Analysis of Core Backing Fabric Types and Characteristics
In the production of leather (especially PU and PVC leather), the backing fabric not only supports the coating but also directly determines the leather’s physical properties and processing characteristics.
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| Base fabric type | Core structure/composition | Core features | Main application areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain woven cloth | Warp and weft yarns alternate and intertwine, one above and one below | Stable structure, high rigidity, and not easily deformed 。 However, its transverse and longitudinal ductility is relatively poor。 | Shoe leather (main material), bag shaping material, belt or pad that needs to maintain its shape. |
| Twill fabric | Warp and weft yarns are interwoven in 2/1 or 3/1 diagonal patterns | High density and extremely high tear strength 。 Compared to plain weave, it is thicker and more wear-resistant | Sofa leather (The core requirement is high tear strength), heavy-duty luggage, tool bag. |
| Stretch fabric / napped fabric | Knitted fabrics containing elastic fibers such as spandex; The surface is treated with a raised texture | Excellent stretch and resilience , with a full, soft texture. Pilling treatment enhances adhesion to the coating | Horseshoe shaft (Must fit the leg curve) 、luggage leather(Requires a soft touch), tight-fitting clothing。 |
| Cotton wool/adhesive fabric | Made from rayon (viscose fiber), with fine fuzz on the surface | The shrinkage rate is high , the water-kneading process can create a strong wrinkle effect, greatly enhancing the skin texture; The feel is extremely soft and warm | clothing leather(Genuine leather texture is created through shrinkage), and a premium winter upper |
| TC cloth | Polyester + cotton blend | Combines the high strength of polyester with the moisture absorption of cotton , dimensional stability, and a balance of strength and elasticity | Wear-resistant products (sofas), sports equipment, and clothing linings that require a sense of structure。 |
| Non-woven fabric / microfiber base | Ultrafine nylon fibers are formed through needle-punching or web-forming processes 3 Maintain a three-dimensional mesh structure | Structurally mimicking dermal collagen fibers , excellent moisture absorption and breathability, tear strength and fold resistance far exceed ordinary fabric soles, with a strong fleshy feel. | Ultra-fiber leather High-end automotive interiors, high-end bags, and footwear materials with extremely high wear resistance requirements. |
Detailed Comparative Analysis
Physical Properties: Tear Strength vs. Elasticity
Tear strength (durability) ：
- Twill fabric It is the king of this metric. Sofas need to withstand frequent seat pressure and stretching during use. Twill fabric, due to its tight structure, provides maximum tear resistance and prevents leather from cracking at seams or stress points
- Nonwoven fabric (microfiber) It also performs excellently, with its three-dimensional structure lacking weaknesses in the warp or longitudinal directions, offering balanced and extremely high tear resistance.
- Cotton wool/adhesive fabric performs the worst, with shorter fibers and loose structure, making them unsuitable for areas under heavy load
Elasticity and flexibility ：
- Elastic fabric It has irreplaceable advantages. For example, in the shaft area of riding boots, elastic base fabric must be relied upon to ensure a good fit and comfort while walking, while ordinary plain woven fabric is prone to wrinkles here
- Knitted base fabric (such as stretch fabric and nap fabric) naturally have better stretchability, while Weaving category (Plain weave and twill) lean more towards “stiffness” and “holding.”
Tactile Feel and Appearance (Aesthetic Features)
Genuine leather texture ：
- Adhesive Tape (Cotton Wool-Imitation) It is currently the best base fabric for making a “leather-feeling” effect. Exist clothing leather During production, the strong shrinkage characteristic of viscose cloth upon contact with water can drive the shrinkage of the resin coating on the surface Irregular wrinkles resembling natural leather pores and texture This is something ordinary plain weave cannot achieve
- Microfiber base fabric Due to its biomimetic microstructure, it feels like genuine leather with a “fleshy feel” and full elasticity when touched
Softness and hardness ：
- Generally speaking, Napped fabric, imitation cotton wool The leather made from the bottom feels more like a “NAPPA” (soft nappa) style; And Plain woven cloth If the formula is too hard, it can easily produce a plastic-like feel.
Process adaptability
Water kneading process : Adhesive fabric is the only base fabric suitable for water rubbing. Other base fabrics, such as plain woven or stretch fabrics, have insufficient or uneven shrinkage, making it impossible to produce full lychee or crack patterns.
Fit and hold : Plain weave and TC fabrics are stable and less likely to deviate during high-temperature bonding, making them suitable for high-speed production lines.
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