. . .  t o   S i l k   f a b r i c s

Weaving.

Weaving is the operation which creates a fabric by crossing the warp (lengthwise) yarns with the weft (crosswise) yarns. The yarns are prepared for weaving by an operation known as warping, which consists of rolling all the warp yarns onto a beam under the same tension and in strictly parallel order.

 Nowadays, the traditional loom using a shuttle has largely been replaced by the shuttle-less loom, or weaving machine. In these looms, the weft thread is transported between the warp threads by various systems : rapier, air-jet etc. These machines enable much higher weaving speeds and, as they are automatic, call for less personnel. The width of fabrics it is possible to weave on these machines has also increased spectacularly, so that it is now possible to weave three fabrics of 90 cm. width simultaneously, thus giving much higher yield. Despite the enormous technical advances made in weaving, some types of fabric can still be produced only on traditional looms. This is notably the case for high-novelty fabrics and reproductions of traditional furnishing and upholstery fabrics. Many of these fabrics are produced on Jacquard looms, called after their Lyonnais inventor who in 1804 perfected the existing pattern-weaving system by using perforated cards.

K nitting.

Silk is also a fibre which lends itself admirably to knitting. Its natural elasticity, combined with the elasticity imparted by certain knitting structures, such as jersey and interlock, makes it possible to create some highly-appreciated knitted fabrics.

One of the big advantages of silk knits is that they are particularly resistant to creasing.

 Passementerie.

Passementerie is the art of making ribbons, braids, tassels etc. It is a speciality of Saint Etienne and its region