**1.3 Mathematical representation of different weaves**

The firmness of a woven fabric depends on the density of threads and frequency of interlacements in a repeat. Fabrics made from different weaves cannot be compared easily with regard to their physical and mechanical properties unless the weave effect is normalized. The concept of average float has been in use since long, particularly for calculating maximum threads per cm. It is defined as the average ends per intersection in a unit repeat. Recently this ratio termed as weave factor (Seyam, 2002; Weiner, 1971) has been used to estimate tightness factor in fabric.
