including 2/1, 3/1, and 5/ 1 twills, and an 8-hamess sateen. Warpwise tensile and tearing strengths of fabrics woven face up were usually greater than for those woven face down. This was attributed to tension differences between yams in the top and bottom sheds during the weaving process, which changed the interaction of the warp and filling yarns. As a result, there was greater movement in the fell of the cloth when weaving the fabric face down, thereby increasing the chafing effect on the warp yams.