Measurement and modeling of drape using digital image processing

A drapemeter based on image processing technique has been designed and developed for complete analysis of the drape profile of apparel fabric. Image processing helps to determine some new drape parameters. Multiple regression equations for drape parameters have been developed from low stress mechanical properties of fabric to predict the drapability and the results are compared with the drape value obtained from image processing method. The interdependence between drape parameters and the mechanical properties of fabrics are also studied. A very good correlation has been found with bending and shear properties of the fabric. A higher drape coefficient is accompanied with less number of nodes. A fabric with higher tensile energy is less susceptible to draping or falling from the edge of a contour, whereas a fabric with higher extensibility always favours the folding and hanging of fabric at the edges of the platform, resulting in low drapability .