Abstract: Firstly, this paper investigated the bending performance of the different seams. Then, the fabrics’ drape performance with different sewing conditions and its influencing factors were discussed as a focus based on the seam’s bending performance. The results show as follows：(1) The seams’ bending length and bending rigidity are obviously increase compared with the original fabric; (2) Some main drape parameters of the samples with seam (drape coefficient, average radius, stiffness index) are greater than un-sewn fabric; (3) For most samples, the wider seam allowance is, the bigger drape coefficient is; (4) The influence of the seam position on the drape coefficient is related to the fabric’s mechanical properties in the warp and weft direction; (5)Generally, the seams with higher bending length have more influence on the fabric’s drape coefficient than the seams with lower bending length; (6)The circular edge seams can increase the bending rigidity and the drape coefficient. The study has some helps for fabric and garment drape evaluation and can contribute to the further research on fabric or garment simulation after considering the seam performance.

Key words: seam, fabric, bending property, draping property