Textile Term: Wales
In the textile industry, Wales refers to the number of ridges or cords per inch on a woven fabric. It is used to measure the fineness or coarseness of a fabric, and it is commonly used in woolen fabrics.
A fabric with a high wale count will have a dense and smooth appearance, while a low wale count will create a more textured and bulky fabric. Wale count is influenced by the type of yarn used, the weight of the yarn, and the weaving technique.
There are different types of wales such as plain wales, corduroy wales, and rib wales. Plain wales are the most basic type of wale, and they are created by weaving the yarns over and under each other in a simple pattern. Corduroy wales are created by cutting a pile fabric into the wale pattern, resulting in a raised, ridged texture. Rib wales are formed by using a combination of plain and twill weave, creating a raised vertical pattern on the fabric.
Wales is an important factor in determining the quality and durability of a fabric. Higher wale counts are generally associated with more expensive and higher quality fabrics, while lower wale counts are used in more casual and durable fabrics. Wales are also used to create specific textures, patterns, and finishes in fabrics, making them a versatile tool in the textile industry.
