Research Article
Onuegbu GC, Nnorom OO, Okonkwo
Abstract
Knowledge about the indigenous traditional woven fabrics of Nigeria reveals the extent the people have advanced in the area of weaving and clothing need. Unfortunately, the indigenous weaving culture faces threat of extinction due to the introduction of machine made fabrics. Here, double twisted and single twisted polyester yarn was used as warp and weft respectively to weave a diaper design for polyester fabric which was used for interior decoration. The diaper weave was produced using a four-shaft hand loom and the steps involved were warping, beaming, heddling or drafting, reeding/denting, tie-up/gaiting, shedding, picking and beating up. The woven diaper polyester was cut and sewn for interior decoration. The diaper twill weave design produced has a front and a back side and was found to be durable, attractive and reliable. Soiling and stains were less noticeable on the uneven surface of the diaper designed twill weave than on a smooth surface, such as plain weaves and as a result makes them suitable for sturdy work clothing, draperies/curtains, durable upholsteries and furnishings. The fewer interlacing in this design as compared to other weaves allow the yarns to move more freely, and therefore they are softer and more pliable, and drape better than most plain-weave textiles. This design also recovers from creasing better than plain weaves do.