Question

In plain weave fabric, the repeat size is:

• A. $1 \times 1$
• B. $2 \times 2$
• C. $3 \times 3$
• D. $4 \times 4$

Hint:

Plain weave always has the smallest repeat size among all weaves, making it strong, simple, and widely used in fabrics like cotton and linen.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding plain weave.
Plain weave is the simplest and most fundamental type of fabric weave. In this weave, each weft yarn passes alternately over and under each warp yarn. This interlacement pattern repeats uniformly throughout the fabric.
Step 2: Meaning of repeat size.
The repeat size of a weave refers to the smallest number of warp and weft threads required to reproduce the complete weave pattern. Once this unit is repeated, the entire fabric structure is formed.
Step 3: Analyzing the plain weave structure.
In plain weave, one warp yarn interlaces with one weft yarn in an alternating manner. This means the complete weave pattern is formed using just one warp and one weft yarn. Therefore, the smallest repeat unit consists of $1$ warp $\times$ $1$ weft.
Step 4: Analysis of options.
(A) $1 \times 1$: Correct — This is the minimum repeat needed to form a plain weave structure.
(B) $2 \times 2$: Incorrect — This repeat size is associated with basket or other derivative weaves, not plain weave.
(C) $3 \times 3$: Incorrect — This repeat size is seen in more complex weaves such as twills or satins.
(D) $4 \times 4$: Incorrect — Larger repeats are not required for a basic plain weave.
Step 5: Conclusion.
Since the plain weave is fully formed by the interlacement of one warp and one weft yarn, its repeat size is correctly identified as $1 \times 1$.