ASTM D3691/D3691M-19

Standard Performance Specification for Woven, Lace, and Knit Household Curtain and Drapery Fabrics

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Fabrics intended for this end-use should meet all of the requirements listed in Table 1.  (A) There is more than one standard test method that can be used to measure breaking strength, bursting strength, tear strength, and lightfastness. These test methods cannot be used interchangeably since there may be no overall correlation between them (see Note 2, Note 3, Note 4, Note 5, and Note 9).(B) Class in colorfastness and SA rating is based on a numerical scale of 5.0 for negligible color change, color transfer, or wrinkling to 1.0 for very severe color change, color transfer, or wrinkling. The numerical rating in Table 1 or higher is acceptable.(C) AATCC Gray Scale for Color Change.(D) AATCC Gray Scale for Staining.(E) AATCC 9-Step Chromatic Transference Scale.(F) For durable-press fabrics only.(G) The development of a standard method has been referred to the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists.  
4.2 It should be recognized that fabric can be produced utilizing an almost infinite number of construction variables (e.g., type of fibers, percentage of fibers, yarn twist, yarn number, warp and pick count, chemical and mechanical finished). Additionally, fashion and aesthetics dictate that the ultimate consumer may find acceptable articles made from fabrics that do not conform to all of the requirements in Table 1.  
4.2.1 Hence, no single performance specification can possibly apply to all the various fabrics that could be utilized for this end-use.  
4.3 The uses and significance of particular properties and test methods are discussed in the appropriate sections of the specified test methods.
SCOPE
1.1 This performance specification covers the requirements for all knit, lace, foam back, stitch-bonded, conventional weights, and sheer woven fabrics to be used in the manufacture of curtains and draperies.  
1.2 This performance specification is applicable to all fabrics except those made of glass.  
1.3 For those properties where fabric direction is pertinent, these requirements apply to the length and width directions for woven fabric and to both the wale and course directions for knit fabric.  
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Jan-2019
• ICS: 59.080.30 - Textile fabrics
• Technical Committee: D13 - Textiles
• Drafting Committee: D13.63 - Home Furnishings

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D3691/D3691M-09 - Standard Performance Specification for Woven, Lace, and Knit Household Curtain and Drapery Fabrics (Withdrawn 2018)
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM D2261-13(2024) - Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by the Tongue (Single Rip) Procedure (Constant-Rate-of-Extension Tensile Testing Machine)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM D1336-07(2019) - Standard Test Method for Distortion of Yarn in Woven Fabrics
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM D7023-06(2018) - Standard Terminology Relating to Home Furnishings
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM D2261-13(2017)e1 - Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by the Tongue (Single Rip) Procedure (Constant-Rate-of-Extension Tensile Testing Machine)
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2017
• Refers: ASTM D2261-13(2017) - Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by the Tongue (Single Rip) Procedure (Constant-Rate-of-Extension Tensile Testing Machine)
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2017
• Refers: ASTM D2724-07(2015) - Standard Test Methods for Bonded, Fused, and Laminated Apparel Fabrics
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2015
• Refers: ASTM D1336-07(2015) - Standard Test Method for Distortion of Yarn in Woven Fabrics
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2015
• Refers: ASTM D1424-09(2013)e1 - Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by Falling-Pendulum (Elmendorf-Type) Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM D1424-09(2013) - Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by Falling-Pendulum (Elmendorf-Type) Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM D2261-13 - Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by the Tongue (Single Rip) Procedure (Constant-Rate-of-Extension Tensile Testing Machine)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2013
• Refers: ASTM D7023-06(2012) - Standard Terminology Relating to Home Furnishings
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2012
• Refers: ASTM D2261-11 - Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by the Tongue (Single Rip) Procedure (Constant-Rate-of-Extension Tensile Testing Machine)
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2011
• Refers: ASTM D1336-07(2011) - Standard Test Method for Distortion of Yarn in Woven Fabrics
• Effective Date: 01-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM D2724-07(2011) - Standard Test Methods for Bonded, Fused, and Laminated Apparel Fabrics
• Effective Date: 01-May-2011

Overview

ASTM D3691/D3691M-19: Standard Performance Specification for Woven, Lace, and Knit Household Curtain and Drapery Fabrics is an international standard developed by ASTM International. It outlines essential performance requirements for a broad range of household curtain and drapery fabrics, including woven, lace, foam back, stitch-bonded, knit, conventional weights, and sheer fabrics, excluding those made of glass. This standard ensures that fabrics used for curtains and draperies meet key criteria for durability, appearance, and safety, thereby supporting manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers in selecting quality textile products for home furnishing applications.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability:

