The construction, composition, and color of textiles as evidence in crimes are useful comparison characteristics for forensic examinations. Textiles appear in a variety of weaves, knits, and nonwoven constructions; a combination of fabric types can occur in any one textile. There is a vast range of colors in which textiles are offered in the marketplace. Therefore, the construction, composition, and color of a textile can aid the Examiner in including or excluding a textile for consideration in a forensic examination.

A comprehensive forensic fabric or cordage examination should consist of a complete characterization of the construction and materials used in the composition of the item (such as sewing thread).

1. Scope

1.1 The intent of this guide is to assist individuals and laboratories conducting examinations of fabrics and cordage. It is not designed as a detailed methods description or protocol for the analysis and comparison of fabric and cordage evidence, but as a guide to an acceptable procedure to strengthen the usefulness of the analytical method.

1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles

E1459 Guide for Physical Evidence Labeling and Related Documentation

E1492 Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory

E2228 Guide for Microscopical Examination of Textile Fibers

AATCC Standards

Keywords

cordage; fabrics; fibers; forensic science; Textile fiber (forensic) analysis; Cord/cordage; Forensic investigation/analysis; Photography/photographic processing--forensic analysis; Sample handling (in forensic analysis); Sampling forensic analysis/applications; Textile fabric analysis;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 59.080.30 (Textile fabrics)

Citing ASTM Standards

[Back to Top]