Abstract: A combination of rigid, non-elastic wefts with other wefts which are elastic and much thinner allows the creation of a figured, elastic fabric. The floats of the elastic wefts may be stretched between points of bindings. It is the density of the elastic threads along with the length of the elastic weft floats which determines the fabric's elasticity. This ratio is retained throughout the width of the material. Once the weaving process is completed, the fabric undergoes a process which takes place in a tenter subject to temperatures in excess of 100.degree. C., saturated in wet steam. This process acts on the elastic wefts, increasing their elasticity by 100%.