EXHIBIT 12.1 STEEL HEDDLE MFG. CO. COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES FISCAL YEAR ENDED ------------------------------------------------------------- January 2, 1999 --------------------------- (SUCCESSOR) (PREDECESSOR) 32 WEEKS 20 WEEKS ENDED ENDED JANUARY 2, MAY 25, 1998 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 ------------ ---------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Earnings (losses) from continuing operations before income taxes $ (8,782) $5,209 $11,482 $ 4,237 $ 3,613 $ 3,836 Add: Net interest expense excluding capitalized interest 9,053 1,499 5,154 5,849 6,330 7,098 Amortization of debt expense 265 50 130 105 105 105 ------- ------ ------- ------- ------- ------- Total earnings $ 536 $6,758 $16,766 $10,191 $10,048 $11,039 ======= ====== ====== ====== ====== ======= Fixed charges: Net interest expense including capitalized interest $ 9,053 $1,499 $ 5,154 $ 5,849 $ 6,330 $ 7,098 Amortization of debt expense 265 50 130 105 105 105 ======= ====== ====== ====== ====== ======= Total fixed charges $ 9,318 $1,549 $ 5,284 $ 5,954 $ 6,435 $ 7,203 ======= ====== ====== ====== ====== ======= Ratio of earnings to fixed charges -- 4.4 3.2 1.7 1.6 1.5 ======= ====== ====== ====== ====== ======= Deficiency in the coverage of fixed charges $(8,782) $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- ======= ====== ====== ====== ====== ======= For purposes of these computations, the ratio of earnings to fixed charges has been calculated by dividing pretax earnings by fixed charges. Earnings, as used to compute the ratio, equals the sum of income before income taxes and fixed charges excluding capitalized interest. Fixed charges are the total interest expenses including capitalized interest and amortization of debt expenses. The interest factor on operating leases is insignificant.