Snapshot

Braiding is one of the major fabrication methods and produces a rope-like material by interweaving three or more strands, strips, or lengths in a diagonally overlapping pattern. It can be classified into two- and three-dimensional braiding. The two-dimensional braid structure can be circular or flat and is formed by crossing a number of yarns diagonally so that each yarn passes alternately over and under one or more of the others. Two-dimensional braids are produced using circular braiding or rotary machines. Three-dimensional braiding is relatively new and was developed mainly for composite structures.

Braids are frequently used as trimming or binding. Flat braid may be used to produce a decorative border effect on garments or home furnishings or may be folded over raw fabric edges as a finishing method. Soutache is a decorative braid with a herringbone pattern, sometimes used to outline designs. Braids may be sewn together to make braided rugs. Hats, handbags, and belts can also be made from various braids, including plastic and straw types. They are used for various Industrial applications. They have good elongation characteristics and are very pliable, curving around edges nicely. Braiding is one of the major fabrication methods for composite reinforcement structures, with increasing application of electrical wires and cables, harnesses, hopes, Industrial belts, and surgical sutures.