JIS L 0849 Type I is a textile colorfastness test method that evaluates how readily dye or pigment transfers from a dyed textile surface onto a white rubbing cloth under controlled rubbing conditions using a Type I rubbing tester (commonly called a crockmeter).
This method is widely used for dyed fabrics and finished textile products where rubbing/contact during wear, handling, or assembly can cause visible staining on lighter materials. If you need help matching Type I vs. Type II requirements to your product or customer specification, talk with our team.
JIS L 0849 Type I — Test methods for colour fastness to rubbing
JIS L 0849 is the Japanese Industrial Standard that specifies test methods for determining the colour fastness of dyed textiles to rubbing. “Type I” refers to the Type I rubbing tester (crockmeter) method within the standard.
The output of the test is an assessment of staining on the rubbing cloth (and, where applicable, other evaluation approaches permitted by the standard). It is commonly used as a quality-control release check and as a buyer/supplier performance requirement for dyed textile surfaces.
Quick Definition
Document type: Test method (colour fastness to rubbing).
What Type I means: The procedure uses a Type I rubbing tester (crockmeter-style rubbing head and track) to rub a bleached cotton rubbing cloth against the specimen and evaluate staining.
Common result: A staining grade based on the specified assessment approach in the standard (often using a grey scale for staining and/or instrumental evaluation where allowed).
What This Standard Covers
JIS L 0849 Type I covers colour transfer resistance under rubbing contact between a dyed textile specimen and a specified white rubbing cloth using a crockmeter-style apparatus. The method is used to evaluate the tendency for a dyed surface to stain other materials during dry contact and, where required, under wet contact conditions (as defined in the standard).
Because rubbing fastness outcomes are sensitive to details such as specimen mounting, rubbing cloth specification, moisture condition, and evaluation rules, purchasing and citing the correct edition of JIS L 0849 is essential for reproducible results.
Why This Standard Matters in Testing
Rubbing-related staining is a common cause of complaints and rejections for dyed textiles—especially when dark or saturated shades come into contact with light-colored linings, trims, upholstery substrates, packaging, or adjacent garments. JIS L 0849 Type I gives a controlled way to compare lots, qualify dyeing/finishing changes, and verify customer requirements tied to colour transfer.
For equipment buyers and lab managers, this method typically drives decisions around the correct crockmeter configuration, the approved rubbing cloth supply, and consistent conditioning and evaluation tools.
Common Materials, Product Types, or Applications Covered
JIS L 0849 Type I is commonly applied to dyed textile materials and textile-based products where surface color can transfer by contact.
Common examples: Apparel fabrics, uniform and workwear textiles, dark shade fabrics prone to crocking, linings and pocketing interactions, upholstery fabrics, and textile components that may contact light-colored materials during use.
Common Test or Verification Workflow
Most labs run JIS L 0849 Type I as part of incoming inspection, in-process dyehouse/finishing control, or final release testing for customer compliance.
Typical workflow: Condition specimens as required, mount the specimen on the crockmeter base, apply the specified white rubbing cloth to the rubbing finger, perform the rubbing sequence required by the standard for the specified condition(s) (such as dry and/or wet), then evaluate the staining on the rubbing cloth using the standard’s assessment approach and reporting format.
Reporting sensitivity: Results can shift with moisture condition, cloth specification, specimen surface texture, and how staining is graded, so test requests should clearly state the exact cited standard and method type (Type I).
Equipment Commonly Used for This Standard
JIS L 0849 Type I is primarily an equipment-and-consumables-driven method. The core requirement is a Type I rubbing tester (crockmeter) plus standardized rubbing cloth and consistent evaluation tools.
Common equipment: Type I rubbing tester (crockmeter), specimen hold-down and mounting accessories, wetting/dispensing tools for controlled moisture application (when wet rubbing is required), and viewing/evaluation setup for staining assessment (e.g., appropriate lighting and grey scale tools). Some labs also use a colorimeter when an instrumental approach is specified or permitted by the applicable requirement.
Common consumables: Specified bleached cotton rubbing cloth and any other materials referenced by the standard for mounting and surface preparation.
If you are equipping a lab for JIS L 0849 Type I and need the right crockmeter configuration plus the matching accessories and consumables, you can request a detailed quote for a complete setup.
How to Read This Designation or Revision
Standard number: JIS L 0849 is the base designation for colour fastness to rubbing test methods for dyed textiles.
Year suffix: When cited as “JIS L 0849:2024” (or another year), the year identifies the edition/revision year of the standard.
Type I vs. Type II: “Type I” identifies the crockmeter-based rubbing tester method within JIS L 0849. Always confirm that the purchase order, test request, or customer requirement calls out Type I specifically, since Type I and Type II use different tester styles and may not be interchangeable for compliance purposes.
Related Standards, Methods, or Frameworks
JIS L 0849 is aligned with international colour fastness to rubbing methods and references general principles and supporting materials commonly used in colour fastness testing.
Common related references: ISO 105-X12 (colour fastness to rubbing), ISO 105-X19 (Gakushin rubbing method), and JIS general principles and supporting documents used in colour fastness testing and staining evaluation (as referenced within JIS L 0849).
Get help selecting the right crockmeter setup for JIS L 0849 Type I
If you are standardizing a rubbing fastness station for customer compliance, we can help you align the crockmeter type, accessories, and evaluation tools to the exact JIS L 0849 edition and the Type I method your program cites. To discuss your application and options, contact our team.
