Yarn
Yarn manufacturers are responsible for converting fibre or raw material into yarn. They supply weaving mills with the material required to weave fabric.
Weaving
Weaving mills produce fabric from yarns using looms. Different weaving techniques are employed to produce a variety of fabrics such as plains, textures, jacquards, sheers, and velvets.
Dyeing
The process of adding colour to fabric. This can be applied to the yarn prior to weaving (for yarn dyed fabrics), or after the fabric is woven (for piece dyed fabrics).
Printing
Printed fabrics are produced at specialised print mills who offer a range of standardised base cloths also known as ‘greige’ to which designs are applied. Techniques can range from transfer printing, screen-printing, roller, cylinder, and digital printing. Weaving mills who offer a broad range of processes at their factory can produce printed fabric as well.
Coating – Vinyl’s and Faux Leathers
Manufacturers of faux leathers and vinyl’s use PVC and PU to coat a woven or non-woven backing fabric. Once the coating is applied, the fabric can be printed, pressed and embossed with rollers to give texture and design, or to emulate the grain of real leather.
Coating – Blackout Fabrics
Coating mills apply layers, referred to as ‘passes’ of acrylic foam, to a woven face fabric to create a Blackout curtain fabric.
Vertically Integrated Textile Mills
Mills who manage the complete process of fabric production from yarn production through to weaving, dyeing and finishing.
