A meso/macro discrete model of fabric has been developed, accounting for yarn-yarn interactions occurring at the crossing points. The fabric yarns, described initially by a Fourier series development, are discretized into elastic straight bars represented by stretching springs and connected at frictionless hinges by rotational springs. The motion of each node is described by a lateral displacement and a rotation. The compressibility of both yarns is expressed as a kinematic relationship, considering frictionless motions of the yarns. The expression of the reaction force exerted by the transverse yarns at the contact points is then assessed, from which the work of the reaction forces is established. The equilibrium shape of the yarn is obtained as the minimum of its total potential energy, accounting for the work of the reaction forces due to the transverse yarns. Simulations of a traction curve of a single yarn are performed, that evidence the effect of the yarn interactions and the main deformation mechanisms. (c) 2005 Springer Science+ Business Media, Inc.