ISO 7211-2:2024

Overview

ISO 7211-2:2024 - Textiles - Methods for analysis of woven fabrics construction - Part 2 specifies standardized procedures to determine the number of threads per unit length (threads per centimetre) in woven fabrics. The document defines three permitted methods (A, B and C), guidance on sampling and conditioning, minimum measuring distances, calculation and reporting requirements, and the mandatory items for a test report. In case of dispute, Method A (dissection) has precedence.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Three approved methods:
  • Method A - Dissection of fabric: suitable for all fabrics, including complex folded structures; requires clamps or needles and is the most laborious but least limiting.
  • Method B - Counting glass: suitable for fabrics with >50 threads/cm; counting glass aperture must be 20.00 ±0.05 mm or 30.00 ±0.05 mm.
  • Method C - Traversing thread counter: uses a traversing microscope (×4 to ×20) and a screw-driven stage; suitable for all fabrics.
• Minimum measuring distance (use appropriate value from Table 1):
  • <10 threads/cm: 10 cm
  • 10–25 threads/cm: 5 cm
  • 25–40 threads/cm: 3 cm

  • 40 threads/cm: 2 cm

• Sampling and specimen preparation:
  • Take at least five measurements at different places; do not select specimens within 150 mm of a sample edge.
  • For Method A use specimens containing at least 100 threads.
  • Narrow fabrics ≤10 cm: count all warp threads and report per full width.
• Conditioning: condition specimens in the standard atmosphere per ISO 139 for a minimum of 16 h in a tension‑free state.
• Calculation and reporting:
  • Report mean warp (ends/cm) and weft (picks/cm); optionally threads per square centimetre.
  • If <10 threads/cm, results may be expressed per decimetre.
  • Test report must reference ISO 7211-2:2024, state the conditioning atmosphere, method used, measuring distance, number of measurements, results, deviations and test date.

Applications and who uses it

ISO 7211-2:2024 is used for accurate fabric construction analysis and quality control in:

• Textile manufacturers and mills for product specification and process control
• Textile testing laboratories and inspection bodies performing compliance testing
• Technical designers and textile engineers analyzing weave density and performance
• Research organizations studying fabric structure, drape and mechanical properties
• Buyers and certification bodies verifying thread density claims

Keywords: ISO 7211-2:2024, textiles, woven fabrics, thread count, threads per centimetre, weave analysis, counting glass, traversing thread counter, fabric construction, textile testing standard, ISO 139.

Related standards

• ISO 139 - Textiles - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing (referenced for conditioning requirements)
• Other parts of the ISO 7211 series for additional methods of woven fabric construction analysis.