The evaluation of stress on textiles displayed or stored in a vertical position uses warp and weft yam displacement in balanced weave fabric cut on the true bias as a measuring tool. The effect of gravitational pull on textiles hung with various backing fabrics, supports, and stitching pattern as well as constriction of weave due to stitch type and/or placement is measured. The research involves 1) an informal survey of techniques used in American museums for hanging textiles, 2) an elimination study to choose optimal techniques of preparing textiles for hanging which will be more thoroughly analyzed, 3) a main study to evaluate the stress of different methods of hanging and various patterns of stitching textiles to a backing using the backing fabric and type of stitch determined to be optimal in step 2. The elimination study indicated running stitches attaching a textile to a balanced, plain weave fabric with medium to high thread count were the safest choice for preparing a textile to hang vertically. The analysis of the main study which was scheduled for Spring 1984 will help conservators, curators, and display staff as well as private collectors make better informed choices in planning for textile exhibition.