Filter Cloths 101: Common Weave Patterns
The most common filter cloth weave patterns are plain, twill, and satin.
In addition to selection of filter cloth materials, weave patterns can be a critical factor affecting filter cloth performance. Weave patterns are recommended based on the nature of the slurry being dewatered, and can affect a cloth’s strength, resistance to acid and alkaline environments, ease of cake release and resistance to blinding.

What is meant by Warp and Weft?
Warp is the threads that run lengthwise in a cloth. Weft is the threads that run across the width of a cloth at right angles to the warp. These are also known as filling threads. Warp should run vertically when installed.
Common Filter Cloth Weave Patterns
Plain Weave
Plain Weave (or Checkerboard Weave) is the most basic weave, with a weft thread alternately going over one warp thread and then under one warp thread. Average in strength, cake release, and stability. High particle retention and low resistance to blinding.
Twill Weave
Twill Weave adds a diagonal rib or “twill” line into the weave, adding strength at the expense of some stability. These diagonals are caused by moving the yarn intersection one weft thread higher on successive warp yarns. Cake release is average. Average resistance to blinding.
Satin Weave
Satin Weave (or Sateen Weave) has a smooth surface caused by carrying the warp yarn on the fabric surface over many weft yarns. Intersections between warp and weft are kept to a minimum. Very flexible, easily conforms to most curved surfaces. Satin weave is popular for its excellent cake release and resistance to blinding. Particle retention is average.
Additional Weave Patterns
Leno Weave
The leno weave involves two or more warp threads crossing over each other and interlacing with one or more filling threads. This is known as a “locking” weave, as it is mainly used to prevent the shifting of fibers in open weave fabrics. This type of weave is usually only found in backing cloths.
Basket Weave
Basket weave is a variation of the plain weave. Two or more warp yarns alternately cross with two or more filling yarns. Stronger than a plain weave, at the expense of stability. Typically used for backing cloth or basic applications requiring additional strength.
Contact Us Today
Contact our Sales and Service Team today to discuss your particular dewatering application.
About M.W. Watermark™
M.W. WATERMARK wants to make a difference. We are passionate about the world’s water. We are innovative, focused on customer service and always try to exceed expectations. We are an environmentally conscious company with people who are energized, encouraged and inspired to make a difference on our planet by helping to keep our shared, finite water supply clean and usable for generations to come. We build amazing, custom water and wastewater treatment equipment. Together, we can make a difference.