väven

Väven, the Swedish word for fabric or weave, describes the material produced when warp and weft yarns are interlaced on a loom. In textile terms, the weave refers to the pattern of interlacing that determines the fabric’s properties, including texture, strength and drape. Warp yarns run lengthwise and are typically held taut, while weft yarns are inserted crosswise.

Common weave structures include plain weave, where warp and weft cross at right angles to form a simple, even fabric; twill, which creates diagonal lines; satin, featuring long floats that give a smooth surface; and basket weave, a variation with multiple yarns treated as a unit. The choice of fiber material—cotton, wool, linen, silk or synthetic options—together with yarn thickness and weave density, shapes the fabric’s feel and durability. Finishes such as dyeing, bleaching or mercerizing can further alter appearance and performance.

Weaving has a long history across cultures and has produced a wide range of textiles for clothing, interiors and technical applications. Modern weaving combines handcraft traditions with automated looms, enabling high-volume production as well as artisanal work.

Väven is also the name of a cultural center in Umeå, Sweden, used as a venue for arts, culture and public events. The term and facility highlight how weaving concepts—interlacing threads, networks and communities—can be applied metaphorically to cultural life.