The direction in most woven fabrics that has the greatest give or stretch is referred to as the

The direction in most woven fabrics that has the greatest give or stretch is referred to as the bias. The bias is the diagonal direction of the fabric, which runs at a 45-degree angle to both the lengthwise and crosswise grains. This unique orientation allows the threads to move more freely and provides more elasticity compared to the other directions. As a result, garments cut on the bias can drape more fluidly and conform better to the body's shape, making it a popular choice for creating form-fitting garments and those requiring a lot of movement.

In contrast, the other options refer to either the width or length of the fabric. The 'woof' (or 'weft') is the horizontal threads that run across the fabric, but they possess less stretch than the bias. The vertical (or 'warp') refers to the threads running along the length of the fabric, which are typically more stable and have the least give. Horizontal refers to the same weft direction as woof, thus also lacking the stretch characteristic of the bias. Understanding these differences is essential for fabric selection in design and construction.