The Measurement of Stiffness in Textile Fabrics

In Part I the subjective evaluation of stiffness is used as a standard with which to compare the results obtained from five laboratory methods of measuring stiffness. Measurements were made on a range of nineteen fabrics of varying fiber content, weave, and weight. The results indicated significant correlation in four of the five methods. The test was repeated with a new range of of eleven fabrics, with approximately the same results. The Peirce cantilever test was selected as being the most convenient to carry out in the laboratory, and at the same time giving good cor relation with the subjective estimate. Part II describes a more detailed examination of certain aspects of the cantilever test, and a specific technique is recommended which combines simplicity of equipment with ease of measurement.