Grab Method (Fabrics)

Fabric testing plays a critical role in quality assurance, helping manufacturers assess the mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of textile materials. Among these properties, tensile strength is one of the most commonly evaluated — particularly to ensure that fabrics can endure stresses during end use.

The grab method is a widely used tensile test for woven, nonwoven, and coated fabrics. It offers a practical, standards-based technique for measuring breaking strength and elongation by gripping only the central portion of a fabric sample. This approach closely reflects how fabrics are stressed in real-world applications and provides a balance of speed, repeatability, and representativeness in testing.

The grab method is a tensile testing technique where only the centre of a fabric specimen is gripped during testing — typically using 100 mm × 150 mm test specimens with a 50 mm wide clamping area. Unlike the strip method, which clamps the full width, the grab method isolates the central portion of the fabric to simulate the localised forces experienced during handling, wear, and use.

This method is especially useful in quality control environments where high throughput and repeatable results are essential. It provides a more practical simulation of in-use fabric stress than edge-gripped methods.

Grab method testing is governed by several internationally recognised standards, including:

• BS EN ISO 13934-2 – Specifies the procedure for determining maximum force and elongation of woven fabrics using the grab method.
• ASTM D5034-21 – Covers breaking strength and elongation of textile fabrics (wet and dry) via grab testing. This standard supersedes the earlier 2009 version.
• ASTM D4632-08 – Designed for grab testing of geotextiles and other robust industrial fabrics.

Compared with the strip method (as defined by ISO 13934-1), which grips the full width of the fabric, the grab method clamps only the central portion. This typically results in higher tensile strength values, as the edge effects are excluded. It also better reflects how fabrics are actually stressed during use, making it more suitable for products where localised forces are significant.

The grab method is particularly beneficial in testing textiles used in:

• Apparel – e.g. ensuring uniforms or sportswear can withstand wear and tension without tearing.
• Technical fabrics – such as filtration textiles or coated fabrics used in tents, protective gear, or medical applications.
• Geotextiles – where tensile properties are critical for soil reinforcement and erosion control.

A standard grab test involves the following steps:

• Sample preparation – Cut specimens to 100 mm × 150 mm, aligned to the warp or weft direction as required.
• Grip configuration – Use serrated or rubber-faced grips to clamp the 50 mm wide central portion of the sample.
• Machine setup – Select a suitable Mecmesin OmniTest or MultiTest-dV test stand and loadcell based on expected fabric strength.
• Test execution – Apply tension at a constant rate (commonly 100 to 300 mm/min) until failure.
• Data capture – Use VectorPro® software to measure maximum force and elongation at break.

The grab test produces two key results:

• Maximum force (in newtons or pounds-force): the highest tensile load the fabric withstood before rupture.
• Elongation (as a percentage): the stretch the sample experienced before breaking.

These values enable manufacturers to verify whether textile products meet required specifications. Consistency in results across multiple specimens also indicates process stability during production.

For example, in the filtration industry, coated fabrics used in liquid separation systems must demonstrate reliable tensile strength to endure repeated pressure cycles. Grab testing ensures they meet operational demands.

Standards-compliant systems

Our OmniTest and MultiTest-dV machines, paired with VectorPro® software, deliver high-precision data capture and repeatable test control. Interchangeable grips and loadcells allow for custom configurations tailored to lightweight clothing fabrics or heavy-duty industrial textiles.

Trusted by global brands

Textile manufacturers worldwide rely on Mecmesin for dependable fabric testing. For instance, Adidas uses Mecmesin systems to verify the tensile strength and durability of apparel fabrics across its product lines.

Need help configuring your grab test setup or selecting the right equipment? Our applications team can advise on test standards, machine selection, and integration into your QA process.

Contact us to discuss your textile testing requirements