Drill
Drill is generally a thick twill fabric woven at high density with relatively thick cotton yarn, and is a textile with durability and moderate firmness that is used for pants and workwear.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Drill is a relatively sturdy woven fabric made with a twill weave that shows twill lines. Many types are made mainly from cotton, but polyester blends and the like are also used depending on the application. Depending on yarn thickness, weave density, and finishing, the thickness, firmness, and texture can vary greatly.
The name is a conventional term for the weave structure of the textile or for a heavy twill fabric, and it is not the name of a standard that uniformly defines composition, industry weight, or density. When planning or placing orders, it is important to check not only the name drill but also the blend ratio and fabric specifications.
Characteristics
The surface shows the characteristic diagonal ridges of twill weave, and while it tends to feel softer than plain weave, it is a textile that can easily have the firmness and durability of a heavy fabric. Depending on processing such as garment washing, fuzzing, and pigment dyeing, it can be adjusted from a rugged, workwear-like look to a cleaner appearance.
Cotton-based drill is easy to make absorbent, and its texture changes with repeated wear. However, stretch is generally low, so for products that need ease of movement, it is necessary to choose a version made with stretch yarn or a polyurethane blend.
Main Applications
Its durability and moderate thickness make it suitable for pants, work pants, overalls, jackets, blousons, and skirts. It is also sometimes used for bags, aprons, uniforms, and interior accessories.
Because there is a wide range of specifications from lightweight to heavyweight, intended use and season should be judged by the textile's industry weight and finish. In general, it is suitable for autumn and winter, as well as year-round casual and workwear applications, but lighter-weight specifications can also be used for spring and summer bottoms.
Selection and Handling Notes
When selecting it, check the composition, industry weight, fabric width, thickness, stretch, and dyeing method. For bottoms, abrasion resistance and the look around seams are important; for outerwear, firmness and how the silhouette comes out are also important. For dark colors, assume possible color transfer from friction and color fading during washing, and check colorfastness.
Unshrunk cotton-based products may shrink and skew when washed or steamed. Before mass production, conduct washing tests, and if necessary, straighten the grain and hot-wash before cutting. In heavyweight fabrics, stepped areas become thicker, so match the needle, thread, and presser pressure to the fabric, and design the specifications with seam overlap in mind.
- Check shrinkage rate and skew before full production.
- For dark-colored items, be careful of friction against white or light-colored items and color transfer when wet.
- For heavyweight specifications, check for needle breakage and skipped stitches in multilayer areas such as belt loops and pocket openings.
Differences from Similar Terms
Twill is a general term for woven structures that create diagonal ridges. Drill is the term for a heavy fabric made with twill weave, and it is not synonymous with twill itself. Twill is also a broad term for twill fabrics and includes fabrics ranging from lighter to heavier than drill.
Denim is also a durable twill fabric, but it is generally characterized by dyed warp yarns and white weft yarns, creating a color difference between the front and back. Drill is often dyed in a single similar tone overall, and it does not necessarily assume the fading look typical of denim. Chino cloth refers mainly to twill fabrics for pants, and depending on the yarn, density, and finish, it can have a texture close to drill.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is drill different from denim?
Both are durable fabrics that use twill weave, but denim is generally made with dyed warp yarns and white weft yarns, and its distinctive feature is the color difference between the front and back. Drill often appears to be dyed in a single color, and its appearance can be widely designed through composition, yarn usage, and finishing. You cannot judge equivalent thickness or performance from the name alone.
Does drill shrink when washed?
Cotton-based drill may shrink when washed or dried. The amount of shrinkage varies depending on the composition, weave density, dyeing and finishing, and whether shrink-resistant processing has been applied. Because it affects product dimensions, it is necessary to check shrinkage rate and skew under actual washing conditions before mass production and reflect the results in the pattern and sewing specifications.
What should be noted when sewing drill?
In heavyweight drill, overlapping areas such as side seams, waistbands, and pocket openings become thick. Choose a sewing machine needle and thread suitable for the fabric, and adjust presser pressure and thread tension through test sewing. Check for seam puckering, skipped stitches, and needle breakage, and if necessary, reduce thickness by managing seam allowances at the overlaps.






