Correctness of plain weave kersey

[mudlark]

I happened to pick up a swatch of K&P's undyed kersey the other day and was curious about its potential use for a Trans-Miss 'penitentiary cloth' jacket.

I am told that the previous FHW offerings of undyed kersey had a distinct twill weave, but the K&P cloth appears to be plain-woven.

So, for you cloth experts out there, how correct is plain woven kersey?

[J.H.Berger]

Re: Correctness of plain weave kersey

I might be wrong but the trem Kersey is for a strong twill weave woolen fabric. If it is straight weave it is not kearsey but broad cloth. Please correct me.

[Gallinipper]

Re: Correctness of plain weave kersey

Herr Berger is correct. Kersey, when defined as a fabric, is characterized by it's twill weave (i.e. Kersey weave). That could still be kersey weave, just more "heavily" finished, which might include (normally) lustering and napping- common practices with kersey- but which could serve to hide the twill. It's hard to tell from the photo. You can work with the sample a bit and see if a twill emerges.

Regarding the finishing process... all you may want to know, and more (!) is here:

http://www.oldandsold.com/articles04/textiles22.shtml

Rich Croxton

[J.H.Berger]

Re: Correctness of plain weave kersey

Great link Rick!
Thank you!

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Correctness of plain weave kersey

Hallo!

I can't tell from the picture...

IIRC, "kersey" has a distinctive twill pattern caused by a "over one, under two" weave. However, depending upon how it is fulled and finished often times the twill pattern can be hidden by the "fuzziness."

(And on original garments not always immediately visible except when the "nap" has been lost or worn away.)

Curt