---
title: "Twill"
description: "Twill is a weave in which each weft passes over two or more warp threads, stepping along by one each row so that the cloth shows diagonal lines."
type: Glossary
url: https://teazle.art/glossary/twill
published: 2026-10-14
updated: 2026-10-14
author: "The Teazle editors"
---

# Twill

*Twill is a weave in which each weft passes over two or more warp threads, stepping along by one each row so that the cloth shows diagonal lines.*

Twill is woven so that the points where threads cross step sideways by one thread in every row. That offset builds diagonal ribs across the cloth, the familiar slant of [denim](https://teazle.art/glossary/denim.md), gabardine and many [tweeds](https://teazle.art/glossary/tweed.md).

## Why use twill?

Because the threads float over more than one neighbour, a twill can be packed more densely than a [plain weave](https://teazle.art/glossary/plain-weave.md). It drapes well, hides soiling and wears hard, which is why it is used for workwear, suiting and coats. Herringbone is a twill whose diagonal reverses at intervals.


## Sources

1. [Twill (AAT 300227915)](http://vocab.getty.edu/page/aat/300227915). Getty Art & Architecture Thesaurus
2. [Twill (Q10551396)](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q10551396). Wikidata

Canonical: https://teazle.art/glossary/twill