Everything You Need to Know About Canvas Fabric and Its Uses

Are you into canvas accessories and bags? Canvas is a versatile fabric that has uses for various items such as placemats, upholstery, tote bags, and others. As it is densely woven, the resulting material is strong and sturdy.


This article will run you through everything you need to know about canvas fabric as a material.


The Weave or the Fabric?


The word “canvas” can refer to both the method of weaving and the resulting fabric from the weave. 


Canvas weaving is a plain and dense weave that creates a very strong and sturdy fabric. The thick yarns go in a pattern of over one under one, which produces the heavy-weight, densely woven fabric.


The canvas fabric can be woven from various materials such as cotton, linen, or hemp fibres.


Dyes and Coating


The canvas fabric can take dyes very well, which results in a variety of colourful, thick materials. While it is somewhat water-resistant on its own, the appropriate coating can be applied to make it waterproof. Durable canvas shoes also make use of this material.


The Quality of Canvas


Canvas is known for its rugged charm as it wrinkles a lot. These wrinkles can be removed, but it often requires a lot of heat and pressure. Simply ironing a canvas fabric may not be practical to remove these wrinkles. You are better off using the steam setting in your iron to soften the fabric and take out stubborn wrinkles.


Although it is stiff and durable, the canvas is quite flexible, making it a versatile fabric. Canvas can be used for various items such as tote bags, slipcovers, placemats, upholstery, floor cloths, and awnings.


Due to its water-resistant nature, a tighter and stiffer canvas can also serve as fabric for outdoor tents, boat sails, and furniture.


Different Types of Canvas Fabric


The canvas weave can produce a variety of canvas fabrics depending on how tightly the threads were woven together. Some of these varieties include:


  • Needlepoint Canvas: This is an open weave canvas that has fine holes between yarns. This forms the precise grid pattern used for needlepoint embroidery. 

  • Waste Canvas: This has a very loose thread with a grid pattern needed for embroidery. This fabric is held together through sizing/glue and is used to embroider on top of any material without the weave you need for embroidery. 

  • After embroidering, the waste canvas can be removed by wetting it and taking out the fibres with a tweezer.


  • Duck Canvas: This is made of coarse yarns that are tightly woven together. This is the same fabric used for sneakers, hammocks, placemats, and tents.

  • A form of duck canvas is the drop cloth used to protect services from paint. It is absorbent enough to take the paint in it without letting it go to the surface underneath.


  • Waxed Canvas: This canvas fabric has an extra wax coating to make it more water-resistant and durable. This is the material often used in bags, jackets, tents, outdoor gear, etc.

  • Conclusion


    Canvas is a versatile and durable fabric that makes it ideal for various items such as canvas backpacks, shoes, upholstery, tents, and others. Its dense weave adds an interesting texture to items and is even water-resistant.


    Are you looking for high-quality canvas travel bags in the UK? We at Troop London offer a vast collection of canvas bags with unparalleled quality and style. Browse our catalogue to see the bag that would match your needs.