What is Pick?
In textile manufacturing, a 'pick' refers to a single weft yarn that is interlaced with the warp yarns on a loom. The pick is the building block of woven fabrics, and the number of picks per inch, or PPI, is an important factor in determining the quality and characteristics of a fabric.
The pick is inserted into the warp yarns by a shuttle, rapier, air jet, or water jet, depending on the type of loom used. The pick passes over and under alternate warp yarns to create a pattern of interlocking threads, forming the base of the fabric.
The number of picks per inch, or PPI, determines the density of the fabric and its overall strength. Fabrics with a higher PPI will be smoother, finer, and more tightly woven, while fabrics with a lower PPI will be looser and more open in texture.
In addition to its role in the weaving process, the term 'pick' is also used to refer to a single pass of the machine used for knitting. In this context, the pick refers to a single loop of yarn that is formed during the knitting process. The number of picks per inch or centimeter in knitting is known as the stitch density or gauge, and it determines the size and appearance of the knitted fabric.
The pick is an essential component of the fabric manufacturing process and plays a significant role in determining the quality and characteristics of the finished fabric.
