The Different Types Of Webbing Explained

different types of webbing

As a designer, the one thing you should always be thinking about is your materials. What fabric is best for your design? What even is webbing?

Choosing the right webbings can be vital, but how do you choose the right types of webbing for your project?

Whether you’re trying to design specialized attire or creating protective gear for first responders, you need to be sure you’re using materials that will work well. So read on to learn about all of the types of webbing and why OTEX has the best options for you.

The Types of Webbing

Options for webbing are going to come in two parts. The first part is the materials. Webbing can be made from a variety of materials. The one you choose is going to be dependent on what you need it for.

For example, if you need something with more elasticity, then you might go with nylon webbing. These have high elongation and are pretty sturdy. They’re not very flammable, but they are prone to melting and sticking to people’s skin. That means that they aren’t exactly the best idea for webbing for firefighters or other first responders that might come into contact with fire.

On the other hand, Polyester doesn’t have as much elasticity to it. This makes it good for pieces that don’t need to stretch as much later. And kevlar can be used to make all sorts of products. This material is strong and has some elasticity to it. But it’s also got high tenacity. This is why it’s commonly used to make all kinds of protective gear for the military and your local firefighters alike.

If you’re not sure what kind of webbing material you need, don’t be afraid to just simply ask!

Webbing Knitting Method

The other side of that coin is the knitting method used to make different types of webbing. This will contribute to the strength and elasticity of your webbing. There are generally three different knitting methods used for webbing.

Plain

The first kind is the plain knitting method. This one is the easiest to make as it only uses one stitch the whole way around. This creates a highly stable fabric. However, this tends to be difficult to drape, especially when made into heavier fabrics. For this reason, it tends to only be used for lighter projects.

Twill

This type of knitting method is slightly less stable. But it’s also a little more water-absorbent without causing problems for the fabric. This method creates fabrics that are much easier to drape than the plain knitting method does. It also tends to feel smoother than the plain method does.

Satin

This knitting method has the highest water absorbency. It also has the best drape out of the three. However, the main issue with it is that it’s asymmetrical. This causes the fabric to be a lot less stable. You might consider using multiple layers of this weave to increase stability.

Webbing for Clothing

So when you’re trying to create webbing for clothing, then you need to consider who is going to wear it, where it will be worn, and why they will want to wear it. This will determine the material and knitting method used to create your webbing.

T-shirts should be light and breathable, for example, and backpacks should be able to hold a lot of weight.

Clothing can really be made using almost any material and knitting method. You just have to use the right combination of the two. If you want to make a light t-shirt, then cotton and the plain knitting method will probably be sufficient. But for heavy coats, you might find yourself using the twill or satin method.

For example, firefighters and other first responders should have material that keeps them protected while they’re working. It should be sturdy and fireproof. And it should be useable over and over again.

Kevlar works well for this as it’s extremely versatile and not prone to melting or catching fire. This is why both the military and local firemen use protective gear made of kevlar. Even the bulletproof vests that your local police officers use have kevlar.

Webbing for Harnesses

Harnesses are a little bit different than ordinary clothes. These have to be able to support a person’s body weight and still hold together.

These are usually going to be made out of polyester or nylon. Both of these fabrics are extremely durable and can hold a lot of weight. And while polyester isn’t quite as elastic as nylon usually is, it can still stretch enough to support a full-grown person.

For harnesses, you’re also looking at two different styles of webbing, tubular and flat. Both are extremely strong, but tubular is usually used for making harnesses. Flat is generally for other small pieces such as backpack straps.

This will also depend on what you are planning to use these harnesses for. A rock climber, for example, doesn’t need to worry about fires as much as a firefighter does. Therefore, the firefighter’s harness should be fireproof while the rock climber probably doesn’t need such precautions.

So it’s practical to use kevlar to make harnesses for firefighters. This is the same material that their gear is usually made of. That means that it’s also a good material for their harnesses as well.

Get Different Types of Webbing from OTEX Today

Make sure you’re using the right materials when you’re creating your next design. The right webbing can make all the difference when it comes to the success of your products.

That’s why OTEX is dedicated to providing high-quality textiles and webbing to developers just like you. We’re happy to answer any questions you have and help you find the perfect webbing for your next project right now.

So contact us today and see how we can help you find the best webbing for your project.

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