Oxford Weave
Oxford Weave Technique
Oxford Weave Manufacture
Oxford weave originated in England in the late 19th Century. It is actually a variation of the Basket weave and uses a coloured weft and a white warp. This creates a subtle basket effect with white overtones. This weave can be created using many different yarns in various weights and thicknesses. Originally Oxford weave was made using primarily cotton, but nowadays many other fibres are used including Polyester, Viscose and other synthetic fibres.
Oxford weave also usually uses a fine yarn in one direction and a thicker fill yarn in the other. This unbalanced construction means that the finer fibres are very prone to breaking. This causes tiny pinholes in the fabric and this is how Oxford weave is recognised. Many manufacturers have tried to minimise the breakage of the yarns be twisting them before they are woven.
A variation of this is called Royal Oxford weave and the warp is made from two very fine yarns that are woven as one. The weft uses a heavier yarn that is softly spun and a fill yarn. The produces a fabric that mimics silk and is very lustrous.
Properties of Oxford Weave Fabrics
- Coarse and Heavy
- Comfortable to wear
- Larger weave
- Soft
- Versatile
- Lustrous
- Breathable
- Easy to care for
- Washable
- Hold its shape
- Casual fabric
- Sturdy
- Durable
- Heavier than voile and muslin
End Uses of Oxford Weave Fabrics
- Oxford Shirts
- Royal Oxford weave is used in the manufacture of expensive formal shirts as it is more lustrous
- Sportswear
- Walking Clothes
- Shorts
- Garments that need to be breathable
Oxford Weave Technique
Can you help us improve this page? Send us your contribution on [email protected], we will update this page and give you proper attribution!
