ISO 13935-2:2026

Overview

ISO 13935-2:2026 establishes standardized methods for determining the maximum force required to rupture a sewn seam in textiles and textile articles. Specifically, this standard details the procedures for using the "grab test" to evaluate the tensile strength of straight seams in woven fabrics and fabrics exhibiting stretch characteristics due to elastomeric fibers or treatments. The grab method involves applying a perpendicular force to a seam using a constant-rate-of-extension (CRE) machine until the seam fails.

This standard is instrumental in quality assurance and product development in the textile and apparel sectors, enabling manufacturers and laboratories to consistently assess seam durability under controlled and repeatable conditions.

Key Topics

• Applicability of the Grab Test:
  • Relevant for woven textile fabrics, including those with stretch, and possibly other fabric production techniques.
  • Not suitable for geotextiles, nonwovens, coated fabrics, textile-glass woven fabrics, or textiles made from carbon fibers or polyolefin tape yarns.
• Limitation to Straight Seams:
  • Applies strictly to straight seams, either sourced from finished articles or specially prepared samples.
  • Excludes curved seams due to non-uniform stress distribution.
• Testing Equipment:
  • Mandates the use of constant-rate-of-extension (CRE) tensile testing machines, ensuring precise and repeatable results.
• Sample Preparation and Conditioning:
  • Detailed guidance on cutting, marking, and preparing specimens to ensure representative and reliable testing.
  • Specifies requirements for sewing seams, seam positioning, and test specimen size.
• Testing Methodology:
  • Clear instructions on machine settings, mounting of specimens, and execution of tests.
  • Documentation of seam rupture causes (such as fabric tear or thread failure) and exclusion criteria to maintain data integrity.
• Reporting and Calculation:
  • Includes minimum reporting requirements, such as sample information, test method reference, mean seam rupture force, and details of seam failures.

Applications

ISO 13935-2:2026 is widely used for:

• Textile Manufacturing: Supporting quality control protocols by quantifying seam strength, helping ensure product durability and compliance with internal or customer specifications.
• Apparel and Fashion Industry: Verifying that garments withstand day-to-day stresses, especially in structural seams critical to garment integrity.
• Research and Development: Providing a standard test method for fabric development and benchmarking, particularly when introducing new textiles or seam constructions.
• Third-Party Testing Laboratories: Offering internationally recognized test results that support supply chain quality assurance for retailers and brands.
• Procurement and Specification Writing: Assisting buyers and technical teams in evaluating and specifying minimum seam performance during sourcing or tendering processes.

Related Standards

Integration and comparison with other standards enhance the value and consistency of test results:

• ISO 13934-2: Measures tensile properties of fabrics using the grab method, allowing for direct comparison with seam strengths evaluated under ISO 13935-2:2026.
• ISO 13934-1: Evaluates tensile properties with the strip method, suitable for different fabric and seam configurations.
• ISO 13935-1: Specifies determination of maximum force to seam rupture using the strip method, offering an alternative approach to ISO 13935-2:2026.
• ISO 139: Defines standard atmospheres for textile conditioning and testing, ensuring test consistency.
• ISO 7500-1: Outlines calibration and verification requirements for testing machine force-measurement systems.
• ISO 10012: Covers management systems for measurement processes and equipment.
• ISO 11610: Provides vocabulary relevant to protective clothing and textile testing.

Implementing ISO 13935-2:2026 promotes reliable, comparable seam tensile property data, supporting product safety, durability, and market access across the global textile industry.