Identification of End & Pick

Warp and weft yarns have different demands placed on them and may differ in their structure or fibre type. Thus, a fabric may not have the same performance characteristics for warp and weft. The warp must withstand the high tensions of the loom and the abrasion of weaving, so the warp yarns are stronger and more uniform with higher twist. Filling yarns are more often fancy or special-function yarns such as high-twist crepe yarns, low-twist napping yarns, or boucle yarns.

Identification of End (warp) & Pick (weft) : Differentiating between warp and weft is possible by carefully examining both the fabric and the length-wise and crosswise yarns.

1. The selvedge always runs in the lengthwise (warp) direction of all fabrics.
2. Most fabrics have lower elongation in the warp direction.
3. The warp yarns lie straighter and are more parallel in the fabric because of loom tension.
4. Fancy or special-function yarns are usually in the filling direction.
5. Fabric characteristics may differentiate between the warp and weft directions. For example, poplin has a weft rib and satin has warp floats.
6. Warp yarns tend to be smaller, are more uniform in structure and appearance, and have higher twist.
7. Fabric crimp is usually greater for weft yarns since they must bend or flex over or under warp yarns due to the way the loom operates.