A textile weave pattern producing a fine, grainy texture resembling fish roe; used for silk and other fabrics. The term can refer to both twill and basket weaves depending on context.
平織り is plain weave, the simplest over-under pattern, whereas 魚子織り produces a textured, patterned surface.
Etymology
The name comes from the resemblance of the woven texture to fish roe (魚子). The alternate kanji 斜子織り uses 斜子, meaning 'diagonal pattern', reflecting the weave structure.