New method for measuring fabric multi-directional stiffness and drape

A method that can measure fabric multi-directional bending performance and draping property simultaneously is proposed and new parameters, projection area and projection length are extracted for the characterization. A total of 30 fabrics are tested with the new method as well as with the cantilever test and umbrella method. Results show that the new parameters have good correlationship with bending performance and draping property. Bending performance in four directions and two groups of bending indexes in each direction can be acquired with only one fabric sample. Compared with the conventional cantilever method widely used, the method proposed in this article is more efficient and time-saving. At the same time, it can test fabric drape in one specific direction. Therefore, it can combine the test of fabric bending and draping performance into one.