Twill

Twill is a weave in which each thread passes over two or more threads, stepping one thread sideways on each row, so the interlacings line up into a diagonal rib called a wale. The floats make twill denser, heavier, and more drapable than a plain weave of the same yarn, and better at hiding soil, which is why workwear lives here. Denim, gabardine, tweed, serge, and chino are all twills, and herringbone and houndstooth are built on its diagonal.

Illustration: a medieval European weaving hall, great wooden treadle looms in rows, weavers seen from behind, high windows — A medieval European weaving hall, great wooden treadle looms in rows, weavers seen from behind, high windows.

Named for

From the Old English twili, a doubled thread, itself a rendering of the Latin bilix, two-threaded.

Common questions

What is Twill made of?: Twill is a weave in which each thread passes over two or more threads, stepping one thread sideways on each row, so the interlacings line up into a diagonal rib called a wale. It is traditionally made of cotton or wool.
What is Twill named after?: From the Old English twili, a doubled thread, itself a rendering of the Latin bilix, two-threaded.