During outdoor activities, perhaps the cuff of your jacket was caught on a branch and left with a small hole. It didn’t seem like a big deal at the time. But after a few more pulls and stretches, the tear expanded down the sleeve. Or maybe the hem of your work pants started to fray from a light scuff—just a few loose threads at first, until the fabric gradually split into a wide tear.
Tearing is one of the most common forms of fabric failure. As yarns become thinner from repeated friction or localized stress, once one point can no longer bear the load, the first yarn breaks—then the next, and the next—until the entire fabric splits.
At HwaFune, we focus on the real-life scenarios that fabrics are exposed to. Every design and test we carry out exists to address those challenges. One of the key evaluations we can provide is tearing strength testing.
Elmendorf Type Tearing Strength Tester
For tearing strength testing, we use the Elmendorf pendulum method, which conforms to ISO 13937-1:2000 - Textiles — Tear properties of fabrics — Part 1: Determination of tear force using ballistic pendulum method (Elmendorf). This classic method simulates how a fabric tears under localized force.
Before testing, we prepare five samples each in the warp and weft directions, measuring 63.5 x 100 mm. To ensure consistent data, the samples are pre-dried at 60–70°C for 1 to 1.5 hours, then conditioned in a standard testing environment (20°C ±2°C, 65% ±2% R.H.) for at least 8 hours.
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During the test, the appropriate pendulum weight is selected and placed in its resting position. The fabric sample is then secured between two clamps, aligned at the bottom edge, and a 20.5 mm pre-cut slit is made using a cutting blade. Once the setup is complete, the pendulum is released and swings downward, initiating the tear from the first yarn at the tip of the triangular slit.
As the pendulum continues to move, its energy is progressively absorbed by the fabric until the tear is completed. The force consumed during this motion is displayed via the pointer on the scale, providing a direct measurement of the fabric’s tearing strength and its response to concentrated stress.
What Affects Tearing Strength—Have You Considered These?
Multiple factors influence it. It begins with the fiber: different raw materials have varying intrinsic strength and elongation properties. Coarser yarns and those with higher elongation at break typically provide better tearing resistance. However, excessive twist may make yarns brittle, reducing toughness.
Fabric structure also plays a role. Weaves such as satin or twill distribute stress more effectively than plain weaves, helping to delay tear propagation. Density matters too—a fabric that’s too loose tears easily, while one that’s too tight can restrict yarn mobility and lead to stress concentration. Lastly, finishing processes like coating or heat setting, if not properly managed, may reduce fabric elasticity and increase brittleness—compromising tearing performance.
That’s why for durability-focused products, it’s valuable to consider tearing strength testing and structural design early in the development process—working closely with HwaFune to ensure that fabric selection aligns with real-world performance needs.
Helping You Choose Smarter, Earlier, with Fewer Surprises
We understand that choosing fabric isn’t just about spec sheets—it’s about how the material performs in actual use, and how long it holds up. Our role is to provide early insight into fabric structure and behavior, helping you reduce the risk.
Fabric Recommendations
