A simplified micromechanical approach developed a mathematical model to predict damage growth in prestressed plain weave fabrics near sites where yarns were broken. Stress concentration in the yarns adjacent to the breaks was a function of increasing load. An evaluation of the load distribution around the region of damage included a determination of the frictional slip of broken yarns. Analysis of equilibrium and deformation of constituent yarns led to the derivation of linear differential equations for yarn displacements that were applicable to distinct regions where slipping did and did not occur. Slip frictional forces depended on the normal contact forces of the yarn at crossover points that resulted from crimp interchange. A modification of Kawabata's model had applications in the motivation of an analysis of frictional load transfer. 19 refs.