Warp and weft

The simplest weave style, in which each warp yarn passes alternately over and under each weft yarn. It is stable and easy to handle but has the highest crimp of the common weave styles, which slightly reduces mechanical performance and limits drape over complex curvature.

A weave style in which warp yarns pass over and under two or more weft yarns in a staggered pattern, producing a characteristic diagonal rib. It drapes and conforms to curvature better than plain weave and has lower crimp, and the 2x2 twill is the most recognisable carbon fibre fabric style.

A low crimp weave style in which each warp yarn floats over several weft yarns before interlacing, described by its harness number, for example four harness or eight harness satin. It offers excellent drape and surface smoothness at the cost of a less stable, asymmetric fabric that requires care in handling and lay up.

A heavy, coarse fabric woven directly from untwisted glass rovings, usually in a plain weave. It builds laminate thickness and directional strength quickly and is traditionally alternated with chopped strand mat in marine and industrial GRP laminates.