Dobby fabric comes in a wide variety of materials, textures, colors and patterns. It's used in everything from diapers to home decor, and it appears in basic polo shirts as well as high-end linens and designer handbags. Sewing enthusiasts who want to work with dobby fabric can find basic dobby fabrics in most fabric stores and more exotic dobby fabrics online.
Significance :
The term dobby fabric can refer to any type of cloth that uses a dobby weave. Dobby weaving machines raise or lower the warp threads, or those that run the length of the fabric, during the weaving process to create patterns such as stripes, checks and designs. Dobby fabrics have more texture than plain weave fabrics, but are not as intricate as jacquard fabrics.
Types :
Dobby fabric can be woven from several types of fibers, such as cotton, nylon, silk or rayon. Some dobby fabrics use a combination of materials, to obtain the strengths and qualities of both. Cotton pique fabric has a dobby weave, and works well for clothing and home decor projects that need a textured stripe or pattern.
Birdseye cotton is a dobby fabric with a diamond pattern, commonly used for cloth diapers and kitchen towels. Moss crepe is a dressy fabric usually woven from rayon, but finer versions use silk. Barathea is usually made from silk or rayon but may also be mixed with wool or cotton and used for dresses, dress pants and neckties.
Benefits :
Dobby fabrics are popular for clothing and home decor projects because of their unique textures and because they can be dyed in many different colors. Dobby fabrics such as birdseye cotton are popular for diapers because they are soft and have excellent absorbency, while dobby fabrics like cotton pique work well for shirts because of their slight stretch and low tendency to wrinkle.
Heavy cotton dobby fabric is thicker than plain weave broadcloth but soft enough for home decor projects like pillow and upholstery covers. Matelassé is so thick and highly textured that it appears quilted, even with a single layer of fabric.