  • Covers most fabric types intended for curtain and drapery use (except glass fiber fabrics)
  • Applies to fabrics in both SI and inch-pound units, which must not be interchanged

• Performance Requirements:

  • Breaking strength, bursting strength, and tear resistance
  • Dimensional stability after laundering and dry cleaning
  • Colorfastness to washing, dry cleaning, crocking (rubbing), light exposure, gas fumes, and ozone
  • Fabric appearance and hand after laundering
  • Durability of back coatings
  • Flammability requirements as defined by applicable government regulations

• Test Methods:

  • Specifies the use of established ASTM and AATCC test methods for evaluating relevant fabric properties
  • Emphasizes that multiple test methods may exist for certain properties (e.g., breaking or tear strength) but are not interchangeable due to possible differences in results

• Consumer Considerations:

  • Recognizes the influence of variables such as fiber type, construction, and finishing on performance
  • Notes that end-user preferences and aesthetics may lead to acceptance of fabrics not meeting every standard requirement

Applications

ASTM D3691/D3691M-19 serves as a foundational standard in the textile and home furnishings industry for:

• Manufacturers:

  • Meeting consistent quality benchmarks for household curtain and drapery fabrics
  • Ensuring products comply with recognized international guidelines, supporting both domestic and global trade

• Retailers and Distributors:

  • Providing assurance that sourced fabrics are tested for performance, durability, and safety
  • Facilitating transparent communication of fabric capabilities to consumers

• Consumers:

  • Supporting informed purchasing decisions based on fabric durability, appearance retention, colorfastness, and safety

• Textile Testing Laboratories:

  • Applying harmonized testing procedures to reliably assess fabric properties, critical for quality control and certification

This standard helps ensure curtains and draperies perform optimally in terms of strength, appearance, dimensional stability, and resistance to wear and environmental factors during actual home use.

Related Standards

Several referenced documents and standards are associated with ASTM D3691/D3691M-19, contributing to its test methods and definitions:

• ASTM Standards:

  • ASTM D5034: Breaking Strength and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Grab Test)
  • ASTM D2261 and D1424: Tearing Strength Test Methods
  • ASTM D2724: Bond Strength of Bonded and Laminated Apparel Fabrics
  • ASTM D1336: Distortion of Yarn in Woven Fabrics
  • ASTM D7023: Textile Terminology for Home Furnishings

• AATCC (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists) Standards:

  • TM61: Colorfastness to Laundering
  • TM132: Colorfastness to Dry Cleaning
  • TM16.3: Colorfastness to Light
  • TM129: Colorfastness to Ozone
  • TM124: Smoothness Appearance Post-Laundering
  • TM8 and TM116: Colorfastness to Crocking

