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Ever stared at a fabric data sheet like it was written in another language? You’re not alone. These pages are loaded with numbers and lab jargon, but inside them lie the keys to understanding a fabric’s strength, weight, durability, and more.
In Episode 118 of Ripstop on the Record, Maddie Wilson from NC State’s College of Textiles breaks it all down for makers, designers, and curious beginners—so you can read a data sheet with confidence.
A data sheet isn’t just a list of numbers—it’s a roadmap to how a fabric will perform. While it can’t replace real-world testing, it’s your first checkpoint before buying sample yardage or sending a prototype to production.
Understanding the tests and industry terminology helps you make better material choices early on—saving you time, money, and frustration later.
Not every number on a data sheet matters for every project. Before you even look at the data, decide which performance metrics matter most for your application.
For example:
Tent fabric? Waterproofness and weight are top priorities.
Backpack fabric? Abrasion resistance might be more important.
Just because a fabric has results for 10+ tests doesn’t mean all of them are relevant to you. Focus on the ones that directly impact your product’s success.
When you compare fabrics, make sure they’re actually in the same category. Comparing 210D Venom Gridstop ECO to 210D ROBIC Ripstop Nylon makes sense—they share similar physical composition and intended uses.
But comparing 210D Venom Gridstop ECO to 1.1 oz Silpoly XL 2nd Gen? Not as helpful. They’re designed for entirely different purposes, so test results might not translate in a meaningful way.
Pro tip: Use the Denier, Composition, and Finish lines on the data sheet to quickly spot comparable fabrics.
In this episode, Maddie walks through what each test measures, how it’s conducted, and what the numbers actually mean. You’ll hear about respected standards like ASTM, AATCC, and JIS—plus how to interpret their results without needing a PhD in textiles.
Want to dig deeper? Each of these organizations has detailed resources online, and there are plenty of YouTube tutorials that break down the science behind the tests.
Don’t let the jargon scare you away. At the end of the day, these numbers are tools—ones that can help you choose better fabrics, make stronger gear, and avoid costly mistakes.
Once you learn to decode them, a data sheet stops being a wall of confusing text and becomes a valuable part of your design toolkit.
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