Dobby weaves are characterised by their repeated and regular all-over patterns of geometric figures – often stripes, dots or diamonds – that are woven into the fabric structure. Because the pattern is incorporated in the weave, the fabric gets a textured surface. Dobby fabrics range from lightweight cotton shirting to heavy worsted-wool fabrics suitable for suiting and outerwear.
fabric Cotton dobby
Dobby weaves are characterised by their repeated and regular all-over patterns of geometric figures – often stripes, dots or diamonds – that are woven into the fabric structure. Because the pattern is incorporated in the weave, the fabric gets a textured surface.
The designs, often in the same colour as the base fabric, are constructed on weaving looms using a patterning mechanism that is programmed to selectively raise and lower the vertical warp threads as they cross over the horizontal weft. Dobby patterns are similar to those created with jacquard looms, but simpler and smaller.
The dobby loom can weave a variety of different fabrics, from lightweight cotton shirting to heavy worsted-wool fabrics suitable for suiting and outerwear.