A Guide To Understanding Carbon Fiber Weaves And Fabrics

Too many potential carbon fiber buyers get confused when it comes to which specific type of carbon fiber to use over another. Let's first break down the different categories of carbon fiber woven fabrics.

1. 2×2 twill weave

2×2 twill weave is by far the most commonly used carbon fiber fabric in the automotive industry. This fabric type follows a unique diagonal pattern. When you think about a 2×2 carbon weave, think of it as a pattern that spans two intersecting warps and below (hence the name 2×2). This makes the fabric more flexible and looser. This means it can be applied more easily as it stretches into curves and contours with fewer complications. However, this also means that the applicator needs to handle the weave more carefully than a plain or 1×1 weave, as it's easy to leave a slight twist in the weave.

RW-Carbon-2x2-Weave

2. Plain weave (1×1) weave

Plain weave or 1×1 weave is the second most used fabric type in the automotive industry. As you'd expect, it's named (1×1) because it looks more like a checkerboard, with the weave pattern one level up and one level down. Plain weave is a tighter knit fabric that is easier to handle without causing any distortion. On the downside, the tighter weave makes it harder for the fabric to drape over the mold; making this type the second-favorite choice for most manufacturers.

RW-Carbon-Plain-1x1-Weave

RW Carbon offers two carbon fiber braids in some of the items we sell. Most are only available in 2×2 twill weave, but for our BMW M3 and M6 owners, we offer 1×1 or 2×2, giving them the option to match their carbon fiber roof.

Other or less common braids

Most carbon fiber parts and accessories are made using both of the above weaves. However, there are others such as: satin weave, harness weave, fish weave and unidirectional weave. All of these are just different weave patterns of carbon fiber fabrics. In almost all automotive applications, a 1×1 or 2×2 weave is superior in appearance and construction, which is why you rarely hear about these other weave types. Such a weave is only required for custom or unusual carbon fiber requirements. Unidirectional weave is where almost every fiber is aligned in the same direction. This weave is held together only by bundles of carbon or polyester fibers that are occasionally passed through the fibers at 90-degree angles. This carbon fiber is best used in situations where all forces are concentrated in one direction, such as archery bows.