Satin weave

Satin weave is one of the three important textile weaves, the other two being Plain weave and Twill weave. The satin weave is distinguished by its lustrous appearance; its 'silkiness' or its 'satin' feel. Satin itself is a type of fabric but must be distinguished from the Satin weave.

The satin weave is characterised by four or more cool fill or weft yarns floating over a warp yarn or vice versa, four warp yarns floating over a single weft yarn. This explains the 'floatiness' of the appearance.

The fabric is a satin if filament yarns such as nylon or silk are used as the floats. If shorter or staple yarns like cotton and linen are used, the fabric is a sateen. The float is in the warp or vertical direction for satin and with sateen the float is in the horizontal or filling direction.