These terms denote the two fundamental components in woven fabrics. One set of threads, the warp, is held taut and stationary on a frame or loom. The other set, the weft, is drawn through and inserted over and under the warp threads. The interlacing of these elements creates the fabric. For instance, in a plain weave, the weft thread passes over one warp thread, then under the next, and repeats this pattern across the width of the fabric.
The arrangement and manipulation of these thread sets are essential to fabric construction, influencing its strength, texture, and appearance. Historically, mastery of this technique has allowed for the creation of diverse textiles, serving purposes from basic clothing and shelter to intricate tapestries and industrial materials. The properties of resulting cloth are directly tied to choices made in yarn type, density, and weave pattern in each of these directional sets of threads.
