Wefted

Wefted is a textile term describing fabric produced by weaving with weft yarns, which are the crosswise threads interlaced with warp yarns that run lengthwise on a loom. The weft, also known as the filling, is inserted over and under successive warp yarns to create the fabric’s structure. In traditional weaving, a shuttle carries the weft yarn across the loom; modern looms use mechanisms such as rapier, air-jet, or water-jet systems to insert the weft.

The appearance and properties of wefted fabrics depend on the weave structure, including plain, twill, and satin weaves. The arrangement of interlacing determines pattern, texture, and strength. Weft can be continuous, forming presentable surface textures, or used to create pile or other surface effects in certain fabrics and carpets. Weft insertion methods vary from hand weaving to fully mechanized production, influencing speed, consistency, and the scale of patterns possible.

Materials and finishing also shape the final fabric. The fiber content (cotton, wool, silk, synthetic) and yarn count affect drape, weight, and durability, while dyeing can occur before weaving (yarn-dyed) or after (piece-dyed). Wefted fabrics have widespread use in clothing, upholstery and household textiles, bedding, and carpets, reflecting the central role of weft interlacing in woven textiles. In textile archaeology and history, the term may be used in discussing weft-faced versus warp-faced fabrics, where the surface predominance of weft or warp threads helps identify cultural weaving practices.