A new approach for decoding directly strains from surfaces encoded with random patterns has been developed and validated. It is based on phase analysis of small region of interest. Here we adapt to random patterns new concepts proposed by Badulescu (2009) on the grid method. First metrological results are encouraging: resolution is proportional to strain level, being 9% of the nominal value, for a spatial resolution of 9 pixels (ZOI 64×64 pixels2). Random noise has to be carefully controlled. A numerical example shows the relevance of the approach. Then, first application on a carbon fiber reinforced composite is developed. Fabric intertwining is studied using a tensile test. Over-strains are clearly visible, and results connect well with the previous studies