Overview - EN ISO 13936-3:2007 (Needle clamp method)
EN ISO 13936-3:2007 specifies a laboratory method to determine the slippage resistance of yarns at a seam in woven fabrics using the needle clamp method. The procedure measures how weft or warp yarns move relative to each other (seam slippage) when a pinned specimen is stressed in a tensile testing machine and compared with an unpinned specimen. This test isolates fabric yarn behavior and helps negate variability caused by seam preparation or sewing thread.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Applies to woven apparel, furnishing and upholstery fabrics; not applicable to stretch fabrics or industrial fabrics (e.g., beltings).
- Principle: Compare force/extension curves from a pinned specimen (needle clamp) and an unpinned specimen; slippage is reported in millimetres.
- Tensile testing machine (CRE machine) requirements:
- Constant-rate-of-extension capability (typical rates: 50 mm/min ±5 mm/min; alternative 20 mm/min ±2 mm/min noted).
- Gauge lengths 100 ±1 mm (and 20 ±1 mm where applicable).
- Accuracy class 1 per ISO 7500-1; metrological confirmation per ISO 10012-1.
- Data acquisition frequency ≥ 8 samples/s or chart recorder.
- Needle-clamp device: Row of needles with specified geometry. Typical parameters:
- For apparel fabrics: 17 needles per 5 cm, needle shank diameter 0.5 ±0.03 mm, spacing 2.5 ±0.1 mm.
- For furnishing/upholstery: 7 needles per 5 cm, diameter 0.9 ±0.03 mm, spacing 7.0 ±0.1 mm.
- Needle height ~ 8 mm; specific stop positions differ by fabric type.
- Conditioning and atmosphere: Follow ISO 139 standard atmosphere for conditioning and testing textiles.
- Test procedure highlights: Condition specimens 24 h, prepare pinned and unpinned specimens (50 mm width after fraying), extend to specified force (example force used in procedure: 250 ±5 N), and calculate slippage by comparing curves.
Applications and users
- Used by textile testing laboratories, garment and upholstery manufacturers, quality assurance teams, material R&D, and standards bodies.
- Practical uses:
- Assessing seam durability and fabric suitability for sewn products.
- Comparing woven fabrics for apparel, upholstery and furnishing applications.
- Supporting material selection and quality control where seam performance is critical.
- Eliminating sewing-thread or seam-prep variability for reproducible fabric comparison.
Related standards
- ISO 139 - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing textiles
- ISO 7500-1 - Verification of tensile testing machines (class 1)
- ISO 10012-1 - Metrological confirmation for measuring equipment
- ISO 13936-1 / ISO 13936-2 - Other seam slippage test methods (fixed seam opening, fixed load)
Keywords: EN ISO 13936-3:2007, needle clamp method, seam slippage, slippage resistance, textiles testing, woven fabrics, tensile testing machine.