Textile Term: Filling
In textile manufacturing, filling refers to the yarns that run perpendicular to the warp yarns in a woven fabric. These yarns are also known as weft yarns or pick yarns. Filling is usually made of a weaker, less expensive material than the warp yarns, which are responsible for providing the fabric's strength.
The filling is inserted by a shuttle or a shuttleless loom during the weaving process, crossing over and under the warp yarns to create a stable woven structure. The density of the filling can impact the overall look and feel of the fabric. A higher filling density results in a denser fabric with a smoother surface, while a lower filling density results in a more open weave with a rougher texture.
In addition to traditional filling yarns, some fabrics may have specialized filling yarns, such as metallic or conductive fibers for decorative or functional purposes. The type of filling used can also affect the fabric's properties, such as its durability, water resistance, or breathability.
