The measured dimensional stability of a fabric determines whether a fabric has the potential to retain its original shape and remain stable, indicating it will not bubble or sag over time, when applied over a substrate, and its suitability for a specified use.

This test method is recommended for acceptance testing of commercial shipments however, caution is advised since information about between laboratory precision is incomplete. Comparative tests as directed in 5.2.1 are advisable.

5.2.1 If there are differences of practical significance between reported test results for two laboratories (or more), comparative test should be performed to determine if there is a statistical bias between them, using competent statistical assistance. At a minimum, use the samples for such a comparative test that are as homogeneous as possible, drawn from the same lot of material as the samples that resulted in disparate results during initial testing and randomly assigned in equal numbers to each laboratory. The test results from the laboratories involved should be compared using a statistical test for unpaired data, a probability level chosen prior to the testing series. If bias is found, either its cause must be found and corrected, or future test results for that material must be adjusted in consideration of the known bias.

This test method is used in industry to determine if a fabric grows, grows and then shrinks, shrinks and then grows, or remains the same when subjected to a specified range of humidity and temperature conditions.