Method for measuring the fabric tension in a weaving machine, in which the fabric (1) is deflected by a deflecting shaft (2), wherein a bending force is applied onto the deflecting shaft (2) by the fabric (1). The flexure or bending displacement of the deflecting shaft (2) is measured by a sensor (3), which is arranged in an area between two supports (4.1, 4.2) of the deflecting shaft (2) on the weaving machine. The deflecting shaft (2) is connected with a machine frame (9) of the weaving machine via the two supports (4.1, 4.2). The spacing distance (A) between the two supports (4.1, 4.2) of the deflecting shaft (2) is reduced for larger fabric tensions to be measured and is increased for smaller fabric tensions to be measured. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding weaving machine.