An instrument to measure the force developed during needle penetration through fabrics was proposed. From the stage of sample setting until completion of a measurement, the entire process is automated and it is possible to observe the portion where a needle enters a fabric texture by employing fiber optics. The relationship among the specific forces along the recorded force line, the kind of the fabric and the mode of needle penetration were examined. By using this instrument, it is possible to investigate the properties of a fabric related to needle penetration including the properties of a limitted portion of the fabric and effects of various fabric treatments.
