Narrow woven fabric refers to woven materials that are very narrow, appearing as strips or ribbons. While we often focus on larger pieces of fabric when buying clothes, this "narrow" woven fabric is actually found in every corner of our lives.

1. Its Appearance Characteristics

Unique Shape:

Unlike wide fabrics that are measured in "rolls," this woven fabric comes in rolls of ribbons, cords, or laces.

Self-Edged:

This is its biggest characteristic. Its edges are usually naturally formed during the weaving process (called "selvedge"), so they don't fray or unravel easily like large pieces of fabric after cutting.

2. Common Types

We often see different forms of narrow woven fabric in our daily lives:

Ribbon:

For example, the ribbons on gift boxes, or the reinforcing strips inside the necklines of clothing.

Webbing:

This is thicker and stronger, such as backpack straps, car seat belts, or climbing ropes.

Elastic Band:

Rubber threads or elastic fibers are added during the weaving process, commonly used for waistbands in underwear and sportswear.

Label:

The small fabric label on the back of a garment, printed with the brand name and size, is also a type of finely woven narrow fabric.

3. How is it Made?

Specialized Machines:

Narrow woven fabrics are not made on ordinary large looms, but on specialized narrow looms (knitting machines or ribbon looms).

Warp and Weft Interweaving:

Although it is narrow, the principle is the same as ordinary woven fabric; it is made by the vertical interweaving of longitudinal warp threads and transverse weft threads. Because of the limited width, these machines can weave several strips simultaneously side by side.

4. Why use this "narrow" fabric?

Structural Reinforcement:

Sewing a strip of narrow woven fabric onto the shoulders or zipper edges of clothing can prevent deformation and increase durability.

Functional and Practical:

For example, shoelaces and luggage straps require extremely high tensile strength, and the woven structure of these straps is very stable. Decorative embellishments: Various ethnic-style ribbons and laces with exquisite patterns can add beautiful details to ordinary clothing.