Optical microscopy is used to analyze woven, knitted, and nonwoven fabrics during production and wet processing. A stereo microscope with a magnification range from 5X to 150X provides three-dimensional views of the fabric. A video system is attached to the microscope and provides a combination of color and contrast adjustments that enhance the stereo image. This equipment is used to determine thread count, yarn cross-over length, knit stitch size, pore size, size and distribution of naps, and composite material or nonwoven web surface characteristics. Also, problems encountered during fabric production and wet processing, including broken or contaminated ends, pile weave defects, back-coating migration, coating rubs, and dye creases, can be analyzed. -- AATA