I'm in middle of planning to hand lay quite a large vehicle centre console in plain weave fabric, however in previous experience the 210g 3k plain weave fabric I bought hasn't come out quite how I was hoping.

The plain weave design often gets lost and doesn't have that defined square look. Would a 6k 280g fabric help with this? I'm guessing the higher strand count would thicken up the square weave and emphasise definition..

This is an example of how I find 3k plain weave comes out
 

This is what you see on manufactured pieces where there's lots more definition:


What is that causes sharp definition like this in the design cosmetically? Diagonal rotation on when laying the fabric, different strand count sizes (3k/6k/12k)?

I really want to stick with plain weave as I'm always fascinated by its design when I see it in cars such as Porsche and Ferrari.

I agree with Lester.  Also its a good possibility those bike parts are made in pre-preg so the process means the weave stays straighter and also the resin layer on top is thinner so its easier to see.  Also within a 3k cloth, it can be woven tighter or slightly looser (effecting the weight) with a 3k tow which does change slightly how it looks. 

Warren Penalver
Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Support Assistant