Together, these standards ensure harmonization and reliability in evaluating textile fabrics for household drapery and curtain applications, strengthening confidence in fabric quality and safety across the supply chain.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:D3691/D3691M −19
Standard Performance Specification for
Woven, Lace, and Knit Household Curtain and Drapery
Fabrics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3691/D3691M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This performance specification covers the requirements
for all knit, lace, foam back, stitch-bonded, conventional D231 Methods of Testing Tolerances for Knit Goods; Re-
placed by D 3887 (Withdrawn 1980)
weights,andsheerwovenfabricstobeusedinthemanufacture
of curtains and draperies. D1336 Test Method for Distortion ofYarn in Woven Fabrics
D1424 Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by
1.2 This performance specification is applicable to all fab-
Falling-Pendulum (Elmendorf-Type) Apparatus
rics except those made of glass.
D2261 Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by the
1.3 For those properties where fabric direction is pertinent,
Tongue (Single Rip) Procedure (Constant-Rate-of-
these requirements apply to the length and width directions for
Extension Tensile Testing Machine)
woven fabric and to both the wale and course directions for
D2724 Test Method for Bond Strength of Bonded, Fused,
knit fabric.
and Laminated Apparel Fabrics
D5034 TestMethodforBreakingStrengthandElongationof
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
Textile Fabrics (Grab Test)
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
D7023 Terminology Relating to Home Furnishings
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
2.2 AATCC Standards
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
TM8 Colorfastness to Crocking: Crockmeter Method
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
TM16.3 Colorfastness to Light: Xenon Arc
with the standard.
TM23 Colorfastness to Burnt Gas Fumes
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
TM61 Colorfastness to Laundering: Accelerated
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
TM116 Colorfastness to Crocking: Rotary Vertical Crock-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
meter Method
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
TM124 Smoothness Appearance of Fabrics After Home
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Laundering
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
TM129 Colorfastness to Ozone in the Atmosphere Under
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
High Humidities
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
TM132 Colorfastness to Drycleaning
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
TM135 Dimensional Changes of Fabrics after Home Laun-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
dering
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
This performance specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
D13 on Textiles and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.63 on Home the ASTM website.
Furnishings. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
Current edition approved Jan. 15, 2019. Published February 2019. Originally www.astm.org.
approved in 1978. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D3691 – 02(2008) Available from American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists
which was withdrawn January 2018 and reinstated in January 2019. DOI: 10.1520/ (AATCC), P.O. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, http://
D3691_D3691M-19. www.aatcc.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3691/D3691M−19
TM172 Colorfastness to Powdered Non-Chlorine Bleach in Technical Manual of the American Association of Textile
Home Laundering Chemists and Colorists.
TM188 Colorfastness to Sodium Hypochlorite Bleach in
Home Laundering 4. Significance and Use
EP1 Gray Scale for Color Change
4.1 Fabrics intended for this end-use should meet all of the
EP2 Gray Scale for Staining
requirements listed in Table 1.
EP8 Chromatic Transference Scale, 9-Step
EP9 Visual Assessment of Color Difference of Textiles
4.2 It should be recognized that fabric can be produced
utilizing an almost infinite number of construction variables
NOTE 1—Reference to test methods in this specification give only the
(e.g., type of fibers, percentage of fibers, yarn twist, yarn
permanent part of the designation of ASTM, AATCC, or other test
methods. The current editions of each test method cited shall prevail.
number, warp and pick count, chemical and mechanical fin-
ished). Additionally, fashion and aesthetics dictate that the
3. Terminology
ultimate consumer may find acceptable articles made from
3.1 Definitions: For definitions of other textile terms used in fabrics that do not conform to all of the requirements in Table
this specification, refer to Terminology D7023 and to the 1.
TABLE 1 Performance Requirements
Foam Back, Stitch Bonded, and
Characteristics Knit and Lace Sheer (woven) Section
Conventional Weights (woven)
Breaking strength (load), (CRT method), in . 67 N (15 lbf), 89 N (20 lbf), min 5.1
A
both directions min
A 2
Bursting strength (ball burst) 138 kPa (20 lbf/in. ), . . 5.2
min
Tear strength (tongue tear), in both . 4.4 N (1 lbf), 6.7 N (1.5 lbf), min 5.3
A
directions min
Dimensional change:
After 5 launderings in both directions 3.0 % max +0.0% 3.0 % max 3.0 % max +0.0% 5.4.1
0.0%
After 3 dry cleanings in both directions 3.0 % max +0.0% 3.0 % max 3.0 % max +0.0 % 5.4.2
+0.0%
Distortion of yarn:
1-lbf load . 2.54 mm (0.1 . 5.5
in.),
max
2-lbf load . . 2.54 mm (0.1 in.),
max
B
Colorfastness to laundering:
C C C
Shade Change Class 4 min Class 4 min Class 4 min 5.6.1
D D D
Class 3 min Class 3 min Class 3 min
Staining
Colorfastness to dry cleaning:
C C C
Shade change Class 4 min Class 4 min Class 4 min 5.6.2
Burnt gas fumes, 2 cycles:
C C C
Shade change Class 4 min Class 4 min Class 4 min 5.6.3
C C C
Class 4 min Class 4 min Class 4 min
After 1 refurbishing
Crocking:
E E E
Dry Class 4 min Class 4 min Class 4 min 5.6.4
E E E
Class 3 min Class 3 min Class 3 min
Wet
A C C C
Light (60 AATCC FU), xenon Step 4 min Step 4 min Step 4 min 5.6.5
C C C
Ozone, 1 cycle Class 4 min Class 4 min Class 4 min 5.6.6
F
Fabric appearance SA 3.5 min SA 3.0 min SA 3.5 min 5.7
Retention of hand, character, and No significant change No significant No significant change 5.8
appearance change
Durability of back coating No significant change No significant No significant change 5.9
change
Flammability pass pass pass 5.10
G
Light degradation . . . 5.11
A
There is more than one standard test method that can be used to measure breaking strength, bursting strength, tear strength, and lightfastness. These test methods
cannot be used interchangeably since there may be no overall correlation between them (see Note 2, Note 3, Note 4, Note 5, and Note 9).
B
Class in colorfastness and SArating is based on a numerical scale of 5.0 for negligible color change, color transfer, or wrinkling to 1.0 for very severe color change, color
transfer, or wrinkling. The numerical rating in Table 1 or higher is acceptable.
C
AATCC Gray Scale for Color Change.
D
AATCC Gray Scale for Staining.
E
AATCC 9-Step Chromatic Transference Scale.
F
For durable-press fabrics only.
G
The development of a standard method has been referred to the American Association of
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