How is jacquard fabric made

Textile manufacturers use jacquard looms to produce jacquard fabrics. While the process of weaving a fabric using a jacquard loom is universal, there are many different textile fibers that can be used to make this fabric. Below is a basic overview of the steps required to produce a finished jacquard fabric:

1. Get textile materials

Different methods are used to obtain every type of textile material on the market. Cotton, for example, is derived from the fluffy clumps of fibers surrounding mature cotton seeds. On the other hand, wool is obtained by shearing animals. Textile manufacturers make synthetic fibers by exposing petroleum, cellulose, or other substances to heat and various chemical processes.

2. Spinning into yarn

Once basic textile fibers are produced, fabric manufacturers spin them into yarn. Yarn can be spun in a variety of different thicknesses, and in some cases, textile manufacturers post-spin the yarn to increase its durability or heat resistance. It is very common for textile yarns to be dyed.

3. Programming the Computer Jacquard Loom

After obtaining the desired type of yarn, the textile manufacturer selects a program for its jacquard loom. Computer jacquard looms have thousands of different weave patterns to choose from, and new ones can also be created. Selecting a program will prepare the computerized jacquard loom to weave the yarn into a specific pattern.

4. Feed the yarn to the loom

Modern computer jacquard looms usually feed the yarn into the weaving equipment from a central position on the top of the loom. Jacquard looms then arrange this yarn into an intricate web as it creates the desired pattern. Some computer jacquard looms are capable of weaving multiple pieces of fabric at once.

5. Post-processing the fabric

Although rare, some textile manufacturers dye finished jacquard fabrics. More commonly, textile manufacturers expose entire pieces of finished fabric to chemicals to enhance durability or heat resistance.