Plating
Plating is a knitting method, or the knitted fabric made by that method, in which multiple threads of different types, properties, colors, and so on are combined within the knit to make use of each thread’s characteristics and appearance.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Plating is a method of combining threads of different materials, thicknesses, colors, luster, shapes, and so on into a single knitted fabric. Depending on the arrangement of the threads used and the knit structure, plated fabrics may show different threads on the front and back.
Plating is a term that describes how threads are combined in a knitted fabric, and is not the name of a specific knit structure such as jersey or circular rib. Even with the same plating, properties vary greatly depending on the type of thread, blend ratio, knitting density, and knitting method.
Characteristics
By combining natural fibers and synthetic fibers, spun yarn and filament yarn, and so on, the absorbency, quick-drying performance, strength, lightness, luster, warmth retention, and other characteristics of each thread can be incorporated into the knitted fabric. However, actual performance should be judged including the composition of the threads and the knit structure.
In designs that show different threads more prominently on the front and back, the surface feel and the texture against the skin can be changed. Another feature is the ability to create an appearance that makes use of differences in thread color and type, such as melange effects, color contrast, texture, and differences in sheerness.
Main Applications
It is used for cut-and-sew items, T-shirts, sweatshirts, knit tops, innerwear, and other items that require both feel and function. By adjusting the thickness, warmth retention, and stretch of the knitted fabric, it can be developed for a wide range of apparel across all seasons.
In applications where the feel against the skin is important, it is important which thread appears on the front side and which on the back. When color contrast or differences in luster are used as a design feature, check how the front thread appears, and also confirm whether the appearance changes at product transition areas or seams.
Selection and Handling Notes
When selecting, check not only the blend ratio but also the arrangement of each thread within the knitted fabric, the composition of the front and back, industry weight, thickness, and stretch. Because dyeability and shrinkage tendencies differ by material, it is important to evaluate color difference, dimensional change, and feel using the actual textile.
For laundering, set the care label and conditions according to the material among the constituent fibers that requires the most caution. If shrinkage from washing, heat, or drying differs between materials, it may lead to twisting, waviness, or surface changes in the knitted fabric.
For sewing, choose the stitching method and thread suited to the stretch characteristic of knits. In plated fabrics where thread properties and colors differ between front and back, the back thread may show through the seam allowance or edges, so check the cut edges, seams, and appearance when stretched in advance.
Differences from Similar Terms
Blending is the process of mixing different fibers and spinning them into a single thread. In contrast, plating combines different threads at the knitting stage, making it easier to express the characteristics of each thread separately on the front and back, in patterns, and within the structure.
Union fabric is a woven fabric made by using different types of threads separately for the warp and weft, and so on. Plating is a term related to knitted fabrics. In addition, plating is one of the representative techniques for knitting multiple threads separately on the front and back, and is sometimes treated as a specific form of plating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are plating and blending the same?
No, they are not the same. Blending is a method of mixing multiple fibers at the raw material stage to make a single thread. Plating is a method of combining different threads during knitting, and the difference is that it makes it easier to use the feel, color, and function of each thread in the front and back or in the pattern.
Do plated fabrics shrink easily when washed?
It cannot be judged uniformly. The shrinkage rate of plated fabrics varies depending on the fibers used, thread shape, knitting density, and finishing process. In particular, differences in shrinkage between materials can lead to changes in appearance, so it is important to conduct a washing test before mass production and handle the item according to the care label.
