SIST EN ISO 13935-2:2026

Overview

SIST EN ISO 13935-2:2026 – Textiles – Seam Tensile Properties of Fabrics and Made-up Textile Articles – Part 2: Determination of Maximum Force to Seam Rupture Using the Grab Method establishes an internationally recognized method for determining the seam strength of woven textiles. This standard is highly relevant to manufacturers, testing laboratories, and quality assurance professionals in the textile industry, aiming to assess the maximum force required to cause seam rupture when force is applied perpendicularly using the grab method.

The grab method, as defined in this standard, involves gripping only the central part of a fabric specimen with a sewn seam using a constant-rate-of-extension (CRE) testing machine. The process allows for accurate assessment of seam tensile strength, which is crucial for evaluating the durability and suitability of fabrics and finished textile articles in various end uses.

Key Topics

• Scope of Application: The method is primarily intended for woven fabrics but may be applicable to textiles with stretch characteristics from elastomeric fibres, mechanical, or chemical treatments. It is not generally intended for nonwovens, coated fabrics, geotextiles, textile-glass woven fabrics, or fabrics made from carbon fibres or polyolefin tape yarns.
• Test Specimen Preparation: The standard details how to prepare seams and cut test specimens, including seam allowance, thread selection, and sampling location for representative results.
• Testing Apparatus: Use of a constant-rate-of-extension (CRE) machine is required, ensuring consistent test parameters such as gauge length (100 ± 1 mm) and extension rate (50 mm/min).
• Grab Test Procedure: The grab test involves applying tensile force to the center of a test specimen with a straight seam until rupture occurs, recording the maximum force, and noting the nature of the failure (e.g., seam rupture, fabric tear, thread breakage).
• Calculation and Reporting: The arithmetic mean of maximum seam strength is calculated for representative specimens. Comprehensive reporting is outlined to ensure full traceability and repeatability.

Applications

ISO 13935-2:2026 is essential for:

• Quality Control in Textile Manufacturing: Assessing seam strength during product development and production to ensure consistency and performance.
• Comparative Material Testing: Benchmarking different fabrics, seams, sewing threads, and assembly techniques for garments, furnishings, and technical textiles.
• Product Safety and Compliance: Meeting regulatory or client specifications for textiles used in clothing, upholstery, and made-up articles where seam integrity is critical.
• Performance Testing of Finished Goods: Testing laboratory samples taken from finished garments or other sewn articles to verify that seam construction meets usage requirements.
• Research and Development: Developing new textile products or improving existing ones to optimize seam strength and durability.

Related Standards

Organizations involved in textile testing and product development may also reference the following related standards:

• ISO 13935-1: Seam tensile properties – Strip method
• ISO 13934-2: Tensile properties of fabrics – Grab method (for fabrics, not seams)
• ISO 13934-1: Tensile properties – Strip method (for fabrics)
• ISO 139: Conditioning and testing atmospheres for textiles
• ISO 7500-1: Calibration and verification of static uniaxial testing machines
• ISO 10012: Measurement management systems

Practical Value

Implementing the procedures in SIST EN ISO 13935-2:2026 ensures robust evaluation of seam tensile properties, contributing to the reliability, safety, and marketability of textile products. By standardizing the grab test technique, the document enhances comparability of results between laboratories and across product lines, supporting manufacturers and buyers in meeting international quality expectations for textile seams.